NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Manfreda, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University Australia

    Warner Bros

    The White Lotus season three returns to familiar territory: an exotic escape, privileged and powerful guests, the supposed heights of luxury.

    But beneath this lies a satirical critique of these very things – an investigation into the contradictions of luxury travel.

    Set in Thailand, the heart of the South Asian wellness scene, the show comments on more than just what luxury looks like. It asks: what does luxury cost? And who bears this cost?

    At the same time, the show quietly gestures towards what tourism could become, if we were bold enough to re-imagine it. Because luxury isn’t the problem. The problem is how we do it.

    The resort staff bend over backwards for their guests.
    Warner Bros

    Wellness … but not really

    Season three leans into the booming wellness economy. Between floating therapy, personalised biomarker tests and digital detoxes, the appearance of “healing” is everywhere.

    The irony, however, is clear: guests pursue self-care, but act disconnected, irritable and hostile.

    The luxury setting reflects their worst impulses. Characters such as Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), a Hollywood star chasing relevance, and Victoria (Parker Posey), lost without her Lorazepam, treat wellness practices as a trend that’s more about image than transformation.

    This reflects a broader trend in luxury tourism: wellness that photographs well, but rarely goes beneath the surface.

    Victoria (Parker Posey) can’t seem to get through her holiday without Lorazepam.
    Warner Bros

    Research shows real transformation in tourism requires discomfort – something most luxury guests instinctively avoid.

    As the character of monk Luang Por Teera (Suthichai Yoon) warns:

    Everyone runs from pain toward pleasure […] but you cannot outrun pain.

    One person’s wellness is another person’s work

    In luxury tourism, wellness is not mutual. One person’s transformation often depends on someone else’s sacrifice. And this exchange is never equal.

    While the guests of season three try and look inward, those holding space for them – such as the meditation guide Amrita (Shalini Peiris), or the ever-present security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) – remain relatively voiceless. They quietly manage the chaos, with little room for their own stories to flourish.

    Throughout the season, the interactions between guest and staff are built on performance. Staff are praised for their beauty, politeness or spiritual presence, but rarely acknowledged as full people.

    Emotional and “aesthetic” labour (looking and acting the part) are silently expected and constantly extracted.

    Security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), who gets caught up in some of the guests’ drama, has to always keep up appearances.
    Warner Bros

    When resort employee Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) raises concerns about Greg (Jon Gries), resort manager Fabian (Christian Friedel) brushes her off, saying:

    It is really not wise to stir anything up. You do not have anything to worry about, as long as you focus on yourself and your job.

    The message is clear: stay quiet and stay in your place.

    Nature as wallpaper

    This season offers no shortage of natural cues. Clean air, ocean views, jungle trails – luxury retreats promise grounding and transformation through nature.

    As with much of luxury tourism, however, this nature is curated. The jungle is manicured, the ruins softly lit. Nature, too, performs.

    But unlike the staff, who slip into silence and composure, nature doesn’t follow the script. It interrupts, resists and sometimes bites. Monkeys raid the buffet. Lizards slip into rooms and cause havoc. A venomous cobra bites a guest. The pong-pong tree bears deadly fruit.

    This is a contradiction luxury travel can’t resolve. Nature is brought in for healing and ambience, but refuses to be compliant.

    Culture – flattened and filtered

    Season three could have been set in any location with beaches and palm trees. For most guests, the local culture is invisible – a scenic backdrop for their personal drama. Cultural experiences are safely curated, stripped of context, and designed to comfort, not challenge.

    For character’s like Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), the resort is just a scenic backdrop for their personal dramas to play out.
    Warner Bros

    Even brief moments beyond the resort feel disorienting to the guests.

    “He seems like the real deal,” Timothy (Jason Isaacs) says after an encounter with monk Luang Por Teera (Yoon) – revealing how artificial everything else feels.

    The show critiques a familiar move in luxury tourism: selling “authenticity” while delivering a flattened, palatable version of reality. There is just enough difference to feel exotic, but never enough to feel uncomfortable.

    In one cautionary scene, Jaclyn (Monaghan), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Laurie (Carrie Coon) wander into a Thai New Year celebration, where locals start chasing them with water guns, drenching them in what feels like joyful protest.

    Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Laurie (Carrie Coon) are unhappy to be soaked by locals with water guns – in what is one of few genuinely authentic experiences with locals.
    Warner Bros

    Although it’s played for laughs, the scene reminds us culture isn’t there to serve. Travellers might do better to meet culture on its terms and not their own.

    Glimpses of something better

    Ironically, the show’s satire may be fuelling the very thing it critiques. Since season three aired, talk of a “White Lotus effect” has already begun, with claims of a rise in tourism interest and bookings. It seems the (not-so) fantasy still sells, even when we can see the cracks.

    Yet, in quiet, awkward and sometimes funny moments, the show resists cynicism, offering glimpses of potential. Guests perceive themselves. Relationships shift. Silenced actors push back.

    Through these cracks, we can sense what luxury could be if it connected us, instead of shielding us, from new people and places.

    Luxury travel, re-imagined, could be a space where care flows in both directions – where staff are seen as people, and where nature and culture aren’t curated, but respected as they are. Indeed, it is the experiences that expand us, rather than insulate us, which end up changing us the most.

    And it’s not just up to hotels and resorts to deliver this shift. It asks something of us, too. A different mindset.

    This season’s power lies in what it leaves unsaid, inviting us to examine what is lost in the pursuit of comfort.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel – https://theconversation.com/an-exotic-escape-or-empty-illusion-how-the-white-lotus-exposes-the-contradictions-of-luxury-travel-253229

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DURBIN, DUCKWORTH, KELLY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.

    “Our youth is our future,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth. Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

    “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

    “Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth. “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

    For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth. In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted. Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

    There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent. A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent. Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

    When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers. It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

    The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

    The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people. The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches. The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

    The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, and Youth Guidance.

    The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

    A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

    A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India calls on BRICS to Unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize USD 1.3 Trillion for Achieving NDC Goals, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

    Source: Government of India

    India calls on BRICS to Unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize USD 1.3 Trillion for Achieving NDC Goals, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

    India emphasizes on Collaborative Climate Action among BRICS Nations for Strengthening Global Sustainability and Just Transition for All

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

    India has vociferously advocated the need for a Collective Leadership for advancing the 2030 Climate Agenda at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, Brazil, today. The Indian delegation was led by Sh. Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

    Session I: Advancing Environmental Cooperation amongst BRICS towards Sustainable Development and a Just Transition for All

    During the first session, India underscored BRICS’ pivotal role in shaping global sustainability and Climate action. Highlighting that BRICS nations collectively account for 47% of the world’s population and contribute 36% of global GDP (PPP), India emphasized the group’s responsibility in addressing climate change and sustainable development.

    India reaffirmed the significance of the New Delhi Statement from the 7th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting 2021, which advocates a holistic approach to climate action by integrating adaptation, mitigation, and means of implementation. Stressing the urgent need for equitable carbon budget utilization, India called for a balanced transition that prioritizes developing nations’ growth while ensuring sustainability.

    A key focus was the Baku to Belem Roadmap, aimed at securing USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India urged BRICS partners to strengthen climate financing mechanisms to meet global sustainability commitments effectively.

    On energy security, India reiterated commitments made in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration (2021), which promotes a diversified energy mix, including fossil fuels, hydrogen, nuclear, and renewables. India highlighted the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid, launched under the International Solar Alliance, as a transformative project for global renewable energy integration.

    India also emphasized the role of resource efficiency and the circular economy in achieving sustainability goals. The Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition, launched under G20, was cited as a model for global corporate collaboration in sustainable resource management.

    “A Just Transition must acknowledge the diverse economic realities of nations. Each country has a unique development pathway, and the provision of adequate means of implementation—in finance, technology, and capacity-building—is essential to ensuring that no nation or community is left behind in this transition. As BRICS nations, we must strengthen our engagements in multilateral forums, championing the interests of developing economies and advocating for a fair and equitable transition”, India’s statement read.

    Session II: Collective Leadership for Climate and the 2030 Agenda

    In the second session, India highlighted that the expansion of BRICS from five to eleven members strengthens its leadership in global climate governance. With BRICS nations facing common environmental challenges such as desertification, pollution and biodiversity loss, India stressed the importance of collective action and shared responsibility.

    Emphasizing the need for fair and equitable climate transition, India stressed for continued collaboration amongst BRICS Nations at multilateral forums such as UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and UNEA. The country reiterated the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) as a fundamental guideline for climate negotiations.

    India also acknowledged BRICS’ leadership in sustainability through flagship initiatives, including the Partnership for Urban Environmental Sustainability, the Clean Rivers Programme, and Sustainable Urban Management. The country called for enhanced cooperation in tackling marine plastic pollution, improving air quality, and printing resource efficiency.

