Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed several issues of popular interest in the 29th edition of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast on Sunday.
Here are the updates:
Spring is arriving, there is greenery all around, Palash flowers show the arrival of Holi. Poet Amir Khusro has described this season of Basant Panchami, Mahashivratri and Holi. It brings colour and positivity. I thank people for the overwhelming response for 'Mann ki Baat.
One Ms. Shobha Jalan has made a request through Narendra Modi app, asking me to speak about ISRO's launch of 104 satellites and about the interceptor missile. Technology has made tremendous intervention in all fields of human activity. February 15, 2017 is a red-letter day in the history of India. Our scientists have made us proud. With Mangalyaan also, ISRO has made a huge success.
India is the first nation to launch 104 satellites simultaneously. It was also the 38th successful launch of PSLV. Entire world has praised this cost effective and efficient launch.
Cartosat 2D provides mapping of India's resources and infrastructure, helps in urban development planning and helps farmers in giving data about water availability. Youth and women played a major role in this success.
We have achieved a major success in the defence sector as well. We have tested ballistic interceptor missile. Through interception technology, it destroys an 'enemy' missile 100 km above ground. Only 4 or 5 countries have this capability in the world. It can destroy an enemy missile in outer space too.
I have often stressed the importance of scientific temper among youth. Our country needs many scientists. Mahatma Gandhi had also lauded the role of scientists.
During the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, 2017, NITI Aayog and External Affairs Ministry organised a contest on social innovations to show commercial use of technology, mass production etc.
An app was showcased for fishermen to locate fish, wind conditions, tides, etc.
In 2005, Mumbai was flooded and the poor were affected. Two people worked on this and designed flood-resistant houses and helped against water-borne diseases.
Our society is technology driven. People are moving towards digital currency.
Digital payments will help fight corruption and proliferation of black money.
Digi dhan Yojana was welcomed by the people and many received rewards and winners included people of all age groups.
22-year-old Sabeer, a cab driver in Delhi, has taken to digital transactions. He has won 1 lakh in Lucky Grahak Yojana. Now he has become an ambassador of the scheme.
Pooja Nemade, a P.G. student from Maharashtra, says her family likes to use RuPay card and e-wallet.
Lucky Grahak Yojana will complete 100 days by April 14. We will celebrate the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb on that day. To commemorate this occasion, let us teach at least 125 people how to use the BHIM app. It has been successful in villages, small towns and cities as well.
Agriculture has a great role in economy. We have a record food grain production this year — 8% more than the last record. I thank farmers for this achievement. I appreciate them for putting focus on pulses that provide proteins. This is a great service and I congratulate all the farmers.
The drive for cleanliness is gaining momentum. Recently, a programme was organised in Warangal, led by Secretary, Union Ministry of drinking water and sanitation. Senior officials of 23 State governments attended this programme.
On 17-18 Feb, toilet pits of six houses were emptied and cleaned in Hyderabad. They even demonstrated how used pits of twin pit toilets may be reused. They are convenient to clean. The pit collects waste and decomposes the waste and is very safe to handle. This can be used as fertilisers.
I congratulate the Indian Blind cricket team for winning the T20 World Cup. I believe they are courageous, confident and determined. We can learn a lot from them.
Be it sports or space science, Indian women are taking lead and making the country proud. I congratulate Indian women who won silver in Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy. March 8 is International Women's day. ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ movement is progressing well. It is a campaign for social change.
A change is seen in mindsets. It is heartening to see that people celebrate the birth of a girl child. Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu has stopped child marriage. So far more than 175 marriages have been stopped. Sukanya Samridhi Yojana has opened thousands of bank accounts for girls.
Har Ghar Dastak, Apna Bachcha, Apna Vidyalaya campaigns are underway. When we celebrate women's day on March 8, we will celebrate it with the spirit that women are the strength of the society and entitled to equal rights. Thank you all!
