Fulbright-Nehru fellowships: Opportunities to expand academic horizons in US

NEW DELHI: The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) announced the opening of its annual competition for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowships.  Such exchanges have, over the years, helped bring the people of India and the United States closer together.  The Fulbright program offers opportunities in the United States that will enrich one’s academic, research, teaching, and professional development. The India-U.S. bilateral Fulbright agreement has resulted in a significant increase in the number of scholarships awarded each year.

Dr Rachna Singh, a DST-INSPIRE Faculty awardee, who was at the Stanford University as a 2012-2013 Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellow said, “My experience as a Fulbrighter has been wonderful and enriching. Professionally, it provided me an excellent opportunity to work with leading academicians in my study area. It has increased my knowledge and expertise tremendously, which I am applying now on my return to India.”           

USIEF alumni have demonstrated strong leadership in all walks of life, including agriculture, arts, business, education, environment, humanities and social sciences, media, public health, and science and technology. Outstanding Indian students, academics, teachers, policy planners, administrators, and professionals are encouraged to apply.

USIEF expects to offer approximately 90 Fulbright-Nehru fellowships for Indians in 2015. Fellowship details are posted on the USIEF website http://www.usief.org.in/   Application deadlines begin July 1, 2014. Applicants may also contact the USIEF offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Mumbai.

The United States and India Work to Improve Tuberculosis Treatment

NEW DELHI: The United States has given grants to “The Grand Challenges in Tuberculosis Control.”  This program supports Indian innovators to improve TB treatment adherence through out-of-the-box innovations.  It enables scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop new solutions through seed funding and rigorous mentoring.  This is an initiative by IKP Knowledge Park, Hyderabad in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Winners of $30,000 in grants were recently announced for their innovative ideas providing technology-driven solutions that will substantially strengthen TB control in India.

USAID/India Mission Director John Beed notes that “India is a global leader in information technology and is strategically placed to accelerate the development and widespread use of new technologies that could transform TB control. Through this partnership, we have been able to identify cutting edge innovative solutions to address treatment adherence.  It’s clear that India’s innovators are motivated to integrate technology and health for the good of public health.”

The Grand Challenges in Tuberculosis Control program aims to nurture ideas that are innovative, sustainable, and can be scaled.  The selected teams will demonstrate a prototype that will be evaluated at the end of six months, and four teams will receive additional funding of $100,000 each.  A few will also be provided with networks and marketing channels to commercialize their innovations.  The proposed ideas range from low-end smart phone applications to electronic pillboxes.

Indo-U.S. Startup Accelerator Workshop Assists Aspiring Entrepreneurs

New Delhi: Recognizing that U.S-India business ties are fundamental to the success of many international initiatives, the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum, the U.S. Embassy, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and 91 springboard, organized the Indo-U.S. Startup Accelerator Workshop to develop innovative solutions to address common startup challenges.  The workshop took place at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi November 22-23, 2013.

Aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with investors, venture capitalists, and mentors, the two-day event was inaugurated by the U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy J. Powell, Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India, and Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST.

Over 180 innovators, startups, entrepreneurs and investors participated in the workshop, including awardees of the U.S-India Science & Technology Endowment Board, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-FICCI-DST Millennium Alliance, DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Program, and the Stanford India Biodesign program.  In addition to discussions on how to manage challenges that arise with financing and revenue generation, securing intellectual property protection, and developing products and services, the concluding session provided select startups with an opportunity to pitch their ideas to angel investors and venture capitalists for funding.

Going forward, the Department of Science & Technology, the U.S. Embassy, FICCI, Indo-U.S. Science & Technology Forum and partners including USAID, plan to develop an institutionalized acceleration program.  The program will assist startups in their journey to become revenue generating businesses.  FICCI and the Technology Development Board also announced that they will organize additional workshops in specific sectors, such as manufacturing, and that they will be conducted in all major cities across India to assist startups and increase their odds of success.

US Consul General Michael Mullins makes maiden trip to Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: As part of the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad’s “America Days” travel to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, U.S. Consul Michael Mullins made his first trip to Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas November 24-26.

“Since my arrival in Hyderabad a few months ago, I have eagerly anticipated the opportunity to travel to the beautiful state of Odisha and to meet with its dynamic community, business and educational leadership,” said Mr. Mullins.  “I look forward to future visits and learning more about various aspects of this vibrant state.”

