To mark Teachers’ Day, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, of the Board of Governance, IIM Mumbai, and Founder and Chairman, of Allcargo Group, inaugurated the commencement of the new facilities, underscoring the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. Mr. Shetty emphasized the institute’s dedication to providing students with an optimal environment for exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.

IIM Mumbai proudly acknowledges the distinguished presence of Dr. Satheesh Reddy, President of the Aeronautical Society of India, Former Secretary of DDRND, Chairman, of DRDO, and Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri, who played a significant role in the inauguration of IIM Mumbai’s INR 800 crore campus enhancement project. Dr. Reddy, known for his groundbreaking contributions to India’s defence sector, attended the Bhumi Pujan ceremony, where he laid the foundation stone for the new development phase of the campus. IIM Mumbai is honored to have Dr. Reddy’s support and is excited about the new opportunities this project will create for students and researchers alike. His contribution to the event exemplifies the institute’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and real-world technological advancements.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, Board of Governance, IIM Mumbai and Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “This occasion will go down in the history of IIM Mumbai as a key milestone which marks the journey of this premier institute towards becoming one of the best B-schools in the world. The initiative to upgrade the campus is a part of our goal to develop a 21st-century infrastructure capable of exceeding global standards. Thanks to the prestigious IIM tag and the strategic location of the campus in Mumbai, the institute has started attracting faculty and students across the world. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent faculty, and best-in-class pedagogy, IIM Mumbai will emerge as the best management institute in the world, producing the best in quality leadership and entrepreneurship.”

The forthcoming facilities will include the sprawling net zero campus of the future with world-class residential accommodation for faculty & students, startup ecosystem development, Management Development Programs, and a large auditorium. Additionally, the facility will include an Innovation Center focused on banking, finance, and fintech, an AI-based research hub, and a state-of-the-art library connecting students with global resources. The campus will host a prominent Management Training Center, offering certification courses and serving as a focal point for industry leaders.

Formerly known as NITIE, IIM Mumbai has a strong legacy in industrial and engineering education. Since its transition to an IIM, the institute’s climb to 6^th position this year in national rankings underscores the benefits of this change. Situated in India’s financial hub, IIM Mumbai is a significant development for the mega city.

Prof. Manoj K Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai, shared insights into the institute’s future direction, highlighting the introduction of new courses benefitting students and professionals. He also mentioned multiple partnerships with Indian and international communities, aimed at enriching the mission of knowledge sharing and global engagement.

Established in 1963 as NITIE, this institution has become a cornerstone of management education in India. A 65-acre campus surrounded by scenic landscapes with lakes on three sides, the institute hosts more than 1,200 students and is ranked among India’s top B-schools. The leadership of Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman of IIM Mumbai’s Board of Governors, and Prof. Manoj K Tiwari, Director, has been instrumental in advancing Logistics and Supply Chain Management and supporting the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Known for its industry-aligned educational programs, IIM Mumbai contributes to national policies, reflecting the vision of Naya Bharat.

“We are confident that this project will continue to receive strong support from leading companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. It is poised to set new benchmarks in educational infrastructure, fully aligning with IIM Mumbai’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and sustainable development. This effort underscores the respected role of Indian leadership in driving progress within the country and on the world stage.” Added Mr Shetty.

About – Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM):

Formerly known as NITIE, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), established by the Government of India in 1963 in the financial capital of the country, has been consistently ranking among the top B-schools in India. With around 1,200 students across various programs, IIM Mumbai is a leader in management education in the country and ranked 6^th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2024 among Management institutes across India. IIM Mumbai is committed to creating skilled professionals in diverse functional areas like Operations Management, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Project Management, HR, Information Technology, and Sustainability Management. For more information, please visit: https://iimmumbai.ac.in/

Now culminating its second season, ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ is a campaign dedicated to spotlighting the extraordinary humanitarian efforts of India’s lesser-known changemakers. Launched in 2022, this initiative continues its mission to showcase the remarkable stories of individuals who have positively impacted communities across the nation through their social, economic, and cultural endeavors.

The campaign has recognized 25 unsung heroes whose inspirational journeys have touched countless lives and served as beacons of positive change. From the depths of India’s hinterlands, these changemakers have made significant strides in uplifting vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. Their efforts range from creating green sanctuaries and reshaping animal welfare landscapes to empowering acid attack survivors, guiding disabled UPSC aspirants, providing education and dignity to the homeless and many more such amazing feats.

Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, “Through the ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ campaign, we have been witnessing the transformative power of individuals dedicated to uplifting communities across India. As a bank deeply committed to fostering positive change, we are delighted to partner with Network18 in showcasing these unsung heroes. Their remarkable stories inspire us all to strive for a better, more inclusive future.”

Reflecting on the success of the inaugural season, which featured the journeys of 20 changemakers, this year’s campaign expands its reach to highlight the stories of even more individuals who are driving positive change at the grass-root level.

Mr. Agarwal further says, “As we celebrate the culmination of the second season of ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’, we reaffirm AU Small Finance Bank’s enduring commitment to empower changemakers and support their noble endeavors. While the finale may mark the end of this season, we remain committed to continue our support, fostering a culture of social impact and transformation across communities nationwide.”

For years, Network18 and AU Small Finance Bank have been dedicated to advancing societal progress in their respective domains. AU Small Finance Bank proudly holds the title of India’s largest Small Finance Bank. Over a span of 28 years, the institution has empowered numerous changemakers and supported their initiatives through financial inclusion and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in semi-urban and rural areas of India. Likewise, Network18 has been at the forefront of spearheading purposeful campaigns aimed at promoting social change and magnifying positive impacts in critical areas such as healthcare, sanitation, education, and the welfare of women and children.

“In a nation where progress is a constant pursuit, numerous unsung heroes have emerged as catalysts for change. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to positive transformation, these individuals exemplify social responsibility through their actions, turning visions into realities. At Network18, we are dedicated to amplifying their voices and showcasing their extraordinary journeys to the world. The finale of the second season of our ‘Badlav Humse Hai’ initiative is a much-awaited acknowledgement and recognition of their work, and I’m sure these stories will resonate and inspire change across the country.” said Puneet Singhvi, CEO – Digital & President – Corporate Strategy, Network18.

The grand finale event will be livestreamed, allowing audiences across the nation to join in celebrating these champions of change. Viewers can tune in on March 7th starting from 5:30 PM IST to witness the inspiring stories of resilience, compassion, and hope.

As the curtains draw on this season’s remarkable journey, the legacy of ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ continues, inspiring us all to champion positive change and forge a more inclusive and compassionate society.

The Prime Minister tweeted;

“On his birth anniversary, I bow to Mahatma Phule and recall his towering contribution to social justice and empowering the downtrodden. His thoughts give hope and strength to millions.”

The Pre-bid Meeting was attended by a number of prominent construction houses such as L&T, Tata Projects Ltd., NCC Ltd., J.K. Infra Projects Ltd., ITD Cementation, Ahluwalia Contractors, Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd., Creative Group LLP, Assystem STUP, etc.

This station will be redeveloped using an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model. Another round of Pre-Bid Meeting for CSMT station is planned on 09.12.2022. The Bidding Process shall be a single stage two packet bidding process. The last date for submission of the bids will be 25th January 2023.

“The redevelopment of CSMT station is amongst the government’s flagship projects that will amplify the heritage element of the station and boost tourism prospects. One of the main objectives of this upgradation is to provide commuters with a world-class travel experience. With the Pre-Bid Meetings, we are one step closer to the redevelopment of this iconic station.” said Ved Parkash Dudeja, Vice Chairman, RLDA.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, undertaking civil and MEP works for the station buildings and associated infrastructure which primarily consists of Iconic façade, ultra-modern station buildings, Refurbishment of Heritage Buildings, Suburban Node, Long Distance Node, New Building at South Heritage Node, Connection through skywalk from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai (Earlier known as Crawford Market), etc.

The redeveloped CSMT station will have a spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities at one place along with spaces for retail, cafeterias, recreational facilities. Facilities like food court, waiting lounge, place for local products, etc. will be available. To make the station navigable, proper illumination, way finding/signages, acoustics, lifts/escalators/travellators shall be provided. Master plan has been prepared for smooth movement of traffic, with adequate parking facilities. There will be integration with other modes of transportation like metro, bus etc. Both sides of the city will be connected through the station, with the station building on both sides of Railway tracks.

The station will be developed as Green Building with solar energy, water conservation/recycling, solid waste management and improved tree cover. Special care will be taken to provide Divyangjan friendly facilities. The station will be developed on the concept of intelligent building. There will be segregation of arrival/departures, Clutter free platforms, improved surfaces, fully covered platforms. The station will be safe with installation of CCTV and access control.

