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Invitation for Bids (IFB) – Ministry of Defence

Invitation for Bids (IFB) – Ministry of Defence

Purchase of Spares to Recovery of Bell 212 Helicopters for the Sri Lanka Air Force

I wish to inform you that, the Chairman, Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka, has invited sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders in Sri Lanka or abroad for the Purchase of Spares to Recovery of Bell 212 Helicopters for the Sri Lankan Air Force as follows;

Please find attached herewith a copy of the procurement notice of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

Ministry of Agriculture Conducts Midterm Review of Agricultural Scheme Implementation in Northern States

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare held a regional conference on November today, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to conduct a midterm review of agricultural schemes implemented by Northern States. Key officials from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Delhi gathered to evaluate progress and address challenges in the effective implementation of these schemes.

During the meeting, Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi urged states to expedite the execution of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) by ensuring timely fund allocation and addressing issues related to state contributions and Single Nodal Account (SNA) balances. He emphasized the importance of operationalizing SNA-SPARSH, returning unutilized balances and interest, and promptly submitting Utilization Certificates (UCs).

The conference focused on improving implementation of major schemes, including Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana, where non-performing states were encouraged to enhance their efforts in the remaining months of the fiscal year. Dr. Chaturvedi also advised states to finalize the RKVY annual action plan for FY 2025-26 by December to enable timely release of the first installment by April, aiming to reduce previous delays in fund utilization.

A comprehensive review of key initiatives took place, covering the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Mission for enhancing credit access, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for risk mitigation and expanded crop insurance, and the Digital Agriculture Mission for advancing data-driven agriculture. The conference highlighted the need for digital integration in crop surveys and the alignment of state land records with the Agristack to streamline operations under PM KISAN.

The meeting also discussed high-priority topics, including the National Edible Oils Mission, NABL accreditation for laboratories under the Insecticides Act, and the efficient use of the Krishi Nivesh Portal and Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to foster sector growth.

Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (IC, Oilseeds & Credit), set the agenda for the review and welcomed delegates from the agriculture departments of Northern States, as well as representatives from allied departments including Tribal Affairs, NABARD, and Cooperation.

An Open House session concluded the conference, allowing stakeholders to provide insights on overcoming implementation barriers and maximizing the reach of agricultural programs. This regional conference is part of a series by the Government of India, addressing specific regional agricultural needs and aiming for equitable and sustainable agricultural development across the country.

Attending the conference were senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, including Additional Secretaries Ms. Manindar Kaur, Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, Mr. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Ms. Shubha Thakur, and Joint Secretaries Mr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Mr. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Ms. Perin Devi, Mr. Muktanand Agrawal, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Mr. Binod Kumar, Mr. Priya Ranjan, and Mr. Purna Chandra Kishan, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and the Department of Financial Services.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure, fostering growth, and supporting farmers across all regions, ensuring that each state’s unique challenges and opportunities are addressed through collaborative, targeted efforts.

Shri Piyush Goyal recently Inaugurated EEPC India’s 70th Anniversary, Urges Boost in Engineering Exports

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, recently launched the 70th-anniversary celebrations of EEPC India, unveiling the new EEPC India logo in the capital. During his keynote address, Shri Goyal highlighted the Government’s initiatives aimed at reducing compliance burdens and decriminalizing laws to foster Ease of Doing Business. The event was graced by the presence of Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada.

In his address, Shri Goyal underscored the importance of transforming India into a powerhouse of engineering exports, in line with the nation’s aspirations towards the Viksit Bharat goal. He urged the engineering sector to contribute actively towards resilient supply chains, high-quality production, and sustainable development, marking a critical step towards achieving the vision of a developed India.

A Model for Export Promotion
Calling EEPC India a model export promotion council, Shri Goyal commended the organization for its substantial contributions across various engineering sectors, including mobility, capital goods, and steel. He acknowledged the Council’s ambitious target of achieving $300 billion in engineering exports within the next 5-6 years, emphasizing that this vision reflects New India’s confidence and determination on the global stage.

Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” the Minister reiterated the importance of quality and sustainability. He stated that India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat would be defined by high standards, enhanced productivity, and cost competitiveness. “We aim to be second to none in our ambition, mission, and vision,” Shri Goyal remarked.

Commitment to Global Standards and Innovation

Addressing the gathering, EEPC India Chairman, Shri Arun Kumar Garodia, affirmed the Council’s commitment to driving engineering exports, expanding the sector’s global footprint, and advocating for policies that support exporters. He highlighted the Ministry’s key initiatives, such as Bharat Mobility, the International Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS), Indian Engineering Exhibitions (INDEE), Export Excellence Awards, Quality Awards, Green Awards, and India Pavilions. These efforts, he noted, reflect the government’s focus on innovation and sustainability, ensuring Indian engineering products meet global standards and remain competitive.

Shri Garodia also highlighted EEPC India’s significant milestones over the past seven decades, including its instrumental role in advancing the Make in India initiative across sectors like automotive, electronics, and medical devices. He noted that EEPC India’s membership had grown from just 40 members in 1955 to over 9,500 members in 2024, showcasing the Council’s pivotal role in the growth of India’s engineering exports, which reached $109 billion in FY24.

Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) Celebrated its First Foundation Day on November 9-10, 2024

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, celebrated the First Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) on November 9-10, 2024. BRIC, created with Cabinet approval on November 10, 2023, has subsumed 14 Autonomous Institutions (AIs) under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology, and is at the forefront of driving excellence and innovation in the biotech sector.

