Male: In cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment of Maldives and Baseline Ventures, the Volleyball Association of Maldives will host the Maldivian Volleyball Season 2022 from June 1 to July 8 in Male, Maldives. After enthralling the fans with their performance in the Rupay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, 18 top players from India are in the Island nation to showcase their skills. "We are undertaking numerous initiatives to professionalize volleyball in India, including ensuring that the best Indian players will have the chance to play in international competitions &amp; leagues around the world. A total of 18 players participating in an international league is a first in the history of Indian volleyball," said Baseline Ventures MD, Tuhin Mishra. "Having the opportunity to work with Baseline Ventures on the international player participation in the league was a pleasure. We look forward to putting their experience to use after a successful Rupay Prime Volley League in India," said Capt. Mohammed Raneysh, President of Volleyball Association of Maldives. "As ambassadors of Indian volleyball, we feel extremely grateful for this opportunity," said former India captain Karthik who stressed the importance of foreign tours in developing Indian talent.The 18 Players: Karthik A, Ashwal Rai, Vinit Kumar, S V Guruprashanth, Ranjit Singh, Shon T John, Anu James, John Joseph E J, Hardeep Singh, Mohit Bheem Sahrawat, Akhin G S, Mohd Riyassudin, Vinayak Rokhade, Muthusamy Appavu, Manu Joseph, Varun G S, Amit Gulia and Amitsinh Tanwar.Volleyball is currently the second most popular sport in the Maldives and this season's format is expected to further increase its popularity. In the presence of the Faisal Naseem, Vice President of the Maldives, the official draft night was held at Male on the first of June at PSM Studios. The event was graced by the honourable sports minister of the Maldives, Ahmed Mahloof and the respected high commissioner of India to Maldives, Munu Mahawar. The six best clubs of Maldives will be part of the league, creating a superb show for the season. They will each sign three international players from India. Baseline Ventures is proud to have facilitated the international player participation for the Maldives Volleyball Season.&nbsp;—ANI

In cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment of Maldives and Baseline Ventures, the Volleyball Association of Maldives will host the Maldivian Volleyball Season 2022 from June 1 to July 8 in Male, Maldives.

Indian Volleyball players set to play International league in Maldives

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Maldives on the occasion of the country's Independence Day today, as he reaffirmed the Neighborhood First policy and special partnership between India and the Maldives.Taking to Twitter, he extended his greetings to Maldivian FM, Abdulla Shahid and said: "Warm greetings to FM @abdulla_shahid and the Government and people of the Maldives on their Independence Day." "We re-affirm our Neighborhood First policy and our special partnership," Jaishankar said.Notably, India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.Despite its small size, the Maldives is currently being wooed by a number of developed and developing countries due to the Strategic Importance of the Geographic Location of the Maldives with respect to key International Shipping Lanes (ISLs).The Indian Ocean is a key highway for global trade and energy flows. The Maldives is geographically positioned like a 'toll gate' between the western Indian Ocean chokepoints of the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz on the one hand, and the eastern Indian Ocean chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca on the other. It is extremely important for India's strength in the blue economy through sustainable management and utilisation of marine resources.In 2016, an Action Plan between India and the Maldives was signed for "defence cooperation" to enhance the "shared strategic and security interests of the two countries in the Indian Ocean region".While the recent 'India-First Policy' of the Maldives and India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' are intuitively complementary, the challenge lies in implementing these policies with cultural, geo-economics, and geostrategic sensitivity. Meanwhile, in another tweet, the EAM also extended his greetings to Liberia's Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and the Government and people of Liberia on their National Day which is also commemorated on July 26. —ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Maldives on the occasion of the country's Independence Day today, as he reaffirmed the Neighborhood First policy and special partnership between India and the Maldives.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Greets People Of Maldives On Their Independence Day