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways responsible for railway land development. As part of its development strategy it has four key mandates: commercial leasing sites, colony redevelopment, station redevelopment, and multi-functional complexes.

During the current Financial Year, RLDA has leased out Sixteen sites which are situated at Bangalore & Raichur (Karnataka), Liluah & Salt Golah (Howrah), Nizamabad (Telangana), Waltax Road & Egmore (Chennai), Bhopal (MP), Ludhiana (Punjab), Abu Road (Rajasthan), Bhusawal & Solapur (Maharashtra), Bareilly, Varanasi and Gorakhpur in UP for a cumulative lease premium of Rs. 1642 Crore including Railway assets valuing approx. Rs. 226 Crore to be developed in Bangalore, Bhopal, Egmore (Chennai), Bareilly and Ludhiana Railway Colonies. RLDA has recently awarded the station redevelopment contracts for Somnath, Muzaffarpur, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Surat, Chandigarh railway stations, amongst others to be redeveloped on EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) model.

As an early mover in the ONDC network, the Bank has enabled a platform for buyers which will help
them discover sellers in the ONDC Network as it develops over time.

The Bank has also started onboarding small merchants, who are its current account customers, onto
a partner app registered with ONDC. The app is expected to help small merchants carry out
transactions over ONDC’s electronic network and step up their digital footprint.

B. Madhivanan, Chief Operating Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “As a technology-first bank and an
early adopter of digital initiatives, we are pleased to be part of a techno-social innovation that will
trigger a dramatic shift in the way buyers and sellers interact online. By leveraging ONDC, we can
enable merchants to mobilize the network effect and unlock value at scale. ONDC is a fully digitally driven model and aligns with the Bank’s digital and social-good ethos.”

Shireesh Joshi, Chief Business Officer, ONDC, said, “IDFC FIRST Bank joining the network is poised to
expand the network on both sides – buyers and sellers. This is a great development, and we look
forward to IDFC FIRST Bank offering more options on the network on both sides. Each participant
brings their unique insights and knowledge to the design they implement, and this diversity of
approach will add richness to user experience on ONDC.”

ONDC, a section 8 company, has been set up to democratize e-commerce and will transition ecommerce from a platform centric model to an open network model, similar to the Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) for payments. A revolutionary network, it is expected to bring inclusivity and
interoperability into supply chains, buyer universes, logistics and technology services. It will put equal
access of the marketplace in the hands of small business owners who can access buyers at
scale and provide best-in-class quality of experiences combining with other participants and
combining with their strengths.

IDFC FIRST Bank has leveraged technology extensively to empower small businesses and
entrepreneurs. The Bank has developed deep specialization in retail lending and capabilities to
leverage the country’s digital ecosystems. Its retail business is diversified over 25 lines of businesses
and across millions of customers. Customers and partners are supported through retail apps and
assisted-digital services.

About IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Bank was formed by the merger of erstwhile IDFC Bank, promoted by renowned
infrastructure financing institution IDFC Ltd. and leading technology NBFC, Capital First. IDFC FIRST
Bank has a balance sheet of Rs. 2,00,565 crore and has provided over 30 million loans in its combined
history and serves customers in over 60,000 villages, cities and towns across the length and breadth
of the country. The bank believes in making customer-first products and was the first universal bank
to offer monthly interest credit on savings accounts, lifetime free credit cards with dynamic and low
APR rates, and many other such interesting products.

The Bank’s vision is to build a world class bank in India, guided by ethics, powered by technology, and
to be a force for social good. Our mission is to touch the lives of millions of Indians in a positive way
by providing them high-quality banking services.

In a short time, the Bank has expanded to 651 branches, 235 asset service centres, 807 ATMs and 602
rural business correspondent centres across the country, a next-generation net and mobile banking
platform and 24/7 Customer Care services and is incrementally growing digitally. IDFC FIRST Bank is
committed to bring high-quality banking at affordable rates to India. The Bank also offers high quality
technology-enabled corporate banking solutions, contemporary cash management solutions, fleet
card and FASTag solutions and wealth management solutions

“The counsel for MMRCL submits that her clients have already filed an affidavit that no trees have been or would be cut in any manner. The said undertaking by the MMRCL director has already been taken on record and MMRCL shall be strictly bound by the same,” the bench, also comprising Justices S R Bhat and Sudhanshu Dhulia, said.

