07-September-2023: National Conclave on Enabling 2 Crore ‘LAKHPATI DIDIs’, Govt Issues Advisory for Mandatory Stock Disclosure of Masur, Ayush Ministry

7 September 2023

• From India To Bharat, President Murmu Invite Controversy Explained

  The invitations issued by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, where she referred to herself as the "President of Bharat," for a dinner event during the G20 summit, have raised suspicions that the government might be considering a potential alteration of the nation's official name. However, there is no official declaration about this. Traditionally, invitations from Indian constitutional bodies have consistently used the term "India" in English and "Bharat" in Hindi. However, the invitations for the G20 dinner, which were in English, referred to Murmu as the President of "Bharat." The Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and its active promotion of Hindi, critics interpreted the use of "Bharat" in these invitations as a potential indication that the government is pushing for an official name change.

• Minister Giriraj Singh Chairs National Conclave on Enabling 2 Crore ‘LAKHPATI DIDIs’

  The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, chaired a significant National Conclave on September 6, 2023 focusing on the ambitious mission to enable 2 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' within India. This initiative, part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to empower Self-Help Group (SHG) Didis to achieve a sustainable annual income of at least Rs one Lakh per household. The National Conclave provided a platform for key stakeholders to review and strategize the implementation of the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023.

• Ayush Minister Emphasizes Strengthening Programmes on Ayurvidya, Supraja, Vayomitra for a Healthier Society

  Union Ayush Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has called for the strengthening of Ayush programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people. During the Regional Review meeting of the National Ayush Mission, which saw the presence of several dignitaries including Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Union Minister of State for Ayush & Women and Child Development, and health ministers from various states, significant discussions were held regarding the progress of Ayush programs and their impact on public health. Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the rich heritage and potential of traditional forms of medicine, which have been passed down through generations to promote better, healthier, and happier lives. He highlighted the importance of integrating these traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy, with modern medicine.

   

• Govt Issues Advisory for Mandatory Stock Disclosure of Masur (Lentil) with Immediate Effect

  The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has released an important recommendation requiring the disclosure of Masur (lentil) stock with immediate effect in an effort to uphold transparency and prevent any attempts at market manipulation. The advisory stipulates that all stakeholders involved in the lentil trade must promptly disclose their Masur stock on the dedicated stock disclosure portal managed by the department, accessible at https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp, every Friday. The move is aimed at addressing concerns of potential hoarding, which can artificially inflate prices and adversely affect consumers. Any undisclosed Masur stock discovered will be treated as hoarding, and appropriate action under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act will be initiated against those responsible.

• Conf. on Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid Held in New Delhi

  On September 6, 2023, in New Delhi, a major one-day symposium named "Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)" was held in advance of the 18th G20 Summit. The conference was held at the invitation of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a 'Maharatna' company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and was intended to further initiatives and discussions pertaining to global energy interconnectivity. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, addressed the conference virtually, emphasizing India's commitment to enhancing cross-border energy connections. He stated that OSOWOG will enable all nations to reap the benefits of solar energy.