Bhubaneswar:&nbsp;A ten-man India U20 booked their slot in the final of the SAFF U20 Championship after defeating Maldives in their last league match played at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.India, who finished on 9 points will take on Bangladesh U20 in the final which is slated on August 5. In a previous match, Bangladesh U20 played a 1-1 draw with Nepal U20.Substitute Gurkirat Singh made the difference between the two teams, banging it into the net in the 89th minute. Parthib Gogoi's grounder found a deflection, and Gurkirat's rasper bulged the net from inside the box. For all their domination and penetration which saw chances fall their way in both halves, the Indian colts who had scored 8 in their last encounter against Nepal U20, stayed guilty of not being able to capitalise on the chances they created. They even hit the crosspiece in the 67th minute.The Indian colts, however, suffered a jolt when forward Parthib Gogoi, the highest goal scorer in the tournament so far was given marching orders in the 90th minute.India's first real chance came in the 15th minute. Maheson got past one, ran into the vacant area and played it between the defenders for Himanshu Jangra to create panic in the rival defence. First, Himanshu's effort was blocked, and off the resultant clearance Parthib Gogoi's shot was blocked too. And even as it again fell to Himanshu, he couldn't slot it into the net from the melee.In the 26th minute, Himanshu laid it off for Parthib who sped down the right, entered the box, and off the resultant clearance it fell to Himanshu whose stabbing shot was palmed away by the rival goalkeeper Yoosuf Abdullah.Till then with Maldives being content to defend in numbers, Head Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh, in an effort to increase numbers inside the rival box, went for a double substitution in the 31st minute itself - striker Gurkirat Singh coming in for an injured Raj Basfore, and Vinay Harji replaced Vibin Mohanan.Gurkirat was in the thick of things some six minutes later, but Yoosuf stooped down low to collect the free-kick.In the 42nd minute, Himanshu entered the box, dodged past his marker but his left-footer was saved by Yousuf for a corner. The very next minute Himanshu muffed the easiest chance of the first-half. All in the clear, a loose ball fell to him all. But he went for power and missed the target.An unchallenged Maheson Singh had another opportunity in added time when he latched on an Amandeep cross but failed to place it into the net as both teams headed to the interval locked goalless.Changing over, India immediately made an inroad but Himanshu's shot sailed over. The Indians by then were attacking in numbers, but the wait for the goal continued.Shubho Paul came in as a substitute in the 67th minute replacing Sibajit Leimapokpam.In the 82nd minute, India earned another corner after Parthib's cross fell to Brijesh Giri outside the box. But even as he attempted to step away from his marker, the rival defence recovered in time to deny him.In the 86th minute, Bikash Yumnam, all in the clear and in the 6-yard box, leapt high to connect Gurkirat's cross but was unable to slot home. Two back-to-back corners fell Indian's way in the 87th minute, but even as Himanshu leapt higher than all in his effort to put it in, he missed by a whisker.Gurkirat scored the winner in the 89th minute, but India had chances even after that with Amandeep, perhaps, missing the easiest chance of the second-half. Despite having Yoosuf at all his mercy, he failed to tap it in.Earlier, Maldives' sole effort at the Indian goal had come in the very first minute but Indian goalkeeper Som Kumar dived to his right -- fully stretched to keep off a Zain Zafar free-kick.India: Som Kumar; Raj Basfore (Gurkirat Singh - 31st), Halen Nongtdu, Bikash Yumnam, Amandeep; Sibajit Leimapokpam (Shubho Paul - 67th) Maheson Singh, Vibin Mohanan (Vinay Harji - 31st), Brijesh Giri, Parthib Gogoi, Himanshu Jangra (captain).&nbsp;—IANS

A ten-man India U20 booked their slot in the final of the SAFF U20 Championship after defeating Maldives in their last league match played at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.

India beat Maldives, book spot in SAFF U20 C'ship final with Bangladesh

Male (The Hawk): A fire that started in a garage in Male, the capital of the Maldives, on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, nine of whom were Indian.
A Bangladeshi national was also killed in the attack, according to a security official quoted by news agency AFP.
Officials claim that 10 bodies were found on the top level of a structure that had been completely destroyed by the fire.
A fire service representative announced, "We have recovered 10 bodies," adding that it took them almost four hours to put the fire out.
According to the Maldives' National Disaster Management Authority, Maafannu Stadium has been designated as an evacuation site for persons who have been displaced by the fire.
It tweeted, "Arrangements are being made to provide humanitarian help and support."
In the Maldives, the Indian High Commission expressed its sorrow over the unfortunate fire tragedy and stated that it was in close contact with the local authorities. Additionally, it has made available helplines for support.
"We are really pained by the horrific fire tragedy in Male that claimed lives, reportedly involving Indian citizens. We communicate often with Maldivian authorities "India's High Commission stated in a tweet.
(Inputs from Agencies)

A fire that started in a garage in Male, the capital of the Maldives, on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, nine of whom were Indian.

9 Indians were among the 10 people killed in the Maldives fire

Male (Maldives): Chinese Embassy in Male has now responded to Maldives' denial to participate in the "China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation" which was held on November 21 and called the action "regrettable" as it would have helped the nation to address its concerns on climate change and promote the blue economy.
"It's believed that the Forum would help the Maldives address its concerns on climate change and promote the development of its blue economy through multilateral cooperation, the Chinese side extended invitations to the government officials and senior scholars from Maldives to participate in the Forum. Regrettably, the Maldivian Government officials did not take the opportunity to participate in it," the Chinese Embassy in Maldives said in an official release.
The China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, which was held last week in Kunming, Yunnan Province under the theme "Shared Development: Theory and Practice from the Perspective of the Blue Economy," was jointly organized by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the People's Government of Yunnan Province of China in order to advance the blue economy amid China's rising quest to become a global superpower.
According to the official release of the Chinese Embassy in Male, the forum has been brought into existence to implement the Global Development Initiative proposed by CCP chairman Xi Jinping with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Notably, a joint press statement was released by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) alleging the participation of the Maldives in the "China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation", held on 21 November 2022.
Responding to China's false claims, the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Ministry would like to clarify that the Government of Maldives did not participate in the Forum mentioned above, and communicated its decision not to participate to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Maldives on November 15, 2022."
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives are among the biggest debtors of China. Pakistan owes USD 77.3 billion of external debt to China, according to Forbes.
Maldives' debt to 31 per cent of its Gross National Income (GNI). Maldives' total debt amounts to MVR 86 billion by the end of 2020, MVR 44 billion of which is external debt, reported The Island Online.
China is reaching most countries under the One Belt and Road scheme. The world's low-income countries owe 37 per cent of their debt to China in 2022, compared to just 24 per cent in bilateral debts to the rest of the world.
The Chinese global project to finance the construction of the port, rail and land infrastructure across the globe, had been a significant source of debt to China for participating countries, reported The Island Online.
Maldives newspaper reported that according to statistics released by the Finance Ministry, Maldives' debt rose to MVR 99 billion by the end of Q1 2022. It made up 113 per cent of the GDP. —ANI