The Supreme Court was hearing the petition challenging cutting of trees in Mumbai’s Aarey colony for the metro car shed. The top court also granted last opportunity to Maharashtra government to allocate documents.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) earlier this month told the Supreme Court no trees have been cut in the Aarey forest region to make way for a metro shed and only “weeds and bushes” have been cleared.

“There is an approach road. Only weeds and bushes on the ground were cleared. There were branches that required trimming for vehicles to pass through. No trees were cut. They have shown photographs of some other areas,” said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the MMRCL, maintained before the bench led by Justice UU Lalit.

During the hearing of the matter on Wednesday, the counsel for petitioner said levelling and other work is still going on there even after filing an affidavit. To this, Rahul Chitnis, appearing for Maharashtra government, said that more time is needed to collate additional documents.

The Supreme Court in 2019 had taken suo motu cognisance of a letter petition addressed to the then Chief Justice of India by a law student seeking a stay on the felling of trees in the Aarey colony. The top court had restrained the authorities from cutting any more trees in the Aarey colony after the solicitor general had submitted on behalf of the state of Maharashtra that no further trees will be cut. The felling of trees in the colony has been opposed by green activists and residents.

The Bombay High Court in October 2019 refused to declare Aarey Colony a forest and declined to quash the Mumbai municipal corporation’s decision to allow the cutting of over 2,600 trees in the green zone to set up a metro car shed.

ठेकेदार को लगाया सिर्फ 4.07 करोड़ का जुर्माना

जिम्मेदार अधिकारियों पर कौन कारवाई करेगा ?

कोरोना समय में विवादित ऑक्सिजन प्लांट के टेंडर में हुई अनियमितता और अधिक मूल्य देने का आरोप लगाया गया था। बड़ा दावा कर मुंबई में बिठाया गया 267 करोड़ के मूल्य के 19 में से 17 ऑक्सिजन प्लांट का काम समय अवधि तक पूर्ण करने में ठेकेदार और उनके सरंक्षक अधिकारी फेल होने की जानकारी आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता अनिल गलगली को उपलब्ध हुए जवाब से सामने आई हैं वही दूसरीओर कुछ कार्रवाई करने के नाम पर ठेकेदारों को सिर्फ 4.07 करोड़ का नाममात्र जुर्माना लगाकर अभय देने का काम हुआ हैं।

आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता अनिल गलगली ने मुंबई मनपा से मुंबई में बिठाए गए ऑक्सिजन प्लांट की जानकारी मांगी थी। मनपा के यांत्रिकी व विद्युत विभाग के कार्यकारी अभियंता शाम भारती ने अनिल गलगली को 19 प्लांट की जानकारी दी हैं इसमें से 17 ऑक्सिजन प्लांट का निर्माण काम समय पर पूर्ण नहीं किया गया। इस 19 में से 12 काम मेसर्स हायवे कन्स्ट्रक्शन कंपनी को वहीं 7 काम यह मेसर्स जीएसएन असोसिएट को दिया गया हैं।

पहिले चरण में 77.15 करोड़ का काम

मुंबई महानगरपालिका ने पहिले चरण में मेसर्स हायवे कन्स्ट्रक्शन कंपनी को 9 स्थानों पर 22,790 एलपीएम प्लांट का निर्माण करने के लिए 25 जून 2021 को कार्यादेश जारी किया गया जिसकी किंमत 77.15 करोड़ इतनी हैं। सभी काम की अवधि 30 दिन की थी। वीएन देसाई, बीडीबीए, कस्तुरबा, नायर, कूपर और केईएम में प्लांट 19 अगस्त 2021 को पूर्ण किया गया और 20 अगस्त 2021 को कुर्ला भाभा, 25 अगस्त 2021 को सायन वहीं 26 अगस्त 2021 को जीटीबी में काम पूर्ण किया गया। इसमें 3.06 करोड़ का जुर्माना लगाया गया। इस कारवाई को ठेकेदार ने चुनौती दी हैं।

दूसरा चरण 59.36 करोड़ का

पहिले चरण में पूरी तरह फेल होने के बाद असफल साबित हुए मेसर्स हायवे कन्स्ट्रक्शन कंपनी को ब्लैक लिस्ट करने के बजाय मनपा ने मेहरबान होकर दूसरे चरण में और 59.36 करोड़ का नया काम का कार्यादेश 27 सप्टेंबर 2021 को जारी किया गया। इसमें 19,760 एलपीएम प्लांट निर्माण का काम था। दहिसर और ऑक्टय नाके का काम समय पर पूरा किया गया लेकिन केजे सोमय्या स्थित काम 12 दिन की देरी से पूरा किया गया।

