Prime Minister Modi to launch Jal Jeevan Mission app and Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh on 2 October

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with gram panchayats and Pani Samitis and Village Water and Sanitation Committees on Jal Jeevan Mission at 11 am, via video-conference.

He will also launch the Jal Jeevan Mission App, which is aimed at improving awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the Mission.

In addition, the video-conference will also see the launch of Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh in which any individual, institution, corporate, or philanthropist, be it in India or abroad, can contribute to help provide tap water connection in every rural household, school, anganwadi centre, ashramshala, and other public institutions.

Pani Samitis play a key role in planning, implementation, management, operation and maintenance of village water supply systems, thereby providing clean tap water to every household on a regular and long-term basis.

Out of over six lakh villages, Pani Samitis and VWSCs have been constituted in around 3.5 lakh villages. More than 7.1 lakh women have been trained to test the quality of water by using Field Test Kits.

Jal Jeevan Mission

On 15 August 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Jal Jeevan Mission — to provide clean tap water to every household.

In 2019, only 3.23 crore (17 percent) rural households had tap water supply.

Currently, under the scheme, more than five crore households have been provided with tap water connections.

Today, 8.26 crore (43 percent) rural households have tap water supply in their homes. Every rural household in 78 districts, 58 thousand Gram Panchayats and 1.16 lakh villages are getting tap water supply. Till now, tap water supply has been provided in 7.72 lakh (76 percent) schools and 7.48 lakh (67.5 percent) anganwadi centres.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented in partnership with states with a budget of Rs 3.6 lakh crores. Further, Rs. 1.42 lakh crore has been allocated to Panchayati Raj Institutions as a tied grant under 15th Finance Commission for water and sanitation in villages for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Inputs from agencies

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Over 15,000 people estimated to have crossed border into India since Myanmar military coup, says UN chief

United Nations: More than 15,000 people from Myanmar are estimated to have crossed the border into India since the February 1 military coup there, UN chief Antonio Guterres has said, telling the General Assembly in a report that armed clashes have erupted mostly in regions and states along the borders with Thailand, China and India and are raising concern about regional implications of the crisis.

Guterres, in his report ‘Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar’, said that prior to February 1, there were around 336,000 internally displaced persons in conflict-affected areas across Myanmar.

“Since that date, more than 220,000 people have been internally displaced by the escalation of conflict and violence. In addition, more than 15,000 people are estimated to have crossed the border into India. A further 7,000 people crossed into Thailand, all of whom have returned and remain internally displaced in Myanmar,” the Secretary-General said in the report, which covers the period from August 15, 2020 to August 14, 2021.

Myanmar shares an over 1,600 km long unfenced and porous land border with India as well as a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Four North-Eastern states - Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share the international boundary with Myanmar.

Guterres said in the report that since February, tensions have increased throughout the country, including in areas covered by the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and where there was relative peace before February 1, when the Myanmar military seized power and detained top political figures, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.

“Mostly in states and regions along the borders with Thailand, China and India, armed clashes have erupted between the Tatmadaw, ethnic armed organisations and newly formed civilian people’s defence forces, raising concern about regional implications of the crisis and the potential for a large-scale armed conflict,” the report said.

The UN chief notes in the report that Rohingya continue to undertake risky journeys across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

“In June, a boat carrying dozens of Rohingya refugees reached Aceh, Indonesia, after leaving Bangladesh or Myanmar – engine failure caused it to remain adrift in the Andaman Sea for several months, leading to the deaths of some refugees. Another boat was rescued by the Indian Coast Guard in February,” he said.

The report added that brutality by the security forces against people opposing the military takeover and the self-declared State Administrative Council, including those participating in the civil disobedience movement, has been wide-ranging.

“Those expressing opposition to the military and joining democratic movements, as well as their relatives and associates, have been subject to arbitrary killings and detentions, disappearances, night raids, intimidation, and torture,” it said.

There have also been numerous reports of sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by the security forces as well as numerous reports of acts of violence targeted at the security forces, such as the killing of individuals suspected of collaborating with the military.

“The Secretary-General has called for maximum restraint by all sides,” the report said.

Guterres said he has repeatedly called on the military to respect the will of the people, to refrain from violence and repression, and to act in the greater interest of peace and stability in the country.