Chinese Embassy in Male has now responded to Maldives' denial to participate in the "China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation" which was held on November 21 and called the action "regrettable" as it would have helped the nation to address its concerns on climate change and promote the blue economy.

Chinese Embassy In Male Calls Maldives' Non-Participation In Indian Ocean Forum Meet 'Regrettable'

New Delhi: A two-week capacity building programme for 66 civil servants of Maldives and Bangladesh was unveiled at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) at Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, a Personnel Ministry statement said on Tuesday.
The programme has been conceptualised in consonance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, and India is helping neighbouring countries to build capacities of their civil servants to meet the emerging challenges in governance and assured public service delivery to improve the quality of life of people, it said. As many as 27 civil servants from Maldives and 39 from Bangladesh are taking part in these two programmes, the statement said. This capacity building programme will help the civil servants in putting up dedicated efforts to fill in the gaps between policies and implementation, it said.
“It is scientifically tailored to equip them to deliver robust and seamless services to the people,” the statement said.
The capacity building programme is in the line with Prime Minister Modi’s good governance mantra that is ‘pro-people’ by putting ‘citizen first’ at the forefront of the development strategy, it said.
The programme aims to promote the exchange of information, knowledge, and sharing of new ideas and best practices to enhance sensitivity, responsiveness and bring efficiency in civil servants of participating countries, the statement said.
The joint inaugural session was chaired by Bharat Lal, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance.
Addressing the officers, he emphasised on providing effective public service delivery and elaborated on the role of civil servants to create an enabling environment where every citizen is treated equally and has access to quality public services.
He urged them to adopt good governance practices to ensure improved quality of life.
The Director General also gave examples of good governance models of India such as the Ujjwala Yojana which has benefited more than 100 million families, who have access to clean cooking gas connections, thus saving them from the drudgery of collecting firewood and inhaling smoke during cooking, the statement said.
During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Maldives in 2019, the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Civil Service Commission, Maldives, for capacity building of 1,000 Maldives civil servants by 2024.
Similarly, an agreement was signed with the government of Bangladesh for the capacity building of 1,800 civil servants by 2024.
The NCGG was set up in 2014 by the Centre as an apex institution with a mandate to work on good governance, policy reforms, training and capacity building of civil servants of the country as well as of other developing countries. It also works as a think tank.
It has taken up capacity building of civil servants of several developing countries in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
So far, the NCGG has imparted training to civil servants of 15 countries — Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar and Cambodia.
The training was found to be highly useful by the participating officers of different countries, the statement said. These programmes are much sought after and the NCGG is expanding its capacity to accommodate a higher number of civil servants of more countries as demand is on the rise, it added. The capacity building programme entails detailed knowledge sharing in the field of public administration, total quality management, gender and development, decentralisation in India, public policy and implementation, leadership and communication, healthcare, water and sanitation, e-governance and digital India among other important areas, the statement said. —PTI&nbsp;

A two-week capacity building programme for 66 civil servants of Maldives and Bangladesh was unveiled at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) at Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, a Personnel Ministry statement said on Tuesday.