    On Climate Finance, India highlighted the urgent need for developed nations to fulfill their commitments, noting that the proposed USD 300 billion per year by 2035 under the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is far below the required USD 1.3 trillion. India emphasized the importance of COP30, to be hosted in Brazil, as a critical milestone for advancing global adaptation and resilience efforts.

    India also reiterated its leadership in conservation and sustainability, mentioning initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance, a global effort for wildlife conservation. Furthermore, India urged BRICS nations to join global sustainability initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, and Global Biofuel Alliance to accelerate collective climate action.

    India reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with BRICS partners to drive transformative change in climate action, environmental cooperation, and sustainable development. The Indian delegation expressed gratitude to Brazil, the BRICS Chair, for hosting the meeting and emphasized the importance of continued engagement for a greener, more resilient future.

    *****

    VM/GS
     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NEW URANIUM DEPOSITS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The state-wise and year-wise in-situ uranium resources augmented by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in the last five years are as follows:

     

    State

    U-oxide Resource (in tonne)

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    (till Dec.

    24)

    Andhra Pradesh

    12,966

    18,182

    19,561

    7,450

    2,500

    Jharkhand

    5,894

    715

    3,367

    13,100

    4,080

    Karnataka

    617

    373

    –

    –

    –

    Rajasthan

    1,861

    1,336

    –

    900

    798

    Total

    21,338

    20,606

    22,928

    21,450

    7,378

    In principle approval exists for initiating 13 projects including capacity expansion of some existing units and construction of new production facilities (Mines & Plants) in the country. Pre-project activities related to obtaining statutory clearances from various Central and State authorities have been initiated. On implementation of the projects, the projected mining capacity in terms of Ore production is envisaged approximately 11.535 million TPA and in terms of U3O8 production is envisaged approximately as 1095 TPA.

    As the pre-project activities related to obtaining statutory clearances from various Central and State authorities have been initiated for the projects for which in-principle approval is received, presently no funds are allocated for those projects. The fund allocation shall be taken up once the project contours are firmed up after finalizing of Detailed Project Report and once administrative and financial sanction is obtained.

    In recent years, AMD has established U-oxide resource at Jaduguda North – Baglasai-Mechua deposit, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand; which is the north-western continuity of Jaduguda uranium deposit. The deposit is expected to strengthen India’s long- term nuclear fuel security substantially.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lok Sabha Passes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Lok Sabha Passes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

     “Bill Seeks to Unlock the Full Potential of India’s Vast and Strategic Coastline, Providing a Dedicated Legal Framework for Coastal Trade:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

     “Bill aligned with the vision of the National Logistics Policy for a Cost Efficient, Sustainable, Alternative for Logistics Movement:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

     “Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s Visionary Leadership, India’s Coastal Cargo Traffic Surges 119% since 2014, Eyes 230 Million Tonnes by 2030:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

     “Bill provides a legal framework to integrate the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan, promoting regional development of riverine and coastal areas:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

     “Coastal Shipping Bill firmly grounded in the Spirit of Cooperative Federalism”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, paving the way for a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade as the maritime sector aims to provide a economical, reliable and sustainable mode of transportation as it decongest road and rail network. “The Bill seeks to unlock the full potential of India’s vast and strategic coastline, providing dedicated legal framework for coastal trade,” asserted Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 

    The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to make coastal trade easier, more competitive, and better integrated with PM Shri Narendra Modi Govt’s overall transport vision — the National Logistics Policy. With its manifold forward looking provisions, the bill provides a future ready legal framework while upgrading the dated provision of earlier legislations like Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The proposed bill introduces key provisions for licensing and regulating foreign vessels in India’s coasting trade. It mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and establishes a National Database for Coastal Shipping. The bill also regulates foreign vessels chartered by Indian entities and outlines penalties for violations, aligning with the government’s push for decriminalising laws. Additionally, it grants the Director General of Shipping authority to seek information, issue directions, and enforce compliance, while empowering the Central Government to provide exemptions and regulatory oversight, ensuring streamlined and efficient coastal shipping operations in India.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Coastal Shipping Bill aligns local aspirations with national goals, and provides a framework for the next 25 years of coastal economic growth under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The overarching goal of the Bill to develop a coastal fleet owned and operated by Indian entities will lead to reduced dependence on foreign vessels for critical areas relevant for our country’s coastal shipping. It will reduce logistics costs, promote green transport, support the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and create thousands of jobs in shipbuilding, port services and manning of vessels. The bill is in line with international best practices for adopting dedicated law for coastal trade but adopted to suit Indian conditions. This Bill provides a dedicated legal framework to boost coastal trade, propelling inland waterways and riverine economies while offering a low-cost, reliable, and sustainable alternative to overloaded road and rail networks.”

    The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to reduce logistics costs and promote sustainable transport. Coastal shipping, a cost-efficient and low-emission mode of transport, will play a key role in easing India’s overburdened road and rail networks. Key provisions of the Bill include the removal of the general trading license requirement for Indian ships (Clause 3), reducing compliance burdens and enhancing ease of doing business. Foreign vessels can engage in coastal trade only under a license issued by the Director General of Shipping (Clause 4), with conditions that support Indian shipbuilding and employment for seafarers. The Bill mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan (Clause 8), revised biennially, to improve route planning, forecast traffic, and integrate coastal shipping with inland waterways. This strategic vision ensures long-term growth and sustainability in India’s maritime sector.

    On the bill’s efficacy with present day realities as well as its role as a future ready framework, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The new Coastal Shipping Bill modernises and streamlines coastal trade regulations, addressing gaps in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Unlike its predecessor, which focused solely on vessel licensing, this Bill provides a forward-looking, holistic framework aligned with global cabotage practices. It simplifies procedures, promotes growth, & integrates coastal shipping into India’s modern logistics network, ensuring efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness in the maritime sector.”

    The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 builds on key reforms, including prioritised berthing, green clearance channels, and GST reduction on bunker fuel. Coastal cargo traffic has surged 119% in the last decade, from 74 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 162 million tonnes in 2023-24, with a target of 230 million tonnes by 2030. The Bill ensures legal clarity, regulatory stability, and investment-friendly policies, strengthening India’s maritime security and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    On the possibilities from strategic integration of coastal shipping with inland waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The integration of coastal and inland waterways will promote regional development of riverine and coastal areas alike in the country. This Bill will also give impetus to the long-term vision of development of coastal and inland waterways transport in States such as Odisha, Karnataka and Goa among others. The integration of coastal shipping routes with inland waterways — which often traverse multiple states — calls for collective planning and coordinated execution. By recognising the role of States in this regard, this Bill ensures that the growth of coastal shipping is inclusive and participative.”

    The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 introduces a National Database of Coastal Shipping to enhance transparency, coordination, and data-driven decision-making. It also expands the category of charterers allowed to hire foreign vessels, including Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and LLPs. Ensuring cooperative federalism, the Bill provides active representation for States and Union Territories in key mechanisms, reinforcing India’s commitment to a streamlined, inclusive, and efficient maritime sector.

    Allaying criticism of the Opposition parties, the Union Minister asserted, “The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 upholds cooperative federalism by ensuring active participation of States and Union Territories. Under Clause 8(3), a committee—comprising representatives from major ports, State Maritime Boards, and experts—will draft the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan. This guarantees States a direct role in shaping strategy, routes, and regulations. By integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways, the Bill enables collective planning, fostering inclusive growth aligned with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SAFETY OF ATOMIC ENERGY PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Highest priority is accorded to safety in all aspects of nuclear power viz. siting, design, construction, commissioning, and operation. Nuclear power plants are designed adopting safety principles of redundancy, diversity and provided fail-safe design features following a defence-in-depth approach, in line with codes and guides of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The operations are performed adopting well laid out procedures by highly qualified, trained and licensed personnel. Appropriate Personal Protection Equipments and monitoring aids are provided to all the personnel working in the nuclear power plants. The safety of nuclear power plants is continuously monitored and reviewed by the AERB.

    India is member state of multilateral organization International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and scientific officers of the Department are participating regularly in events organized by IAEA on advance nuclear technology development for knowledge sharing.

