Ms. Nivruti Rai appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Invest India

Ms. Nivruti Rai joined as the Managing Director & CEO of Invest India on July 12, 2023. She has taken over the charge from Ms. Manmeet K Nanda, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) who had assumed this additional charge of MD & CEO ad-interim in March 2023.

Ms. Rai is the recipient of the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar for her remarkable contributions in the field of technology. Ms. Nivruti Rai joins Invest India after an illustrious 29 years at Intel as a global business and technology leader. She led Intel India as Country Head for the past seven years driving the growth and investment of Intel in India. During her tenure at Intel India, she contributed significantly towards indigenous technology development, start-up ecosystem, electronics manufacturing ecosystem, and policy formulation, especially in the areas of critical and emerging technologies. She has been part of the leadership team in various industrial bodies and government committees and brings a wealth of experience in working closely with industry associations, business leaders, and government leaders.

Created under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a New India, Invest India today is well acknowledged by stakeholders for its tangible contributions and instrumental role in executing the Government’s flagship initiatives including Make in India, Startup India, National Single Window System, Project Monitoring Group, and Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council. Invest India leverages private sector expertise to execute Government’s vision, embodying high levels of transparency, ethics, and corporate governance.

The Board of Invest India is chaired by Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT. Other members of the Board include Shri P. K. Tripathi, Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat; Ms. Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, DPIIT; Shri Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Shri Anand Mahindra, Chairperson, Mahindra Group; Shri Pankaj R. Patel, Chairperson, Cadilla Healthcare; Shri Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairperson, Ambuja Neotia Group; Ms. Rekha M. Menon, Chairperson & Senior MD, Accenture; Ms. Debjani Ghosh, President, NASSCOM; and Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

Source:pib.gov.in

Women's World Cup Football 2023 and its Favorite Teams

The Women's World Cup 2023 is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, showcasing the pinnacle of women's football talent from around the globe. As the tournament approaches, fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement to witness their favorite teams compete for the prestigious title. In this article, we will delve into the upcoming Women's World Cup 2023 and explore the favorite teams that are expected to dominate the tournament.

The Significance of Women's World Cup 2023

The Women's World Cup is more than just a football tournament; it represents a celebration of women's sporting prowess and the continued growth of women's football on the global stage. With the 2023 edition set to take place in Australia and New Zealand, the host nations are gearing up to put on a spectacular show that will captivate audiences worldwide.

The Top Contenders: Team Analysis

In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the favorite teams and analyze their strengths and key players.

United States

The United States women's national soccer team is undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the Women's World Cup 2023. Having won the tournament four times previously, they boast a squad filled with world-class talent. Players like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Carli Lloyd have proven their mettle on numerous occasions, making the USWNT a formidable force on the pitch.

Germany

Germany has a rich history in women's football, and they have consistently performed at a high level in major tournaments. Led by skilled players such as Dzsenifer Marozsán and Alexandra Popp, the German team is well-organized and tactically astute, making them a team to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup.

England

The England women's national football team has made significant strides in recent years and is considered a serious contender for the title. With the likes of Steph Houghton and Fran Kirby in their ranks, the Lionesses possess a balanced squad capable of taking on any challenge.

France

France has a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football. They have a talented roster featuring players like Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer, who can change the course of a match in an instant. Their flair and creativity make them a fan favorite and a strong contender for the championship.

Underdogs to Watch

Apart from the favorites, the Women's World Cup often witnesses surprises from underdog teams. In this section, we'll highlight a few teams that might spring a surprise in the tournament.

Netherlands

The Netherlands women's national team has steadily improved over the years and demonstrated their potential by winning the UEFA Women's Euro in 2017. With talented players like Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Martens, they have the ability to upset some of the bigger teams.

Australia

As one of the host nations, Australia will enjoy tremendous support from the home crowd. The Matildas have a never-say-die attitude and a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters, making them a team capable of causing upsets.

Key Matchups and Anticipated Rivalries

The Women's World Cup is known for producing thrilling encounters and fierce rivalries. In this section, we'll explore some of the most anticipated matchups.

United States vs. Germany

A clash between two powerhouses of women's football, the United States against Germany promises to be a blockbuster encounter. Both teams have a history of producing classic matches, and this showdown is likely to be no different.

England vs. France

This matchup between two European heavyweights is bound to generate excitement. The contrasting styles of play and the desire to outdo each other on the grand stage add to the allure of this rivalry.

The Road to Glory: Tournament Format

The Women's World Cup 2023 will feature a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The format provides an opportunity for teams to showcase their skills in the initial matches and then battle it out for a spot in the final stages.