66 Civil Servants From Maldives, Bangladesh Undergoing Capacity Building Training At Mussoorie: Centre

NCGG to impart training to 1,800 civil servants of Bangladesh and 1,000 civil servants of Maldives on a mission mode
NCGG's programme in consonance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies
Shri Bharat Lal, DG exhorted officers to work with speed &amp; scale by using technology to ensure transparency &amp; accountability
DG, NCGG sensitizes officers to create a robust governance framework to prevent leakages and address public grievances
Mussoorie / New Delhi (The Hawk): With the scaled-up activities of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), three capacity-building programmes (CBPs) for the civil servants of Bangladesh (59th batch with 45 participants) and Maldives (22nd &amp; 23rd batch with 50 participants) commenced at the Mussoorie campus. This is followed by the successful completion of the 58th CBP for the civil servants of Bangladesh on 6th May, 2023. NCGG's capacity-building initiatives for the civil servants both domestic and of other developing countries, aim to promote citizen-centric public policies, good governance, and enhanced service delivery to improve the quality of life of citizens by reaching out to the last person. NCGG is dedicated to promoting collaboration and learning among civil servants of India and other developing countries, in consonance with the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy espoused by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The aim is to equip these civil servants with the necessary skills to tackle complex and challenging issues. The intensive 2-week programme will also help them to update their knowledge and skills with emerging digital tools and best practices of good governance. In his inaugural address, Shri Bharat Lal, Director General, NCGG highlighted the role of civil servants as enablers to help people to realize their full potential. He stressed the importance of working with speed and on a scale, and providing world-class basic services to citizens in a timely manner. While providing basic services, he also urged the civil servants to be strategic and innovative to anticipate, listen to and adapt to citizens' needs and preferences. Highlighting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's philosophy of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' the DG spoke on building partnerships and working together to enhance ease of living. He threw light on how it was under this philosophy that India aided not only neighbouring countries but a very large number of countries of the whole world, with medical supplies and vaccines to fight the covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, the citizens of India were also able to avail of free vaccination in minutes and over 2 billion doses were administered in 7 - 8 months. This is only due to the technological prowess India has attained. India has also been leveraging technology to help its citizens. The DG cited examples of online railway ticketing systems, online payment of pensions and scholarships, and passport services, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which have been the game changers in saving time, bringing in efficiency and eliminating corruption. Expectations of citizens from their governments are on the increase in every democratic nation and thus, developing a system to capture their expectations and putting in place an effective public grievance redressal system, is of paramount importance, he stated. He urged the officers to address the grievances of the people proactively and in a time-bound manner. We have to ensure that leakages have become a thing of the past and mentioned how scholarships, subsidies, wages, etc. are paid in a few minutes without any leakage. He also spoke about the subsidies transferred into the bank accounts of more than 12 crore Indian farmers at the click of a button. Speaking of the seamless governance system, he also cited the planning and implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, announced by the Prime Minister in 2019 to make provision of clean tap water to every rural household and all schools, anganwadi centres, residential schools, etc. within 5 years. At the time of this announcement, only 32 million out of 194 million households had tap water connections. However, working with speed and scale and use of technology as well as massive mobilization, now 120 million rural households have clean tap water supply in their homes. Similarly, with the use of technology, cooking gas under Ujjwala was provided to 96 million households and toilets to over 115 million households under the Swachh Bharat Mission, effectively transforming the quality of life of people forever. He urged the civil servants of both countries to leverage technology to serve the people efficiently. He advised the participants to make the best of the training programme through interactions among themselves and with eminent speakers and domain experts. He also suggested the participants to discuss various issues and work on ideas for implementation in their country based on their learnings at NCGG. The NCGG was set up in 2014 by the Government of India as an apex-level institution under the auspices of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &amp; Pensions. NCGG entered into an MoU with the Maldives Civil Services Commission for capacity building of 1,000 civil servants of Maldives by 2024 and with the Government of Bangladesh for 1,800 civil servants by 2025. So far, 685 officers of Maldives have been imparted training at NCGG. In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), NCGG has taken up the responsibility to build the capacities of civil servants of various developing countries. So far, it has imparted training to over 3,500 civil servants from 15 countries viz. Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Cambodia. These trainings were found to be highly useful by the participating officers of different countries. Also, NCGG has been involved in the capacity building of civil servants from various states in the country. These programmes are much sought after and as desired by the MEA, NCGG is expanding its capacity to accommodate a higher number of civil servants from more countries as demand is on the rise. In 2021-22, NCGG conducted 8 programme and 236 civil servants participated. This was trebled in 2022-23 and NCGG organised 23 programmes and 736 civil servants attended. For the year 2023 -24, NCGG has planned a 3-fold increase in this programme and 55 such programmes will be held to accommodate 2,130 civil servants. In this programme, the NCGG is sharing various initiatives taken in the country such as changing paradigm in governance, rejuvenation of rivers with special reference to Ganga, leveraging digital technology: public-private partnership in infrastructure development, a case study of the Statue of Unity: a technical, historical, sociological &amp; tourism project, the constitutional foundation of policy making and decentralization in India, public contracts and policies, public policy &amp; implementation, election management, Aadhar: a tool of good governance, digital governance: case studies of passport seva &amp; MADAD, e-governance and digital India UMANG, disaster management with special reference to the coastal region, ethics in administration, project planning, execution and monitoring - Jal Jeevan Mission, Swamitva scheme: property validation for rural India, vigilance administration, anti-corruption strategies among others. The participants will also be taken for exposure visits to Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, Parliament, as well as to fields. The entire CBP will be overseen by course coordinators including Dr. Ashutosh Singh, Dr. B. S. Bisht, and Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, along with other members of the training team.

With the scaled-up activities of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

NCGG Started 03 Capacity Building Programmes For The Civil Servants Of Maldives & Bangladesh At The Mussoorie Campus