तीसरे चरण 130.86 करोड़ का

तीसरा चरण इसलिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं क्योंकि प्रोजेक्ट की किंमत यह 130.86 करोड़ इतनी हैं जिसमें 43,500 एलपीएम प्लांट का निर्माण करने का काम यह मेसर्स जीएसएन असोसिएटस को दिया गया। कार्यादेश 27 सितंबर 2021 को जारी किया गया लेकिन एक भी काम निश्चित अवधि में पूरा नहीं किया गया। 12 से 86 दिन की देरी से हुई लेकिन इसमें ठेकेदार को मनपा अधिकारियों ने बचाने का काम करते हुए सिर्फ 1.04 करोड़ का जुर्माना लगाया गया। इसमें बीकेसी फेज 1, बीकेसी फेज 2, नेस्को, दहिसर चेकनाका, भायखला और मुलुंड का रिचर्डसन अँड कृडस वहीं कांजूरमार्ग को लेकर 7 स्थान हैं।

काम की समय अवधि कैसे बढाई?

पहिले चरण में 30 दिन यह काम को पूरा करने की समय अवधि थी जिसे दुसरे और तीसरे चरण में बढ़ाकर 45 दिन किया गया। इस खेल में ठेकेदार को मदद करने के बावजूद 8 काम यह अवधि बढ़ाकर देने के बाद भी समय पर पूरे नहीं हो पाए। काम जो समय में पूरे नहीं हो पाए उसके लिए जो खुलासा किया गया वह समझ से परे हैं। इसमें बड़ी बारिश और बिजली आपूर्ति को आगे किया गया है। एक स्थान पर प्लांट निर्माण के लिए मौजूदा घरों का निष्कासन न होने का कारण दिया गया हैं।

अनिल गलगली का कहना हैं कि ऑक्सिजन प्लांट टेंडर तैयार करते वक्त बाजारमूल्य से अधिक किंमत उल्लेखित करने से मनपा को 100 करोड़ से अधिक का घाटा हुआ हैं। अनुभव न होते हुए भी जिन ठेकेदारों को काम दिया गया उनपर मामूली जुर्माना लगाकर मनपा अधिकारी अपनी गलतियों को छिपाने का काम कर रहे हैं। इसलिए बाद में ठेकेदार को मदद करने के लिए पहले जो समय अवधि 30 दिन की थी उसे बढ़ाकर 45 दिन किया गया इसके बाद भी काम समय पर पूरा नहीं हो पाया। इस काम में जूनियर से लेकर सीनियर अधिकारियों ने किस उद्देश्य से नजरअंदाजी की इसकी जांच होनी चाहिए। जुर्माना सिर्फ ठेकेदार को लगाया गया हैं जबकी सभी अधिकारियों की जिम्मेदारी निश्चित कर कारवाई करने की मांग अनिल गलगली ने मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव ठाकरे और मनपा आयुक्त को भेजे हुए पत्र में की हैं।

The capacity building workshop follows the launch of ‘NITI Aayog-UNDP Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management’, released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Shri Amitabh Kant, Shri. Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, Secretary Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Special Secretary Dr K. Rajeswara Rao, and Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India last month.

Special Secretary Dr K. Rajeswara Rao, NITI, and Ms Nadia Rasheed, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP inaugurated the workshop which was attended by 40 governmentofficials from Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Departments, and State Pollution Control Boardsin person and 100+ officials online.

“With the launch of Swachh Bharat 2.0, the Government of India is geared to make cities garbage free. Managing plastic waste better is critical to realise the goals of clean India. Through the workshop our aim is to provide practical solutions to the ULB’s to manage plastic waste more efficiently. The decentralized model for plastic waste management detailed in the handbook has been adapted globally and has shown potential of plastic recycling,” said Dr Rao.

“Maharashtra and Goa present before us numerous best examples to manage plastic waste and we are happy to launch our first workshop here. Learnings and solutions from this workshop will help in scaling up the workshops to other states in the coming months,” he added.

The Handbook has been jointly developed by UNDP India and NITI Aayog, in consultation with eminent experts and leading organizations in the domain of plastic waste. The discussion for the Handbook was initiated in February 2021. This was followed by over 20 virtual stakeholder consultations including Urban Local Bodies, Recyclers, Corporates, Civil Society Organizations, Academia. The format included expert interviews, focussed group discussions, and technical workshops covering 14 Indian cities and 4 South East Asian cities. The handbook presents best practices and examples from cities in India and Southeast Asia which face similar infrastructure and plastic waste challenges.