    A large public awareness and outreach programme based on a structured multipronged approach is implemented by NPCIL to spread awareness and address the apprehensions of the people in a credible and easy to understand manner.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registering annual growth of 9 percent Indian Railways makes 7,134 coaches in last fiscal, Catering to the common man, IR sets the new record vis a vis 5481 in the last decade

    Source: Government of India

    Registering annual growth of 9 percent Indian Railways makes 7,134 coaches in last fiscal, Catering to the common man, IR sets the new record vis a vis 5481 in the last decade

    With focus on non-AC segment, Indian Railway produces 4,601 coaches in 2024-25

    Annual average coach production rises from 3,300 in 2004-14 to 5,481 in 2014-24, with total production of 54,809 coaches in last decade

    ICF Chennai produces 178 more coaches to cross annual threshold of 3,000; RCF Kapurthala with 201 and MCF Rae Bareli contribute by 341 more coaches in iconic journey of record production

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in the financial year 2024-25 by manufacturing 7,134 coaches, marking a 9% increase from the previous year’s production of 6,541 coaches, with special emphasis on non A/C coaches with production of 4,601 coaches, catering the needs of common man. This rise reflects India’s growing emphasis on modernizing Railway infrastructure to meet increasing passenger demand.

    The Indian Railways has three coach manufacturing units in the country – Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala, Punjab and Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the premier passenger coach producing unit of Indian Railways in Chennai, surpassed its previous production records for the year 2024-25, as it rolled out 3,007 coaches.

    Coach Manufacturing Unit

    Location

    Coaches Produced (2023-24)

    Coaches Produced (2024-25)

    Increase in Production

    Integral Coach Factory (ICF)

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu

            2,829

            3,007

           +178

    Rail Coach Factory (RCF)

    Kapurthala,  Punjab

            1,901

            2,102

           +201

    Modern Coach Factory (MCF)

    Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh

            1,684

            2,025

           +341

    Growth in Domestic Manufacturing

    Coach production in India has expanded substantially over the years. Between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways manufactured less than 3,300 coaches on an average per year. However, from 2014 to 2024, production saw a major boost with production of 54,809 coaches with an average of 5,481 coaches per year, aligning with the push for improved connectivity and self-reliance in Railway manufacturing. The expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance domestic production capabilities, reduce dependence on imports and integrate advanced technology into Railway design.

    Improving Passenger Experience and Connectivity

    The record-breaking coach production aligns with the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, ensuring improved public transport services while also enabling domestic manufacturing. With more coaches being introduced, passengers can expect better facilities, enhanced safety features and increased capacity to accommodate growing demand.

    Additionally, this achievement strengthens the ‘Make in India initiative’, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in Railway manufacturing. By focusing on modern, energy-efficient and passenger-friendly coaches, Indian Railways is making significant strides toward building a more robust and future-ready transport network.

    With ongoing efforts in Railway electrification, high-speed corridors and upgraded passenger services, the increased coach production will play a vital role in shaping the future of India’s Rail transport system, ensuring greater efficiency, comfort and accessibility for millions of passengers.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WEATHER FORECASTING CAPABILITIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry continuously enhances and upgrades meteorological observations, communications, modeling tools, and forecasting systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the latest tools and technologies to predict severe weather events. This includes sophisticated dynamical numerical weather prediction models at higher spatial and temporal resolutions, multi-model ensemble methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI/ML) & data science methodologies, complemented with improved ground-based & upper air observations and advanced remote sensing network for real-time monitoring and predictions. IMD uses the latest dissemination tools, including Common Alert Protocol (CAP), mobile apps, websites, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and other social media platforms, to provide efficient, effective, and timely early warning services. IMD is constantly working to improve and adapt to the latest technologies.

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) explores integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into weather forecasting systems in addition to physics-based numerical models. This initiative is a part of the broader strategy to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of meteorological predictions, which are crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. The Ministry has established a dedicated virtual center on AI/ML/Deep Learning (DL) at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. A dedicated functional group has been established in IMD under the MoES to strengthen the research and development (R&D) activities in AI/ML. These centers focus on leveraging AI, ML, and DL techniques for advancements in Earth Sciences. It has already developed several AI/ML-based applications tailored for localized predictions and the analysis of weather and climate patterns.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is rendering the weather forecast-based agro-advisory services to farmers under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) project through the existing 130 Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), etc. The AMFUs prepare agro-advisories for their respective districts and disseminate them through various modes, including mass media, mobile Apps, SMS, etc.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.  

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Railway and Telecom department Join Hands to make sure your lost mobile device is recovered through advance tracking capabilities

    Source: Government of India

    Railway and Telecom department Join Hands to make sure your lost mobile device is recovered through advance tracking capabilities

    Strengthening operation ‘Amanat’, RPF onboarded on CEIR portal of department of telecommunication benefiting millions of Railways passengers

    CEIR portal is DoT’s crucial digital tool to recover mobile phone by blocking IMEI number, tracking and managing of lost/ stolen devices

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:20PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move towards enhancing passenger experience by returning the lost/missing mobile phones, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully onboarded with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal of the Department of Telecommunication. This initiative follows the success of a pilot program in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).  The all India roll out of this program across Indian Railways would benefit millions of Railway Passengers.

    In the inauguration launch and training program for CEIR portal, held today, Shri. Manoj Yadava, Director General, Railway Protection Force addressed the gathering of RPF field units while Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) delivered the keynote address. Speaking on this landmark development, the DG RPF Shri. Manoj Yadava stated that “The collaboration of RPF with the Department of Telecommunication for operating CEIR portal marks a significant milestone in railway security. By harnessing digital technology, we aim to provide passengers with a transparent and effective mechanism to recover their lost or missing mobile phones. This initiative strengthens law enforcement capabilities and fosters greater trust among railway commuters. We remain committed to safeguarding passenger property and ensuring a secure travel experience across the railway network.”

    The CEIR portal, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, is a crucial digital tool designed to recover mobile phones by blocking, tracking and managing lost or stolen devices. By leveraging this platform, RPF will now be able to render lost/missing mobile phones unusable by blocking their IMEI numbers, thereby deterring illegal possession and resale of these devices. This initiative will also facilitate the swift recovery of lost phones through advanced tracking capabilities.

    RPF has been at the forefront of efforts to recover passenger property which are lost or missing in trains as well as station premises. Operation Amanat of RPF, aimed at the sole objective of returning the valuables to its rightful owners, have yielded impressive results, with RPF successfully recovering misplaced or left behind items worth ₹84.03 crores between January 2024 and February 2025 returning them to more than 1.15 lakh grateful passengers. The incorporation of CEIR into railway security operations is expected to further bolster the efforts of RFP to restore misplaced or left behind mobile phones to their rightful owners.

    Seamless Complaint Registration & Recovery Process

    The integration of RPF with CEIR ensures a streamlined process for passengers reporting lost or stolen phones:

    1. Complaint Registration via Rail Madad: Passengers can report lost or stolen mobile phones through the Rail Madad platform, either online or by dialling 139. If they choose not to file an FIR, they will be guided to register their complaint on the CEIR portal.
    2. CEIR Registration by RPF: Zonal Cyber Cells of RPF will then register the complaint on the CEIR portal, entering the required details and blocking the device.
    3. Tracking and Recovery: Once the lost phone is detected with a new SIM card, the user of the device will be advised to return it to the nearest RPF post.
    4. Return to the Owner: The rightful owner must present supporting documents to reclaim the device.
    5. Legal Action: In case of non-compliance, an FIR can be lodged, and the matter escalated to the District Police.
    6. Device Unblocking: Upon recovery, the complainant can request to unblock the phone via the CEIR portal, with assistance from RPF if needed.

    In May 2024, RPF began a pilot project in Northeast Frontier Railway to actively utilize the CEIR portal and to study its utility for RPF. This experiment resulted in successful recovery of numerous lost mobile phones and apprehension of individuals involved in mobile theft. With this initiative being expanded all across the country, RPF is confident that it would be able to provide faster and more efficient recovery solutions for railway passengers.

    With technology-driven advancements and inter-agency collaboration, Indian Railways continues to reinforce its commitment to passenger safety, ensuring that every journey is secure and hassle-free.

    ****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118451) Visitor Counter : 144

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL RARE EARTHS POLICY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish an effective framework for India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under the NCMM, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to carry out 1200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

    In order to reduce the import dependency of Rare Earth Elements (REE), Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is carrying out exploration to augment resources of REE along the coastal / inland / riverine placer sands of the country for augmentation of heavy mineral resource, which include monazite (a phosphate mineral containing Th and REE) and xenotime (a phosphate mineral of yttrium and REE) as well as in several potential geological domains (hard rock) of the country. Further, during the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24), GSI has taken up 368 mineral exploration projects on critical minerals including Rare Earth Elements (REE) and for 2024-25, GSI has taken up 195 exploration projects to assess the mineral potential of critical minerals including REE specified in Part D of First Schedule of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023.