New Delhi (The Hawk): The National Centre for Good Governance concluded the 2-week capacity building programme for three batches of civil servants of Maldives and Bangladesh on 19th May, 2022 in New Delhi.    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) is deeply committed to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among civil servants from India and other developing countries, especially neighbouring countries. Aligned with the philosophy of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’ and ‘neighbourhood first’ policy advocated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the capacity-building programmes of NCGG aim to promote citizen-centric policies, good governance, enhanced service delivery, and ultimately improve the quality of life for citizens, ensuring inclusivity.  Dr. V. K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, New Delhi, delivered an inspiring valedictory address as the chief guest of the Valedictory Session. He highlighted the shared history, culture, and values among Bangladesh, Maldives and India, emphasizing their inter-connectedness due to shared borders and shores. Dr. V. K. Paul emphasized PM shri Narendra Modi's vision of 2047, which revolves around building a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant India. By embracing the principles and objectives of PM Modi's vision for 2047, he urged civil servants to chart paths as per the needs of their respective countries towards inclusive development, high economic growth, technological advancement, managing urbanization, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation. The vision@2047 provides a roadmap for achieving long-term progress and can inspire nations to strive for a brighter future for their citizens, he said. He stated that by actively working towards these goals, civil servants can also contribute to the larger global vision and help create a better future for all.  A group of people sitting in a auditoriumDescription automatically generated with low confidence  He shared the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which, under the G20 framework, has evolved into the concept of ‘one earth, one family, one future’. Inclusive development requires addressing common global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education and healthcare. By adopting the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, countries can unite their efforts, resources, and expertise to find innovative and sustainable solutions to these challenges, he said. This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of best practices, knowledge exchange, and collective problem-solving, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive development outcomes. He also shared a powerful quote from Mahatma Gandhi, which serves as the ultimate mantra for civil servants – ‘I will give talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to take control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions.’  Dr. Paul's valedictory address left a profound impact, urging civil servants to work with compassion and dedication, keeping the well-being of the most vulnerable in mind as they strive to create a better future for all.  In his keynote address, Director General, NCGG, Shri Bharat Lal, highlighted the role of civil servants in improving the quality of life of people and enabling them to pursue their goals to realize their full potential. He stressed that civil servants should act as enablers, utilizing their skills and capabilities to facilitate positive change and enhancing ease of living. He emphasized the significance of striving for excellence, both internally within their organizations and externally while serving the public. By working with precision, chasing perfection and focusing on development at both individual and societal levels, civil servants can contribute to holistic development, he said.  A person standing at a podium with a microphoneDescription automatically generated with medium confidence  Furthermore, the implementation of citizen-centric policies, such as providing clean tap water in a region susceptible to drought, has played a significant role in improving the lives of people, he said. Drawing upon the example of Gujarat, which had a GSDP growth rate of only 1.09% in 1999-2000 and minus (-) 4.89% in 2000-2001, but achieved double-digit growth in the following two decades. It could be achieved due to the inspiring leadership provided by then Chief Minister, Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi, progressive policies and the relentless efforts of civil servants, he said. The unwavering commitment to serving the people and making it a purpose in life can be instrumental to transformation in society. And, great societies can be made by following such paths.   As we are moving to make this century, the ‘Asian century’, we have to work to ensure all-round progress, and inclusive development, to improve quality of life, bring prosperity to all, and eliminate poverty and deprivation. The era presents unique opportunities to lead in various domains, shape developmental and climate agendas, foster regional cooperation, and contribute to the overall progress and development of humanity. He exhorted that it is our collective responsibility to strive towards realizing similar progress and development in our respective nations and shape the future trajectory of global affairs.    In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), NCGG has taken up the responsibility to build the capacities of civil servants of developing countries. So far, 685 officers of the Maldives civil service &amp; 2100 officers from Bangladesh civil service have been trained. It has also imparted training to civil servants of 15 countries viz. Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Cambodia. These trainings were found to be highly useful by the participating officers of different countries. Also, NCGG has been involved in the capacity building of civil servants from various states in the country. These programmes are much sought after and with the support of the MEA, NCGG is expanding its capacity to accommodate a higher number of civil servants from more countries as demand is on the rise. NCGG has affected a 7-fold increase i.e. from imparting training to 236 officers in 2021-22 to more than 2,200 in 2023-24 in these highly sought-after programmes.  In this programme, the NCGG shared various initiatives taken in the country such as changing paradigm of governance, rejuvenation of rivers with special reference to Ganga, leveraging digital technology: public-private partnership in infrastructure development, land administration in India, the constitutional foundation of policy making and decentralization in India, public contracts and policies, public policy &amp; implementation, election management, Aadhar: a tool of good governance, digital governance: case studies of passport seva &amp; MADAD, e-governance and digital India UMANG, disaster management with special reference to the coastal region, ethics in administration, project planning, execution and monitoring – Jal Jeevan Mission, Swamitva scheme: property validation for rural India, vigilance administration, anti-corruption strategies among others.    During the programme, the participants were also taken on exposure visits to the Parliament of India, Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya, and a few cities to see the administration. The courses were conducted by Dr. A. P. Singh, Course Coordinator (Bangladesh) and Dr. B. S. Bisht, Course Coordinator (Maldives) along with Co-Course Coordinator Dr. Sanjeev Sharma. The entire CBP team of NCGG ensured the smooth execution of the programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The National Centre for Good Governance concluded the 2-week capacity building programme 

NCGG completed the 2-week capacity building programme for 95 civil servants of Maldives & Bangladesh

New Delhi / Dehradun (The Hawk): The 12th edition of joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army &amp; the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24 June 2023. Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives. A platoon strength contingent from Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force will be participating in 14 days long exercise. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and carry out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The focus is to share best practices, enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level. The 11th edition of the exercise was held in Maldives in December 2021. The defence cooperation between the two countries extends from joint exercises to assisting Maldives with defence training and equipment requirements. Both the nations have very close and friendly relations in economic, cultural and military cooperation. ‘Ex Ekuverin’ will assist in further bolstering of these ties between the two nations.&nbsp;