The UN Security Council has expressed deep concern at the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and others, and called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily, while condemning the ongoing violence.

“Neighbouring countries could leverage their influence over the military and call on it to respect the will of the people and to act in the greater interest of peace and stability in the country and region,” he said.

Guterres voiced concern that Myanmar is facing a prolonged period of insecurity and instability and it is important that concerted efforts are made among domestic, regional and international actors to enable fully civilian rule in line with the will of the people.

“The risk of a large-scale armed conflict requires a collective approach to prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of South-East Asia and beyond," he said.

"Grave humanitarian implications, including rapidly deteriorating food security, an increase in mass displacements and a weakened public health system compounded by a new wave of COVID-19 infections require a coordinated approach in complementarity with regional actors,” Guterres said.

He said that the United Nations will focus its efforts on further strengthening a system-wide coherent approach to providing humanitarian and life-saving assistance to support the people of Myanmar and help to prevent further regional ramifications.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had said last week that more than 1,120 people have been killed since the coup and military authorities have also arrested over 8,000 people, including elected officials, protesters and journalists during arrests and raids.

At least 120 people have reportedly died in custody, and some have been denied access to medical treatment, she said.

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‘You have strangulated entire city’: SC on farmers' body’s plea to protest at Jantar Mantar

“You have strangulated the entire city and now you want to come within the city and start protest again here,” the Supreme Court on Friday told a farmers’ body protesting against the three farm laws and seeking directions to authorities to allow it to stage satyagrah at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

A bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and C T Ravikumar told the counsel appearing for petitioners ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’, a body of farmers and agriculturists, and its president that once they have approached the court against the three farm laws, they should have trust in the judicial system and let the matter be decided.

The apex court said citizens have equal rights to move freely and without fear and their properties are being damaged in the protest.

The court said, “There has to be some balanced approach.”

However, the Kisan Mahapanchayat’s counsel Ajay Choudhary told the judges that it was not part of the group of protesters who have blocked roads and highways, reports LiveLaw. Choudhary also said that it was the police and not the farmers who blocked the roads. The court asked the farmers’ body to file an affidavit stating the same.

The bench, which posted the matter for hearing on 4 October, asked the petitioners to file an affidavit declaring that they are not part of the protest, which is being carried out and blocking the national highways at the borders of the city.

As per News18, farm leader Rakesh Tikat reacting to the court's observations said that farmers have not blocked any highway. "If the government removes the barricades, we will go to Delhi."

On Thursday, the Supreme Court too had raised objections to highways being blocked by the protesting farmers and said, "How can highways be blocked perpetually?".

Several farmer organisations are protesting against the passage of three laws — The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.

Initially, the protests started from Punjab in November last year and later spread mainly to Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

With inputs from PTI

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More trouble for Congress as Amarinder Singh may 'form new party' within a fortnight

Punjab’s power tussle may see a new face soon if reports are to be believed.

According to News18 and IndiaToday reports, a miffed Captain Amarinder Singh is likely to float a new party within a fortnight — just ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

The reports citing sources said that nearly a dozen Congress leaders are in touch with the Captain, who is also consulting with his supporters on his next move. Additionally, a few farmer leaders have also been taken into confidence.

On Thursday, Amarinder Singh had told NDTV that he was leaving the Congress party, but scotched speculation that he was joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Amarinder had said: “I will not join BJP (but) I will not stay in the Congress party.”

The 79-year-old leader’s comments had come after he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday and then National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday.

Coming out of the meeting with Amit Shah, Amarinder Singh had said he was there to discuss the farm laws issues with the Union minister.

Met Union Home Minister @AmitShah ji in Delhi. Discussed the prolonged farmers agitation against #FarmLaws & urged him to resolve the crisis urgently with repeal of the laws & guarantee MSP, besides supporting Punjab in crop diversification. #NoFarmersNoFood

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) September 29, 2021

Amarinder had resigned as chief minister on 18 September after accusing the Congress of humiliating him.

"I will not be treated in this humiliating manner. I will not take such insults," he had said, adding that his principles and beliefs do not allow him to stay in the Congress any longer.

Amarinder's exit not only shocked the nation but has also plunged the Congress party in a deep crisis.