    IREL (India) Limited (IREL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been mandated to produce Rare Earth Elements in the form of high pure Rare Earth Oxides from Rare Earths (RE) bearing mineral Monazite in India. IREL has been operating in three locations having the facility for integrated mining and processing of mineral sands and a facility each for extraction and refining of rare earths. With the grant of Letter of Intent (LoI) for three more reserve deposits in different geographies of India, the domestic production is planned to be enhanced.

    As a part of functioning of IREL, IREL undertakes economic feasibility of mining of Rare Earths before taking up mining operations at each location.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM highlights the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government.

    The Prime Minister’s Office handle on X posted:

    “During PM @narendramodi’s visit, the Thai Government released an iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings that were painted during the reign of King Rama I.”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2118440) Visitor Counter : 42

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INDIGENOUS NUCLEAR REACTORS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Units-3&4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS-3&4), the first pair of indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) setup at Kakrapar in Gujarat are already operational, having commenced commercial operation on 30.06.2023 and 31.03.2024 respectively.

    Two units of 700 MW indigenous PHWRs were sanctioned to be setup at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan (RAPP-7&8, 2X700 MW)

    One of the units, RAPP-7 has been connected to the grid on 17.03.2025, while RAPP- 8 is under advanced stage of commissioning and is expected to be completed in 2025-26.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Beyond Religion: Understanding Waqf as a Property Management Issue

    Source: Government of India

    Beyond Religion: Understanding Waqf as a Property Management Issue

    Untangling the legal and administrative realities of Waqf in India.

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Waqf system in India is often seen as a religious matter, but in reality, it is mainly about property management, administration, and governance. The Waqf Act, 1995, and its amendments focus on regulating Waqf properties to ensure they are properly used and managed. The law defines Waqf as the permanent donation of movable or immovable property by a Muslim for purposes considered religious, charitable, or beneficial to society. However, the key concern is not religious practice but the proper administration of these properties.

    • The government has the authority to regulate non-religious activities of Waqf institutions, including education, social welfare, and economic development, under Section 96 of the Waqf Act.
    • The Central Waqf Council (CWC) and State Waqf Boards (SWBs) oversee and regulate these properties to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
    • Indian courts have ruled that Waqf Boards are statutory bodies responsible for property management, not religious organizations.

    Several court decisions have reinforced that Waqf property management is a non-religious function:

    • Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs Union Of India (Kerala High Court, 1993) – Clarified that the Waqf Board is a government-regulated body, not a religious representative.
    • Hafiz Mohammad Zafar Ahmad vs UP Central Sunni Board of Waqf (Allahabad High Court, 1965) – Ruled that a mutawalli (Waqf caretaker) does not own Waqf property but only manages it.
    • Tilkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs State of Rajasthan (Supreme Court, 1964) – Declared that managing temple properties is a secular duty, a principle that also applies to Waqf properties.

    Waqf properties in India face major issues, including mismanagement, illegal occupation, and lack of transparency:

    • The WAMSI portal reports that over 58,898 Waqf properties are illegally occupied.
    • Cases of questionable claims by Waqf Boards include:
      • Govindpur, Bihar (August 2024) – The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board claimed ownership of an entire village, leading to legal disputes.
      • Kerala (September 2024) – Around 600 Christian families protested after the Waqf Board claimed their ancestral lands.
      • Surat, Gujarat – The Waqf Board declared the Surat Municipal Corporation Headquarters as Waqf property, despite it being a government building.

    Instances of non-Muslim properties being arbitrarily declared as Waqf have raised concerns:

    • In Tamil Nadu, the Waqf Board claimed the entire Thiruchenthurai village, affecting the property rights of non-Muslims.
    • A total of 132 historical monuments were declared Waqf properties without proper documentation.

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been introduced to improve transparency and fairness in Waqf administration. The key reforms include:

    • Ending arbitrary property claims – Section 40, which allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare any property as Waqf, has been removed.
    • Digitization of records – Waqf properties will now be documented digitally to prevent illegal claims and improve tracking.
    • Strengthening dispute resolution – Waqf Tribunals will be given more authority to resolve property disputes efficiently.
    • Ensuring accountability – Non-Muslim members will now be included in Waqf Boards to promote fairer decision-making.

    The Waqf system in India is primarily about property management, not religion. The government and courts have repeatedly emphasized that Waqf administration is a secular function. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a crucial step in resolving issues of mismanagement, illegal claims, and lack of transparency. By introducing legal oversight, digitization, and accountability, the bill ensures that Waqf properties serve their intended purpose for the public good while protecting the rights of all citizens.

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2118417) Visitor Counter : 116

    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025: The History of Waqf in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:55PM by PIB Delhi

    ‘Waqf’ has been defined as the permanent dedication by any person of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognised by Muslim Law as pious, religious or charitable.[1]

    Introduction

    India has been working to regulate and protect Waqf properties, which have religious, social, and economic significance. The first major law, the Waqf Act of 1954, laid the foundation for managing these properties. Over time, laws have been updated to improve governance and prevent misuse. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 aims to increase transparency, strengthen management, and protect Waqf assets. These reforms follow global best practices.

    The Waqf Act of 1995, enforced by the Central Government, currently regulates Waqf properties. The main administrative bodies are:

    • Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties.
    • State Waqf Boards (SWBs) – Manage and protect Waqf properties in each state.
    • Waqf Tribunals – Exclusive judicial bodies that handle disputes related to Waqf properties.

    This system ensures better management and faster resolution of issues. Over the years, legal changes have made Waqf administration more transparent, efficient, and accountable.

    An Overview of Waqf History in India

    Waqf properties in India have been regulated by several laws to improve administration and prevent mismanagement:

    1. The Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913:
    • Allowed Muslims to create Waqfs for family benefit, eventually leading to charitable purposes.
    • Aimed to improve Waqf management but was not very effective.
    1. The Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923: Introduced rules for proper accounting and transparency in Waqf management.
    2. The Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1930: Strengthened the legal validity of family Waqfs, giving legal backing to the 1913 Act.
    3. The Wakf Act, 1954:
    • Created State Waqf Boards (SWBs) for the first time to oversee Waqf properties.
    • Strengthened Waqf management after India’s independence.
    • Established the Central Waqf Council of India in 1964 to supervise State Waqf Boards and provided a pathway toward the centralisation of Waqfs.
    • This central body oversees the work under various state Waqf boards which were established under provisions of Section 9(1) of the Waqf Act, 1954.
    1. Amendments to the Wakf Act, 1954 (1959, 1964, 1969, and 1984): These amendments aimed to further improve the administration of waqf properties.
    2. The Waqf Act, 1995: This comprehensive Act repealed the 1954 Act and its amendments:
    • This was enacted to govern the administration of Waqf Properties in India.
    • It provides for the power and functions of the Waqf Council, the State Waqf Boards, and the Chief Executive Officer, and also the duties of mutawalli.
    • Created Waqf Tribunals, special courts with powers similar to civil courts.
    • Tribunal decisions are final and cannot be challenged in civil courts.
    1. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced significant changes including:
    • Created three-member Waqf Tribunals, including a Muslim law expert.
    • Required two women members on each State Waqf Board.
    • Prohibited the sale or gifting of Waqf properties.
    • Increased the lease period of Waqf properties from 3 years to 30 years for better use.
    1. Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024
    • Aims to modernize Waqf administration, reduce legal disputes, and improve efficiency.
    • Seeks to fix issues in the 1995 Act and the 2013 Amendment.

     

    Schemes by the Ministry of Minority Affairs

    The Quami Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS) and Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY) are being implemented through the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Government of India. These two schemes are for automation and modernization of State Waqf Boards.

    • Under QWBTS, Government Grants-in-Aid (GIA) is provided to State Waqf Boards through CWC for the deployment of manpower to computerize and digitize records of waqf properties and to enhance the administration of Waqf Boards.
    • SWSVY offers interest-free loans to Waqf Boards and institutions to develop commercial projects on Waqf properties.
    • Rs 23.87 crore and Rs 7.16 crore respectively were spent under QWBTS and SWSVY from 2019-20 to 2023-24.[2]

    Overview of Waqf Properties in India:

    As per data available on WAMSI portal 30 States/UTs and 32 Boards reported that there are 8.72 lakh properties, covering an area of more than 38 lakh acres. Out of the 8.72 lakh properties, 4.02 lakhs are Waqf by user. For remaining Waqf properties, the Ownership Rights Establishing Documents (deeds) have been uploaded on the WAMSI Portal for 9279 cases and only 1083 Waqf deeds have been uploaded.

     (As of March 14, 2025)

    Source: https://wamsi.nic.in/wamsi/dashBoardAction.do;jsessionid=40F3DA0F79ED801CE30802EB0F326394?method=totalRegisteredProp

    Data on State-wise numbers and area of Waqf properties (as of September 2024)

    Sr. No.