The 12th edition of joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army & the Maldives

Indo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise 'Ekuverin' Commenced At Chaubatia, Uttarakhand

Male: On Monday, India and the Maldives reaffirmed counter-terrorism cooperation as a crucial part of sustaining security in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region, and they issued a strong condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.
On Monday, the Maldives Immigration Department and the Indian Bureau of Immigration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on immigration concerns.
According to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism, and De-Radicalization was held in a cooperative and positive environment.—Inputs from Agencies

On Monday, India and the Maldives reaffirmed counter-terrorism cooperation as a crucial part of sustaining security in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region, and they issued a strong condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.

India and Maldives strongly condemn terrorism

Male [Maldives]: Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Mohamed Muizzu, won the Maldivian presidential elections on Saturday, Al Jazeera reported citing local media. This was the second round of polling after no candidate emerged clear winner in the first round. Muizzu had emerged as the frontrunner in the first round with around 46 per cent votes, followed by Ibrahim Solih’s 39 per cent.
Al Jazeera reported citing several local media platforms that Muizzu has won with more than 53 per cent of the vote, after the tallying of results of all 586 ballot boxes. After the thumping win, the Maldives president-elect delivered a brief statement at his party’s headquarters, thanking all those who voted for him and calling on the government to release former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving an 11-year jail sentence on a corruption conviction. “Today is a very happy day…I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Maldivian people. This outcome today is a huge encouragement for us in our pursuit to build a better future for our country, and to ensure the sovereignty of our nation,” Al Jazeera quoted him as saying. “Yameen, the leader of the PPM, must be released”, Muizzu said. “The president has the power to transfer [Yameen] home imprisonment. And doing so, I believe, is the best action that can be taken in our nation’s interests,” he added. Notably, Muizzu and his is considered ‘pro-China’ because of the huge Chinese loans by the country, under the previous PPM government. After the results, Maldives President Ibrahim Solih conceded defeat in Saturday’s run-off vote and congratulated Muizzu “Congratulations to the winner of the presidential election @MMuizzu. Thank you for the beautiful democratic example shown by the people in the elections. Thank you to the MDP and AP members who worked together and to all the people who voted for me,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Maldives Foreign Minister and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Abdulla Shahid also congratulated Muizzu and also thanked President Ibrahim Solih for his tenure. “Congratulations to President-elect Dr @MMuizzu for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President @ibusolih, for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap much prosperity for our country and people,” he posted on X. Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed also congratulated Muizzu on his apparent second round victory. “Congratulations, President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu”, he posted on X. Muizzu is currently serving as the mayor of the capital, Male. He holds a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. He was the Minister of Housing in former President Abdulla Yameen’s cabinet, according to Al Jazeera. Notably, Solih’s defeat to Muizzu marks the first time Maldivians have voted out a liberal democratic government in favour of an authoritarian challenger since the country held its first multi-party elections in 2008, Al Jazeera reported. The outcome also marks a stark reversal of fortune for Solih, who won the last election in 2018 by a landslide, amid widespread anger over human rights abuses and corruption under his predecessor.
—ANI

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Mohamed Muizzu, won the Maldivian presidential elections on Saturday

Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential polls, calls for Abdulla Yameen’s release

Maldives: As some Maldives lawmakers and officials put out anti-India posts on X, including one minister using derogatory remarks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government of the island nation has issued a statement saying such remarks are made in personal capacity and do not represent the views of the government.
 The statement also said that the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks. The controversy erupted following a tweet by a Maldivian minister, accusing India of targeting the Maldives and asserting the nation's superiority in beach tourism.
 With regards to the recent remarks by the Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, the Indian High Commissioner has also taken up the matter in Male.
—Input from Agencies

Amidst anti-India remarks by Maldives officials, government vows action. Diplomatic discussions unfold with Indian High Commissioner amidst tensions.

Maldives Officials' Anti-India Posts Spark Diplomatic Tension

Maldives: In response to a major controversy surrounding derogatory comments directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, the Maldives government has suspended three ministers.&nbsp;
Malsha Sharif, Maryam Shiuna, and Mahzoom Majid faced suspension following their insulting remarks in reaction to PM Modi's social media post endorsing Lakshadweep as a tourist destination.

Controversial remarks lead to suspension of Maldives ministers. Diplomatic tension brews as insults against PM Modi spark social media disputes.

