Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that maximum efforts are being made to free the sailors from the hands of Somali pirates. He said this after paying a courtesy call on the UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh at his ministry on Tuesday. Hasan Mahmud said all efforts are underway to bring back the seafarers safely from the hands of Somali pirates. However, it is not possible to say everything at the moment. He also urged the media to be careful in this regard. The foreign minister aslo said that around 200 Myanmar BGP members are staying in Bangladesh. Talks are underway with the Myanmar government to bring them back.  

Earlier yesterday, in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday highlighted ongoing development in India and asserted that the Indian government's efforts are aimed at making India a successful and developed country in the next 25 years. "You can see our effort is to ensure that in the next 25 years, we are successful and become a developed country. A developed country doesn't just mean a developed economy, it is also a country which is aware, conscious and proud of its traditions, heritage and culture," he said. While interacting with the Indologists in St Petersburg, EAM Jaishankar added, "Today when you look at India, we are an economy, which is approaching 4 trillion dollars. If you look at how digital India has become, if you look at the pace of change, including in education... Today, for the last ten years in India, every day two new colleges are established. So that is the pace where education is concerned and it's not just in education." S Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections and noted that Indology is beyond knowledge, scholarship and culture. He said, "Given the state of the world geopolitical state of the world, it is today particularly important that we have a direct understanding of each other than other countries or societies and other nations. To me, Indology is something, beyond knowledge and scholarship, beyond culture and tradition...It's an effort and investment to directly understand the very important society." He added, "Part of it is communication, relationship building, understanding each other...we speak today of a multipolar world, so there is a rebalancing in the world. It's not a world that is dominated by a few countries, societies, and traditions. In this rebalancing, it is also important...to develop International relations with Indian characteristics is my major preoccupation." Earlier yesterday, in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion. Jaishankar emphasized the potential for further growth and the need to give the trade relationship a more sustainable character. "I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that," said Mr Jaishankar. Moreover, President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year. "We will be glad to see our friend, Prime Minister Modi in Russia," Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin. Mr Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a four-day visit to Russia from December 25-29. After he arrived in Moscow, Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements in Russia. Source: NDTV

The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have finally admitted their passion for entrepreneurship. The geographically gifted region inspires creativity and the birth of new ideas. Now with the terror-free climate and political stability, the people are trying their hand in all areas of interest, taking advantage of the accessible government facilities and initiatives supporting the foundation of a self-dependent flourishing economy. Since its inception, the J&K administration has stressed the upliftment of women in society. Their education and subsequent employment in activities that can make them financially independent, such as a home-based Crewel Embroidery business, or a mushroom or medicinal plants business. Over 40,000 women in Jammu and Kashmir have been classified as millionaires as they earn over Rs 1 lakh a month with 65 per cent among them entrepreneurs. In one such initiative, under the 'J&K Startup Policy 2018-2028' the youth is motivated to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship. Startups are equipped with liberal funding from government programs to build a conducive environment for going for a self-dependent lifestyle. The focus sectors of the policy include Construction and Engineering, Food Processing and Allied activities, Agriculture including Horticulture and Floriculture, Textiles, Handicrafts, Handlooms and their designing, and so on. The policy will nurture 500 new start-ups that are unique in their fields and springboard them to greater heights. 