    State Waqf Boards

    Total No. of Properties

    Total area in Acre

    1

    Andaman and Nicobar Waqf Board

    151

    178.09

    2

    Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board

    14685

    78229.97

    3

    Assam Board of Waqfs

    2654

    6618.14

    4

    Bihar State (Shia) Waqf Board

    1750

    29009.52

    5

    Bihar State (Sunni) Waqf Board

    6866

    169344.82

    6

    Chandigarh Waqf Board

    34

    23.26

    7

    Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board

    4230

    12347.1

    8

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli Waqf Board

    30

    4.41

    9

    Delhi Waqf Board

    1047

    28.09

    10

    Gujarat State Waqf Board

    39940

    86438.95

    11

    Haryana Waqf Board

    23267

    36482.4

    12

    Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board

    5343

    8727.6

    13

    Jammu and Kashmir Auqaf Board

    32533

    350300.75

    14

    Jharkhand State (Sunni) Waqf Board

    698

    1084.76

    15

    Karnataka State Board of Auqaf

    62830

    596516.61

    16

    Kerala State Waqf Board

    53282

    36167.21

    17

    Lakshadweep State Waqf Board

    896

    143.81

    18

    Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board

    33472

    679072.39

    19

    Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs

    36701

    201105.17

    20

    Manipur State Waqf Board

    991

    10077.44

    21

    Meghalaya State Board of Waqfs

    58

    889.07

    22

    Odisha Board of Waqfs

    10314

    28714.65

    23

    Puducherry State Waqf Board

    693

    352.67

    24

    Punjab Waqf Board

    75965

    72867.89

    25

    Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs

    30895

    509725.57

    26

    Tamil Nadu Waqf Board

    66092

    655003.2

    27

    Telangana State Waqf Board

    45682

    143305.89

    28

    Tripura Board of Waqfs

    2814

    1015.73

    29

    U.P.  Shia Central Board of Waqfs

    15386

    20483

    30

    U.P. Sunni Central Board of Waqfs

    217161

     

    31

    Uttarakhand Waqf Board

    5388

    21.8

    32

    West Bengal Board of Waqfs

    80480

    82011.84

     

    Total

    872328

    3816291.788

     

    Conclusion:

    The changes in Waqf laws in India from 1913 to 2024 show a strong effort to protect and manage Waqf properties for society’s benefit while ensuring a proper administration system. Each law aimed to solve current problems while keeping the main purpose of Waqf endowments. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is an important step toward making Waqf management more transparent, responsible, and inclusive.

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2118415) Visitor Counter : 264

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM meets former PM of Thailand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand in Bangkok. They deliberated on the immense potential of cooperation between India and Thailand in areas like defence, trade, culture and more.

    In a post on X, he stated:

    “It was a delight to meet Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. He has extensive experience in matters relating to governance and policy making. He is also a great friend of India and had a very warm relationship with Atal Ji. 

    Mr. Shinawatra and I talked at length about India-Thailand cooperation and how it benefits the people of our respective countries. We deliberated on the immense potential in areas like defence, trade, culture and more.

    @ThaksinLive”

     

     

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Post Partners with Nippon India Mutual Fund to Enhance KYC Verification Services

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move to facilitate the Mutual Fund industry’s customer onboarding process, Department of Posts (DoP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nippon India Mutual Fund to provide door-to-door KYC verification services for their investors. This partnership aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and compliance for investors across India.

    The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Post, and Mr. Sundeep Sikka Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd.


    Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal and Mr. Sundeep Sikka

    India Post’s unparalleled reach, with a presence in even the remotest corners of the country, sets it apart as an ideal partner for mutual fund companies seeking to expand their investor base. After successfully handling more than 5 lakh KYC verifications for UTI and SUUTI in a short period, India Post has proven its capability to manage large-scale operations efficiently and securely.

    The door-to-door KYC service will offer investors the convenience of completing the process from home, a crucial benefit for the investors especially the elderly. This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on Jan Nivesh, the initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion for the common masses.

    By offering door-to-door KYC services, India Post is providing easy access to financial products for individuals who may otherwise face barriers due to mobility issues or lack of access to financial institutions. This initiative ensures that a broader segment of the population, including those in rural and underserved areas, can participate in the growing mutual fund market, thus empowering them to make informed investment decisions and secure their financial future.

    This collaboration marks a key milestone in India Post’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic development. With its trusted network, India Post aims to continue forging new partnerships and expanding its presence in the financial services sector.

    *****

    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2118397) Visitor Counter : 25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Concludes With Engaging Deliberations on One Nation, One Election

    Source: Government of India

    Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Concludes With Engaging Deliberations on One Nation, One Election

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Confers National Youth Awards (2021-22 & 2022-23) and Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025

    Today’s youth will become the leaders of tomorrow, turning their resolutions into future accomplishments – Dr. Mandaviya

    Young Participants Witness Legislative Process First-hand at New Parliament

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The second day of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament commenced with an enriching visit to the new Parliament building, where participants had the unique opportunity to witness live legislative proceedings. This first-hand experience provided the young delegates with deep insights into the parliamentary process, fostering a greater understanding of democratic governance. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to observe lawmakers engage in discussions and debates in real time.

    Further, the key agenda for the day at the Youth Parliament was to discuss on the motion to refer the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Following an engaging discussion, the Speaker of the House called for a vote. The motion passed with a landslide majority, endorsing the referral of the ONOE Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The jury for this round comprised of the members of Lok Sabha, Shri. Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shri Hemang Joshi and Smt. Bansuri Swaraj. The session facilitated a constructive exchange of perspectives, equipping the youth with a nuanced understanding of electoral reforms.

    A significant highlight of the day’s proceedings was the conferment of the National Youth Awards for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the invaluable contributions of young individuals whose vision and dedication set them apart. He emphasized that these awardees have always prioritized the nation’s welfare, spoken about social service, and inspired hope through their actions. Honouring such youth, he stated, is a moment of pride for the platform.

    Looking towards the future, he expressed confidence that by the time India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, today’s youth will be at the helm of the nation. He remarked that the participants of today would become the leaders of tomorrow, turning their present-day resolutions into future accomplishments. He envisioned that India, which is currently developing, will emerge as a fully developed nation by 2047, and asserted that even destiny would soon acknowledge this inevitable transformation.

    Total 24 National Youth Awards were given in individual and organisations categories. Total 11 awards were given for NYA 2021-22 in individual category. Total 13 awards were given for NYA 2022-23 which includes 12 awards in individual category and 1 award in Organization category. The award comprises of a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000/- to individual and a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000/- to organization.

    The recipients of the National Youth Awards are as follows:

    National Youth Award 2021-22 (Individual)

    Sr. No.

    Name

    State

    1

    Shri Akshit  Bansal

    Delhi

    2

    Shri Ayush  Trivedi

    Uttar Pradesh

    3

    Shri Devesh    Sharma

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    Shri Harmanjot  Singh

    Jammu And Kashmir

    5

    Dr. Mahendra  Meena

    Rajasthan

    6

    Ms. Mannat  Kaur

    Delhi

    7

    Shri Rahul   Rajpoot

    Madhya Pradesh

    8

    Ms. Sunaina  Gupta

    Haryana

    9

    Shri Vinayak  Bahadur

    Uttar Pradesh

    10

    Shri Raj Kumar

    Himachal Pradesh

    11

    Shri Sumit

    Himachal Pradesh

    National Youth Award 2022-23 (Individual)

    12

    Shri Mohit   Sharma

    Uttar Pradesh

    13

    Ms. Joanna  Jewel  M

    Kerala

    14

    Shri Chetan   Upadhyay

    Delhi

    15

    Ms. Meghanamurthy G

    Karnataka

    16

    Shri Pushyamitra  Keshav Joshi

    Maharashtra

    17

    Shri Gudlanaram  Shiva Kumar

    Telangana

    18

    Shri Rahul  Maharana

    Odisha

    19

    Ms. Jeya  Malhotra

    Karnataka

    20

    Shri Akarsh G Shroff

    Karnataka

    21

    Shri Arjun   Bhati

    Uttar Pradesh

    22

    Shri Somesh   Sharma

    Uttarakhand

    23

    Shri Akram  Garwal

    Madhya Pradesh

    National Youth Award 2022-23 (Organization)

    24

    Let’s Be The Change

    Karnataka

     

    Click here for more details of National Youth Awardees

    Additionally, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conferred Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025 upon exceptional participants who demonstrated remarkable leadership and articulation during the event.

    In his closing address at the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active engagement in discussions, debates, question hours, and resolutions over the past two days. He acknowledged the immense contribution of the 75,000 youth from 300 districts, out of which the 105 best young parliamentarians were selected. He praised the discipline and decorum maintained throughout the event, which reflected the participants’ high standards of conduct.