During his visit, Mr. Mullins met with Odisha Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik and Odisha Governor Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir.  He discussed with business advocacy organizations their activities in support of stronger business relations between the United States and India.  He spent time with the students of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, where the U.S. Department of State supports an English Language Microscholarship program. He also travelled to Konark, where he observed areas damaged by Cyclone Phallin, met with non-governmental organization leaders, and visited the magnificent Sun Temple.

The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad officially opened to the public in 2009 to provide U.S. Citizens’ Services and U.S. visa application opportunities to residents of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.   Additionally, the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad facilitates educational advising for persons interested in studying in the United States, cultural and educational exchange for students and working professionals, and dialogue between officials of the United States government and Government of India.

India and the United States Working Together in the Fight Against Terrorism

NEW DELHI: “The U.S. and India are close partners in the fight against terrorism,” stated a U.S. Embassy security officer at the recent graduation of 22 Indian police tactical officers and supervisors following the conclusion of a U.S. course on antiterrorism on November 1.

As part of a partnership with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy New Delhi sponsored a five-week crisis response course.  The session was conducted by instructors from the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program in Virginia.

Through this course, Indian police participants developed familiarity with U.S. counter-terrorism techniques including firearms and crisis management.  Each day participants focused on applying the skills and tactics learned to the local environment in India.  "This was a very physically demanding training program," noted a U.S. trainer, who added: "This training will significantly enable course participants from Indian police to counter terror attacks."  The U.S. Embassy Spokesperson noted: “The  real added value of this program happens when the trainees return to India and train other police.”

United States and India help improve farming in Africa

NEW DELHI: The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced three new partnerships to share successful low-cost agricultural innovations and technologies with African countries.

USAID has granted financial awards to three Indian organizations through its India-Africa Agriculture Innovations Bridge Program, aimed at sharing Indian innovations with African countries for increased food security and nutrition under Feed the Future, the U.S Government's Global Hunger & Food Security Initiative.  The technologies to be shared were developed by Indian innovators and include a low-cost tractor, an organic fertilizer, and a solar dryer.  All were devised to increase farmers' agricultural yields and incomes by mechanizing their operations, fertilizing depleted soils, and preventing post-harvest losses.

USAID, in partnership with Indian non-profit organization Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI) will transfer three types of low-cost mechanization and processing equipment to Kenya.  Indian and African organizations will demonstrate new technologies and promote local manufacturing to ensure long-term sustainability.

In partnership with Indian company AquAgri Processing Private Limited, USAID will improve agriculture production by promoting African farmers’ use of organic fertilizer made out of a seaweed extract.  Over the next three years, the company will develop a fertilizer concentrate and powder to export and market to at least seven African countries.  Public and private sector entities in Africa will conduct trials to ensure the fertilizer’s effectiveness on African crops. 

USAID is also partnering with Indian non-profit organization Science for Society to introduce Solar Conduction Dryers (SCD) in Africa for reducing post-harvest losses.  SCD is a solar powered food dehydrator that reduces moisture content in food crops and extends their shelf-life up to one year.  This drying process allows better retention of nutrients, color, flavor, and hygiene than open-sun drying.  This unique low-cost Indian innovation provides an electricity-free solution to preserve food in some environments where there is not ready access to electricity.

United States Promotes Safer Cities for Women

NEW DELHI: The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a $250,000 grant to the organization UN Women, which is a part of the United Nations’ Women’s Global Safe Cities Initiative.  The grant is for the ongoing program “Delhi Safe City – Free of Violence against Women and Girls,” that will be implemented in partnership with Indian civil society organizations.  This announcement comes in the same month as the International Day of the Girl Child and on the eve of the international community’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence beginning late November.

U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy J. Powell said, “The United States recognizes gender-based violence as one of the most debilitating factors impeding a woman’s active participation in any economy in the world and her ability to access resources and services.  We are pleased to partner with UN Women to help promote safe cities and reduce gender-based violence, which plagues every country in the world.”

Working with local urban civic planning, public transport, education, urban infrastructure authorities, and civil society, the Delhi Safe City program focuses on increasing safety among women and girls.  It also works to help prevent and reduce violence, including sexual harassment, in public spaces.  The program encourages municipalities and their partners to take action, such as improving lighting on streets and designing new public safety plans that focus on women and girls.  It also engages men and boys as critical partners in preventing violence, and partners with schools and colleges to create awareness and to organize campaigns for safer cities for women and girls.

Dr. Rebecca Tavares, the UN Women Representative covering India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, welcomed the grant saying “Such a grant will go a long way in ensuring women's right to the city and the right to be free of fear.  The Safe Cities program is working towards creating a greater sense of safety and increased comfort of women and girls in public spaces.  By changing mindsets and improving urban infrastructure, we can surely turn the tide.  Violence against women is preventable and not inevitable.”