10 new state-of-the-art incubators are underway that will facilitate access to early-stage investments for these startups. The growing need for such capacities in secondary schools and universities has been finally answered through this policy. Innovation and fabrication labs have been set up in select institutes in Jammu and Kashmir. A strong institutional framework for effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the policy will help to constantly iterate the innovation mechanism at the high school/college level to fine-tune the skills of the individuals graduating from these institutions. A mind has to be moulded in a certain way to bring out the best, uncommon ideas, and this machinery is aimed at that development. The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) is the nodal agency for the implementation of the policy. Participation in the program would give access to nominal co-working spaces with high-speed internet facilities at JKEDI campuses in all 20 districts of the Union Territory, along with a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000. Startups are also provided with the one-time benefit of Rs 10 Lakh for Product Research and Development, Marketing, or Publicity. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of governmental support. Thanks to such enterprises of the government, J&K stars among the top five performers in the Indian startup ecosystem. Once upon a time safety of logistics and movement of people in villages was a matter of concern due to the volatile atmosphere of constant shutdowns and violence. Individuals who tried to pull their families out of poor financial conditions or who desired a better life were discouraged in the name of religion. As the government strengthened the administrative systems from the grassroots, striving for a better life was finally possible. Presently in Kashmir, many people have joined the 'Yellow Revolution' owing to the favourable weather for oilseed production. Mustard oil worth around Rs 800 crore will be produced this year alone in Kashmir. The oil extraction process results in many remnants which can be used in other industries. Educated youth that has returned to the Valley have brought with them such knowledge, increasing the scope of doing business. Last week 24,000 farmers attended the first session of Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, which was a 3-day session held across 264 venues in the UT educating farmers on everything agriculture, from prepping the land to marketing the goods and selling to the best bid. There has been much fanfare in the farming community since this event. Similar outreach programs are lined up for ambitious farmers involved in animal husbandry, horticulture, sericulture, fishery, beekeeping, and other allied sectors. After the orientation, the participants will be put through practical training programs which will include reading and video demonstration material, and finally a certificate course. It will be a year-long exercise at the end of which these individuals will be self-sufficient entrepreneurs. The government is leaving no stone unturned driving youth towards self-employment. The socio-economic landscape of the UT is progressive and growth-oriented. The region has been a goldmine waiting to be discovered for the longest time. Not only is J&K self-sufficient but it has created a huge demand abroad for its produce. Slowly but surely, this untapped land paired with motivated young changemakers will drive the economy towards a steep upward trajectory.

The upcoming G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir in May has brought a flurry of activity to the region, as the authorities are bracing themselves to host the international event. One crucial aspect of the preparations is ensuring adequate healthcare facilities for the visiting dignitaries, and the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Bhupender Kumar, is leading the efforts to make that happen. On a recent visit to the Kashmir Nursing Home at Gupkar, Kumar reviewed the ongoing work being executed to upgrade its healthcare facilities. He was accompanied by the principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr Tanveer Masood, and the director of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather. During his visit, Kumar directed the principal GMC and medical superintendent of the Kashmir Nursing Home to expedite the pending works and make the hospital fully ready in all respects within a fortnight. He also emphasised the need to increase the OPD footfalls of the hospital to benefit the local people. Speaking about the preparations for the G20 summit, he said, “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we have the best possible healthcare facilities in place for the visiting dignitaries. Our goal is to provide world-class medical care that meets the highest international standards.” Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, director of Health Services Kashmir, also highlighted the importance of healthcare facilities at the G20 summit. He said, “The medical staff is being trained and updated on the latest healthcare equipment and facilities that will be available during the G20 summit. We are determined to showcase the best of Kashmir, and that includes our healthcare services.” Meanwhile, Dr Tanveer Masood stressed the need to focus on the long-term benefits of the upgraded healthcare facilities. “Our aim is not just to prepare for the G20 summit but to improve the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region. This will have a positive impact on the lives of the local people, and we are committed to achieving that goal,” he said. As the preparations for the G20 summit continue, the focus on providing the best possible healthcare facilities highlights the importance of prioritising the health and well-being of everyone involved, from the visiting dignitaries to the local people. 

