Start-ups should build future Indian multinationals, give Brand India a new global identity: Modi


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a call for start-ups be set up in all sectors for building future Indian multinationals which, he said, would give 'Brand India' a new global identity in the times to come.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone of IIM-Sambalpur's permanent campus in Odisha through videoconference, Modi said: "This is a perfect time. Today's start-ups are tomorrow's multinationals. These start-ups are emerging in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These start-ups will play a big role in establishing multinationals."

Modi said that the scope for start-ups is expanding. "You have to prepare yourself for new possibilities. Our youths are responsible for giving 'Brand India' a new global identity."

Modi said that the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management-Sambalpur will not only showcase the culture and resources of Odisha but will also give Odisha a global recognition in the field of management.

He said that the country recently witnessed the trend of Indian MNCs as opposed to earlier trend of multinationals coming to India from outside.

Noting that India has seen more unicorns in recent troubled times, Modi said that rapid reforms are taking place in the agriculture sector.

In such a scenario, Modi said, students should align their career plans with national aspirations.

"In this new decade, it is your responsibility to give Brand India a global recognition," the Prime Minister said.

Modi asked Indians students to work on local products holding great potential, such as handicraft, textiles and tribal art.

He also asked them to work on better management of abundant minerals and other resources in the area, as all this will contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign.

"IIM students will need to find innovative solutions for making local global as they can work as a bridge between Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, local products and international collaboration. You have to show your management skills in tune with the mantra of innovation, integrity and inclusiveness."

Modi talked about the new management challenges in the light of new technologies like additive printing, changing production techniques, logistics, and supply chain management.

"These technologies coupled with digital connectivity, and work from anywhere concept have turned the world into a global village. India has undertaken rapid reforms in recent months and tried not only to keep pace with the changes but also tried to anticipate and surpass them," he added.

"Management is not just handling big companies but also taking care of lives," Modi said. Source: i
Read More........

Transforming India's urban landscape through Light House Projects


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone of the Light House Projects (LHP) under the Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC-India) and said the worldwide challenge of COVID-19 has given the scope to innovate and incubate with new technology. Modi said these six projects are really like lighthouses at sea, giving a new direction to the housing construction in the country.

The six LHP has been conceptualised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, headed by Hardeep Singh Puri, a former Indian diplomat, and aims to identify and mainstream several innovative technologies from across the world that are sustainable and disaster-resilient.

He said at one time housing schemes were not the priority for the governments as much as it should have been. "However, we know that transformation is impossible without all-around development. The country has adopted a new approach and a different road ahead," he said.

LHPs will be constructed in Agartala, Lucknow, Indore, Rajkot, Chennai and Ranchi, with each location getting more than 1,000 houses for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). 

Modi said: "This global challenge of COVID-19 has given us the scope to innovate and incubate with new technology. From today, work is starting on six Light House Projects at different locations. These projects will be completed by modern technology and innovative processes."

"These projects are incubation centres for our planners, engineers, architects and students to learn from. They will also be able to experiment on new technology," Modi said.

Modi said to promote research and innovation, we're running the ASHA India project. Through this, we're developing new and cheap technology to build houses for the 21st century.

Citing examples of the use of new technology in construction, Modi said that in Ranchi, we are using 3D construction system from Germany. In this pattern, every room will be built separately and then the entire structure will be connected like lego blocks.

"In Agartala, we are building homes using steel frame technology from New Zealand. This is to prevent the houses from the perpetual risk of earthquakes," he said, adding, "In Lucknow, we are using technology from Canada. Plaster and paint would not be needed in this and pre-built walls will be used."

The period of construction is maximum of 12 months from the date these sites are handed over to the construction agency after all statutory approvals. Source: https://southasiamonitor.org
Read More........

Trump awards America's highest military decoration to Modi


US President Donald Trump has presented America's highest military decoration, The Legion of Merit, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal leadership that "accelerated India's emergence as a global power" and "elevated the strategic partnership between the US and India".

Official sources said, The Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, bestowed on Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the President, is a rarely-awarded, prestigious decoration that can only be bestowed by Trump, typically to heads of state or heads of government of other countries.

India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepted the award on behalf of the Prime Minister from the US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien at the White House.

The citation with the award states: "For exceptionally meritorious service as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India from May 2014 to August 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's steadfast leadership and vision have accelerated India's emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic partnership between the US and India to address global challenges. Prime Minister Modi's personal engagement expanded US-India ties across all facets of the relationship, helping to establish a strong foundation for an enduring partnership that is based on shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, the equal treatment of all citizens, and the rule of law.

"India is a key partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific, where the two countries are increasing collaboration to ensure freedom of the seas, open and transparent investment and infrastructure development, secure and reliable digital networks, and good governance."

In a glowing tribute, the citation adds: "Prime Minister Modi's personal initiative strengthened the defence partnership between the United States and India, enhancing the US' ability to secure joint military cooperation that addressed shared challenges. His efforts to expand India's economic cooperation with the US has advanced prosperity, investment and job creation in both countries.

"Prime Minister Modi's superior effort, personal leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing strategic cooperation between the United States and India and promoting global peace and prosperity reflect great credit upon himself, the Indian armed forces, and his country."

The Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander is a domed five-pointed American white star plaque of heraldic form bordered in purplish-red enamel 215/16 inches circumscribing diameter with 13 white stars on a blue field emerging from a circle of clouds; backing the star, a laurel wreath with pierced, crossed arrows pointing outward between each arm of the star and the wreath. The reverse is engraved with the words 'United States of America'.

In September this year, after a very long gap, President Donald Trump awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.

The decoration was last awarded in 1991. Source: r
Read More........