“UNDP’s Plastic Waste Management initiative promotes a sustainable model by collecting, separating, and recycling all types of plastic waste.It also ensures that SafaiSathis (waste pickers) are recognized and paid for their work. These workshops reflect our commitment to promote, scale up and replicate a sustainable model for waste management across cities to achieve the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. We are proud to partner and work together with the Government of India, NITI Aayog, and urban local bodies in this endeavour,” said Nadia Rasheed, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP India.

The Handbook details plastic waste management through decentralized dry waste management. There are various waste management models in the country, and some of the important ones, such as the UNDP Plastic Waste Management Programme, have been captured here to help ULBs understand the process in a step-by-step manner. The Handbook also details different financial models which can be adopted for the economic inclusion and livelihood enhancement of waste pickers.

“Mumbai ranks high on the list of regions vulnerable to impacts of climate change. Sustainable plastic waste management is critical to managing climate change and the environment.The Mumbai Climate Action Plan to develop climate-resilient mitigation and adaptation already prioritizes waste management. We are already working with partners like UNDP to set up Swachhta Kendra to manage plastic waste and promote innovations that will help sustainably dispose of waste, create value, and help in mitigating climate change. We are thankful to NITI Aayog for this workshop and for providing a platform to urban local bodies of Maharashtra to share best practices,” said Shri Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

The daily number of Covid-19 cases, however, has risen to 1,000, from the range of 500 earlier this month before Diwali.

“In the past 15 days, the testing has gone up, and we have also witnessed a little surge in the daily cases being reported. With the increase in testing, we will have to wait and watch at least till December 15 to understand better the post-

A milestone of more than 14.13 crore COVID-19 tests have been conducted in India so far. While the cumulative positivity rate stands at 6.69%, average daily positivity rate in the last week has been 3.72%. In the month of November, 2020, more than 10.55 lakh tests were conducted daily, while on an average 43,152 new cases were reported daily and 47,159 persons recovered daily. This has been stated by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in course of a media briefing on the actions taken, preparedness and updates on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre, New Delhi today. The Health Secretary further remarked, “In the month of November 2020, the number of recoveries has been more than the number of new cases. As a result, the number of active cases in the country is continuously declining.”

Shri Bhushan further briefed, India still figures among the countries having lowest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population. In the last 7 days, 211 cases and 2 deaths per million population have occurred in the country. Over the last three weeks, a continuous decline in cumulative positivity rate has been seen. A decline in daily new cases is also continuing. This apart, the website ‘Our World in Data’ stated that, in the period between September 1 – November 29, 2020, India has been ahead of countries like Russia, France and UK, in terms of the number of COVID-19 tests conducted.

The Health Secretary also informed that the top 5 states that have shown a decline in active cases during the last month (Nov 1-Dec 1, 2020) are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The top 5 states showing a rise in active cases in the same period are Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Stating these facts, the Health Secretary once again appealed to all to follow the COVID Appropriate Behaviours of wearing a mask, washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, following physical distancing norms and getting tested and isolated on developing any symptom.

In reply to a media query, the Health Secretary informed, most of the trials, related to vaccines and drugs, are multi-centric, multi-site. Each site has an Institutional Ethics Committee, which is independent of the Government or the manufacturer. In case of any adverse event, this Committee takes note and gives its report within a period of 30 days to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). This apart, the Data Safety Monitoring Board, consisting of domain knowledge experts, monitors the clinical trials on a day-to-day basis and keeps an eye on adverse events and reports it to the DCGI, who then analyses all reports to find out whether there is a one-to-one co-relation between the adverse event and vaccination. The DG of ICMR, Prof. (Dr.) Balram Bhargava added, it is the role of the DCGI, after collating all the data, to ascertain or refute whether there is a causal link to the event. This is done on a scientific basis. The initial causality assessment did not necessitate stoppage of these clinical trials, stated the DG, ICMR.

In reply to a query on whether those who have already had COVID-19 and developed anti-bodies need to be vaccinated, the Health Secretary stated, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration is also mandated to decide whether people who have already developed anti-bodies, will be vaccinated. Many countries and scientific communities are still discussing it and no final decision on this matter has been arrived at, he informed.