Conclusion

The Women's World Cup 2023 promises to be an exhilarating tournament that will captivate football enthusiasts across the globe. With the top contenders raring to go and underdogs eager to prove their worth, we are in for a treat. Let us come together to celebrate women's football and witness the magic unfold on the field.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. When and where will the Women's World Cup 2023 be held?
Ans: The Women's World Cup 2023 will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Q. How many teams will participate in the tournament?
Ans: A total of 32 teams will compete in the Women's World Cup 2023.

Q. Which team has won the most Women's World Cup titles?
Ans: The United States holds the record for the most Women's World Cup titles, having won it four times.

Q. Who is the all-time leading goal scorer in Women's World Cup history?
Ans: Marta from Brazil holds the title of the all-time leading goal scorer in Women's World Cup history.

Q. Is there a prize for the winning team?
Ans: Yes, the victorious team in the Women's World Cup 2023 will be awarded the prestigious championship trophy along with a cash prize.

Telangana Generates Electricity from Vegetable Waste

The Bowenpally Vegetable Market has caught Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention for its innovative waste management system. PM praised the one-of-its-kind bioelectricity, biofuel and bio-manure generation project during one of Mann Ki Baat episodes.

A few years ago, generating electricity from vegetable waste would have been a far-fetched idea, but not anymore. Hyderabad’s Bowenpally Vegetable Market has turned this into reality. Nearly 10 tons of waste is collected every day in the market, which earlier used to end up in landfills, but is now the major source of electricity for the vegetable market.

The waste generated (rotten and unsold vegetables) in the Bowenpally vegetable market and nearby yards are collected from across the city. The vegetables are chopped into smaller pieces and run over the conveyor belt to the shredder. The waste then undergoes a shredding process where all the vegetables are crushed into smaller and uniform sizes and sent to a grinder. This grinder further crushes the content into pulp, which is also called slurry and passes them to the anaerobic digesters.

The gas generated is collected and stored in balloons until further use. Bio Manure is obtained, apart from the gas, as a by-product. In a separate tank, biogas is collected and via a pipeline system sent for cooking. The biofuel is then supplied into a 100% biogas generator which is used to power the cold storage rooms, water pumps, shop, street lights, etc.

The Biogas plant funded by the Department of Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture Marketing Telangana, Geetanath (2021) was set up under the guidance and patented technology of CSIR-IICT (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) executed by the Hyderabad-based Ahuja Engineering Services Pvt Ltd.

Impact

Around 30 kg of biofuel generated per day is supplied to the kitchen facilities near the unit. 400- 500 units of electrical power is being utilized by the administrative building, market water supply network, around 100 streetlights, and 170 stalls of the market.

This biogas unit helps reduce the electricity bill by half (previously Rs. 3 lakhs per month on average). The liquid bio manure is being used as fertilizer in the farmers’ fields. Upon realizing its efficiency, the Department of Biotechnology announced further funding to establish five more similar plants in different market yards with varying capacities (Gudimalkapur, Gaddiannaram -5 tons/day, Erragadda, Alwal, Sarrornagar- 500 kgs/ day) suitable for the generated market waste.

This innovative practice of converting waste into energy at Bowenpally vegetable market has created large-scale awareness of the use of a sustainable system to generate biofuel but also encourages more and more cities to take up similar projects for the transformation of the urban landscape.

COP 27: Indian Lead in Global Climate Change Management

As we approach COP 27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it is essential to take stock of the global efforts to tackle climate change. The world is at a critical juncture, with the consequences of global warming already visible in the form of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity. The need for urgent action is clear, and India is poised to take a leadership role in global climate change management.

India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, after China and the United States. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing economies, with ambitious plans to transition to a low-carbon future. India has set a target to achieve 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and it is well on its way to achieving that goal. The country has also launched several initiatives to promote sustainable development, such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

India has been a vocal advocate for climate action on the global stage, and it has played a key role in shaping the Paris Agreement. The country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieving 40% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. India has also pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

India's leadership in climate change management extends beyond its domestic efforts. The country has been at the forefront of efforts to promote international cooperation on climate action, particularly through the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The ISA is a coalition of more than 120 countries, initiated by India and France, which aims to promote the deployment of solar energy on a global scale. The ISA has already launched several initiatives, such as the Affordable Solar Power for Agriculture (ASPA) program and the One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative.

India's leadership in climate change management is particularly crucial in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges, such as public health and climate change. As countries around the world focus on recovery and rebuilding, there is an opportunity to promote a green recovery and to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. India's leadership in this regard is essential, both in terms of its domestic efforts and its role in promoting international cooperation.

As we approach COP 27, it is essential for all countries to step up their efforts to tackle climate change. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are dire. India's leadership in global climate change management is an inspiration to the world, and it is essential that the country continues to play a leading role in shaping the global response to this critical challenge.