    Union Minister highlighted that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament was launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aiming to nurture the future leaders of the nation. He expressed hope that today’s Youth Parliamentarians would evolve into the leaders of tomorrow.

    The recipients of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards are as follows:

    1. Best Opening Speaker Award (Dhirendra Singh, Uttar Pradesh) – Given to the most impactful and articulate speaker who sets the tone for discussions with clarity, confidence, and depth.
    2. Best Question (Harshita Sharma, Rajasthan) – Awarded for the most insightful and thought-provoking question raised during the session.
    3. Best Reply (Laasya Priya, Andhra Pradesh) – Given to the participant who provides the most well-structured and convincing response.
    4. Best Speaker (Riya Gupta, Jharkhand) – Short Discussion

    Smt. Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, congratulated the participants and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to nation-building. She emphasized the role of youth in shaping India’s future and urged them to continue their journey of service and innovation.

    Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary Department of Youth Affairs delivered the opening remarks for the National Youth Awards, highlighting the exceptional contributions of young individuals towards nation-building and community development

    The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament continues to provide a platform for the nation’s youth to engage in policy dialogues, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047. The program aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering informed civic participation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MONSOON FORECAST AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on both the statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) based forecasting system. The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model. The MMCFS and MME forecasts are updated every month. This was to satisfy the demands from different users and Government authorities for the forecasts of the spatial distribution of monthly and seasonal rainfall along with the regionally averaged rainfall forecasts for better regional planning of activities.

    Since introducing the Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS) in 2007 and implementing the MME approach in 2021 for seasonal forecasting, IMD operational forecast for the monsoon rainfall has shown noticeable improvement. For example, the average absolute forecast error in the forecasting of all India’s seasonal rainfall has reduced by about 21% during the recent 18 years (2007-2024) compared to the same number of  previous years (1989-2006), which indicates a highly successful forecast in recent years compared to previous years. The anomaly correlation between the observed and forecast ISMR during 2007-2023 was 0.55 compared to -0.21 during 1989-2006. It may be noted that IMD was able to correctly forecast the twin deficient monsoon years of 2014-2015, as well as the below-normal rainfall in 2023 and above-normal rainfall in 2024. These clearly indicate improvement made in the operational forecast system in the recent 18 years period compared to the earlier 18 years period. For 2025, the MME approach will continue to be used as this method introduced in 2021 has shown good skill in forecasting both the area-averaged rainfall at various geographical regions and spatial distribution of rainfall across the country at monthly as well as seasonal scales.

    To strengthen weather and climate services for the agriculture sector, the MoES has launched the Mission Mausam, which is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services. The Mission is launched to make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation with the aim that no weather will go undetected and early warning for all. It will help monsoon-dependent agricultural regions, citizens, and last-mile users to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change in a better way.

    Further, the Mission’s focus includes improving the observations by augmenting various observational networks throughout the country to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, capacity building, and awareness generation. Apart from physics-based numerical models, the Ministry is developing new methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for weather, climate, and ocean forecasting systems. And the formulation of collaborative research projects with academic institutions to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for weather forecasting and climate modeling capabilities. Local user communities such as farmers/agricultural authorities, aviation authorities, power generation & distribution agencies, industries, health agencies, etc., are constantly involved/engaged, and periodic familiarization is imparted through user meet/stakeholder meet awareness programs, etc. The feedback is taken from the communities for the improvement of all-weather & climate services. Extensive use of local languages in forecast dissemination and regularly organizing workshops and awareness programs for community outreach is being undertaken.

    By strengthening the observational network will also help to observe the changes in long-term weather patterns compared to past years to assess the changes in the climate and take measures towards climate resilience.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using satellite technology extensively for weather monitoring and forecasting. This started with the use of photographs from Television Infrared Observation Satellites (TIROS-1) launched by the United States of America (USA) in April 1960. These photographs provided new information on cloud systems, including spiral formations associated with large storms, immediately proving their value to operational meteorologists. Over the years, IMD has embraced new developments in satellites and their applications, boosted through global coordination and support, such as geostationary satellites in 1974 and polar-orbiting satellites. With the advent of Indian National Satellites (INSAT) developed by the Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites in 1982, IMD has augmented satellite applications utilizing image and data products in collaboration with the ISRO. Currently, IMD is utilizing available international satellites, including European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and INSAT-3DR/3DS, as well as polar-orbiting satellites, including Oceansat-3 and Metop-B/C. The utilization of satellite data and products has improved nowcasting and severe weather along with timely detection of large-scale systems like monsoon circulation, cyclones, western disturbances, thunderstorms, etc. Above 90% of the data in the numerical models run by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is satellite-based. The assimilation of satellite data in the models has improved the accuracy in short to medium range forecasting by about 20% to 30%. Algorithms/tools developed by IMD/ISRO and other international institutes, such as EUMETSAT, like nowcast tools, RAPID, Dvorak technique, etc., have improved decision-making and forecasting. These data and products are proven to be useful for disaster preparedness. However, there are still gaps in detecting small-scale weather events, such as cloudbursts, thunderstorms, localized heavy rainfall, squalls, hail storms, etc., due to a lack of high-resolution data, products, and satellite-based tools. Considering this, IMD and ISRO are working together for the development of the INSAT-4 series with better sensors and resolution.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: List of Outcomes: Visit of Prime Minister to Thailand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

    1. Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership

    2. MoU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies

    3. MoU between Sagarmala Division, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of the Republic of India and Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, Kingdom of Thailand for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat

    4. MoU between National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), the Republic of India and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), the Kingdom of Thailand on cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

    5. MoU between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

    6. MoU between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) of the Republic of India and Creative Economy Agency (CEA) of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Yoga Association joins for celebration of International Day of Yoga 2025; collaboration to enhance the celebration and promote the benefits of yoga on a global scale

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

    With just 79 days to go for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) has volunteered to play an active role in the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga . IYA representatives led by Secretary General Subodh Tiwari met senior officers from the Ministry of Ayush to discuss their plan of activities.

    Representatives from 27 state chapters of the IYA actively participated in the discussions, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm for the mega International Day of Yoga 2025.

    The Ministry of Ayush thanked the IYA for their proactive approach and advance  planning for IDY 2025. This collaboration is expected to enhance the celebration and promote the benefits of yoga on a global scale.

    As announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, theme for IDY 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth One Health,”. The Prime Minister has also appealed to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being. IYA expressed its commitment to spread this theme through their number of institutions.

    The IYA members stated that many of them have already chalked out specific plan to carry out activities related to the 10 unique signature events that have been identified to mark the 10th anniversary of International Day of Yoga 2025.

    These 10 signature events are

    • Yoga Sangam – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
    • Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
    • Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
    • Yoga Samavesh – Yoga Samavesh is an inclusive initiative promoting accessible yoga for persons with special needs, children, seniors, and marginalized groups. It features 10 key events, each focusing on a specific yoga protocol for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, mental health, and substance abuse. Over 1,000 participants will undergo a 10-day training conducted by partner organizations.
    • Yoga Prabhav – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
    • Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
    • Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
    • Yoga Unplugged – An event to attract young people to Yoga
    • Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
    • Samyoga – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

    IYA members will strive to ensure that their IDY 2025 activities will revolve around the above signature events.

    Annexure

    The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

    • IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
    • IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
    • IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
    • IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.
    • IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
    • IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
    • IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
    • IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
    • IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
    • IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Prime Minister’s Press Statement during the Joint Press Statement with the Prime Minister of Thailand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shinawatra,

    Delegates from both countries,

    Friends from the media,

    Namaskar!

    Sawadee Krap!

    I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shinawatra for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me.

    I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of India for the loss of life in the earthquake that occurred on March 28. We also wish for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.

    Friends,

    The age-old relations between India and Thailand are rooted in our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has brought our people together.

    There have been exchanges of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folk lore. And, the influence of Sanskrit and Pali continues to resonate with our languages and traditions today.

    I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for releasing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings as part of my visit.

    Prime Minister Shinawatra just gifted me a Tri-Pitaka. On behalf of India, the land of Buddha, I accept it with folded hands. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is a matter of great pleasure that more than four million devotees got the opportunity to pay their tributes. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand for an exposition.

    This year our old connection was also visible in the Mahakumbh in India. More than 600 Buddhist devotees from foreign countries, including Thailand, became part of this spiritual and cultural gathering. This event gave the message of global peace and harmony.

    Friends,

    Thailand holds a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. Today, we have decided to strengthen our ties into a strategic partnership. Also, we discussed establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between our security agencies.