With inputs from agencies

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President Ram Nath Kovind turns 76: Narendra Modi, Amit Shah extend best wishes

President Ram Nath Kovind turned 76 today, 1 October. Several notable politicians took to social media to extend their best wishes to the 14th President of the country on this day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first people to wish President Kovind on his special day. Modi said that Kovind has endeared himself to the entire nation by way of his humble personality and added that his “focus on empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society is exemplary.”

Birthday greetings to Rashtrapati Ji. Due to his humble personality, he has endeared himself to the entire nation. His focus on empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society is exemplary. May he lead a long and healthy life. @rashtrapatibhvn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2021

The official Twitter account of the President of India also posted images of Modi personally visiting Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on his birthday.

Prime Minister @narendramodi greeting President Ram Nath Kovind on his birthday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/6rxcjL4tKL

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 1, 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished President Kovind, adding that the country has benefited from his experience and knowledge. Shah said that Kovind’s commitment towards the welfare of the country as well as the harmony and equality in society was “inspiring”.

राष्ट्रपति श्री राम नाथ कोविंद जी को जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं।

देश के हर वर्ग के कल्याण और समाज में समता व समरसता के प्रति आपकी प्रतिबद्धता प्रेरणीय है। आपके ज्ञान व अनुभव से देश को निरंतर लाभ मिला है। मैं ईश्वर से आपके उत्तम स्वास्थ्य व दीर्घायु की कामना करता हूँ।@rashtrapatibhvn

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 1, 2021

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote that Kovind was admired by all for his intellect, wisdom and contribution to public life.

Warm wishes to the President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind ji on his birthday. He is admired by everyone for his wisdom, intellect and contribution to public life. The nation has been benefited from his wide experience. Praying for his long and healthy life. @rashtrapatibhvn

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 1, 2021

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also took to Twitter to wish President Kovind on his birthday.

माननीय राष्ट्रपति श्री रामनाथ कोविंद जी को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। देश की सेवा में आपके स्वस्थ, सुदीर्घ यशस्वी जीवन की कामना करता हूं। @rashtrapatibhvn

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 1, 2021

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S)  leader HD Kumaraswamy prayed for Kovind’s well-being and his long and healthy life so that he could serve the country for a long time.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also conveyed birthday greetings to Kovind, wishing him abundance and good health. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended their best wishes to the President as well.

Warm birthday greetings to the Hon’ble President Shri. Ram Nath Kovind ji. Wishing you good health and abundance.@rashtrapatibhvn

— Office of Uddhav Thackeray (@OfficeofUT) October 1, 2021

माननीय राष्ट्रपति महोदय श्री रामनाथ कोविंद जी को जन्मदिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। ईश्वर से आपके उत्तम स्वास्थ्य एवं लम्बी उम्र की कामना करता हूँ। @rashtrapatibhvn

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 1, 2021

जन सरोकारों के प्रति प्रतिबद्ध, भारत के प्रथम नागरिक माननीय राष्ट्रपति श्री राम नाथ कोविन्द जी को जन्मदिवस की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।

प्रभु श्री राम से आपके उत्तम स्वास्थ्य एवं समृद्ध व सुदीर्घ जीवन की प्रार्थना करता हूं।

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 30, 2021

Ram Nath Kovind was born in the Paraunkh village of Kanpur district. A lawyer by profession, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1991 and was elected as a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh three years later. He served as the Governor of Bihar before taking oath as the 14th President of India on 25 July 2017.

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Tata Sons said to be selected as winning bidder for Air India: Report

Tata Sons has won the bid for national carrier Air India, Bloomberghas reported.

Bloomberg has reported that a panel of ministers accepted a proposal recommending Tata Sons' bid for debt-laden state-run airline Air India.

Tata Sons declined to comment.

Jitendra Bhargava, the former Executive Director of Air India, told CNN News18: "Air India getting back to Tatas means AI coming back to the top. I am personally very happy... Tatas will become a dominant player not only in India but worldwide."

Inputs from agencies

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Ordnance Factory Board dissolves today: Makeover plan and how it impacts India's arms production

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will be dissolved with effect on Friday in line with a decision taken by the Union Cabinet earlier this year.

The Ordnance Factory Board has been supplying arms, ammunition and clothing to armed forces in India since 1801.

As the country bids goodbye to this 220-year-old establishment, here's a look at what happens to its over 70,000 employees and the future of India's defence industry.

What is the OFB?