US Consul General Michael Mullins assumes post in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: On September 7, Michael Mullins assumed the position of U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad.  Immediately prior to his present assignment, Mullins served as the Minister Counselor for Management Affairs at the US Embassy in New Delhi.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor, Mr. Mullins began his Foreign Service in 1989 in El Salvador, followed by postings in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.

Mullins is from New Hampshire.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature and Fine Arts from Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society.  He received his Master of Arts in French Literature from Brown University in Rhode Island, later serving as Brown’s Associate Director of Admission.  Twice awarded scholarships from the Government of France, Mr. Mullins also studied at L’Ecole Nationale de Beaux-Arts and L’Universite de Paris. 

Over the course of his Foreign Service career, Mullins has received six Superior Honor Awards.  He enjoys studio art, reading, music and golf.  He is fluent in French and has conversational abilities in several other languages.

US partners with India in reading innovations

New Delhi: The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced a new partnership with the Centre for Knowledge Societies (CKS), one of India’s leading innovation consulting firms, to implement a $3.2 million initiative to help improve the reading skills of millions of primary school age children in India.  As the ability to read is the most basic building block of learning, the READ (Read – Engage – Achieve – Dream) Alliance aims to prepare millions of children in India for a lifetime of reading and learning.

This initiative will create opportunities for knowledge sharing and advocate for increased attention to the issue of early literacy in India through targeted events and online collaborations.  The READ Alliance will also host an innovation challenge to identify promising projects to improve reading skills in children, test their effectiveness, and help take those proven successful to scale.

This program brings together corporations, non-profit organizations, think tanks, foundations, researchers, schools, teachers, and others to promote early literacy. The READ Alliance will use Indian innovations and resources to support literacy, especially among children at high risk of not learning to read.

The United States and India Help Improve African Agriculture

JAIPUR- The United States and India launched today the second India-U.S.-Africa triangular agricultural training program supported by the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative Feed the Future. This partnership aims to improve agricultural productivity and support market institutions in Kenya, Liberia, and Malawi.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Food Security Office Director Bahiru Duguma kicked off this initiative. Dr. Duguma explained that, as part of the broader U.S.-India global partnership, the triangular engagement “will share proven innovations from India’s private and public sector to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty in the target African countries.”

The program will train 180 agricultural professionals from these three African countries by providing marketing and extension management training at the Chaudhury Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) in Jaipur and at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management in Hyderabad. The initiative, led by USAID and NIAM, is part of a three-year training program and one of several activities resulting from the global strategic partnership announced by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and U.S. President Barack Obama in 2010. 

To learn more about Feed the Future, the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, visit: www.feedthefuture.gov

United States and India Bolster Teaching Skills

New Delhi: The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a new $4.3 million partnership with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.  This program will share educational best practices with Indian teachers.

In partnership with the Government of India Ministry of Human Resource Development, the India Support for Teacher Education program (In-STEP) will send 110 educators from teacher training institutes in the eastern and northeastern states of India to ASU to participate in a three-month program.  The intensive training course will cover a range of topics including teaching methods, in-service and pre-service teacher education, and assessment techniques.

As part of this customized program, ASU will provide the Indian educators with opportunities to observe American schools and educational best practices.  They will see firsthand innovative teaching and learning approaches.  In addition, the Indian participants will work closely with ASU professors to prepare proposals for reform in specific areas of education, which they would then be able to implement in their respective states.  The ultimate goal is better-trained teachers and improved educational outcomes for Indian students.

STEP programme for US citizens in Odisha, AP begins

BHUABNESWAR: The US Consulate General Hyderabad encouraged all American citizens in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Odisha to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ so that enrolled citizens could stay safe, connected and informed while traveling or living in India.

 “Many children and adults travel to AP and Odisha every year and encounter no difficulties, but there are times when we need to reach you to let you know what security or emergency situations may be happening in this region,” said the US Consulate General office, adding, “By informing us about your presence in India, you help us make contact when you might need us the most.”

In the case of minor, guardian of the US citizen minor could enroll using their information from their US passport. Signing up is voluntary and costs nothing, the office sources said. For more information the citizens could visit STEP website and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AmericanCitizenServicesIndia.

One of the highest priorities of the US Mission in India is the protection of US citizens- minors and adults- who travel and live overseas, informed the US Consulate General Hyderabad.