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday said that all efforts are being made to improve the quality of life of the people in border villages through facilitation of basic amenities. Attending the C-20 consultative conference organised by the Arunachal Pradesh chapter of the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture at the banquet hall here as part of India’s G20 presidency, Mein said that the state government is working in tandem with the Centre’s commitment to accelerate the pace of development in Northeast India in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, connectivity, digital communication, and financial management of the state’s resources. “The government’s objective is to achieve all-inclusive and equitable development across all regions and tribes,” he said. Mein said also that the state is aiming to become the top contributor towards the Centre’s the vision of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2047, by minimising the consumption of fossil fuels. Emphasising on India’s G20 presidency theme, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ Mein reiterated the significance of incorporating “diversity, inclusion and mutual respect in a society to truly embody unity in diversity.” “To this effect, Arunachal Pradesh has long imbibed these vital aspects towards dwelling in peaceful coexistence and collectively advancing towards progressive heights,” he said. Mein commended the resourceful deliberations of the subject experts and the resource persons of the consultative conference on ‘Diversity, inclusion and mutual respect’.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized on collective global efforts to build a prosperous world through the Multilateral Development Bank (MDBs). "Let us work together to build a prosperous, poverty and hunger-free world by helping poor people through MDB," she said. The Prime Minister said this in her pre-recorded video keynote address at the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) panel discussion on 'Development Cooperation: Long-Term Resilience and the Role of Multilateral Development Banks' held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. The Prime Minister said, "I acknowledge the role of ECOSOC in providing financing for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda." She said that the world economy is currently going through multiple challenges.  "In this regard, firstly the covid-19 pandemic and secondly the war between Russia and Ukraine has had a staggering impact on the global economy. In this complex global context, development cooperation has become crucial to build resilience of vulnerable segments of the global community and address multidimensional crises." She said, "We strongly believe that MDBs can play an important role in bringing about a positive change in the global situation." The Prime Minister said, "MDBs financing will encourage multilateral dialogue to solve various global problems, as well as promote modern policies that ensure financial support for achieving the SDGs."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the need for global efforts in changing the mindset of all to allow more women and girls to excel in science, urging the womenfolk to act as an agent to change them. "It is unfortunate that women represent only 12 percent of scientists and 30 percent of researchers globally. We must work to address the barriers in mindsets and learning environments to allow more women and girls to excel in science," she said.   In a video statement at the 8th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly held at the UN Headquarters, New York, the USA, the Prime Minister urged the women and girls to act as the agents of change themselves.   "The women and girls in science and technology must remember that they are not alone. The steps they take would help open the door further for their sisters around the world," she said.   In Bangladesh, she said they have made it a priority to have Bangladesh's women and girls lead in every sphere.   "Our women are doing very well in the field of research and higher education. Scholarships are being given to girls to carry out research in agriculture, industry, health, science, art, information technology - all fields," she said.   To encourage girls, she said her government has established 5,275 digital centers across the country from where one girl and one boy entrepreneur are providing 200 types of services.   Describing measures taken by her government, she said they have established science and technology universities nationwide to ensure easy access to those for Bangladeshi boys and girls.   The Prime Minister said the hi-tech parks have created an inclusive environment where the girls can thrive alongside the boys.   "We wish to see our women and girls fulfill their potentials for innovation and creativity in science. We must bridge the gaps in opportunities available for them in developed and developing countries. We want our girls to have their full share in building smart, knowledge-based societies," she said.   The International Day of Women and Girls in science began as a resolution by the United Nations in 2015. The mission was to address the gender gap in STEM fields by celebrating the contributions and achievements of women in science.   "Today, we celebrate the women and girls who are making important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," she added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today placed six proposals before the G20 platform, saying these are needed to be addressed collectively for sustained global economic growth and development of the “global south”.   "Taking current global economy (amid Russia-Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic) into account- it is high time to work collectively for a just and fair economic order," she said.   The prime minister said this while addressing virtually the “Inaugural Leaders' Session" in the "Voice of the South Summit 2023" in New Delhi, India, from her official Ganabhaban residence here.   