Maldives Government Suspends Three Ministers for Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi, India

Mumbai: Indian stars Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Shraddha Kapoor, among others, advocate exploring Indian coastal destinations, countering disparaging comments made by Maldivian leaders post PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit.  In social media posts, Kumar, cricketer Hardik Pandya, and Venkatesh Prasad highlight Indian tourism support, condemning Maldives' remarks. The Maldivian government disassociates itself from derogatory comments against foreign leaders.  Salman Khan praises Modi's enjoyment of Lakshadweep's pristine beaches, emphasizing the beauty within India. Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor echo the sentiment, urging exploration of the islands.
 <a href="https://twitter.com/ShraddhaKapoor/status/1743881298522083626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1743881298522083626%7Ctwgr%5Ee8d1e13c94a48055abc92270d92870af8a240841%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fentertainment%2Fafter-pm-modi-visit-celebs-pitch-lakshadweep-as-must-travel-destination-slam-maldivian-leaders-remarks-2838885" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ShraddhaKapoor/status/1743881298522083626?</a>
 Akshay Kumar denounces 'hateful' Maldivian statements, advocating support for Indian tourism. Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad emphasizes India's unexplored coastal towns as potential tourist hubs.  Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, John Abraham, and Kangana Ranaut promote Lakshadweep's untouched beauty and India's vast coastal splendor.  PM Modi's Lakshadweep trip, marked by snorkeling and beach walks, underscores its allure as a destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
—Input from Agencies

Indian celebrities support Lakshadweep tourism post-PM Modi's visit, countering Maldivian remarks, elevating Indian coastal destinations.

Celebs Endorse Lakshadweep Post PM Modi's Visit, Slam Maldivian Remarks

New Delhi: Ibrahim Shaheeb, the Maldives Envoy to India, was observed at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi's South Block on Monday morning. This visit coincides with escalating tensions following derogatory social media comments made by several Maldivian ministers regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Lakshadweep.  High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb was spotted entering and leaving the MEA office building within a short span of time. The controversy sparked after various Maldivian officials, including a deputy minister, publicly made disrespectful comments referencing PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.  During his January 2 visit, PM Modi shared his experiences, including snorkeling adventures and picturesque scenes of Lakshadweep's landscapes on social media. However, these posts were met with deleted posts from Maldives' Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Shiuna, mocking and disrespecting PM Modi.  In response, the Maldivian government swiftly distanced itself from these remarks. Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer labeled such comments against foreign leaders as "unacceptable" and emphasized that they don't align with the official stance of the Maldivian government. Zameer stressed the country's commitment to nurturing positive relationships, especially with neighboring nations.  Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the offensive language directed at India and reaffirmed the historical bond between India and the Maldives, urging against any negative impact on this enduring friendship.  Similarly, former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid criticized the disparaging remarks made on social media by officials from the current Maldivian government and urged the government to identify and reprimand those responsible.  Additionally, sections of India's film industry expressed solidarity with PM Modi, denouncing the disrespectful comments by Maldivian leaders and endorsing PM Modi's vision to boost beach tourism in Lakshadweep.
—Input from Agencies

Explore the latest in India-Maldives diplomatic tensions. Maldivian envoy's visit to MEA amid controversy over ministers' remarks on PM Modi's Lakshadweep trip.

Maldivian Envoy Visits MEA Office in Delhi Amid Diplomatic Tension

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Prashant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, announced a significant shift: the company's refusal to accept bookings for Maldives amidst recent controversies surrounding a Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. Instead, the platform is redirecting its focus to promote Lakshadweep and Ayodhya as promising tourist destinations.  Pitti expressed, "Although 3 lakh tourists annually visit Maldives from our country, they will now be unable to access this feature on EaseMyTrip. We've launched five new packages highlighting Lakshadweep, urging airlines to provide direct services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore." He added, "Besides Lakshadweep, we're advocating for Ayodhya's tourism potential, aiming for it to become an international attraction, much like Lakshadweep. This could boost foreign travel to India during spring. We invite other airlines and travel sites to join our cause."  This decision was underscored by the introduction of five new Lakshadweep packages online, encouraging direct flights to the region from major cities. Earlier, on January 3, Pitti had shared a post expressing plans to promote Lakshadweep following PM Modi's visit.  EaseMyTrip is not solely championing Lakshadweep; it's also striving to elevate Ayodhya's tourism. Pitti envisions Ayodhya as a global destination, akin to Lakshadweep, aligning tourist arrivals with the spring season to attract international travelers.  Pitti's call for collective action to boost India's tourism was echoed by Bollywood icons. Amitabh Bachchan endorsed Lakshadweep's beauty, responding to Virender Sehwag's post, affirming India's self-reliance and its stunning locales. Other stars, including Ranveer Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, and Salman Khan, have also supported the 'visit Lakshadweep campaign' under #ExploreIndianIslands.
—Input from Agencies

Prashant Pitti's announcement sparks a shift: EaseMyTrip redirects focus, promotes Lakshadweep & Ayodhya, supported by Bollywood icons.