    We thanked the Government of Thailand for their cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian victims of cybercrime. We have agreed that our agencies will collaborate closely to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.

    We have emphasized on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India.

    We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts.

    We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity.

    With the aim of promoting people-to-people exchanges, India has started offering free e-visa facilities to Thai tourists.

    Friends,

    ASEAN is the comprehensive strategic partner of India, and in this region, as neighbouring maritime countries, we have shared interests in regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

    India firmly supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. In the Indo-Pacific region, both countries advocate a free, open, inclusive and rule-based order.

    We believe in development and not expansionism. We welcome Thailand’s decision to co-lead the ‘Maritime Ecology’ Pillar of the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.

    Friends,

    I am eager to participate in the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow. Under Thailand’s chairmanship, this forum has gained new momentum towards regional cooperation. We congratulate the Prime Minister and his team for this achievement.

    Excellency,

    Once again, I thank you for this warm welcome and honour. I also express my gratitude for this gift of the Tri-Pitaka.

    Khop Khun Khap!

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROGRESS OF THE BHARAT SMALL MODULAR REACTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Presently, concept design of the lead unit of Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe has been completed, which includes sizing of the nuclear reactor alongwith the primary heat transport system. Detailed engineering design of nuclear and non-nuclear systems has been taken-up by the Department.

    The erection and start-up of the demonstration unit of BSMR200 is expected to be completed in 6 years’ time after financial approval. Plant commissioning followed by regular operation will be feasible at the end of 7th year. Expected cost of the lead unit is ₹5,700 Crores.

    BSMR is being developed by BARC and NPCIL as all the required expertise is available in house for deployment of lead unit of BSMR. The Department will avail services of developed indigenous private nuclear vendors, who will deliver various equipment and components of BSMR 200 through competitive bidding. The construction, erection and commissioning works will be entrusted with pre-qualified EPC vendors.

    BSMR is based on the globally proven pressurized water reactor technology. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions. In addition to this Nuclear safety of BSMR-based power plant will be subjected to comprehensive regulatory licensing process in vogue. Design standardization will be taken-up in the follow-on units to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimization of project timelines. BSMR will be largely indigenous, facilitating its sustainability and mass deployment. Use of imported uranium (slightly enriched) will be an option to be exercised, if required.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported detention of a journalist covering a protest over alleged financial irregularities in a bank in Guwahati, Assam

    Source: Government of India

    NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported detention of a journalist covering a protest over alleged financial irregularities in a bank in Guwahati, Assam

    Issues notice to the Director General of Police, Assam, calling for a detailed report within four weeks

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that on 25th March, 2025 in Guwahati, a journalist of a digital news portal was called at Panbazar police and detained after a dharna in front of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd, which he had gone to cover. Reportedly, the journalist had questioned the Managing Director of the bank on the alleged financial irregularities, though no reason was cited for his detention.

    The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise the issue of violation of the journalist’s human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Government of Assam, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

    According to the media report, carried on 25th March, 2025, the protestors were demanding a high-level inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities in the management of the bank and strict action against those responsible.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR AND ATOMIC POWER PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The share of nuclear power in the country’s energy basket is proposed to be increased by augmenting the installed nuclear power capacity.

    A large nuclear power expansion programme of 13,600 MW is under implementation which is expected to increase the nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Further, the Government has announced an ambitious Nuclear Energy mission with a target of reaching a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047.

    The details are given in the annexure.

    Annexure

    State

    Location

    Unit

    Capacity

    (MW)

     

     

    Maharashtra

     

     

    Tarapur

    TAPS-1

    160

    TAPS-2

    160

    TAPS-3

    540

    TAPS-4

    540

     

     

     

     

     

    Rajasthan

     

     

     

     

     

    Rawatbhata

    RAPS-1

    100

    RAPS-2

    200

    RAPS-3

    220

    RAPS-4

    220

    RAPS-5

    220

    RAPS-6

    220

    RAPS-7

    700

     

     

    TamilNadu

     

    Kalpakkam

    MAPS-1

    220

    MAPS-2

    220

     

    Kudankulam

    KKNPP-1

    1000

    KKNPP-2

    1000

     

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Narora

    NAPS-1

    220

    NAPS-2

    220

     

     

    Gujarat

     

     

    Kakrapar

    KAPS-1

    220

    KAPS-2

    220

    KAPS-3

    700

    KAPS-4

    700

     

     

    Karnataka

     

     

    Kaiga

    KGS-1

    220

    KGS-2

    220

    KGS-3

    220

    KGS-4

    220

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launches Water Resource Census application and portal at New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launches Water Resource Census application and portal at New Delhi

    https://wrcensus.mowr.gov.in/

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launched Water Resource Census application and portal at Shram Shakti Bhavan, New Delhi. The Water Resource Census application and portal aids in the following census schemes.

    1. The 7thMinor Irrigation Census
    2.  2ndCensus of Water Bodies
    3. 1stCensus of Springs
    4. 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

    A 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the reference year will be 2023-24 agricultural year (July 2023- June 2024) under Irrigation Census Scheme.

    The main objective of the Water Resource Census is to build a comprehensive and reliable database in the irrigation sector for effective planning and policymaking including water use efficiency, water budgeting etc. The digital application for collection and validation of data significantly enhances data accuracy while reducing the time required for conduct of census.

    The key features of the censuses are the following:

    • Paperless and end to end digital solution:
      • mobile application for data collection and
      • web application for management and validation processes
    • Ground truthing of data received from SAC database during 2nd Census of Water Bodies
    • Recording Latitude, Longitude and images of all schemes
    • Pre-population of previous census data (6th MI and 1st Water body Census) using LGD codes in the mobile application during data collection to the extent possible
    • Use of reverse GIS technology for ensuring accurate recording of Lat/Long of all scheme wherever village boundaries are available
    • Use of LGD codes for preparing frame of census

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    Director

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: OPERATIONAL NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Presently, there are 25 operational nuclear power plants in the country with a total capacity of 8880 MW. The details of operational nuclear power plants in the country are given in Annexure.

    India is pursuing a three-stage nuclear power programme, for optimum utilization of its limited uranium resources and exploit vast thorium resources for long term energy security, by following nearly closed nuclear fuel cycle wherein the spent fuel from reactors is treated as resource material and not waste. India has developed expertise in backend fuel cycle of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

    The Programme of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD&ER) is linked to the front end of nuclear fuel cycle, wherein exploration is carried out to identify, evaluate and augment atomic mineral resources to cater the need of Nuclear Power Programme of India. As on date, AMD&ER has established 4,28,300 tonnes in-situ U-oxide resource in 47 uranium deposits located in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state-wise details of uranium resources are given in Table 1.

    Besides,Directoratehasestimated13.15million tonnes (Mt) in-situmonazite (a mineral containing thorium, uranium and Rare Earth Elements) resource occurring in the coastal beach and teri/red sands in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland alluvium in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Monazite in beach placer

    sands contain about 9-10% thorium oxide. The estimated in-situ monazite resource (13.15Mt) contains approximately 1.04Mt thorium metal (Th) or approximately 1.18Mt thorium oxide (ThO2). The state-wise details of these resources are given in Table 2.

    Uranium fuel requirement for the reactors which are under domestic safeguards is adequately met by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Time to time, projects which include capacity expansion of some of existing units as well as for establishing new projects in various parts of the country, are planned for maintaining sustained supply from UCIL.

    Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) with its initial establishment in Hyderabad has further augmented its own production facilities for fuel and structural fabrication at Hyderabad and further establishednewfacilitiesthroughGreenfieldProjectsat“ZirconiumComplex”, Pazhayakayal for Zirconium sponge production and “NFC-Kota” for Fuel Production. The project at Zirconium Complex, Pazhayakayal is completed in 2009 and is under operation since then.

    NFC-Kota project is scheduled for completion by March 2026 and has currently achieved more than 90% physical progress with commissioning of major equipment in advanced stage.

    Currently, the spent fuel from PHWRs is reprocessed to extract fissile material for use as fuel for next stage nuclear powerplants. However, a small volume of radioactive liquid wastes containing minor actinides and fission products is generated during reprocessing. The high level radioactive liquid waste, generated from reprocessing of spent fuel, is subjected to a process called vitrification, wherein it is converted to glass. This vitrified solid product is subjected to natural cooling in solid storage surveillance facility. This policy is at par with international practices following the guidelines of International Atomic Energy Agency.

    For efficient management of high-level radioactive waste, BARC has developed and demonstrated partition technology for separation of long-lived actinides to facilitate increase in specific loading of waste in the vitrified solid and thereby facilitating substantial volume reduction of vitrified waste. Moreover, this partition technology also helps in recovery of useful radio- isotopes such as Caesium-137, Strontium-90, Ruthenium-106 from the liquid wastes for various societal applications.