She thanked the Indian government for inviting Bangladesh as a guest country to this important summit that would give them a unique opportunity to engage with their counterparts across the globe.   To this effect, the premier said that Bangladesh, a country of global South, welcomes India's vision as the President of G20 to ensure inclusive development under the theme, "One Earth, One Family, One Future".   "Let us work together to have a better future and a better world!," she added.   In her first proposal to achieve sustained global economic growth, the premier said global peace and stability must be maintained for greater benefit of humanity.   Secondly, she said it needs a new paradigm that will address inequality in a holistic manner in parallel with SDGs.   She also said thirdly, special financing needs for the most vulnerable countries, including LDCs, climate vulnerable countries, etc. must be met during their transition.   In her fourth proposal, the prime minister stressed the need for making bridge between the 'Digital Divides' to ensure equal opportunities for all, including women, saying take advantage of 4th Industrial Revolution by investing in young population for which financing and technology transfer support is vital.   Fifthly, she said all human beings should have equal rights to lead decent life.   "The global community must not forget ensuring return of the unfortunate Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to Myanmar," she said.   The premier finally said strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation to ensure global human development. "Here, support from partners, international financial institutions, private sectors, think-tanks, and other stakeholders are crucial," she added.   Almost five decades ago, she said that Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged to generate a sense of urgency for building a just 'International Economic Order' in the face of 'Great Economic Upheavals".   The prime minister warmly congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India on assumption of G20 Presidency.   "I deeply appreciate his strong commitment to make the G20 platform more meaningful by consultative engagement on inclusive development," she said. “I also congratulate Shri Narendra Modi for convening the ‘Voice of the South Summit’ to exchange views and for inviting me to the inaugural Leaders' Session on ‘Human-centric Development’, she said. In Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said that they believe in the core value of human development as the pillar of sustainable development and it is reflected in our policies.   "We are committed to contributing to Your Excellency’s (Modi's) robust initiatives to quicken human centric development in association with global leaders," she said.   The recent Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict with sanctions and counter-sanctions have created havoc the world over, she said.   She went on saying that global recession, crises of food, fuel and fertilizers have added to the rising impacts of climate change making peoples' life unbearable.   "To face these challenges is required bold, concrete and concerted actions at the global level where human led approaches are the key," she said.   Quoting Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his maiden speech at the UNGA in 1974, she said, "There is an international responsibility ... to ensuring everyone the right to a standard living adequate for the health and the well-being of himself and his family."   This vision remains relevant even today and in keeping with this spirit, “we are doing our best to ensure inclusive development with human beings at the centre”, she added.   In the last decade, the prime minister said Bangladesh had achieved rapid economic growth ensuring social justice for all.   "Bangladesh is acknowledged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world," she said.  The prime minister said IMF’s latest report showed that Bangladesh is the 35th largest economy of the world in terms of nominal GDP.   Bangladesh has reduced poverty rate from 41.5 percent to 20 percent in the last 14 years while the per capita income has tripled in just a decade, sheikh Hasina said.   Her country even has fulfilled all criterions for graduating from LDC category to a developing country, she said.   "It is gratifying that Bangladesh is ranked as world's 5th best COVID resilient country, and South Asia's best performer," she said.   As for financial and other incentives, 28 packages worth over USD 20 billion were directly reached to 73 million people and 2 hundred 13,000 organizations, she said.   "We aspire to build 'Smart Bangladesh" with improved physical infrastructures as foundation of a strong economy," the premier said.   Last year, she said they inaugurated the self-funded 'Padma Multi-purpose Bridge" that shall increase Bangladesh GDP.   A few days ago, Bangladesh started the first ever Metro Rail service in the capital city Dhaka, she added.   "Soon, we shall complete the 3.2 kilometer Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under the river Karnaphuli in Chattogram, the first in South Asia," she said.   Meantime, she said Bangladesh's continuing “Ashrayan Project” has provided 3.5 million people with houses free of cost with means of livelihoods.   "For raising our people's standard of living, we are undertaking several other mega projects. For them, we need strong financial and technological support from the developed world. In this regard, I hope the G20 would be supportive," she added.   Sheikh Hasina went on saying that their aspiration is to transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based country by 2041 and to build a prosperous and climate-resilient delta by 2100.   "We hope to attain these goals by way of ensuring sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for all," she added.

