Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launches

The Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, launched “The Saras Collection” on the Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi today. A unique initiative of GeM and the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, the Saras Collection showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups (SHGs) and aims to provide SHGs in rural areas with market access to Central and State Government buyers.

Under this initiative, the SHG sellers will be able to list their products in 5 product categories, namely (i) handicrafts, (ii) handloom and textiles, (iii) office accessories, (iv) grocery and pantry, and (v) personal care and hygiene. In the first phase, 913 SHGs from 11 States have already registered as sellers and 442 products have been on-boarded. In order to develop a scalable model capable of onboarding a large number of SHGs across the country in a short time frame, GeM has developed an API based integration mechanism with the NRLM database.

GeM will provide dashboards for functionaries at the national, state, district and block level to provide them real time information about the number of products uploaded by SHGs, and value and volume of orders received and fulfilled. In addition, Government buyers shall be sensitized through system generated messages/ alerts in the Marketplace about availability of SHG products on the portal. Potential buyers shall be able to search, view, cart and procure such products through the stipulated modes of procurement.

The on-boarding of the SHGs under the initiative has been initially piloted in the States of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The coverage shall be rapidly extended to enable a large number of SHGs from all the states/ Union Territories to sell their products to Government buyers.

In order to handhold and facilitate the SHGs in uploading their products, GeM, along with the State and National Rural Livelihoods Missions, are assisting the sellers with product catalogue management, order fulfilment and bid participation. GeM shall also collaborate with State functionaries to address the capacity building and training needs of SHGs, and build up their competencies required for order packaging, catalogue management and logistics.

With inputs and assistance from NRLM and SRLMs, GeM will develop online learning resources in vernacular content for SHGs and SRLM staff to meet user specific needs. Further, GeM will conduct online webinars for SHGs and functionaries at State Livelihoods Missions and develop videos, eBooks, Manual and repository of FAQs fora seamless learning experience.

By providing SHGs with direct access to Government buyers, the Saras Collection will do away with intermediaries in the supply chain, thus ensuring better prices for SHGs and spurring employment opportunities at the local level. This is just the beginning and GeM is delighted at this opportunity to partner the SHGs in their growth story.

The SHGs deserve to be specially commended for the manner in which they, like the entire country, are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic valiantly at this time of national health emergency of unprecedented and historic scale.

About DAY-NRLM: DAY-NLRM aims to reduce poverty through promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment while creating skilled wage employment opportunities. The scheme supports building social capital and ensuring financial linkages to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of the life of rural poor women. It has ambitious plans on innovations for alternate channels of financial inclusion like digital finance, creating value chains around rural products and improving market access, rural enterprise and strengthening community institutions.

About GeM:

Government e Marketplace (GeM) is a 100 percent Government owned Section 8 Company set up as the National Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services required by Central and State Government organizations. GeM provides an online, end to end solution for procurement of goods and services for all Central Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), local bodies and autonomous organisations. The platform reduces human interventions in procurement and enables transparency, cost savings, inclusiveness and efficiency of faceless standardized public procurement.

'Lil' Goodness closes seed funding round of Rs 5 crore

Bengaluru-based kids’ food and nutrition start-up ‘Lil’ Goodness announced the close of its seed funding round of Rs 5 crore (US$ 0.71 million).

The participant in the round includes Beyond Next Ventures (BNV), a Japanese VC Fund, led by Mr Tsuyoshi Ito, President and Mr Mayu Morishima, Executive Officer. Earlier, top business leaders such as Mr Sajan Pillai, former CEO-UST Global, and General Partner-Season two Ventures, the family of Mr Lalit Pai, ex-CEO, Nightingales Healthcare and Dr Muthu Krishnan, ex-CEO Tata Health have also invested in the seed round.

IIM-Calcutta alumnus, Mr Harshavardhan and nutrition expert Ms Pariksha Rao founded the company and pursues to empower millennial moms with a range of kids foods based on good health to strengthen immunity with a focus on quality, hygiene and food safety, while providing the convenience of anytime, anywhere accessibility.

“We are quite excited by the vision of the founders -Harshavardhan and Pariksha, in building a scientific food and nutrition brand focused on the kids. There is a huge opportunity for growth in this space especially as mothers look for healthy and hygienic solutions in the current context of Covid-19. We are impressed with the differentiated business model of the enterprise that combines the range between fresh meals and packaged foods, enabled by technology, and with a focus on principles of good nutrition,” said Mr Tsuyoshi Ito, President and Mayu Morishima, Executive Officer, Beyond Next Ventures.