BRICS Journey: An Analysis of Achievements and Failures

As we look at the journey of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), it is important to analyze their achievements and failures. The BRICS countries represent a significant portion of the world's population and economy, and their decisions can have a global impact. In this article, we will examine the journey of the BRICS countries, their achievements, and their failures.

The Journey of the BRICS Countries

The BRICS countries were first identified by Jim O'Neill, the former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, in 2001. He identified them as emerging economies that had the potential to become dominant global players. The countries had several similarities, such as large populations, significant natural resources, and high economic growth rates. The BRICS countries were brought together in 2006, and their first summit was held in 2009. Since then, the BRICS countries have been meeting annually to discuss issues such as economic cooperation, political coordination, and cultural exchange.

Achievements of the BRICS Countries

The BRICS countries have made significant achievements in several areas. One of the most significant achievements is economic growth. The BRICS countries have shown remarkable economic growth over the past two decades. For example, China's economy has grown from $1.2 trillion in 2000 to $14.1 trillion in 2020. India's economy has grown from $477 billion in 2000 to $2.9 trillion in 2020. Brazil's economy has grown from $559 billion in 2000 to $2.4 trillion in 2020.

The BRICS countries have also made significant progress in poverty reduction. According to the World Bank, the BRICS countries have lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty since 2000. China alone has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty, which is a remarkable achievement.

Another significant achievement of the BRICS countries is infrastructure development. The BRICS countries have invested heavily in infrastructure development over the past two decades. For example, China has built the world's largest high-speed rail network, which has improved connectivity and reduced travel times. India has also made significant progress in infrastructure development, with the construction of new highways and airports.

Failures of the BRICS Countries

Despite their achievements, the BRICS countries have also faced several challenges and failures. One of the most significant challenges is income inequality. Despite the significant progress in poverty reduction, income inequality remains a significant issue in the BRICS countries. According to the World Bank, the Gini coefficient (a measure of income inequality) in the BRICS countries ranges from 0.42 (South Africa) to 0.63 (Brazil). This is significantly higher than the Gini coefficient in developed countries such as the US and the UK.

Another significant challenge faced by the BRICS countries is corruption. Corruption remains a significant issue in the BRICS countries, and it has a negative impact on economic growth and development. According to Transparency International, the BRICS countries are among the most corrupt countries in the world. Brazil, Russia, and India are ranked 105th, 135th, and 86th, respectively, out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index. China and South Africa are ranked slightly higher, at 78th and 69th, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of the BRICS countries has been a mix of achievements and failures. The BRICS countries have made significant progress in several areas, such as economic growth, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development. However, they have also faced several challenges, such as income inequality and corruption. It is important for the BRICS countries to continue to work together.

Plastic Waste Management (PWM)

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 under The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) lays special emphasis on reduction of plastic waste generation and compliance of Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules dated 12.08.2021. Key focus areas include source segregation of waste; segregated collection and transportation; the processing of segregated waste; setting up of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in all ULBs; continuous awareness generation for reducing Single Use Plastic (SUP) and use of substitute products. In addition, the following initiatives have been taken:

• Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to States and Union Territories (UTs) is released for establishing Solid Waste Management (SWM) projects for processing of all kinds of waste,
• A ‘Plastic Waste Management Advisory’ has been developed capturing the plastic waste generation, plastic waste management rules and various ways to manage plastic waste through reduce, reuse, recycle and recovery techniques;
• ‘Swachh Survekshan’ and ‘Star Rating Protocol’ have been introduced which have been aligned with Plastic Waste Management (amendment) Rules 2021 to encourage cities to phase out single-use plastic, etc.

In addition, all States/UTs have constituted the Special Task Force (STF) under the chairpersonship of the Chief Secretary / Administrator for elimination of identified single use plastic items and effective plastic waste management and development of comprehensive action plan in this regard. A National Level Taskforce has also been constituted by the Ministry for taking coordinated efforts to eliminate identified single use plastic items and effective implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

For effective monitoring of ban on identified single use plastic (SUP) items and plastic waste management in the country, online platforms that are in operation are National Dashboard on elimination of single use plastics and effective plastic waste management; Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Monitoring Module for Compliance on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and CPCB Grievance Redressal App.

Regular enforcement drives have been undertaken by CPCB, State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to implement ban on identified single use plastic items and on plastic carry bags having thickness less than one hundred twenty microns.

