National Mission for Clean Ganga organized a virtual session on the first day of the Stockholm World Water Week 2022 (August 24-September 01). The keynote address was given by Shri G. Asok Kumar, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga on ‘Arth Ganga: Model for Economic River-People Connect for Sustainable River Rejuvenation using Economic Bridge’. Other panelists in the session included Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Shri T. Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-Chairman, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Dr. Acharya Balkrishan, Founder and Secretary of Patanjali Trust and Dr. Ruchi Badola, Scientist G, Wildlife Institute of India. The World Water Week is an annual event organized by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to address the global water issues and related concerns of international development.
Giving his keynote address, Shri G. Asok Kumar, DG, NMCG gave a detailed presentation on Arth Ganga elaborating the Model and the interventions made so far. “Arth Ganga has ushered-in a paradigm shift in the River Basin Management,” Shri Kumar said while highlighting the significance of Arth Ganga.
He said that Arth-Ganga concept, espoused by the Hon. Prime Minister during the 1st National Ganga Council meeting in 2019 in Kanpur, is being developed into an economic model for sustainable river rejuvenation. The central idea of “Arth Ganga” is linking people and Ganga through the bridge of economics in line with the slogan of “Banking on River Ganga”. “Arth Ganga Model strives to contribute at least 3 percent of the GDP from the Ganga Basin itself”, he informed while also adding that the interventions envisaged and being implemented are in line with the country’s commitments towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Elaborating on the six verticals of Arth Ganga, he said that the most important aspect is Zero Budget Natural Farming that envisages chemical-free farming for 10 kms on either side of the river, generating “more income, per drop”, and ‘Gobar Dhan’ for farmers. “We are planning to promote natural farming in a big way and will be conducting ‘shibirs’ on natural farming in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in the coming days to nudge the farmers towards natural farming,” he added, while informing about the recent event in Shirdi, Maharashtra where 30 farmers were facilitated by NMCG to attend the 5-day Subhash Palekar Natural Farming workshop.
He said that collaborations with various ministries and organisations are being made for monetization and reuse of sludge & wastewater that envisages reuse of treated water for irrigation, industrial purposes and revenue generation for ULBs. He cited the example of arrangement with Indian Oil Corporation for selling of treated water from Mathura refinery.
“Livelihood Generation Opportunities such as ‘Ghat Mein Haat’, promotion of local products, Ayurveda, medicinal plants, capacity building of volunteers like Ganga Praharis is also being done under Arth Ganga,” he said, adding, “NMCG plans to launch 75 Jalaj Kendras across the Ganga basin to create livelihood opportunities for the local people, out of which 26 were launched on 16th August.”
He emphasized on the need for public participation to ensure increased synergies between stakeholders and spoke on various steps being taken to promote cultural heritage & tourism along River Ganga through interventions like boat tourism, community jettis, promotion of yoga, adventure tourism, Ganga Artis etc. “Over 20,000 Ganga Doots have been deployed in different states and associated awareness generation programmes along with the initiatives like ‘Har Hafte Hoga, Ghat Pe Yoga’, ‘Ganga Quest’ and administrative setups like District Ganga Committees, to name a few, have been bringing wondrous results in the direction of success of the Mission,” he added. The last vertical of Arth Ganga is Institutional Building that looks to enhance the local capacities for better decentralized water governance. Shri Kumar said that the Namami Gange Mission has been bringing the unprecedented outcomes as regards attaining the goals of Aviralta and Nirmalta in the river Ganga.
Shri T. Vijay Kumar, in his address, spoke about the key steps fundamental to
assure cooling of the planet Earth. He mentioned that adopting sustainable practices like Natural Farming and ensuring the maximum possible conservation of water could bring a bright future to the country. He gave a presentation showing the scaling lessons from the experience of the state of Andhra Pradesh wherein the farmers achieved excellent results after their transition from the practice of traditional farming to Natural Farming. He added that the ‘Principles are common, but Practices are unique to a region’, and that India has got a special advantage on account of Natural Farming.