The OFB manufactured everything from tanks and armoured vehicles to rifles, ammunition and clothing for the armed forces, and paramilitary and police forces.

Their products include civilian and military-grade arms and ammunition, explosives, propellants, and chemicals for missile systems, military vehicles, armoured vehicles, optical and electronic devices, parachutes, support equipment, troop clothing, and general store items for the armed forces.

While the OFB came into being in 1801, its origin can be traced to 1775, when the East India Company approved the establishment of the Board of Ordnance in Fort William, Kolkata with its aim to consolidate its military, economic and political hold on India.

The nomenclature ‘Ordnance Factory Board’ and its outgoing form came into existence in 1979 during the time of the Janata Party government at the Centre.

The annual turnover of the OFB, as per reports, was Rs 19,000 crore.

Dissolution of the OFB

The plan to dissolve the OFB had been on the agenda of the government for quite some time, having been proposed soon after the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The decision to dissolve the establishment was then announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of her ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ set of announcements in May 2020.

The idea behind the move was to improve autonomy, accountability and efficiency in ordnance supplies by dismantling the public sector behemoth into smaller, better managed companies.

In a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in July 2020, the decision was ratified and the process began.
An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) for Corporatisation was formed with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as chairman “to oversee and guide the entire process, including transition support and redeployment plan of employees while safeguarding their wages and retirement benefits”.

Government has constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to oversee and guide the entire process of corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB): Ministry of Defence pic.twitter.com/PXqcBGguwj

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2020

Fast forward, in June 2021, the government announced its decision to split the OFB into seven defence public sector units (DPSU).

The Union Cabinet approved the plan on 16 June this year and on 28 September, the government announced that the Ordnance Factory Board would cease to exist from 1 October.

Why the government decided to dissolve OFB

The OFB which is directly under the Ministry of Defence has been unable to make profits, there was a lack of incentives, which led to high production of costs, low productivity and there was no flexibility at the managerial level.

An Indian Express report stated that discussions on restructuring with workers’ federations had failed to produce results on several occasions previously. Employees argued that corporatisation was a “move towards privatisation”.

They expressed fears of job losses and said a corporate entity would not be able to survive the unique market environment of defence products with its unstable demand-supply dynamics.

Three committees — TKS Nair Committee (2000), Vijay Kelkar Committee (2005), and Vice Admiral Raman Puri Committee (2015) — have favoured corporatisation of the OFB.

The central argument has been that corporatisation, which will bring these entities under the purview of The Companies Act, would lead to improvements in efficiency, make products cost-competitive, and enhance their quality.

So, what next?

The government has said that the OFB will be split into seven Public Sector Undertaking (PSUs):
• Munitions India
• Armoured Vehicles Nigam
• Advanced Weapons and Equipment India
• Troop Comforts
• Yantra India
• India Optel
• Gliders India

All seven DPSUs will function as corporate entities with 100 percent ownership lying with the government. According to the government order, each of these PSUs will run clusters of Ordnance Factories (OFs) which will be involved in manufacturing similar categories of products. Also, the marketing and training establishments will be divided among the seven PSUs.

The government hopes that the decision to replace the Ordnance Factory Board with seven DPSUs would reform the defence production sector in India. The government aims at public-private partnerships to bring a similar change in the defence sector as the Green Revolution in agriculture and the White Revolution in dairy.

“We have opened up opportunities for mega defence programmes, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks and submarines through a strategic partnership model that will help our private companies become global giants in the years to come,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said earlier this week when he announced the end date for the OFB.

What about the employees?

In a written reply, on 1 August, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said that the employees shall continue to be subjected to rules and regulations as applicable to the central government.

According to the reply, the allowances, pay scales, medical facilities, leave, career progression and other service conditions will be governed by the extant rules, orders and regulations which were applicable to the Central government servants. Also, the government will take care of the pension liabilities of the retirees and existing employees.

However, the workers at the 41 factories and their allied units aren't happy with the move. From the time the government first proposed corporatisation in 2019, they have been against the idea. In one of their first representations to the defence minister in 2019, they said that converting the ordnance factories into a corporation was commercially unviable, and that “the experience of the past two decades is that corporatisation is a route to privatisation”.

Some of the employees have said 1 October will be marked as a Black Day and their fight will continue.

With inputs from agencies

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