Further, to develop alternatives to single use plastics, the MoEF & CC organized "India Plastic Challenge - Hackathon 2021". Two Start-ups in the area of alternatives to single use plastics were awarded in the India Plastic Challenge Hackathon 2021. A National Expo on Eco-Alternatives to single use plastic and Startup Conference was organized on 26th and 27th September, 2022 in Chennai by MoEF & CC and Government of Tamil Nadu in which more than 150 manufacturers of eco-alternatives from across the country have participated. The eco-alternatives included material made from sea-weed, bagasse, rice and wheat bran, rice stubble, plant and agricultural residue, banana and areca leaves, jute and cloth. The list of manufacturers of eco-alternatives is available on National Dashboard on elimination of single use plastics and effective plastic waste management.

SOURCE: pib.gov.in

W20 (Women 20) for India's G20 Presidency

W20 (Women 20) is an official engagement group under the G20 which was established during the Turkish presidency in 2015. Its primary objective is to ensure that gender considerations are mainstreamed into G20 discussions and translated into the G20 Leaders’ Declaration as policies and commitments that foster gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

W20 India took over the presidency from W20 Indonesia on 12 December 2022. W20, under India’s presidency, is focused on actualizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Women-Led Development” with a with the vision to create a world of equality and equity where every woman lives with dignity and where every woman gets the opportunity to thrive, transcend and transform their lives and those of others. W20, 2023 is focusing on removing barriers to women-led development and ensure an enabling environment and ecosystem for women to realize their full potential, transforming their lives as well as of others.

The goal that has been set by the W20 2023 is to ensure continuity of the W20 agenda from the past presidencies while establishing a stronger W20 global and national network. These inclusive consultations and actions will be feeding into the W20 Communique and G20 Leaders’ Declaration. W20, 2023 aims to ensure that the W20 communique is representative and comprehensive and will provide solutions to enhance the status of women across the globe.

There are five priority areas of W20 under India’s Presidency which include, Women in Entrepreneurship, Women Leadership at Grassroots, Bridging the Gender Digital Divide, Education & Skill Development and Women & Girls as change makers Climate Resilience Action.

Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi is the chair of W20. Other eminent Indian Delegates of the group include, Dr.Jyoti Kiran Shukla, ex-chairperson of the 5th Rajasthan Finance Commission, Prof. Shamika Ravi, Member Economic Council of Prime Minster of India, Ms.Bharati Ghosh IPS (Retd.), Ms.Raveena Tandon, Actor, Ms.Bansuri Swaraj, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Dharitri Patnaik, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist as Chief Coordinator of W20 Secretariat. W20 has approximately 100 delegates representing the 19 countries and EU which works collaboratively and intensely on the five task forces, the policy recommendations and drafting of the Communique. Since taking over from W20 Indonesia, W20 India has signed more than 15 MOUS with various organizations as knowledge and network partners, conducted 40 Jan Bhagidari programs with thousands of women across 10 states in India.

The Inception Meet at Aurangabad, Maharashtra will be held on 27-28 February, 2023. This will be followed by two other W20 International meets at Jaipur, Rajasthan on 13th-14th April and at the W20 Summit in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on 15th-16th June.

The city of Aurangabad is all set to host the Inception Meeting of W20. ‘Pursuit of gender equality, equity and dignity for women-led development’ is the theme of the Inception meeting and it envisages discussing, deliberating and developing a cogent strategy to target gender-related issues. The Meeting will welcome International delegates from G20 nations, guest countries and International organizations.

The Inception meeting of W20 will be privileged to have the presence of the Honourable Minister of Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani who will share her valuable thoughts on gender equality and women’s empowerment with the august gathering. Dr. Bhagat Kishanrao Karad, MoS, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra. will also attend Further, the meeting will be marked by the presence of Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, Dr. Gulden Turktan, Founder chair of W20 and Ms Uli Silalahi, chair of W20 Indonesia 2022.

Various panel discussions during the Inception meeting will deliberate on empowering women in nano, micro & start up enterprises; role of women as change makers in climate resilience action; creating an enabling ecosystem for women leaders at the grassroots; improving access through infrastructure and skill to bridge the gender digital divide; creating pathways for education, skill development and entrepreneurship; and on women led development in India. The stories of unconventional women in India breaking barriers in different fields including in the Indian Navy, in grassroots entrepreneurship, etc., will also be shared with delegates.

In addition, the Inception meeting will have cultural programmes and a visit to the heritage sites of Aurangabad, ancient Ellora caves to showcase the historical and cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Today India is witnessing a rapid transition from women’s development to women-led development. The country is moving with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of a new India where women are equal partners in the sustainable development of the country. India is committed towards nurturing a society where empowered women live with dignity and contribute as equal partners.

W20 meetings are envisaged to play a pivotal role in driving collaboration and providing further impetus to gender equity and women’s economic empowerment.