United efforts are needed to meet challenge of providing clean drinking water, said Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday while inaugurating the seventh India Water Week (IWW) at the Expo Mart in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida. The function was organised by the ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation in an effort to raise awareness and conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner. The 7th Water Week is being celebrated from 1-5 November. With the inauguration, the visit marks the first visit of President Murmu to Noida, Uttar Pradesh. President Droupadi Murmu was welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath; Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Jal Shakti MoS Prahlad Patel, Visheshwar Tudu; and Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is impossible to imagine life without water. In Indian civilization, water is important in life and the journey after life. That is why all water sources are considered sacred. But at the present, if we look at the situation the condition seems worrying. Due to the increasing population, the condition of our rivers and reservoirs is deteriorating, village ponds are drying up and many local rivers have become extinct. Water is being over-exploited in agriculture and industries. The environmental balance on the earth is getting disturbed, weather patterns are changing and unseasonal excessive rainfall has become common. In such a situation, discussing the management of water is a very commendable step. The President said that the issue of water is relevant not only for India but for the entire world. This issue is linked to national security too as the vast amount of available freshwater is spread between two or more countries. Therefore, this combined water resource is an issue for which international cooperation is necessary. President Murmu was happy to note that Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel and the European Union are participating in the 7th India Water Week. She expressed confidence that all will benefit from the exchange of ideas and technologies on this forum.   "Sage Bhagirathi had done the work of bringing the holy Ganges to earth. He did penance to liberate his ancestors and the river Ganga descended on the earth," President Murmu recited. "At present, the situation seems worrying. Due to the increasing population, the condition of our rivers and reservoirs, the Ganges river and the ponds of the Ganges are drying up. Water is being over-exploited in agriculture and industries. The environmental balance on the earth is deteriorating, the weather pattern is changing, and unseasonal excessive rainfall has become a common thing. Discussing such a situation the conservation of water is very commendable," the President said. The President said that water is a major resource for agriculture as well. According to an estimate, about 80 per cent of the water resource in our country is used for agricultural purposes. Therefore, proper use and management of water in irrigation is very important for water conservation. The 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana' is a major initiative in this area. This nationwide scheme is being implemented to increase the irrigated area in the country. In line with water conservation goals, the scheme also envisages the adoption of precision irrigation and water-saving technologies to ensure "per drop more crop". On the same occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that we all know that the world is facing a water crisis. "The need of the hour is that we are all united by facing the challenges, together we are thinking about this topic because this global crisis can be solved by the country's social organization," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to invest 210 US dollars by 2024 and due to the freedom of investment, India has become the country which invested most in water in the world. On the sidelines of the event Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that if there is water, there is life. The state has sufficient water resources. More than 60 rivers have been revived. CM Yogi said that Ganga got freedom from the pollution of two drains in Kanpur. Earlier the sewer water used to fall directly into the Ganges. Sewers of Sisamau and Jajmau have been diverted. Till yesterday, when the sewage water used to be dirty, today it has become a selfie point after being cleaned under the Namami Gange project. The Himalayan rivers cover a large area of UP. "Plastic was banned in UP in 2018. Instead of plastic, pottery has been promoted. Thousands of Amrit Sarovar were built in the villages," CM Yogi said further. Notably, President Droupadi Murmu said that providing clean drinking water to the growing population will be a big challenge in the coming years. The issue of water is multifaceted and complex, for which efforts should be made by all stakeholders. We all know that water is limited and only its proper use and recycling can sustain this resource for a long time. Therefore, all of us should try to consume this resource carefully. She urged people to be aware of its misuse and make others aware of water conservation. She expressed confidence that the outcome of brainstorming during this 7th Water Week will pave way for the welfare of this earth and humanity. She appealed to the common people, farmers, industrialists and especially children to make water conservation a part of their ethics. She said that only in this manner, we will be able to gift a better and safer tomorrow to the coming generations. Source: ANI

Reiterating Bangladesh's stand to solve issues with Myanmar peacefully, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said Bangladesh hopes that Myanmar would realize their mistake and refrain from doing anything in future that impedes bilateral relations.   "As we do not want conflict, our efforts are underway to find a peaceful solution with Myanmar. We will do everything, if required we will take it to the United Nations (UN)." he told journalists after attending a programme at Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the city. The minister said the government has strongly protested regarding the ammunition, which was landed on Bangladesh territory from Myanmar side, adding, "Talks are going on with the Myanmar authorities and the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry called the Myanmar envoy to inform clearly about our position." "Our Prime Minister never wants war, we want peaceful solution. Let their internal conflict keep within their boundaries. We are always protesting what is happening in our soil from outside," he said. Kamal said Myanmar never stands by its commitment, adding, "We're trying bilaterally and also multilaterally . . . our efforts will continue. We are trying to repatriate 12 lakh Rohingyas, who have taken shelter here, peacefully." "Recently, Myanmar has been fighting not only with Rohingyas but also with many of their ethnic groups in Thailand, China and Mizoram. We observed that a rebel group called Arakan Army is fighting there," he said.  The minister said, "Sometimes a good relation was seen between Myanmar and Arakan Army, sometimes it turned into war. But they know the secret. Of course, their war should be within their boundaries." He said there is a Rohingya camp on the zero line next to the Myanmar border.  Mentioning that on Friday a person was killed and some others were wounded when shells fired from Myanmar side landed in a camp, Kamal said that Bangladesh strongly condemned it.  Source: BSS AH