Mr Harshavardhan, Co-founder and CEO, ‘Lil’ Goodness, said, “We are excited to receive the additional investment support from ‘Beyond Next Ventures’. Given the current circumstances, this is indeed a good boost for the entire team. We, at ‘Lil’ Goodness’ have the vision to positively influence the eating habits of our future generations through tasty, nutritious food options. With this fund infusion, we are looking to further expand our product range and distribution of packaged foods, develop a digital interface that will enable mothers to order products directly to their homes through a contactless delivery option for the fresh meals business, ScoolMeal.”

Free LPG cylinders delivered to 4.50 crore beneficiaries amid lockdown: Pradhan

According to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, free cooking gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas or LPG) cylinders have been delivered to 4.50 crore beneficiaries in one month till April 30 to provide relief amidst COVID-19 lockdown.

He was addressing a Facebook Live interaction on the challenges and measures to overcome COVID-19, India has tried to make the most of the unprecedented drop in crude oil prices.

He said, “Up to 60 lakh LPG cylinders are delivered every day by the distributors. They even risk their lives to deliver these cylinders in red zones.”

Mr Pradhan said that India has imported and stored crude oil to meet 20 per cent of domestic demand.

"A crude price drop of this magnitude has never been seen before. Prices went into negative territory in the US as the demand crashed. To make the most of the situation, India's strategic crude oil storage reserves have been filled up in this situation. Now there is 5.33 million tonne (MT) of crude oil stored in the country in underground caverns. Of this, nearly 2 MT has been recently procured at these low prices," Mr Pradhan said.

"Another 7 MT crude has been procured by private and public sector companies and parked in floating reserves in the form of tankers. Some 25 MT crude oil is in the pipelines and other segments of the refinery cycle," he said.

"In all there is around 20 per cent of domestic demand that can be met by this stored low-priced crude oil when there is a need," he added.

Due to the fall in prices, India's import bill will decrease.

 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India launches online retailing for Jeep

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India launched an online 'touch-free' Jeep retail experience in response to continued movement restrictions and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. The potential customers can book and own a Jeep online without having to physically visit a showroom and will enjoy the accessibility of a test drive and sanitized vehicle delivery at their doorstep, the company said.

FCA India President and Managing Director Mr Partha Datta said, "Our commitment is to ensure customers can still continue to access Jeep at their fingertips. To ensure health, safety and convenience, we are making the Jeep retail experience as touch-free as possible."

The online booking comes together with a 360-degree digital retail architecture that will deliver easy-to-use experience for customers and prospective customers can book and own a Jeep without leaving the safety of their homes, he added.

Some details such as their contact information, geographical location, choice of vehicle variant, colour, powertrain and transmission are required from the customers. After reconfirmation, they can proceed to paying the booking amount via online payment options.

Then, FCA's automated retail architecture will generate a unique ID automatically and link the customer's information to its authorized dealer in that city and a sales executive will assist the customer for test drive, booking and final payment, the company added

"The touch-free retail experience is designed to enhance convenience for customers. Physical distancing has become the new normal and keeping this in mind, our approach is to ensure customers as well as our dealer showroom staff are well protected," Mr Datta said.

Employees of EPFO contribute Rs 2.5 crore to PM CARES fund

The employees of Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) have also come forward to support the Government’s initiative in combating national crisis of COVID-19 pandemic and voluntarily contributed one day’s salary- amounting to around Rs 2.5 crore (US$ 0.35 million) to the PM CARES Fund. EPFO, as one of World's largest Social Security Organizations, stands committed in the service of the nation in every possible way. ­

­­­The COVID-19, declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has posed serious challenges for the health and economic security of millions of Indians. Government of India has set up a public charitable trust under the name of ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation.

Officers and staff of EPFO are also contributing by putting in extra efforts for providing relief by expeditiously processing EPF withdrawal claims including COVID claims under PMGKY package, etc.

India Salutes Corona Warriors Indian Navy Salutes the Corona Warriors on Land, Air and High Seas

Indian Navy joined the entire nation to express gratitude and salute the Corona Warriors on Sunday 03 May 20. Expressing gratitude and appreciation of the entire nation - while representing the Indian Armed Forces - towards the determination and committed efforts of our Corona Warriors -  the medical professionals, health workers, policemen, government staff and media, for their relentless efforts against CoViD19 on 03 May 20 through a number of activities on ground, in air and on water

On Land

Appreciation to the Corona Warriors. Station Commanders & Senior Naval Officers across the three Commands (Western, Southern and Eastern Naval Commands) and in Andaman and Nicobar Command met the Health Care professionals, policemen, sanitation workers and other frontline Corona Warriors  to  convey the appreciation on behalf of the Indian Navy and applauded their efforts in successfully treating the COVID 19 patients and also thanked for their relentless efforts.