EaseMyTrip's Bold Move: No Maldives Bookings Amid Controversy, Push for Lakshadweep and Ayodhya Tourism

New Delhi: In an unprecedented surge, Google searches for Lakshadweep have hit a two-decade high worldwide, marking a substantial uptick in interest after PM Modi's recent stay and beach outings, including snorkelling.  The flurry of interest surrounding Lakshadweep is attributed not only to PM Modi's activities but also to the controversy sparked by disparaging remarks made by Maldives officials regarding his visit. Indian figures, including cricketers and celebrities, have rallied in support of promoting local beach destinations, echoing PM Modi's call for boosting tourism in Lakshadweep.  During his Lakshadweep visit on January 2, PM Modi shared captivating images of the archipelago's stunning landscapes, encouraging adventure enthusiasts to consider it as a destination.  Significantly, a considerable portion of tourists visiting the Maldives comprises Indians. Amidst the Lakshadweep row, Maldives' Envoy to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb, engaged with the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.  Following a deleted post by Maldivian Deputy Minister Shiuna that disrespectfully referenced PM Modi, Maldives government officials, including Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, distanced themselves from such remarks. Zameer emphasized the government's commitment to fostering positive and respectful dialogues with all partners, especially neighboring countries. He condemned the unacceptable nature of the comments against foreign leaders, reiterating the Maldives' dedication to maintaining respectful relationships.
—Input from Agencies

PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit spurs tourism interest amidst controversy. Celeb support & adventure activities elevate Indian beach destinations.

PM Modi's Lakshadweep Visit Sparks Surge in Google Searches for Lakshadweep Beach Destination

Male [Maldives]: The Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, engaged in a "pre-arranged meeting" with Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male, as confirmed by the Indian High Commission in Maldives. The meeting addressed bilateral issues amid an ongoing dispute triggered by derogatory remarks from Maldivian leaders regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, following his recent visit to Lakshadweep.  Earlier in the day, Maldives Envoy to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb, was observed leaving the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi's South Block. This development unfolded amidst heightened tensions stemming from disparaging comments made by Maldivian leaders against PM Modi in response to his Lakshadweep visit.  The controversy emerged when, on January 2, PM Modi shared pictures of his Lakshadweep trip, promoting the region's adventure tourism. However, a now-deleted post by Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, included mocking and disrespectful remarks directed at PM Modi.  The Maldives government distanced itself from these remarks, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer deeming them "unacceptable" and emphasizing the country's commitment to positive dialogue with its neighbors. Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the use of hateful language against India, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.  Expressing solidarity, a segment of India's film industry criticized the derogatory comments and supported PM Modi's call for beach tourism promotion in Lakshadweep. Meanwhile, former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid labeled the remarks as "reprehensible" and "odious" in a statement on social media.
—Input from Agencies

Diplomatic tensions rise as Indian High Commissioner meets Maldivian officials amidst controversy over remarks on PM Modi, straining relations.

Indian High Commissioner's Meeting with Maldivian Official Amid Diplomatic Tensions Over PM Modi Remarks

New Delhi: Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon has strongly criticized recent derogatory comments from Maldivian ministers aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the countries. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Maumoon urged de-escalation and emphasized the need for respectful discourse between nations.  While acknowledging the historical ties between India and the Maldives, Maumoon highlighted instances of past disagreements. She condemned the racist remarks, stressing that such language is unacceptable despite the value of freedom of expression.  Maumoon expressed gratitude for India's support in various sectors and emphasized the importance of the special relationship between the two nations. She appealed to both Indian and Maldivian leaders to collaborate in de-escalating tensions and reaffirming their strong friendship.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/indian-high-commissioner's-meeting-with-maldivian-official-amid-diplomatic-tensions-over-pm-modi-remarks" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/indian-high-commissioner's-meeting-with-maldivian-official-amid-diplomatic-tensions-over-pm-modi-remarks</a>  Regarding the controversial statements made by Maldivian ministers, Maumoon labeled them as unacceptable, suggesting the need for guidance for the individuals involved. She stressed the importance of prevention and respectful language in diplomatic discussions to avoid such situations in the future.  Highlighting India's historical support during crises, including the 1988 coup attempt and recent challenges like the water crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, Maumoon underscored the enduring strength of the India-Maldives friendship despite occasional disagreements.
—Input from Agencies

Former Maldivian FM criticizes derogatory remarks amid India-Maldives tensions. Dunya Maumoon's ANI interview discusses diplomatic discourse

Maldives ex-Foreign Minister Criticizes Offensive Remarks, Urges Diplomatic De-escalation Amidst Growing Tensions with India

New Delhi [India]: Israel lauded Lakshadweep's underwater splendor, expressing eagerness to kickstart a desalination project in the archipelago. An Israeli team had previously visited at India's request, initiating groundwork for a desalination program. The Israel Embassy tweeted about the visit and readiness to begin the project, showcasing the island's breathtaking beauty through shared images and videos. Amidst this, Make My Trip noted an astounding 3,400% surge in searches for Lakshadweep post-PM Modi's visit, prompting the launch of a 'Beaches of India' campaign with enticing offers.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/l1.webp" alt="Tourist at Lakshadweep" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
 The spike in interest followed PM Modi's recent stay and beach activities, although it sparked controversy after derogatory remarks by Maldives ministers. Indians, including public figures, stood up for promoting domestic tourism and supporting PM Modi's call for beach tourism in Lakshadweep. In response to the Maldives ministers' remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself, terming the comments unacceptable. PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit showcased its beauty through his shared pictures and encouraged adventure in the scenic locale. Maldives, a significant tourist destination for Indians, witnessed diplomatic repercussions following the controversial comments.
—Input from Agencies

Israel lauds Lakshadweep's beauty, plans desalination. PM Modi's visit ignites tourism interest, despite Maldives controversy.

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