The event was held at BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII), marking a significant milestone in the organization’s journey. Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor and delivered the Foundation Day lecture. Dr. Anand Deshpande from Persistent Systems was the Special Guest, while Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, DBT and Director General of BRIC, along with Directors of iBRIC, officials from DBT and BIRAC, researchers, and students from various iBRIC institutions, actively participated in the celebration.

Key Events on Foundation Day
1. “Race from Science to Entrepreneurship (RaSE)” Competition:
On November 9, 2024, BRIC organized a competition titled “Race from Science to Entrepreneurship (RaSE)” to encourage young talent from iBRIC+ institutes. The competition aimed to develop entrepreneurial skills by exposing students to challenges in the commercialization of biosciences, with a focus on the thematic areas highlighted in the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. Students from all fifteen iBRIC+ institutes showcased their innovative ideas during the event.

2. Sports Meet and Get-Together:
On November 10, 2024, a sports meet and social gathering were organized for the iBRIC+ institutes and DBT members. The activities included cricket, badminton, table tennis, and chess, aimed at fostering team spirit, promoting physical fitness, and strengthening the bonds within the DBT-iBRIC+ family.

Leadership Remarks

During the event, Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale emphasized the significance of BRIC in the biotechnology sector. He stated, “BRIC is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the value and impact both in the context of bringing research synergy, enhancing, and transforming the power of Science, Technology, and Innovation.”

Guest of Honor, Shri Amitabh Kant, lauded the efforts of the Department of Biotechnology, remarking, “BRIC would be a landmark institution for the country,” highlighting its potential to drive India’s biotech sector forward.

About BRIC

The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) was established to consolidate the efforts of 14 Autonomous Institutions under DBT, promoting synergy, innovation, and research excellence. BRIC is committed to advancing the biotechnology sector by facilitating collaboration among scientists and researchers, aligning with national policies like BioE3, and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global biotechnology hub.

Workshop on How to Win back Unhappy Customers

The Young Bombay Forum of the Bombay Chamber organized an insightful workshop titled How to Win Back Unhappy Customers on October 23, 2024. Shruti Rathod from the Bombay Chamber welcomed the speaker and attendees, providing an introduction to the Bombay Chamber’s history and achievements, including milestones reached by the Young Bombay Forum. Nineteen delegates from various organizations participated in the event.

Dr. Lata Shetty, founder of Mainstream HRD Training Centre, served as the speaker for the workshop. Dr. Shetty is a distinguished professional, known for her expertise in HRD and customer relations. She previously authored a column for Lok Satta – Lok Mudra, and has served as a faculty member at Orchid Finishing School, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and as visiting faculty at Somaiya Institute of Management.

The workshop opened with Dr. Shetty engaging participants to understand their specific challenges and expectations related to handling unhappy customers.

Workshop Objectives:
The session aimed to:

• • Sensitize participants to the importance of retaining unhappy customers and understanding the business implications of customer dissatisfaction.
  • Develop a positive attitude towards customer service, especially when handling grievances.
  • Enhance understanding of quality customer service benchmarks and sharpen participants’ skills for retaining customer loyalty.
  • Equip participants with strategies to address unhappy customers through various communication channels—face-to-face, over the phone, and in written communications.

Key Topics Covered:
Dr. Shetty addressed several important topics, including:

• Building a business-savvy approach towards unhappy customers.
• Analyzing common reasons for customer dissatisfaction.
• The financial and reputational benefits of regaining dissatisfied customers.
• Effective techniques for uncovering underlying reasons behind customer complaints.
• Developing communication plans aimed at winning back lost customers and rebuilding trust.
• Practical benchmarks for delivering high-quality customer service.
• Tailoring responses to unhappy customers based on the mode of communication (in-person, phone, email, or letter).
• Establishing long-lasting, positive relationships with customers.

Throughout the workshop, Dr. Shetty shared real-life case studies and interactive activities, allowing delegates to discuss specific challenges and receive practical, actionable feedback. The workshop’s highly interactive format received excellent feedback from participants, who appreciated the valuable insights and tools provided to improve their customer service practices.

Webinar on The Manager’s Toolkit

The Young Bombay forum of Bombay Chamber had organized Webinar on The Manager’s Toolkit held on 22nd Oct.’ 2024. Shruti Rathod, Bombay Chamber welcomed the speaker and delegates. She introduced and briefly spoke on historical milestones of Bombay Chamber and Young Bombay Forum. There were 35 delegates participated from different organisations.

Charu Sabnavis, Director, Delta Learning was the speaker for the webinar. She shared a thought-provoking and practical insights with the delegates.

Primarily, she introduced and explained the topic and connected with the delegates for the challenges and expectations about the Role of the Manager, Leadership Styles and managing remotely. She also asked delegates to share their experiences about the best managers they have worked with and What is it about them which they admire? Voluntarily everyone shared their experiences with the speaker.

She explained and elaborate on the below pointers.
Balancing the task and relationship, Empowering and developing people, Setting people up for success, Skill development, Delegation – a win-win!, Process of delegation, Pitfalls of delegation, Managing performance and delivering feedback, The performance pipeline, Framework for giving constructive feedback, Situational Leadership, Adapt your leadership style based on the situation and maturity of the individual.

She also explained The AID model – Action – describe the behavior – Impact – state the impact – Decision – Arrive at an action plan, Appreciation and positive feedback.

Charu stressed on best practices for managing a team remotely, communicating regularly, building trust, Empathizing, being organized and being positive.

She explained the concept and topics on manager’s toolkit with the help of various activities, tasks and case studies. Overall, the entire webinar was highly interactive where delegates discussed their challenges with the speakers and got practical meaningful responses on the subject. The webinar received excellent feedback.