Human Word Chain. 1500 Indian Navy personnel at INS Hansa, Goa expressed their appreciation by forming a Human Word Chain and thank the Corona Warriors.

Naval Band.  Earlier in the day, the SNC band played some famous numbers on a warship berthed opposite the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and near the Vikrant-Venduruthy Bridge, epochal landmarks of Kochi. Naval Bands also performed onboard Ex-Viraat in Mumbai and in Visakhapatnam Harbour.

•  
• . As part of the Thanksgiving gesture, Chetak helicopter of the Navy showered flower petals on the District Hospital in Kochi. Subsequently, 07 aircraft flypast consisting of 02 Dornier aircraft, 01 SeaKing helicopter, 02 Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and 02 Chetak helicopters of Indian Navy was conducted over the city’s renowned landmark, Marine Drive which was immediately followed by steampast by 07 Fast Interceptor Crafts of the Navy, in the channel, displaying a banner thanking the Corona Warriors.
• .  A Chetak helicopter from INS Dega showered flower petals over Andhra Medical College, Govt Hospital for Chest and Communicable Diseases (GHCCD) and GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR).
• Indian Navy Chetak helicopter carried out flypast with showering of petals over Kasturba Gandhi hospital and Asvini Naval hospital in Mumbai.
• .  Indian Navy Chetak helicopter carried out flypast with showering of petals over Goa Medical College and E.S.I Hospital (along with ICG Helps).

Andaman & Nicobar Islands.   Indian Naval aviation assets carried out fly past along with the Air Force and Coast Guard across various parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

At Sea

Eastern Naval Command.  INS Jalashwa and INS Savitri on their Mission Based Deployments saluted the Corona Warriors for their relentless fight against the COVID pandemic while at sea

Western Naval Command.

Indian Navy personnel in Arabian Sea onboard Mission Deployed ships expressed their appreciation and thanked the Corona Warriors for their unwavering commitment in the fight against corona.

 Indian Navy personnel on board INS Vikramaditya off Karwar expressed their appreciation by forming a Human Word Chain in thanking the Corona Warriors.

Southern Naval Command.   Steam past by 07 Fast Interceptor Crafts of the Navy, in the channel, in Kochi displaying a banner thanking the Corona Warriors.

Illumination of Ships at Anchorage.

The day’s events culminated with 25 Indian Naval warships across nine port cities including those in Andaman & Nicobar Islands carried out illumination along with firing of flares and sounding of sirens from 7:30 PM onwards.

430 flights operated under Lifeline Udan

430 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 252 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Cargo transported till date is around 795.86 tons.  Aerial distance covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date is over 4,21,790 km. ‘Lifeline Udan’ flights are being operated by MoCA to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India’s war against COVID-19.

Helicopter services including Pawan Hans Ltd have been operating in J&K, Ladakh, Islands and North East region transporting critical medical cargo and patients. Pawan Hans, till 2 May 2020, have carried 2.27 tons of cargo covering a distance of 7,729 kms.  Special focus has been on the North East Region, island territories and the hill states. Air India and IAF collaborated primarily for J&K, Ladakh, North-East and other island regions.

Domestic Cargo Operators SpiceJet, Blue Dart, Indigo and Vistara are operating cargo flights on a commercial basis. Spicejet operated 760 cargo flights during 24 March to 2 May 2020 covering a distance of 13,09,310 kms and carrying 5,519 tons of cargo. Out of these, 279 were international cargo flights. Blue Dart operated 253 cargo flights covering a distance of 2,76,768 kms and carrying 4,364 tons of cargo during 25 March to 2 May 2020. Out of these, 12 were international cargo flights. Indigo has operated 87 cargo flights during 3 April to 2 May 2020 covering a distance of 1,43,604 kms and carrying around 423 tons of cargo and including 32 international flights.  This also includes medical supplies carried free of cost for the government. Vistara has operated 20 cargo flights during 19 April to 2 May 2020 covering 28,590 km and carrying around 139 tons of cargo.

A cargo air-bridge was established with East Asia for transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and Covid-19 relief material. 899 tons of medical cargo was brought in by Air India from East Asia.

In addition to the above, Blue Dart has uplifted around 114 tons of medical supplies from Guangzhou and Shanghai starting 14 April upto 2 May 2020. Spicejet has also uplifted 204 tons of medical supplies from Shanghai and Guangzhou upto 2 May 2020 and 16 tons medical supplies from Hong Kong and Singapore upto 2 May 2020.

During COVID-19 lockdown Janaushadhi Kendras achieved a record sales turnover of 52 crore rupees in April 2020

In spite of problems in procurement & logistics due to COVID-19 lockdown, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras –PMBJAK, achieved a record sales turnover of Rs 52 crore (US$ 7.38 million) in the month of April 2020 compared to Rs 42 crore (US$ 5.96 million) in March 2020. It was Rs 17 crore (US$ 2.41 million) in April 2019

As the entire country is facing a big challenge due to COVID-19 Pandemic, demand for medicines and medical equipment are very high and to cater this demand Janaushadhi Kendras delivered a record Rs 52 crore (US$ 7.38 million) worth of affordable and quality medicines to the public during April 2020. This led to total savings of approximately 300 crore rupees of common citizens as Janaushadhi Kendra's medicines are cheaper by 50 to 90 percent of the average market price.

@pmbjpbppi is committed to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines to people of the country. In spite of lockdown and problems in procurement & logistics, Janaushadhi has achieved an appreciable sales turnover of Rs 52 Cr (US$ 7.38 million) in April 2020 as compared to Rs 42 Cr (US$ 5.96 million) in March 2020 pic.twitter.com/t7sHryXyUd

— Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) May 1, 2020

— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 3, 2020

Union minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Shri DV Sadananda Gowda and MoS Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya has congratulated  the Janaushadhi store operators for achieving a record sales turnover  and  for working  nonstop, tirelessly in the odd circumstances when the country needed it most.

Shri Gowda has ensured that his ministry through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is committed to ensure uninterrupted availability of affordable medicines to people of the country.

In its Fight against COVID-19 Government of India is revolutionizing the face of healthcare system through notable schemes like PMBJP that have been providing over 900 quality generic-medecines and 154 surgical equipments & consumable at affordable prices for every citizen of the nation.

Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI)  CEO Sachin Kumar Singh has said   BPPL developed  ‘Janaushadhi Sugam Mobile App’ to help  people in a big way to locate their nearest Jan aushadhi Kendras and availability of  affordable generic medicine with its price. Over 325000 people are using this App. They can avail a host of user-friendly options like direction guided through Google Map for location of the Janaushadhi Kendra, search Janaushadhi generic medicines, analyse product comparison of Generic and Branded medicine in form of MRP & overall Savings, etc. with the help of this App. This App is available on both Android & I-phone  platforms

Presently, more than 6300 PMJAKs are functioning across the nation covering 726 districts of the country. In the lockdown period PMBJP is also generating awareness through informational posts on their social media platforms to help people protect themselves from Coronavirus.

China flirts with digital currency in four urban centres amid Covid

China in a significant move has launched a trial of digital yuan in four urban centres of the country for specific services even as the world grapples with containment of Covid.

The major cities of Shenzhen, Suzhou and Chengdu, as well as the Xiong’an New Area, will witness use of digital currency for some services, according to state-run Xinhau.

The three cities have a overall population of more than 38 million people. The Xiong’an New Area is a district and economic zone being developed near Beijing. There is no reaction yet from the international community.

According to local news reports the currency will be used to subsidise transport in Suzhou, while in Xiong’an the trial primarily focuses on food and retail.

According state-run China Daily, a statement by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said that the digital currency – known as the e-RMB – “will not be issued in large amounts” for public use in the short term, and that the digital currency in circulation would “not lead to an inflation surge”.

The PBOC, the country’s central bank, will be the sole issuer of the digital yuan, initially offering the digital money
 to commercial banks and other operators. An official told the China Daily that the public would be able to convert money in their bank accounts to the digital version and make deposits via electronic wallets.

Mantra Capital invests in yoga firm SARVA

Mantra Capital has made an investment of an undisclosed amount in SARVA, a yoga and wellness company. The fund will be utilised by the firm to improve its digital footprint.

This round of funding included contribution from the Patni Family and the existing investor, Fireside Ventures.

This is the first strategic investment by Mantra Capital, an early-stage, cross-border venture capital fund focused on investing in tech for human good. The firm was founded by former T-Hub CEO, Mr Jay Krishnan, Mr Srikanth Chintalapati, and Mr Kevin Jacobs early this year.

Earlier, SARVA had raised funds from celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Malaika Arora, Aishwaryaa R Dhanush and Shahid Kapoor.

“During these times, people are constantly trying to find activities that help in redirecting their stress. And what better than yoga, a practice that can help you remain healthy and active, both mentally and physically,” Mr Sarvesh Shashi, Co-founder, SARVA, said.

“While our digital product was under way and ready to be launched, the heightened investor interest and the current situation fast-tracked it. We are in the process of raising more capital to enhance our digital offering,” he said.