Shri Kamala Vardhana Rao, while highlighting the significance of rivers, particularly Ganga, in the development of the tourism sector, said that the culture of homestays in the country has been proving a win-win situation for both the hosts as well as the guests. ‘Rivers are where tourism emanates’, he added following his remark that skill development initiatives for local communities are in place to give a boost to rural tourism. Lauding the 3% GDP target, he said that it is ambitious but very much achievable if all departments contributes a little bit to the cause. He emphasized on the emerging importance of Ayurveda clinics around the globe and how it can be used as potential tourism opportunity in the Ganga Basin.
Acharya Balkrishan presented the ways fundamental in building an effective sludge management strategy. Through a presentation, Patanjali emphasized that technologically sound anaerobic-based approach will provide a permanent solution to the problem of sludge that is emerging as a big challenge not just in the Ganga Basin but the entire world.
Dr. Ruchi Badola discussed the ‘Conservation Sensitive Development for Realizing Arth Ganga’, and elaborated the concept of Jalaj and its contribution in strengthening the people-river connect and in sustainable development of the nation.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted a virtual meet of the ‘Asian Regional Forum’ on the theme “Making our Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative” at Nirvachan Sadan today. The Regional Forum meet was a precursor to the “Summit for Electoral Democracy” to be hosted by the National Electoral Institute of Mexico in the coming month.
Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri Rajiv Kumar, in his keynote address said that democracy and democratic institutions flourish when all groups of people are fully represented. No democracy can ever be meaningful and aspirational, unless it is Inclusive for all citizens, Accessible without fear or favor and Participative despite differential social, political, economic vulnerabilities.
CEC exhorted all Election Management Bodies (EMBs) for a continuous self-evaluation and strengthening of their systems, to meet the rising expectations from citizens and deal with the emerging challenges during the electoral process. He added that the framework for assessment and so-called ranking of democracies by global evaluating agencies should be objective and contextual, factoring in the magnitude, socio, cultural & geographical context in which each country and EMB functions. Welcoming the idea for this global ‘Summit for Electoral Democracy’, Shri Rajiv Kumar said that integrity of elections and democracy go hand-in-hand and generate global peace, prosperity and stability.
Shri Rajiv Kumar in his address said that Inclusion must cover all manner of marginalized communities – those marginalized by region, geography, literacy, language, ethnicity, economy, gender, disability among others to ensure their voices are heard and they are able to express their voting rights. Access must be provided to these communities to ensure the entire process of casting a vote becomes easy and comfortable. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens grapple with attitudinal bias, lack of access to information, infrastructural barriers and many more issues. He added that whenever a new technology is designed or a new service is adopted by the EMB, accessibility should be part of the design itself and not added on later as an afterthought. He further extended support to desiring EMBs in designing and strengthening various technological, legal and regulatory architecture.
CEC Shri Kumar while highlighting the daunting task of conducting elections in India, said that the Commission undertook a far sighted reform during the Covid-19 period by introducing the Postal Ballot facility for 80+ senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those who were COVID positive/suspect. He mentioned that over 7.7 million PwD voters and 15 million 80+ voters have been mapped by ECI for targeted interventions and meaningful outreach. ECI is constantly striving towards achieving 100 percent mapping of all PwD and senior citizen voters. The participation of women in the first Indian election was 78 million i.e. 45%. Over seven decades and 17 national elections later, women’s participation has exceeded that of men and the gender gap has not only closed but reversed to +0.17% in 2019. India has witnessed a 235.72% increase in female electors since the 1971 election.
Shri Rajiv Kumar cautioned the EMBs about the opportunities and challenges emerging from ever increasing outreach through social media which also assumes criticality in terms of legal, regulatory framework and limitations across geographies to address fake news/narratives and surrogate advertising.
Complimenting the EMBs for various initiatives taken by them for Accessible & Inclusive elections, CEC said that there is scope to explore the possibilities of remote voting for inclusion of migrant voters as well as marginalized voters to end barriers in the electoral processes more effectively.
Election Commissioner, Shri Anup Chandra Pandey, in his address said that issues of accessibility are universal and most marginalized groups face barriers to their participation in elections which has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged all EMBs to make sustained efforts to engage and involve women, third gender, PwDs, senior citizens and other marginalized groups in the election process.
While emphasizing that electoral practices need to be inclusive, Shri Pandey mentioned noteworthy initiatives taken by the Election Commission of India over the years to ensure “No Voter is Left Behind” including ‘Basic Minimum Facilities’ at polling stations, All-women managed polling stations, separate queues & toilets for women, postal ballot facility, Braille EPIC, wheel chair facility with volunteers, transport to and from the polling station, a mobile app for Persons with Disabilities, recognizing transgender as third gender and creating an Accessibility Division within ECI among others.
Shri Pandey in his concluding remarks commended the Asia Regional Forum platform and participants for sharing their suggestions and innovative initiatives taken by respective Election Management Bodies towards participative, inclusive and accessible elections.
Welcoming the participants, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Shri Dharmendra Sharma, said that ECI is proud to be associated with this forum. Across the globe, initiatives have been taken by EMBs to ensure inclusive, transparent and ethical elections. This forum provides an opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other.
A recorded message from Mr. Lorenzo C. Vianello, President, National Electoral Institute (INE) of Mexico was also shared with the participants. Representatives from Election Management Bodies of Mexico, Mauritius, Philippines, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Maldives, International IDEA, Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) participated in the meet. Senior officials from Election Commission of India were also present during the meet.
This Asian Regional Forum (ARF) meet had two sessions. The first session on ‘Inclusive Elections: Enhancing Participation of Youth, Gender and Citizens in Remote Areas’ was co-chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner from Mauritius and Nepal. The second session on ‘Accessible Elections: Enhancing Participation of Persons with Disabilities & Senior Citizens’ was co-chaired by the Commissioner, COMELEC, Philippines and CEC of Uzbekistan.
As part of this ‘Global Summit for Democracy’, five Regional Forums namely Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and countries of the Arab States have been created. India hosted the Asian Regional Forum meet of the EMBs to reflect upon the changing geo-politics, emerging technologies and their use in election management in view of the challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic.
US-based buyers will come together online with food suppliers from Central and South America in the US international Food Show (USIF) Sept. 21-23.
Latin American food is the third most popular food in the US, according to CHD Expert, a foodservice database and analytics firm. At USIFE, over 450 show exhibitors will represent 23 Latin American countries — including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela. Although this is the USIF’s inaugural event, show organizers have over 20 years of experience working with US buyers.
Buyers — from supermarkets, specialty health stores, department stores, pharmacies, food service, convenience, online stores and more — will have access to everything from beverages to whole grains, meats, seafood and vegan options. In addition to favorites such as arepas, pupusas, tacos, tamales, tortillas and salsa, buyers will find new and trending food products.
In the wake of COVID-19, with food shortages, shipment delays and major disruptions in supply chains, access to vetted supplier sources is crucial for the food industry. “The online format provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors from various countries to connect in real time,” said General Manager Dayana Ramirez. “Our high- tech platform enables attendees to literally click with one another in an instant.”
Because it is a virtual show, USIF provides a cost-effective opportunity for exhibitors to build partnerships and expand markets. Exhibitors can stage live demos, and both exhibitors and buyers can schedule one-on-one or small group meetings using video conferencing capabilities.
Event sponsors include Sedano’s and Mounsier Papa. USIF admission is free for buyers; both buyers and exhibitors must register to participate. For more information, visit https://usifshow.com/.
For media inquiries: Ms. Dayana Ramirez Email: dayana@usifshow.com Phone: 786-550-9852 | eFax: 305-230-3841
MINI is the first automotive brand to collaborate with Metas Creative Shop to launch an immersive 3D experience in Horizon Worlds, bringing MINIs signature fun-to-drive thrill and customization to the virtual space.
Woodcliff, N.J. – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, June 21, 2022
MINI USA has teamed up with MetaHorizon Worlds creators to bring a virtual MINI experience called the MINIverse to life. The MINIverse gives fans the virtual thrill of customizing and racing a MINI with others in a whole new way.
This is the first time an automotive brand has teamed up with Metas Creative Shop to create a presence in Meta Horizon Worlds, and MINI is currently one of only a handful of global consumer brands to pioneer a virtual brand experience with Horizon Worlds creators.
The MINIverse is yet another milestone in a journey that the MINI marketing team started about 2,5 years ago in the augmented / virtual reality field says Sebastian Beuchel, Head of MINI Brand Management. Since then MINI piloted numerous AR effects ranging from fun face filters for the MINI Vision Urbanaut to practical AR effects that showcase the real world scale of a MINI or invite to customization. Additional virtual experiences are currently in development and will be released later in summer 2022.
Debuting at the 2022 Cannes Lions: International Festival of Creativity, the MINIverse experience will be available in Meta Horizon Worlds as of June 21, 2022 to all Meta Quest 2 headset users in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Upon entering the MINIverse, fans can engage with others and select their own unique MINI for competitive head-to-head racing.
Players will have fun customizing their own unique MINI for the track, including changing its colors, adding bonnet stripes, and topping it with a contrast roof one of MINIs signature design features. Players can also try on different racing suits just like the ones worn by the MINI John Cooper Works Race Team in real life, and unlock other MINI vehicles, including a special electric model as they win more races in their quest to top the leaderboard and challenge their friends.
Up to four drivers at a time can feel the rush of driving a MINI as they zip around an exhilarating, gravity defying track. To add to the challenge and fun, there is room for spectators to engage and either help or create chaos – press buttons to flick cars off a ramp, or to block them with whack-a-mole style pins, or even to help friends with timely speed boosts.
People can also experience the MINIverse on their mobile phone through a new Facebook and Instagram AR effect that brings the racing experience to the palm of their hand.
Launched in 2021, Meta Horizon Worlds is a free social experience that allows people to explore, play and connect in new and extraordinary ways with immersive virtual reality. People can discover new places with friends, compete in action-packed games and interactive experiences, and design worlds of their own or be inspired by others. In Horizon Worlds, people are more than just visitors theyre part of what makes it great.
The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) brings back its Digital & Emerging Technologies Conference June 14–15, 2022. This two-day virtual event will feature sessions focused on cutting-edge innovations in digital printing and related graphic arts. Attendance is best suited for ink makers, suppliers, converters, and brand owners looking to gain in-depth understanding of current and future printing applications.
Speakers include noteworthy leaders, academic professors, business owners, and media professionals specializing in ink manufacturing, design, printing and more. Joining the lineup is Greg Adams, Industrial Engineer for INX International Ink Co; Shenqiang Ren, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry at SUNY-Buffalo; Michael Youngblood, Professor of Economics at Rock Valley College; Craig Reid, Founder and President of CTR Resources, LLC; and Dave Savastano, Editor of Ink World Magazine.
Additionally, a panel of industry experts from EFI, Roland, and Epson will focus on practical issues related to transitioning to digital print.
“If you are looking to gain insights into new digital technologies, leading academic research, and awareness on various print processes dominating the industry, you’ll want to attend our upcoming Digital & Emerging Technologies Conference this June. Included in the two days of advanced training and education is a 45-minute economic update covering key trends and forecasts for various sub segments of the ink industry,” says George Fuchs, NAPIM’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Technology.
The conference is open to members and non-members of NAPIM, but space is limited. Early registration is encouraged, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Fuchs says, “Come ready to learn about traditional and transformative print processes, including how to drive future growth for your business.” The deadline to register is June 13, 2022. Visit www.napim.org to learn more.
About National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) has been the only national trade association for the printing ink industry since its founding in 1916. The overall purpose is to promote the general development and improvement of member companies by fostering greater understanding and knowledge of the printing ink industry as well as representing the industry as a whole on a national basis. The Association exists to serve its membership, which is accomplished by being both reactive and proactive on key issues affecting the ink industry. NAPIM members include ink manufacturers, companies that supply raw materials, and manufacturers of instrumentation and equipment utilized by the printing ink industry.
NAPIM Molly Alton Mullins, Executive Director 410-940-6360 https://www.napim.org/