    Capacity enhancement for PHWR fuel reprocessing and waste management is under progress by construction of large capacity Integrated Nuclear Recycling Plant (INRP) for deploying the partition technology.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil launches Web based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil launches Web based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal

    https://rsms.cwc.gov.in/frameWork/web/public-dashboard

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launched Web based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal today at New Delhi. Central Water Commission monitors Live Storage Capacity of 161 important reservoirs of country an issues weekly bulletin on every Thursday. The total live storage capacity of these reservoirs at FRL is 182.375 BCM which is about 70.74% of the total live storage capacity estimated to have been created in the country. This Bulletin is sent to PMO, Niti Aayog, MoJS, MOP, MOA&FW, IMD, Disaster Management Authorities and all concerned states as well as uploaded on CWC web site. The storage position is updated every Thursday and Advisories are issued to concerned State Governments in case of (likely) critical situation of storage.

    The present system involves manual generation of various Graphs, Charts and Tables etc. for inclusion in the bulletin. However, in the new portal all required data analysis and generating maps, tables, graphs etc. including issuing the final bulletin shall be done automatically by clicking the button(s) once the data is entered in the portal. Also, through this portal, general public can get information about the storage status of any particular reservoir or any state or country as a whole. If required, any person can also download the bulletin from the portal. Today i.e. 3.4.2025, first bulletin of Financial Year 2025-26 has been issued with the launch of Web based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal by Union Minister of Jal Shakti.

    Live storage status of reservoirs is a very important input for the decision makers in order to priorities the requirements of water in terms of its domestic, agriculture, power, navigation and recreations uses. It indicates the level of water security in the country. It also helps respective authorities to plan various agricultural activities across the country.

    Water is a critical resource that underpins not only our daily lives but also the economic and social well-being of our communities. Agriculture is a primary source of income and livelihood for a substantial portion of India’s population, particularly in rural areas. Reservoirs are crucial for irrigation as they store water during wet periods, enabling its regulated release for agricultural use during drier seasons, ensuring a reliable water supply for crops and mitigating the impacts of water scarcity. They also provide a safeguard during the dry season and help us mitigate the impacts of extreme weather patterns, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

     

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    Dhanya Sanal K

    Director

     

    (Release ID: 2118336) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to inaugurate One Day Program under “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” in New Delhi tomorrow

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to inaugurate One Day Program under “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” in New Delhi tomorrow

    Over 560 Tribal Representatives from Jharkhand to Participate in the Event Honoring Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Legacy

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand, is organizing a day-long national-level program under the initiative “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” on 4th April 2025 at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, Akashvani Bhawan Complex, New Delhi. The event, dedicated to the 150th Birth Anniversary Year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrating and honoring tribal heritage at the national level, will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel. Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj along with other senior officials of MoPR and Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand will be present on the occasion.

    Over 560 tribal representatives from Jharkhand including prominent tribal leaders and community representatives of tribal groups will actively participate in the event, sharing insights on grassroot governance, traditional knowledge systems, and community-driven heritage conservation. The program will feature vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Santhali dance and Munda tribal storytelling, along with discussions on the role of Gram Sabhas in heritage conservation, government initiatives for indigenous traditions and insights from tribal leaders on grassroot governance and cultural preservation. The “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” initiative aims to integrate tribal heritage into the nation’s cultural and governance framework. Envisioned and supported by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, this campaign was launched by the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand on 26th January 2025 and has already seen 2,800 villages pledge their dedication to preserving traditional self-governance and cultural legacy. The objective of “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” is to preserve, enhance and pass onto future generations the cultural heritage, folk songs, festivals, and worship practices integral to the traditional governance systems of various Scheduled Tribe communities in Scheduled Areas. This program aims to document the vibrant history and cultural practices of 20,300 villages across Jharkhand and the initiative is closely aligned with the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act). The Sarhul Mahotsav, celebrated on 1st April 2025 has set the stage for this initiative, with tribal representatives from Jharkhand participating in cultural and governance dialogues. This program aims to further amplify these discussions by integrating heritage conservation with participatory governance.

     

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    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2118370) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launches a new website of the Department of Water Resources, RD &GR based on DBIM Framework

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launches a new website of the Department of Water Resources, RD &GR based on DBIM Framework

    https://www.jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil launched  a new website of Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, RD & GR)  in Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) format with objective to align to cohesive digital ecosystem across all Ministries/Department today at Shram Shakti Bhavan, New Delhi.

    The upgraded website is among the first few government platforms to be successfully onboarded& revamped in full compliance with the latest DBIM and Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0.

    Aligned with the  Prime Minister’s vision of a harmonized and unified digital identity for Government of India, the Key Features of the New Website are :

    1.         Consistency Across Government Websites: The DBIM framework ensures a unified look and feel across all government websites. This consistency not only strengthens the government’s digital identity but also helps in promoting trust and recognition among citizens.

    2.         Uniform User Experience: The new website is designed to provide a uniform user experience across all central government portals. Citizens will now find it easier to navigate and access information across different departments, thanks to standardized menus, layouts, and features.

    3.         Enhanced Accessibility: The website complies with the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) of STQC, making it accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities.

    4.         Optimized for Speed and Performance: Leveraging the DBIM framework’s optimized coding structure, the website offers faster load times and improved performance, ensuring a seamless experience even on low bandwidth connections. This is particularly beneficial for users in rural and remote areas.

    5.         Centralized Banner Publishing System: One of the standout features of the DBIM framework is the centralized banner publishing system integrated with My Gov. This system allows us to publish important government announcements, public service messages, and critical information directly across all government websites. This centralized approach ensures that citizens receive the latest updates promptly, improving communication and outreach.

    6.         Mobile-Friendly Design: The responsive design ensures that the website functions smoothly across all devices, including smart phones, tablets, and desktops. This flexibility enhances the overall user experience, especially for citizens who predominantly use mobile devices to access online services.

    7.         Centralized Content Management: The framework includes a centralized content management system (CMS) that allows for efficient updates and maintenance across various government portals. This reduces the time and effort required for website management and ensures up-to-date information is available to the public.

    8.         Improved Security Features: The DBIM framework is built with robust security protocols, including SSL encryption, secure authentication, and regular vulnerability assessments. This ensures that citizen data remains safe and secure, in line with the government’s data protection policies.

    The upgraded portal now features a unified interface, consistent branding, and technology standardization, making Department of Water Resources, RD & GR an exemplar of digital excellence and accessibility.

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    Dhanya Sanal K

    Director

     

    (Release ID: 2118333) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets with the Prime Minister of Thailand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra today in Bangkok on his Official Visit to Thailand. On arrival at the Government House, Prime Minister was received by Prime Minister Shinawatra and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This was their second meeting. Earlier, the two leaders had met on the sidelines of ASEAN related Summit in Vientiane in October 2024.

    The two leaders reviewed the entire range of bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand. They discussed ways to further strengthen political exchanges, defence & security partnership, strategic engagement, trade & investment and people-to-people ties. While doing so, they underlined the need to enhance connectivity, health, science & technology, start-up, innovation, digital, education, culture and tourism collaborations. They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation for countering transnational organised crimes including human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and cyber scams. The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on global issues and discussed ways of forging closer cooperation in sub-regional, regional and multilateral fora, including BIMSTEC, ASEAN and Mekong Ganga Cooperation.

    The two leaders witnessed exchange of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. They also witnessed exchange of MoUs in the fields of : handlooms and handicraft; digital technologies; Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and maritime heritage. Both leaders also welcomed the establishment of an India-Thailand Consular Dialogue, which will further facilitate people-to-people contacts between the two countries. The List of Outcomes may be seen here.

    As a gesture of goodwill, the Thai government released a special postage stamp depicting 18th century Ramayana mural paintings to mark Prime Minister’s visit. Underlining the close cultural and religious connections between the two countries, Prime Minister was presented a special edition of Buddhist holy scriptures TI-PITAKA in Pali by Prime Minister Shinawatra. As a gesture to further deepen the close civilizational ties between India and Thailand, Prime Minister offered sending Lord Buddha’s Relics excavated from Gujarat to Thailand, for people to pay their respect. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and two of his disciples had travelled from India to Thailand, and over 4 million people had paid their respects.

    India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic and religious ties, including those of Ramayana and Buddhism. India’s relations with Thailand are an integral pillar of our ‘Act East’ Policy, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, Vision MAHASAGAR and our vision of the Indo-Pacific. Sustained interactions between the two countries have led to a robust and multifaceted relationship based on age-old ties and shared interests.

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2118372) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –