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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Join Letter To Attorney General Bondi On Appointment Of Kash Patel As ATF Acting Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 14 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter to U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi inquiring into what policies and procedures she will commit to implementing in her capacity as AG to ensure that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity under Kash Patel’s stewardship.

    In February, President Trump announced that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel would also serve as Acting Director of ATF, the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for addressing gun-related crime and violence in America. However, the Senators’ letter to AG Bondi argues that Mr. Patel threatens to undo the significant gains made in recent years to ensure Americans’ safety as he lacks the relevant experience to lead ATF and has ties to the gun industry.

    “As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person,” the senators wrote. “We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity.”

    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.” Though under the Trump Administration, the Surgeon General has since removed the advisory, the report analyzed data from 2002 to 2022, finding that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer. In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries.

    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, the United States is starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths. Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts.

    “While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had ‘the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,’ evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain,” the senators wrote. “The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.”

    The senators’ letter went on to explain why Mr. Patel is not the right person to lead ATF.

    “As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director. Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations,” they continued. “Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.”

    The senators concluded: “Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws. During one exchange, you assured the Committee: ‘I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.’ In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: ‘I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.’”

    To better understand how AG Bondi intends to accomplish these goals, the senators asked that she promptly respond to a series of questions.

    U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.

    Full text of letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    We write with great concern regarding President Trump’s appointment of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person. We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity.

    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.”  Analyzing data from 2002 to 2022, the Surgeon General reported that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer.  In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries.

    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, we were starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths.  Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts.

    For example, ATF’s crime gun intelligence tools eTrace, which “is used to trace the purchase and/or use history of firearms used in violent crimes,” and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, which “is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States,” together “have transformed crime-solving by generating over 1.1 million investigative leads from ballistic evidence and linking suspects to major crimes within hours.”  ATF has also worked to increase DNA matches from cartridge casings and has expanded Crime Gun Intelligence Centers, which use “data-driven strategies” to foster “cross-agency collaboration.”

    ATF has also focused on eliminating firearms trafficking networks that unlawfully smuggle guns from the United States to Mexico, arming dangerous cartels which, in turn, send illicit drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.  And ATF created an Emerging Threats Center, which among other things, has focused on the proliferation of privately-made firearms, or ghost guns, and machine-gun conversion devices, or Glock switches.  These represent only some examples of ATF’s nationwide initiatives to reduce gun violence and keep Americans safe.

    While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had “the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,” evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain.  The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.

    Mr. Patel is, quite simply, not the right person to lead the ATF. As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director.  Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations.  Last year, Mr. Patel spoke at the inaugural summit for group Gun Owners of America, a “no-compromise gun lobby” that has announced it “look[s] forward to dismantling gun control with Kash.”  Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.

    Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws.  During one exchange, you assured the Committee: “I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.”  In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: “I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.”  To better understand how you intend to accomplish these goals, please promptly respond to the following questions:

    1. Recently, we have seen notable success in curtailing gun violence. While the United States experienced a spike in gun-related crimes and deaths during the pandemic, through bipartisan congressional action and the previous Administration’s efforts, that trend has begun to reverse. Given ATF’s central role in curbing violent crime, it is of paramount importance that the agency be staffed by experienced leaders, agents, and others who support ATF’s core mission, without the appearance of or actual conflict, in order to continue this downward trend. By contrast, firearm-industry personnel advocate for gun companies’ bottom lines by pushing for the repeal of commonsense gun regulations in order to sell more weapons and weapons accessories. Hiring such individuals for critical public-safety positions at ATF would endanger the agency’s core mission and Americans’ safety while prioritizing increases in private company profits.

    Will you place constraints on the hiring of firearm-industry personnel for ATF positions? If not, why?

    1. ATF must comply with all existing legal obligations. This includes exercising statutorily-required regulatory authority over the firearms industry, fully implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and complying with the Administrative Procedures Act if changing existing ATF regulations. However, Acting Director Patel lacks experience with ATF’s core responsibilities, including ATF’s regulatory oversight of the gun industry. Moreover, Acting Director Patel was only temporarily appointed under the Vacancies Reform Act and has not been subject to the Senate’s advice and consent process for this role. It is therefore particularly important that you exercise your authority as Attorney General to give final approval of all actions ATF takes under Acting Director Patel’s stewardship, including all policy changes.

    Will you commit to personally reviewing for approval all new or revised ATF policies and actions? If not, why?

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Wazzup Pilipinas

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Wazzup Pilipinas an online news and lifestyle platform that focuses on promoting the Philippines as a premier destination for both business and leisure. Wazzup Pilipinas has successfully collaborated with all forms of media including print, radio and television making it a diverse multimedia organization.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: University of the Philippines Resilience Institute

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    As a University arm in providing service to the nation, the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute envisions people, institutions and communities that are resilient to disaster and climate change risks. This shall be done by empowering them with open, accessible, accurate, understandable, and timely risk-based information and by developing a culture of safety and preparedness. It adopts the whole of government, nation and society approach and the trans-disciplinary science, arts, and humanities.

    DRR activities

    UP NOAH Website and Mobile Application

    The UP NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) website and mobile application is an initiative by the University of the Philippines (UP) that provides real-time weather, flood, landslide, and other disaster-related data for the Philippines. It aims to enhance disaster risk reduction and management by offering scientific tools and hazard maps to local governments, emergency responders, and the general public.

    Basics of Resilience Massive Open Online Courses

    The Basics of Resilience is a free, self-paced MOOC collaboratively offered by the UPRI and the UP Open University (UPOU). This foundational course aims to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills to understand and implement DRRM, as well as CCAM strategies.

    Scientific and Policy Research

    UPRI is dedicated to advancing scientific and policy research aimed at enhancing disaster resilience and climate adaptation in the Philippines. UPRI undertakes a variety of research initiatives, including policy research, action research, and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary studies, all aimed at producing and applying new knowledge in DRRM. 

    Probabilistic Risk Assessment

    UPRI advocates for the implementation of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) to enhance disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the Philippines. PRA is a systematic approach that evaluates the likelihood and potential impacts of various hazard scenarios, including those beyond historical records, by incorporating uncertainty and randomness into risk analysis. This method contrasts with deterministic assessments, which typically consider only single, often historical, scenarios.​ UPRI emphasizes the necessity of PRA in national development planning to anticipate and prepare for future hazards that may surpass those previously experienced. 

    Capacity Building of Higher Education Institutions

    UPRI actively enhances disaster resilience and climate adaptation capacities across the University of the Philippines System and other state universities and colleges (SUCs) through various strategic initiatives. UPRI actively collaborates with various SUCs to co-create local knowledge and build capacity in disaster resilience. These partnerships are crucial for formulating effective DRRM strategies tailored to local contexts. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Space Flight Awareness Program Recognizes Stennis Employees

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Stennis Space Center employees were recognized with Honoree Awards from NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Program during a March 10 ceremony in Orlando, Florida, for outstanding support of human spaceflight.

    Melissa Wagner of Pass Christian, Mississippi, is a NASA contract specialist in the Office of Procurement at NASA Stennis. She received the honor for contributions to NASA’s Artemis campaign by identifying potential risks related to propulsion test efforts in support of the initiative, resulting in successful mitigation actions.

    Samone Wilson of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a NASA public affairs specialist in the Office of Communications at NASA Stennis. She received the honor for her work in telling others about NASA and NASA Stennis activities and missions.
    Timothy Miller of Pearl River, Louisiana, is a senior drafter for Syncom Space Services at NASA Stennis. Although unable to attend the ceremony, he received the honor for contributions supporting flight systems integration, facility readiness, and cost reduction with his use of Creo Parametric modeling, a powerful 3D software.
    Madison Monti of Kiln, Mississippi, is a security support specialist for Chenega Global Protection at NASA Stennis. Although unable to attend the ceremony, she received the honor for contributions supporting the badging office at NASA Stennis to ensure a consistent, efficient, and secure process.
    NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Space Operations Mission Directorate Associate Administrator Kenneth Bowersox, and Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Acting Associate Administrator Dr. Lori Glaze presented the awards.
    Bresnik, assistant-to-the-chief of the Astronaut Office for Exploration, was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004. He manages the development and testing of everything that will operate beyond low-Earth orbit on Artemis missions. Bresnik previously served as commander of the International Space Station for Expedition 53 and flight engineer for Expedition 52.
    In recognition of flight program contributions, honorees toured NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and viewed the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Endurance in conjunction with the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10.
    The spacecraft carried NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscomos cosmonaut Kirill Pesko to the International Space Station on March 14 as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Program recognizes outstanding job performances and contributions by civil service and contract employees throughout the year and focuses on excellence in quality and safety in support of human spaceflight. The Honoree Award is one of the highest honors presented to employees for their dedication to quality work and flight safety. Recipients must have contributed beyond their normal work requirements toward achieving a particular human spaceflight program goal; contributed to a major cost savings; been instrumental in developing material that increases reliability, efficiency or performance; assisted in operational improvements; or been a key player in developing a beneficial process improvement.
    For information about Silver Snoopy and other Space Flight Awareness awards, visit:
    SFA Honoree Award – NASA
    For information about NASA’s Stennis Space Center, visit:
    Stennis Space Center – NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Implements Digital Solutions for Transparent Revenue Monitoring

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways Implements Digital Solutions for Transparent Revenue Monitoring

    Regular Workforce Assessment Ensures Efficient Manpower Utilization in Indian Railways

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways has a detailed mechanism in place for continuous monitoring of revenue generated at each Railway Station. Based on passenger earnings and footfalls, Railway stations are categorized into Non-suburban Grade (NSG1-6), Suburban Grade (SG1-3) and Halt Grade (HG1-3) Stations.

    The sources of revenue at the station include:

    1. Passenger earnings: Reserved passenger earnings (through the Passenger Reservation System) and unreserved passenger earnings (through Unreserved Ticketing System).
    2. Freight earnings: transportation of Goods, demurrage, wharfage, etc.
    3. Other Coaching earnings: Parcel, Luggage, platform tickets, postal haulage charges, cloak room charges, demurrage / wharfage of Parcels, etc. and
    4. Sundry earnings: revenue from rent, leased parking lots, catering receipts, revenue from commercial utilization of land, advertisements on coaches and stations, etc.

    Designated officials such as Commercial Inspectors, Travelling Inspectors of Accounts, etc. of the concerned Division supervise the revenues. The monitoring of revenue generated at each Railway station is done by concerned officials at all levels i.e. Station, Division and the Zonal Head Quarters.

    With a view to ensure transparency, accuracy and efficiency in the present revenue management system, following digital applications are in use which are developed by domain experts of CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems):

    • Passenger Reservation System (PRS)
    • Terminal Management System (TMS)
    • Parcel Management System (PMS)
    • Freight Operations Information System (FOIS)
    • Traffic Accounts Management System (TAMS)
    • Online payment system
    • e-payment system
    • e-Balance sheet
    • Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS) etc.

    Human resources are very vital asset of Indian Railways and it is imperative that it is utilized effectively, efficiently and rationally. In order to optimally utilize the manpower continuous review of manpower is crucial, in view of changing workload condition, introduction of new technologies, working systems and creation of new assets.

    Indian Railways assessing the workload of each employee regularly by reviewing the yardsticks from time to time for achieving the same. Besides this, work studies and benchmarking are regularly conducted for rationalization of manpower for various activities of different departments to review the provision of staff.

    The workload of each employee is also guided by provisions of Hours of Employment Regulations (HOER), which is statutory in nature. Classification of staff as per HOER is also periodically revised based upon job analysis. This exercise enables Indian Railways to deploy manpower for new organizations & assets and also to utilize its existing human resources in most efficient and productive manner.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118008) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST commences visit to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST commences visit to Beijing  
    Miss Law briefed the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the HKMAO, Mr Xia Baolong, on the major work in the last four months and future plans of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB). She expressed sincere gratitude to Mr Xia and the HKMAO for their guidance and unwavering support. Mr Xia encouraged the Secretary to lead the CSTB in taking forward its duties by staying principled and innovative, to utilise the rich local resources in tourism in particular and pursue innovation, with a view to telling the good stories of Hong Kong.
     
    Also joining the visit to Beijing are the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Angelina Cheung; the Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Mr Yeung Tak-keung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Winnie Tse; the Commissioner for Sports, Mr George Tsoi; and the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr Victor Tsang.
     
    Accompanied by the delegation, Miss Law called on the Minister of the GASC, Mr Gao Zhidan, and briefed him on the preparatory work of the 15th National Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Asserting that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region attaches great importance to the mega sports event co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time, Miss Law said not only does it demonstrate Hong Kong’s ability in hosting major sports events, but it also deepens collaboration between the three places and promotes development of the Greater Bay Area, laying the foundation for hosting more mega events in future.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Law and the delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and met with the Director of the Museum, Mr Li Zongyuan. Miss Law said it was the second time she visited the Museum and she had a stronger impression this time. Noting that Hong Kong is planning for the construction of a museum to showcase the development and achievements of the country, Miss Law said the content of the Museum of the CPC’s permanent exhibition matches with one of the themes about the CPC’s history and development in the museum-in-planning. She hoped that support and professional guidance from the Museum of the CPC could be given in future exhibitions and collaborations.
     
    At night, Miss Law and some members of the delegation watched a performance by Wiener Symphoniker at the National Centre for the Performing Arts to experience high-level arts and cultural exchanges.
     
    Miss Law and the delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (April 3).
     
    Issued at HKT 20:54

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Advancing Speed and Capacity Upgrades on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah Corridors with Multi-Tracking, DFC Expansion, and High-Speed Enhancements

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Presently, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 Kms) is the only sanctioned project of High-Speed Rail in India under execution with technical and financial assistance from Government of Japan.

    Being highly capital intensive, the decision to sanction any HSR Corridor/Project depends on many factors such as outcome of DPR, techno-economic feasibility, availability of resources such as financing options.

    In order to increase the speed and capacity of Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes, following works/surveys have been taken up:

    Delhi-Mumbai section (1386 Km):

    1. The work for raising sectional speed to 160 kmph has been sanctioned and is in advance stage.
    2. Out of 1386 Km route length, 196 Km has 4 rail lines and construction of 3rd & 4th line between Dahanu Road-Virar (64 Km) has been taken up.
    3. Survey for 3rd and 4th line in the balance section for 1126 KM has-been sanctioned.
    4. 1404 Km of Western DFC (double line) has been commissioned and the work in the balance section for 102 Km has been taken up.
    5. Construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Corridor (double line) covering length of 508 Km has been taken up.

    Delhi-Howrah section (1450 Km):

    1. The work for raising sectional speed to 160 kmph has been sanctioned and is in advance stage.
    2. Presently, out of 1450 Km route length, 194 Km is 4-line section, 312 Km is 3-line section and balance 944 Km is double line rail section.
    3. Following projects have been sanctioned and work taken up:
    • Multi tracking of Son Nagar – Andal (375 Km)
    • Aligarh  – Daud Khan 3rd line (18 Km)
    • Mughalsarai – Allahabad  3rd line (150 Km)
    • Kalipahari-Bakhtarnagar 5th Line (18 Km)
    • Saktigarh-Chandanpur 4th line (43 Km)
    • Extension of Nimcha up avoiding line (9.42 Km)
    1. Surveys for construction of 3rd line of 480 km, 4th line of 96 Km and 5th line of 151 Km have been sanctioned.
    2. Eastern DFC (1337 Km) has been commissioned.

    Augmentation/Improvement of passenger amenities on Indian Railways is a continuous and on-going process. Accordingly, Ministry of Railways has launched Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for redevelopment of stations which envisages development of stations with a long-term approach. It involves preparation of master plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, platform surfacing and cover over platform, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes like ‘One Station One Product’, better passenger information systems, executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, etc. keeping in view the necessity at each station.

    The scheme also envisages improvement of building, integrating the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, etc. as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centre at the station in the long term. So far, 1337 stations have been identified for development under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

    In order to ensure safety, Indian Railways continuously upgrades and modernises its signaling system like Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals, Complete Track Circuiting of stations, Interlocking of Level Crossing Gates (LC) etc. Indian Railways has also gone for implementation of advance technology system “Kavach” as an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system which required safety certification of highest order.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

     

    (Release ID: 2118006) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Government released Rs 4,906.32, 666.33 crore and 1,238.48 crore under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan scheme and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme respectively in the last five years (upto 2023-24)

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

    Union Government released Rs 4,906.32, 666.33 crore and 1,238.48 crore under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan scheme and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme respectively in the last five years (upto 2023-24)

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the Government of India’s Skill India Mission (SIM), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) delivers skill, re-skill and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centers under various schemes, viz. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), to all the sections of the society across the country. The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready, equipped with industry relevant skills. The Schemes of MSDE are demand driven and the Training Centers are set up or engaged on need basis. Details of the State-wise Training Centers set up or engaged under the schemes of MSDE are at Annexure.

    Funds under PMKVY and JSS scheme are released to implementing agencies for meeting the training cost as per prescribed norms. Funds are released under JSS scheme to Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) directly. Under NAPS, stipend support up to Rs 1500/- per month is released to apprentices through DBT. Day to day administration as well as financial control in respect of ITIs lies with the respective State government/UT Administration. Details of funds released for implementation of skill development schemes of MSDE during last five years up to 2023-24 are as under:

    Scheme

    Funds Released (Rs in Cr)

    PMKVY

    4906.32

    JSS

    666.33

    NAPS

    1238.48

     

    To promote the digital skills, including advanced digital skills and artificial intelligence, MSDE has undertaken the following initiatives:

    • New training programs have been introduced under PMKVY 4.0 to enhance digital and technical skills among youth. PMKVY 4.0 has focus on new age skills like AI/ML, Web 3.0, etc. which are specially designed for upcoming market demand and industry requirements.
    • Under NAPS, there are approx 60 private establishments which are currently providing apprenticeship in seven (07) AI-related courses.
    • Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the aegis of MSDE has introduced 31 new age /future skills courses under Craftsmen Training Scheme in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) to provide digital training in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, Semiconductor, etc.
    •  With a view to adopt the best practices in the digital skill training, DGT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading IT tech companies like IBM, CISCO, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft. These partnerships facilitate the provision of technical and professional skills training in modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Blockchain, Cloud Computing, etc.
    • Directorate General of Training (DGT) under MSDE has introduced one course ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA)’ to impart AI-based skill training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). Also, a micro-credential course “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)” of 7.5-hour has been developed for all CTS trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), in collaboration with industry and academic experts.
    • MSDE has launched ‘Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)’ platform, a comprehensive and accessible platform for skill enhancement, offering industry-relevant skill courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support to youth of the country. SIDH offers an extensive array of AI and ML courses, ranging from foundational programs like ‘Fundamentals of Azure AI Speech’ and ‘Machine Learning’, to specialized offerings such as ‘Google Cloud Generative AI’ and ‘AI Strategy to Create Business Value in Healthcare’, to cater to varying levels of expertise and application, enabling participants to stay at the forefront of AI and ML technology.
    • National Skill Development Corporation under the aegis of MSDE has partnered with a number of international organizations such as AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Redhat, Pearson VUE, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Cisco Networking Academy for providing digital courses.

    ANNEXURE

    State-wise details of the Training Centres set up or engaged under schemes of MSDE

     

    State/UT

    PMKVY 4.0

    Centres

    JSS

    Centers

    NAPS

    Establishments

    CTS ( ITIs)

    Govt. ITIs

    Pvt. ITIs

    Andaman and

    Nicobar Islands

    7

    1

    20

    3

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    408

    6

    1,147

    85

    434

    Arunachal Pradesh

    86

    0

    25

    7

    0

    Assam

    833

    6

    941

    31

    16

    Bihar

    596

    21

    548

    150

    1,219

    Chandigarh

    9

    1

    166

    2

    0

    Chhattisgarh

    202

    14

    324

    120

    106

    Delhi

    222

    3

    3,013

    18

    28

    DNH & DD

    9

    2

    130

    4

    0

    Goa

    8

    1

    495

    11

    2

    Gujarat

    377

    8

    12,458

    273

    215

    Haryana

    629

    2

    5,872

    159

    222

    Himachal Pradesh

    210

    11

    740

    128

    139

    Jammu And Kashmir

    694

    1

    554

    49

    0

    Jharkhand

    246

    13

    442

    77

    269

    Karnataka

    457

    12

    2,452

    274

    1,192

    Kerala

    145

    9

    1,904

    149

    297

    Ladakh

    12

    0

    16

    3

    0

    Lakshadweep

    1

    1

    1

    1

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    1,527

    29

    1,126

    195

    767

    Maharashtra

    684

    21

    9,086

    422

    615

    Manipur

    164

    4

    23

    10

    0

    Meghalaya

    99

    1

    41

    7

    1

    Mizoram

    102

    1

    20

    3

    0

    Nagaland

    91

    1

    22

    9

    0

    Odisha

    307

    29

    738

    73

    427

     

    Puducherry

    23

    0

    245

    8

    7

    Punjab

    617

    2

    933

    115

    205

    Rajasthan

    1,613

    9

    984

    182

    1,363

    Sikkim

    37

    0

    69

    4

    0

    Tamil Nadu

    581

    9

    2,892

    93

    363

    Telangana

    157

    6

    1,314

    66

    232

    Tripura

    151

    2

    98

    20

    2

    Uttar Pradesh

    2,965

    47

    6,395

    294

    2,964

    Uttarakhand

    231

    8

    738

    103

    71

    West Bengal

    344

    8

    1,352

    168

    139

    Overall

    14,844

    289

    49,788

    3,316

    11,296

     

    This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhry, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on April 02, 2025.

    ****

    Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2117941)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NSDC, under the aegis of MSDE, has certified 22,455 candidates in the past three years for international mobility

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Government has been working towards establishing institutional mechanisms to foster the global mobility of Indian workers as well as students, academicians, researches, business persons etc. The Government has been proactively furthering the mobility for Indian workforce through diverse MoUs/agreements such as, Migration and Mobility Partnerships, Labour mobility and Labour Welfare Agreements, Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training with destination countries, which establish a robust framework for legal migration.

    These agreements/MoUs seek to enhance global employment opportunities for Indian workers while protecting their labour rights, preventing irregular migration and supporting skill development.

    National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of MSDE, has trained a total of 23,254 candidates and certified 22,455 in the past 3 years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25) for international mobility.

    Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has MoUs or Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs) with seven countries, namely, Australia, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Qatar, Singapore and UAE, for cooperation in skill development and Vocational Education and Training. Focused on increased opportunities for Indian workforce, both domestic and global, these agreements facilitate technical exchanges, collaborative training programs, qualification recognition, and the sharing of best practices.

    Further, with the efforts of MSDE, the New Delhi Leaders Declaration accepted by the leaders of G20 made a commitment towards developing an international reference classification of occupations by skills and qualification requirements to facilitate cross-country comparability and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications. The International Labour Organization (ILO) will be the agency undertaking this study.

    It is the constant endeavour of MSDE to engage with different countries and facilitate gainful employment opportunities to the youth of the country. Accordingly, NSDC, under the aegis of MSDE, has undertaken a study of following 16 countries to understand their skill requirements:

    Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.

    Additionally, in line with the Budget announcement for the fiscal year 2023-24, MSDE has proposed establishment of 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) across various states. The SIICs are envisioned as centralized hubs for individuals seeking employment abroad. The overarching goal of SIICs is to establish a ‘Trusted Workforce Supply Chain’ ensuring fair and transparent skilled mobility from India. Currently, two SIICs have been established, one in Varanasi and another at SDI, Bhubaneswar and further 05 centres have been approved by Project Steering Committee (PSC).

    This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on April 02, 2025.

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Anusandhan national research foundation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through ANRF Act of 2023, which was notified in February 2024. The ANRF aims to receive funds in the form of ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs. 14,000 crores have been made from the Central Government and remaining amount will be sourced through donations from any other source, including from public sector enterprises, the private sector, philanthropist organizations, foundations or recoveries made of the amounts granted to ANRF, any income from investment of the amounts received by ANRF and all amounts with the Fund for Science and Engineering Research under the repealed Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.For the Financial Year 2024-25, ANRF has been allocateda Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs. 966 crores of which Rs. 721 crores has already been utilized.

    Educational universities can obtain research grant through submitting research proposals in competitive mode under the different calls advertised from ANRF as per respective guidelines. So far, five calls have been announced: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG), EV-Mission, Inclusive Research Grant (IRG), Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) and JC Bose Grant. Among these, the PAIR program aims to strengthen the research capabilities of higher education institutions, where research is still in the early stages but holds significant potential. This program pairs emerging institutions with established, top-tier research institutions in a ‘Hub & Spoke’ framework, providing mentorship and support. The objectives of the PAIR programme include: support internationally competitive research with substantial impact and outcome; foster successful and productive collaborative networks between diverse institutions; and propel the advancement of institutions by (i) upscaling and building advanced research infrastructure and capabilities, (ii) enhancing the quality of research and (iii) facilitating infusion of best practices and research culture.

    The PAIR program has earmarked a budget of Rs. 1,500 crores over five years, with each selected PAIR networkeligible for funding up to Rs. 100 crore. Of this, 30% of the funds will go to the Hub institution, while 70%will be allocated to the Spokeinstitutions. It is envisaged that the hubs in tandem with select spokes are expected to come up with competitive, impactful research proposals with potentially significant outcomes in the specified indicative themes.

    In its first phase, the program is targeting universities that have demonstrated potential through national ranking and those that show promise for scaling up their research capabilities. The evaluation process for the proposals received under different ANRF calls is currently underway.

    As on date, there is no plan of setting up regional centres of Anusandhan National Research Foundation in collaboration with education institutions, however, under a program, Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) which is designed to work in ‘Hub & Spoke’ framework, hubs will be set up across the country.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: INNOVATION IN SCIENCE PURSUIT FOR INSPIRED RESEARCH SCHEME

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme to attract, nurture and retain meritorious youth to study natural sciences areas at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. The ultimate objective is to expand the R&D base of the country. It is implemented on pan India scale through four components. INSPIRE scheme’s component-wise salient features are given below:

    INSPIRE Internship component of INSPIRE aims at providing exposure to the top 1% students at Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps either during summer or winter and provide opportunity to them to interact with science icons from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, to experience the joys of scientific pursuit. These science camps nourish the curiosity of students in science, help them to think out-of-the box and attract students at an early age of 16-17 years to choose science subjects for further studies.

    Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)component of INSPIREaims to enhance the rate of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science intensive programs by providing scholarships and mentorship support. The scheme offers 12,000 scholarships of 5-year duration @ Rs 0.80 lakh per year to undertake Bachelor and master’s level education in basic and natural Sciences area for the top 1% talented youth as per central and state education board data in the age group 17-22 years.

    INSPIRE Fellowshipcomponent of INSPIREaims to provide fellowship to M.Sc. 1st Rank holders in Basic & Applied Sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary at the University/academic institute of national importance i.e. IITs, NITs, IISERs level examination as well as Inspire Scholars having secure 70% marks in aggregate at the MSc level who are eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program in any recognized university/ academic institutions in the country every year. The Fellowships are tenable for maximum 5 years (2 years as JRF @ Rs.37000/pm + HRA + Contingency grant of Rs.20000/annum and 3 years as SRF @ Rs.42000/pm + HRA + Contingency grant of Rs.20000/annum) or completion of PhD, whichever is earlier to pursue full-time Ph.D. program. Maximum 1000 INSPIRE Fellowships per year are tenable.

    INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship component of INSPIRE aims to provide opportunities to post- doctoral researchers in the age group of 27-32 year (the upper age limit for SC/ST/Women candidates and persons with benchmark disabilities is 37 and 42 years respectively) for 5 years in both basic and applied sciences area including engineering, agriculture, veterinary and medicine every year. Aspirants having Ph.D. degree with strong academic and research track record are considered on competitive basis. It grants an attractive fellowship for a duration of 5 years with a consolidated emolument of Rs. 1,25,000/- p.m. with annual increment of Rs.200 per annum and a research grant of Rs.7 lakh per annum. This scheme has motivated young researchers to pursue high-quality post-Ph.D. research within the country. Maximum 150 INSPIRE Faculty Fellowships per year are tenable.

    The details of the number of students selected from the States/Union Territories during 2024-2025 till 27.03.2025 under the said scheme are given below:

    S. No.

    State/UT

    INSPIRE-Internship

    INSPIRE-SHE

    INSPIRE-Fellowship

    INSPIRE-Faculty Fellowship

     

     

     

     

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    530

    5

    11

    0

     

     

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    0

    2

    0

     

     

    3

    Assam

    0

    84

    24

    4

     

     

    4

    Bihar

    0

    172

    6

    1

     

     

    5

    Chandigarh

    0

    3

    10

    0

     

     

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    150

    421

    13

    0

     

     

    7

    Delhi

    200

    61

    53

    8

     

     

    8

    Goa

    0

    6

    10

    0

     

     

    9

    Gujarat

    350

    93

    21

    0

     

     

    10

    Haryana

    0

    66

    7

    1

     

     

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    450

    138

    7

    1

     

     

    12

    Jammu and Kashmir

    150

    2

    21

    3

     

     

    13

    Jharkhand

    0

    23

    5

    3

     

     

    14

    Karnataka

    150

    60

    46

    16

     

     

    15

    Kerala

    150

    376

    31

    3

     

     

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    0

    573

    28

    2

     

     

    17

    Maharashtra

    200

    198

    34

    8

     

     

    18

    Manipur

    0

    138

    2

    1

     

     

    19

    Meghalaya

    0

    49

    1

    0

     

     

    20

    Mizoram

    0

    13

    4

    0

     

     

    21

    Nagaland

    0

    9

    1

    0

     

     

    22

    Odisha

    0

    108

    23

    2

     

     

    23

    Puducherry

    0

    2

    3

    0

     

     

    24

    Punjab

    550

    61

    30

    2

     

     

    25

    Rajasthan

    0

    2879

    9

    0

     

     

    26

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    2

    0

     

     

    27

    Tamil Nadu

    975

    44

    59

    6

     

     

    28

    Telangana

    450

    31

    36

    4

     

     

    29

    Tripura

    0

    3

    1

    0

     

     

    30

    Uttar Pradesh

    1200

    5374

    40

    4

     

     

    31

    Uttarakhand

    400

    387

    22

    0

     

     

    32

    West Bengal

    350

    362

    52

    9

     

     

     

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Scientists have developed advanced technologies for solid waste management, including plastic waste. Significant progress has been made by Indian researchers, institutions, and innovators in devising technologies and strategies to manage solid waste.

    1. Various technologies have been developed for effective management of the solid waste. Some of these technologies are given below: –
    • CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a novel high-rate bio methanation technology for decentralized applications of sewage and organic solid waste. This technology is superior in terms of biogas and bio-manure production as it incorporates novel pre and post processing technologies required for the bio methanation of organic solid waste. This technology has been commercialized and is in operation.
    • CSIR- Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has developed a decentralised solid waste management technology. The significant features of the technology include mechanized segregation system for biodegradable & non-biodegradable waste; Eco-friendly disposal of plastic waste through agglomeration process; Generation of bio-gas from organic waste and conversion of agro-waste into briquette. The technology has been transferred to industries for commercialization.
    • Indian scientists have developed a technology to recycle the Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste to produce a high compressive strength Glass Foam Bricks, which are offering a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials.
    • A robust mechanical separator has been developed to facilitate the efficient disassembly of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, supporting enhanced recycling and sustainability in the solar energy sector.
    • CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) has developed a technology for the bulk utilization of fly ash in the production of synthetic fine and coarse aggregates, which can replace conventional natural aggregates in construction, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of traditional aggregate production.
    • Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupathi and CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) has developed a technology for recycling of graphite from spent Lithium-ion batteries for high energy Li-ion capacitors.
    • With the support of DST, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has developed an indigenous non-pathogenic psychrophilic bacterial formulations and composting methods for accelerated composting of municipal solid waste and agricultural waste in cold regions.
    • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has setup Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) nationwide, for sorting, processing and recycling of segregated dry waste .
    1. Technologies developed for management of plastic waste:
    • Department of Science and Technology (DST) through Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program, has developed and demonstrated a technology for conversion of municipal mixed plastic waste to high quality plasto-fuels for transportation and industrial heating applications. A 2-TPD (Tonnes Per Day) demo plant was setup at Vadodara. The plant is flexible enough to convert all kinds of mixed plastic waste collected from residential communities, railway establishments and industries.
    • Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)-Bhubaneswar has developed an eco-friendly technology for upcycling of different grades of plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment to high impact grade plastics.
    • Recycling of plastic waste into tiles: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has developed a novel technology to convert waste plastic scrap to floor tiles, interlock tiles, paver tiles, and roof tiles. The technology has been transferred to industry for commercialization.
    • Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has established three Plastic Waste Management Centres (PWMCs) for effective plastics waste management solutions, to develop eco-friendly cost-effective value added recyclates and to establish digital demonstration facilities on plastic recycling and waste management.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Government’s initiative like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has played a key role in improving solid waste and plastic-waste management, in both urban and rural areas. In October 2021, government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), with the overall vision of creating “Garbage Free Cities.” Under this mission, material recovery facilities (MRFs), waste-to-energy plants, and recycling units have been created which have led to an increase in the solid waste processing capacity by 1,05,876 TPD in the urban areas under SwachhBharat Mission Urban.

    These steps reflect Government’s commitment to bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical implementation, ensuring sustainable solid waste management and a reduction in plastic pollution.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: WESTERN GHATS PROJECT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    A call for proposals (CFP) on “Geospatial Technology and Solutions” was issued on 13th June 2024 through the Electronic Project Management System Portal (e-PMS portal), in which Proposals were invited only in consortium mode, comprising academia, startups/MSMEs/industry, and user-agencies/practitioners.

    A total of 280 proposals were received under this CFP. The proposal titled “Spring Shed Management and linking of Ecohydrological processes to Human well-being in water-scarce regions of the Western Ghats using Geospatial Technology” was also received online under the above said CFP.  The proposal aimed to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Spring Information System for selected districts of Western Ghats for assessing climate and land use impacts on watershed hydrology.

    A Project Screening Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of an eminent professor and other Expert members representing, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Survey of India (SoI), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Universities, Other IITs, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), as well as from private sector etc. The total 280 proposals received online through e-PMS portal, were presented before the Project Screening Committee during its meeting held on 26th–27th September 2024 at IIT Delhi. The said proposal was not recommended by the Project Screening Committee for the next level as the committee opined that “The proposal seems to be more research focused lacking scalability and commercialization potential; the consortium partner appears to lack experience and/or expertise”. Out of the 280 proposals, committee finally recommended 11proposals for financial support.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NATIONAL MISSION ON INTERDISCIPLINARY-CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Science & Technology

    NATIONAL MISSION ON INTERDISCIPLINARY-CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of the total number of research projects piloted under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), along with the funds allocated and disbursed, year-wise and location-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name & Location

    No. of Research Projects

    Funds Allocated

    (In Lakhs)

    Funds Disbursed (in Lakhs)

    (Financial year-wise)

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    1

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400076

    88

    3715.37

    –

    –

    317.25

    639.42

    490.82

    2

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

    68

    1272.9

    13.14

    189.41

    82.67

    508.09

    132.09

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bengaluru, CV Raman Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560012

    5

    7667.53

    165.32

    537.08

    1430.74

    2340.64

    3193.75

    4

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208016

    50

    1300.13

    –

    139.65

    211.62

    346.39

    301.92

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur, NH 62, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – 342030

    50

    2369.63

    174

    441.87

    935.29

    818.47

    –

    6

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand – 247667

    88

    2968.99

    285.20

    468.20

    444.40

    1442.79

    264.40

    7

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna, Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 801106

    7

    199.95

    –

    –

    34.33

    18.33

    13.08

    8

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras, Sardar Patel Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600036

    31

    2508.48

    –

    1326.73

    160.44

    930.20

    91.11

    9

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana – 502284

    153

    3158.65

    –

    1008.43

    1242.39

    395.02

    186.58

    10

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221005

    25

    488.91

    –

    44.55

    189.59

    168.40

    62.53

    11

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, Amingaon, Guwahati, Assam – 781039

    151

    4727.57

    –

    315

    533.87

    3641.20

    237.50

    12

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi, Kamand, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 175075

    24

    1746.34

    –

    –

    328.03

    354

    588.48

    13

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016

    49

    4339

    32.35

    1007.30

    586.47

    397.96

    176.42

    14

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad, Pudussery, Palakkad, Kerala – 678623

    63

    2498.58

    –

    281.25

    530.52

    326.35

    574.96

    15

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab – 140001

    87

    4831.13

    4

    545.14

    703.20

    861.91

    676.02

    16

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Sardar Patel Nagar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 826004

    62

    1933

    –

    94.66

    79.84

    705.55

    476.51

    17

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore, Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100

    17

    10872.51

    –

    –

    1156.70

    2370.19

    2386.34

    18

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan – 333031

    43

    1942.07

    –

    20.71

    160.77

    488.22

    429.82

    19

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata, 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700108

    20

    912

    –

    0

    222

    266.80

    48.50

    20

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 453552

    82

    696.40

    –

    7.68

    173.06

    229.86

    88.33

    21

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal – 721302

    63

    1474.45

    –

    –

    –

    1474.45

    –

    22

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 110020

    35

    1482.26

    –

    54.72

    228.91

    241.87

    258.54

    23

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, Dr.HomiBhabha Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra – 411008

    27

    8619.37

    –

    –

    949.72

    1388.11

    86.51

    24

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati, Yerpedu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517619

    27

    1290.93

    –

    –

    –

    401.18

    714.81

    25

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – 490020

    96

    5238.62

    –

    38.58

    153.72

    2242.92

    –

    Subtotal

    1411

    78254.77

    674.01

    6520.96

    10855.53

    22998.32

    11479.02

    Total

    52527.84

    The number of technology products developed and jobs created by supported projects under NM-ICPS, location-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name & Location

    No. of Technology Products Developed

    No. of Jobs created

    1

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400076

    17

    89

    2

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

    38

    152

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bengaluru, CV Raman Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560012

    54

    –

    4

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208016

    62

    126

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur, NH 62, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – 342030

    –

    1238

    6

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand – 247667

    3

    16

    7

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna, Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 801106

    –

    –

    8

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras, Sardar Patel Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600036

    31

    68

    9

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana – 502284

    198

    781

    10

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221005

    31

    61

    11

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, Amingaon, Guwahati, Assam – 781039

    78

    138

    12

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi, Kamand, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 175075

    7

    22

    13

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi, HauzKhas, New Delhi – 110016

    40

    85

    14

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad, Pudussery, Palakkad, Kerala – 678623

    11

    51

    15

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab – 140001

    72

    167

    16

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Sardar Patel Nagar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 826004

    34

    818

    17

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore, Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100

    15

    338

    18

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan – 333031

    5

    6

    19

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata, 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700108

    28

    54

    20

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 453552

    83

    170

    21

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 110020

    66

    107

    22

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal – 721302

    17

    146

    23

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, Dr.HomiBhabha Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra – 411008

    12

    29

    24

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati, Yerpedu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517619

    –

    –

    25

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – 490020

    71

    295

    Total

    973

    4957

     

    A list of TIHs approved and established under NM-ICPS (State-wise) along with the total funds allocated and disbursed (year-wise) till date is as under:

    TIH Name & Host Institution

    State/UT

    Sanctioned Year

    Funds Allocated (₹ Cr)

    Funds Disbursed (₹ Cr)

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay

    Maharashtra

    2020

    170.00

    97.41

    Project ‘BharatGen’ on LLM

    2024

    235.18

    89.66

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad

    Hyderabad

    2020

    110.00

    58.77

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bangalore

    Karnataka

    2020

    170.00

    113.25

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur

    Uttar Pradesh

    2020

    170.00

    143.19

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur

    Rajasthan

    2020

    115.00

    54.95

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee

    Uttarakhand

    2020

    135.00

    111.70

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna

    Bihar

    2020

    110.00

    22.25

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras

    Tamil Nadu

    2020

    170.00

    156.18

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad

    Hyderabad

    2020

    135.00

    127.43

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi

    Uttar Pradesh

    2020

    110.00

    23.37

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati

    Assam

    2020

    135.00

    92.76

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi

    Himachal Pradesh

    2020

    110.00

    58.25

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi

    Delhi

    2020

    170.00

    85.92

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad

    Kerala

    2020

    100.00

    47.08

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar

    Punjab

    2020

    110.00

    79.12

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT Dhanbad

    Jharkhand

    2020

    110.00

    63.20

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore

    Karnataka

    2020

    150.00

    69.59

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani

    Rajasthan

    2020

    125.00

    59.25

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata

    Kolkata

    2020

    100.00

    12.19

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur

    Kolkata

    2020

    170.00

    24.45

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore

    Madhya Pradesh

    2020

    100.00

    47.19

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi

    Delhi

    2020

    100.00

    36.59

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune

    Maharashtra

    2020

    170.00

    88.13

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati

    Andhra Pradesh

    2020

    100.00

    39.75

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai

    Chhattisgarh

    2020

    55.00

    50.80

    Total

    3435.18

    1852.43

    The details of the number of Centre of Excellence (CoEs) established under NM-ICPS, year-wise and State-wise is as under:

    S. No.

    Name of State/UT

    No. of CoEs Established (year-wise)

    1

    Uttar Pradesh

    2 (2022, 2025)

    2

    Goa

    3 (2023, 2025)

    3

    Tamil Nadu

    2 (2024, 2025)

    4

    Himachal Pradesh

    2 (2024)

    5

    Haryana

    1 (2022)

    6

    Delhi

    3 (2023)

    7

    Jharkhand

    10 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    8

    Karnataka

    4 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    9

    Nagaland

    1 (2025)

    10

    Manipur

    1 (2025)

    11

    Mizoram

    1 (2025)

    12

    Maharashtra

    1 (2025)

    13

    West Bengal

    1 (2025)

    14

    Madhya Pradesh

    1 (2023)

    15

    Rajasthan

    2 (2024, 2025)

    16

    Andhra Pradesh

    5 (2025)

    17

    Telangana

    2 (2025)

    18

    Kerala

    2 (2023, 2025)

    19

    Punjab

    12 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    20

    Uttarakhand

    1 (2024)

    21

    Ladakh

    1 (2024)

    22

    Sikkim

    1 (2024)

    23

    Assam

    5 (2022, 2023, 2024)

    Total

    64

     

    The total number of Government and Industry Research and Development (R&D) labs participating under NM-ICPS, year-wise and State-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name

    State

    Total number of Government and Industry Research and Development (R&D) labs (year-wise)

    1

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation

    Telangana

    44 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    2

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN)

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation

    Karnataka

    5 (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    4

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation

    Uttar Pradesh

    5 (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation

    Rajasthan

    6 (2024, 2025)

    6

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation

    7

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation

    Tamil Nadu

    5 (2021, 2022)

    8

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation

    Assam

    11 (2023, 2024)

    9

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation

    Himachal Pradesh

    5 (2022, 2023)

    10

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC)

    Delhi

    55 (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    11

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation

    12

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation

    Kerala

    4 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    13

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation

    Punjab

    6 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

    14

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation

    Jharkhand

    4 (2022, 2023, 2024)

    15

    IIT Kharagpur AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation

    West Bengal

    6 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    16

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation

    Madhya Pradesh

    6 (2021, 2022, 2024)

    17

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation

    Andhra Pradesh

    4 (2023, 2024)

    18

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation

    Chhattisgarh

    2 (2022, 2024)

    Total

    168

     

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117875)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Strengthening of Coal Supply Chain

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Following measures have been adopted to establish a resilient and cost-effective coal evacuation logistics system:

    1. Coal Logistic Plan and Policy was launched by Ministry of Coal in February, 2024 to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs & promote sustainability.
    2. Development of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects to enhance the efficiency of coal evacuation from mines to dispatch points. These projects focus on developing mechanized coal loading infrastructure, such as conveyor belts, and crushers with minimal manual intervention to make the system more cost-effective.
    • iii. Improvement in Rail Infrastructure to expand rail network to ensure smoother and faster evacuation of coal.
      • iv. Use of Rail Sea Rail Mode as an alternate route to rail or road for coal evacuation especially for power plants and industries located near coastal regions to ease the coal transportation movement in the country.

    39 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects with a total capacity of 386 million tons have been completed by coal companies.

    During last two years, coal movement via Rail-sea-Rail route has increased from about  28 million tons in financial year 2021-22 to about 54 million tons in financial year 2023-24.

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    (Release ID: 2117927) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fiscal Health Index 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Fiscal Health Index 2025

    Mapping India’s State-Level Economic Resilience

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) initiative by NITI Aayog aims to evolve an understanding of the fiscal health of states in India. The FHI analysis covers eighteen major states that drive the Indian economy in terms of their contribution to India’s GDP, demography, total public expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. Odisha leads the Index, followed by Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand and Gujarat. As states are responsible for approximately two-thirds of public spending and one-third of total revenue, their fiscal performance is important for the country’s overall economic stability. The report objectively evaluates each state’s fiscal health through a composite index, facilitating comparisons and benchmarking against best practices. The composite Fiscal Health Index has been developed using data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), covering the Financial Year 2022-23.

     

    Objectives of the Fiscal Health Index

     

    • To provide a comparative analysis of fiscal health across Indian states through standardized metrics.
    • To identify areas of strength and concern in states’ fiscal management practices.
    • To promote transparency, accountability, and prudent fiscal management through empirical assessment.
    • To assist policymakers in making informed decisions aimed at enhancing fiscal sustainability and resilience.

     

    Key Indicators Evaluated

     

    The Fiscal Health Index 2025 is based on a comprehensive set of indicators that are grouped into five broad categories:

    1.                        Tax Buoyancy

      Tax buoyancy is a ratio of change in tax revenue in relation to change in gross state domestic product or GSDP of a state. It measures how responsive a taxation policy is to growth in economic activities.

      Revenue Generation and Mobilization: Assessment of states’ own revenue receipts, tax buoyancy, and non-tax revenue generation.

    2. Debt-to-GSDP

      The debt-to-GDP ratio is a metric that compares a state’s total public debt to its gross state domestic product (GSDP), indicating its ability to repay its debts, and is often expressed as a percentage.

       

      Expenditure Management and Prioritization: Evaluation of efficiency in expenditure allocation, prioritization of capital expenditure, and adherence to fiscal discipline.

    3. Debt Management: Analysis of states’ debt-to-GSDP ratios, interest payment burdens, and overall sustainability of debt portfolios.
    4. Fiscal Deficit Management: Measurement of states’ fiscal deficit as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and adherence to statutory limits.
    5. Overall Fiscal Sustainability: Composite analysis of revenue, expenditure, deficit, and debt indicators to gauge long-term fiscal health.

     

    Key Findings

    Odisha leads the fiscal health index with a top score of 67.8, excelling in the Debt Index (99.0) and Debt Sustainability (64.0). It maintains low fiscal deficits, a strong debt profile, and a high Capital Outlay/GSDP ratio. Chhattisgarh (55.2) and Goa (53.6) follow, excelling in Debt Index and Revenue Mobilization, respectively. Odisha, Jharkhand, Goa, and Chhattisgarh excel in non-tax revenue mobilization, averaging 21% of Total Revenue, with Odisha benefiting from mining premiums and Chhattisgarh from coal block auctions. Conversely, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala face significant fiscal challenges, including low expenditure quality, poor debt sustainability, and high fiscal deficits. States like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh allocate around 27% of their Developmental Expenditure to Capital Expenditure, while West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan allocate only about 10%. While top states excel in Debt Index and Sustainability, West Bengal and Punjab struggle with rising debt-to-GSDP ratios, raising concerns about debt sustainability.

     

    Sustainability of Debt Portfolios

    Sustainability of debt portfolios refers to state’s ability to meet its current and future debt obligations without defaulting or requiring exceptional financial assistance, focusing on both solvency and liquidity.
    • Top Performers: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Goa excel in Debt Index, Debt Sustainability, and Revenue Mobilization.
    • Revenue Mobilization: Odisha, Jharkhand, Goa, and Chhattisgarh effectively mobilize non-tax revenue (average 21% of Total Revenue).

    • Debt Index

      The ratio of Interest Payments to Revenue Receipts (IP/RR) indicating the percentage of Revenue Receipts used for interest payment on account of outstanding debt.

      Aspirational States: Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala face fiscal challenges like poor debt sustainability and high deficits.

    • Capital Expenditure: High allocation (27%) by Odisha, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh; Low allocation (10%) by West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan.
    • Debt Concerns: West Bengal and Punjab face growing debt burdens and increasing debt-to-GSDP ratios.

     

     

    Conclusion

     

    The Fiscal Health Index 2025 offers a valuable tool for assessing the fiscal performance of Indian states. It highlights the need for continuous monitoring, prudent fiscal management, and proactive measures to enhance states’ financial health. The Index underscores the importance of revenue generation, efficient expenditure management, debt control, and adherence to fiscal deficit targets for overall fiscal sustainability. The FHI report has been shared with all States/UTs to help them evaluate their fiscal performance across key indicators. States are encouraged to adopt sustainable fiscal practices suited to their economies and work towards fiscal prudence through appropriate state-level interventions

    References

    https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-01/Fiscal_Health_Index_24012025_Final.pdf

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU5286_7JIvqM.pdf?source=pqals

    Fiscal Health Index 2025

    ****

    Santosh Kumar | Ritu Kataria | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2117890) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Spurs Chip Manufacturing with Fiscal Support, Global MoUs and Talent Development Initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Government has approved Semicon India programme with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore for the development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India. which provides:

    1. Fiscal support of 50% of the project cost on pari-passu basis for setting up of Silicon Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) based Semiconductor Fabs in India.
    2. Fiscal support of 50% of Project Cost on pari-passu basis for setting up of Display Fabs in India.
    3. Fiscal support of 50% of the Capital Expenditure on pari-passu basis for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics (SiPh) / Sensors (including Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Fab/ Discrete Semiconductor Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities in India.
    4. Product Design Linked Incentive of up to 50% of the eligible expenditure subject to a ceiling of ₹15 Crore per application and also “Deployment Linked Incentive” of 6% to 4% of net sales turnover over 5 years subject to a ceiling of ₹30 Crore per application for incentivising chip design.

    Government has also approved modernisation of Semi-Conductor Laboratory, Mohali to enhance efficiency and cycle time.

    Government has approved five semiconductor manufacturing projects that includes One Semiconductor Fabrication facility and four Semiconductor ATMP/OSAT facilities under Semicon India Program with cumulative investment of around Rs. 1,52,000 crore.  The approved projects are under various phases of implementation and are expected to be completed in 4–6-year timeframe.

    Further, to strengthen semiconductor manufacturing and creating a semiconductor ecosystem in the country, Government has entered in Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with USA, European Union, Japan and Singapore.

    Semiconductor manufacturing is very complex and Technology intensive sector which requires specialized skilled manpower. To address this, the following measures have been taken by the Government:

    1. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the new curriculum for B. Tech in Electronics Engineering (Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) Design and Technology), Diploma in Integrated Circuit (IC) manufacturing and Minor Degree in Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology), as a step towards creation of Talent pool in Semiconductor domain.
    2. Government has launched the Chips to Startup (‘C2S’) programme which plans to train 85,000 industry ready workforce at about 113 participating institutions in VLSI and Embedded System Design. More than 43,000 engineering students have been onboarded for training at 113 organizations under C2S Programme till date.
    3. A Skilled Manpower Advanced Research and Training (SMART) Lab has been setup in NIELIT Calicut in 2022 with an aim to train one lakh engineers nation-wide within 5 years in VLSI and Embedded System design. More than 42,000 engineers have been trained nationwide using the SMART Lab.
    4. Further, the following collaborations/ partnerships have been entered into by India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to encourage skill development:

     

    1. MoU between ISM with IISc and Lam Research: To train about 60,000 Indian engineers in the upcoming 10 years through Lam Research’s Semiverse platform.
    2. MoU between ISM and IBM:  To facilitate Indian students/professionals to build a broad skill base by gaining access to laboratories and research focal centers and establishing internship and fellowship programs.
    3. MoU between ISM with Purdue University: To promote the cutting-edge research and development and commercialization thereof, curating skilled talent pool and investment opportunities in India enabling the Indian professionals to explore their potential in the semiconductor and display space.

    Government is focused on its objective of building the overall semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem with an emphasis on fostering R&D in semiconductor area in the country. MeitY supports R&D projects in the area of semiconductors at academic institutions, research organizations, and startup companies through a dedicated R&D Scheme. Some of them includes but not limited to the following- nanotechnology, semiconductor materials, semiconductor processes, chip design, semiconductor IP Cores etc

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha today.

    *******

     

    Dharmendra TewariNavin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2117925) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Takes Measures for Digital Infrastructure Upgradation in Villages

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Electronics & IT

    Government of India Takes Measures for Digital Infrastructure Upgradation in Villages

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages beyond GPs on demand basis across the country.

    For providing a reliable network to ensure quality internet for the users, amended BharatNet program approved by the Union Cabinet on 04.08.2023 has inter-alia provisions to upgrade existing BharatNet network in ring architecture, focus on utilization of the network through BharatNet Udyamis, BSNL is appointed as the single Project Management Agency (PMA) under Amended BharatNet program for Operation & Maintenance of the entire network based on Service Level Agreement (SLA), Dedicated Network Operation Centre, etc.

    State-UT/wise details of FTTH connections provided under BharatNet is attached as Annexure-I.

    Government of India launched National Broadband Mission 2.0 on January 17, 2025, with the vision of fast-tracking the rapid expansion of digital communications infrastructure, bridging the digital divide and fostering digital empowerment and inclusion, ensuring High-Speed Broadband and Meaningful Connectivity for all.

    MeitY initiated Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) to ensure/provide digital literacy in 6 crore rural households (one person per household) nationwide. The Scheme was implemented by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited through Common Service Centres (CSCs) present at Gram Panchayats level across the country. As against 6 crore, 6.39 crore individuals were trained. The training & certification under the scheme was officially concluded on March 31 , 2024. The States/UTs wise achievement is given as Annexure-II.

    The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted the ‘Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey’ (CAMS) in its 79th round (July, 2022 to June, 2023). As per the survey, among the persons aged 15-24 years, around 78.4 percent reported execution of skill of ‘sending messages (e.g., e-mail, messaging service, SMS) with attached files (e.g., documents, pictures, video)’. Further, about 94.2 percent of rural households and about 97.1 percent of urban households possess telephone and/or mobile phone. From the said report, given the significant rise in smart-phone usage, internet penetration, and digital engagement in rural areas, the objectives of the scheme were successfully achieved.

    Impact analysis of the PMGDISHA scheme was carried out by three agencies namely IIT Delhi, Council for Social Development (CSD) and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). The gist of the evaluation report is that the PMGDISHA is a unique scheme due to its large scale and the use of remotely proctored examinations. The training provided under PMGDISHA has had a significant impact on the adoption of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and other forms of digital media. It has benefited its participants by enabling their access to a wide range of information and services for various purposes, helping to reduce the overall digital divide in the country.

    The National Broadband Mission (NBM) was launched by the government on 17th December 2019 with a vision to enable fast-track growth of digital communications infrastructure, bridge the digital divide for digital empowerment and inclusion; and provide affordable and universal access to broadband for all. The NBM addresses the major bottleneck of Right of Way (RoW) issues, enabling faster telecom infrastructure deployment across the country. Key initiative under NBM are:

    (i) Centralized Right of Way (RoW) Portal GatiShakti Sanchar.

    (ii) Telecommunication Right of Way Rules, 2024

    (iii) ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) mobile app

    (iv) The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) Platform

     

    Progress under the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 1.0 since the launch

    • No. of broadband subscribers increased from 66 crores to 94.49 crores.
    • Per capita average monthly wireless data consumption increased from 10 GB to 21.10 GB.
    • The median mobile broadband download speed witnessed a substantial increase, rising from 10.71 Mbps in 2019 to an impressive 144.33 Mbps in February 2025. Similarly, the median fixed broadband download speed increased from 29.25 Mbps in 2019 to 61.66 Mbps in February 2025, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.
    • Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) length increased from 19.35 lakh route km to 42.13 lakh route km.
    • Mobile towers increased from 5.37 lakh to 8.23 lakh.
    • Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) increased from 21.80 lakh to 29.97 lakhs including 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs.
    • As of March 25, 2025, 206 State Broadband Committee (SBC) meetings were held for the effective implementation of the mission and proliferation of broadband across the country.
    • Capacity-building conferences for 5G use cases were held in the majority of States/UTs focussing on various sectors viz. health, education, Industry 4.0 and public safety domains.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

     

    Annexure-I

    State-UT/wise details of FTTH connections provided under BharatNet

    S.No.

    State

    Total FTTH connection

    1

    A & N

    7741

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    50142

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    16

    4

    Assam

    5877

    5

    Bihar

    42121

    6

    Chandigarh

    300

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    12202

    8

    Dadra Nagar Haveli

    173

    9

    Daman & Diu

    0

    10

    Gujarat

    125864

    11

    Haryana

    150256

    12

    Himachal Pradesh

    3650

    13

    Jammu & Kashmir

    9789

    14

    Jharkhand

    25899

    15

    Karnataka

    53530

    16

    Kerala

    199753

    17

    Lakshadweep

    0

    18

    Leh (UT)

    0

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    57914

    20

    Maharashtra

    27328

    21

    Manipur

    3957

    22

    Meghalaya

    102

    23

    Mizoram

    48

    24

    Nagaland

    136

    25

    Odisha

    11832

    26

    Puducherry

    4105

    27

    Punjab

    230243

    28

    Rajasthan

    52041

    29

    Sikkim

    46

    30

    Telangana

    22409

    31

    Tamilnadu

    102

    32

    Tripura

    1408

    33

    Uttar Pradesh-E

    77698

    34

    Uttar Pradesh-W

    35

    Uttarakhand

    21481

    36

    West Bengal

    55834

     

    Total

    12,53,997

    Source: Department of Telecommunications

    Annexure- II

    State/UT-wise achievement made under PMGDISHA Scheme

    Sl. No.

    State Name

    Registered Candidates

    Trained Candidates

    1

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    5,564

    2,931

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    23,01,731

    19,17,452

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    14,949

    11,615

    4

    Assam

    27,21,585

    23,60,195

    5

    Bihar

    82,40,606

    74,12,740

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    24,86,455

    21,37,064

    7

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman  & Diu

    20,522

    18,029

    8

    Goa

    58,569

    53,784

    9

    Gujarat

    30,31,310

    26,83,286

    10

    Haryana

    18,57,815

    15,77,109

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    6,61,922

    5,32,976

    12

    Jammu and Kashmir

    8,70,451

    7,06,991

    13

    Jharkhand

    27,52,731

    22,86,356

    14

    Karnataka

    29,64,726

    24,40,957

    15

    Kerala

    1,77,165

    1,18,132

    16

    Ladakh

    24,785

    22,122

    17

    Lakshadweep

    142

    35

    18

    Madhya Pradesh

    56,92,467

    50,69,449

    19

    Maharashtra

    61,23,970

    53,23,817

    20

    Manipur

    28,397

    18,286

    21

    Meghalaya

    1,52,783

    1,06,063

    22

    Mizoram

    30,317

    23,125

    23

    Nagaland

    11,990

    8,968

    24

    Odisha

    36,16,441

    30,86,143

    25

    Puducherry

    22,079

    15,801

    26

    Punjab

    17,46,448

    15,14,820

    27

    Rajasthan

    45,06,184

    39,70,690

    28

    Sikkim

    27,035

    23,122

    29

    Tamil Nadu

    17,04,537

    14,07,880

    30

    Telangana

    14,56,226

    12,10,448

    31

    Tripura

    3,25,000

    2,64,186

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    1,63,14,369

    1,45,48,273

    33

    Uttarakhand

    7,85,978

    6,73,306

    34

    West Bengal

    28,36,714

    23,95,565

    Total

    7,35,71,963

    6,39,41,716

    *******

     

    Dharmendra TewariNavin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2117923)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 42 Organizations publish 1459 write-ups under National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    42 Organizations publish 1459 write-ups under National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025

    Impressive participation of the retiring employees in the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

    At the behest of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Anubhav portal’ [https://pensionersportal.gov.in/Anubhav/] was launched in March 2015 for the retiring/retired central government officials to submit their experiences while in Government.

    Thereafter, National Annual Awards Scheme was devised to incentivize and encourage the submission of the experiences. Till date, 104 Organizations have been registered on the portal and 59 Anubhav Awards and 19 Jury Certificates have been conferred to the outstanding write-ups.

    National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025 was notified with major revamp. For the first time, apart from the employees of Central Government, employees of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Public Sector Banks (PSBs) were also covered under the scheme to acknowledge their contribution in the nation building. Also, an objective marking system was put in place. As per the notified scheme, write-ups published from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2025 were to be considered.

    As on 22.01.2025, only 423 write-ups were published by 17 Ministries/Departments. To ensure maximum and widespread participation in the scheme, an outreach campaign was conducted by DOPPW from 23.01.2025 to 31.03.2025.

    In this series, a workshop for the Anubhav Nodal Officers of Ministries/Departments including 12 PSBs and CPSEs was conducted on 23.01.2025 under the chairmanship of Secretary (Pension). A dedicated cell was established to answer the queries about the provisions of the scheme and process of submission of the write-ups. An informative video was also released and put up on the Youtube channel of DOPPW. Moreover, e-mails and SMSs were sent to eligible retired officers/officials. Role of the Anubhav Nodal Officers of Ministries and Departments was crucial during the outreach campaign; therefore, fortnightly meetings were conducted with them to review the progress.

    These initiatives had a positive impact as the number of write-ups published on Anubhav portal increased steeply from 423 to 1,459 during the outreach campaign period.  It includes 124 write-ups from the senior officers from Level-13 and above. Further, due to outreach campaign, number of Ministries/Departments/Organizations whose employees have submitted their write-ups increased remarkably from 17 to 42, maximum in the history of Anubhav.

    1,459 published write-ups will now be evaluated through a 2-tier process for finalizing the outstanding write-ups for 05 Anubhav Awards and 10 Jury Certificates, to be conferred in the upcoming Annual Anubhav Awards Ceremony.   

    *****

    NKR/PSM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025

    “Democracy Thrives on Constructive Conversations, Not Arguments” – Dr. Mandaviya

    Adopt Nation First Mindset, Dr. Mandaviya Inspires Youth to Shape India’s Future

    Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is a Platform that Nurtures Future Young Leaders: Union Minister

    Day 1 Witnesses 105 State-level Winners from across Country Showcase their Ideas and Perspectives

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Round of the 2-day Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse was also present on the occasion. The journey to this grand event began when the District Youth Parliament was organized from 16th March 2025 to 27th March, 2025. The winners of the District Youth Parliament-2025 participated in the State Youth Parliament from 23rd – 31st March, 2025 which were organised in many State Legislative Assemblies. A total of 105 State-level winners from across the country earned their place at the national stage.

    Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in his inaugural speech, highlighted that this year’s Youth Parliament has been integrated with the vision of Viksit Bharat. He emphasized the enthusiasm of the youth, noting that over 75,000 young individuals submitted one-minute videos to be part of this initiative. After rigorous selection at the district and state levels, the participants are finally gathered in the prestigious Parliament, a place where leaders and policymakers have shaped India’s present, he added.

    Dr. Mandaviya encouraged young participants to adopt a ‘Nation First’ mindset, regardless of their profession. He spoke about the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament as a platform that nurtures future leaders, allowing young individuals to engage in meaningful discussions. He emphasized that democracy thrives not on arguments but on winning the hearts of citizens through constructive conversations. 

    Union Minister praised India’s diversity, stating that despite its differences, the Parliament stands as a symbol of unity. Expressing hope for the future, he wished that many of the youth present today would return to Parliament as Members of Parliament or Ministers. He also underscored the strength of democracy, which provides equal opportunities to all, noting that in India, even a person from humble background can become the Prime Minister. 

    Dr. Mandaviya advised young people to focus on taking a pledge towards Viksit Bharat and moving forward without worrying about the results. Concluding his address, he encouraged the participants to remain open to learning, stating that these two days would be highly enriching for those willing to receive knowledge and experience.

    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse highlighted that the dialogues led by these young minds during Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 will pave the way for India’s future. She emphasized the significance of this year’s Youth Parliament, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a Viksit Bharat, where the youth will not only contribute but also lead the nation toward progress. 

    In her welcome address, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan emphasized that Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 represents our collective commitment to democracy and serves as a forum where young people from across the country can actively contribute to public policy.

    The day began with a powerful Inaugural Ceremony, followed by opening remarks by the participants, which was judged by a jury comprising of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sushri Shambhavi Chaudhary, Member of Parliament.

    The event proceeded with the two Question Hour sessions, which formed the heart of the Youth Parliament experience. Each Question Hour session featured 18 teams participating: 9 teams representing MPs and 9 teams representing Ministers. The youth MPs raised insightful, policy-based questions, and the ministers responded with structured and detailed answers.

    During Question Hour 1, teams discussed One Nation, One Election (ONOE), examining governance, administrative feasibility, political stability, and legal challenges, with insights from a distinguished jury, including Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, and Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, MP. Question Hour 2 focused on Viksit Bharat, where youth MPs debated youth empowerment, education, skill development, and sustainability, assessed by a jury comprising MPs Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, Shri Dhaval Laxmanbhai Patel, and Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

    This was followed by an insightful master class on oratory skills by Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament. This master class provided participants with valuable insights into the art of effective public speaking, a crucial skill for leadership and parliamentary debates.

    The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament on Day 1 was a resounding success, which concluded on an inspiring note, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful second day of discussions, debates, and policymaking exercises.

    The Day 2 will be followed with a visit to the new Parliament building, where they will witness live proceedings and experience the legislative process firsthand. This will be followed by a focused discussion on the One Nation, One Election, examining its potential implementation models, electoral dynamics, and implications for Centre-State relations. The agenda also includes a deliberation session led by a team representing the Ministry of Law and Justice, who will be initiating a motion in the house for voting. Later in the day, the National Youth Awards for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 will be presented, celebrating exceptional contributions to youth leadership along with the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards, 2025.

    ******

    Himanshu Pathak

     

    (Release ID: 2117909) Visitor Counter : 98

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF LA NIÑA ON CLIMATE PATTERNS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Copernicus Climate Change Service report states that the global average surface air temperature during January 2025 was the hottest on record (0.79°C warmer than the 1991-2020) despite the development of La Niña conditions. However, the average temperature in the Indian region was the second highest since 1901 (0.98°C warmer than 1991-2020). The main reason for higher temperatures is global warming, which is closely linked to climate change. Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This process releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the planet to warm up.

    In general, during the La Niña years, the Indian summer monsoon experiences above-average rainfall, which is beneficial for better crop production. However, currently, neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean with above-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the eastern and far western Pacific Ocean and below-average SSTs in the central Pacific Ocean. The latest Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) and other global model forecasts indicate that neutral ENSO conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season of 2025. Thus, no La Niña impact is expected on the Indian monsoon during 2025. IMD will issue the first stage of the seasonal forecast for the 2025 Southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall by mid-April.

    Various organisations under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) have been conducting regular studies on monsoons and associated rainfall and temperature patterns in the country, including those during the El Niño and La Niña periods. The India Meteorological Department continuously monitors the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) changes globally, especially in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which have a significant impact on the Indian climate. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also prepares forecasts based on the Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) and issues the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)/ Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) bulletin every month (https://www.imdpune.gov.in/cmpg/Product/Enso.php). IMD also issues monthly and seasonal outlooks for rainfall and temperature with monthly updates, which helps to prepare for the impact of El Niño/La Niña-related weather variations. These forecasts are complimented by the extended range forecasts updated every week for the next four weeks. Additionally, the IMD issues agriculture-specific advisories to help farmers prepare for extreme weather events associated with El Niño and La Niña, such as heavy rains or droughts. These advisories are helpful for decision-making in various agriculture operations, such as crop selection, irrigation practices, pest and disease warnings, disaster management, preparedness, etc.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUND ALLOCATED FOR INSAT-3DS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Earth Sciences

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUND ALLOCATED FOR INSAT-3DS

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences has allocated Rs. 480/- crore and billed for the launch of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-3DS).

    Currently, INSTAT-3DS,along with INSAT-3DR, are in use for the operational weather services, and some of the important applications of satellite products are:      

    • Round-the-clock monitoring of severe weather conditions with rapid scan capability. Satellite images are generated every 5 minutes for the area of interest (where the severe weather is prevailing).
    • A satellite visualization tool known as Real-time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination (RAPID) to visualize and analyze satellite images and derived products as per the user’s choice (https://rapid.imd.gov.in/r2v/).
    • Numerous satellite-derived products and imageries are generated at each 30-minute gap, which is very useful in real-time monitoring the cyclone activity and determination of cyclone track and intensity.
    • During pre-monsoon season thunderstorms and lightning season of March to May, various products like Outgoing Longwave Radiation, Quantitative Precipitation Estimate, Sea Surface Temperature, Insolation, winds, winds derived products, etc. and Temperature, Humidity profiles/Thermodynamic indices etc. are used for monitoring the movement of convective weather systems.
    • Satellite-derived products are also helpful in monitoring the onset, active, and withdrawal phases of southwest and northeast monsoons. It is also used to monitor and analyse the origin, movement, and possible impact of Western disturbance moving across North India.
    • Data Collection and Dissemination: The satellite’s data relay transponder facilitates efficient collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from various ground stations, supporting The India Meteorological Department (IMD).
    • Search and Rescue Operations: The satellite has a dedicated search and rescue payload that assists in locating and saving lives during maritime and aviation emergencies. These advancements in INSAT-3DS have strengthened India’s capacity to monitor and predict weather patterns, enabling better preparedness for extreme weather events and contributing to improving agricultural and water management decisions.
    • Meteorological data and products from both the INSATs are also useful in various sectors in real-time:
    • Aviation Meteorological services (root forecast, convection cloud development, movement, etc.)
    • Marine weather forecast (convection movements, high /low-pressure zones, winds convergence, divergence, etc.)
    • Power Sector ( clouds, convection, etc.)
    • Tourism sector (root, temperature, clouds, dry or moist areas, winds, circulation, etc.)
    • Monitoring severe weather phenomena like intense rainfall episodes, heatwave conditions, cold wave day and night fog, etc. are easily monitored over the Indian region/neighbouring countries by day and night (24-hour) coverage of satellite data.
    • Special sector images are generated for pilgrimage (Like Amarnathji yatra, Kumbh Mela, Kedarnath Jee yatra, etc.)
    • The accumulated snow-bound area images during winter time are generated for specially monitoring the fresh and old snow and its coverage.
    • Agriculture sector services. Satellite provides better guidance for agro meteorology with the help of many satellite-derived products (like Insolation, Land Surface Temperature, Evapotranspiration, etc.).
    • Renewable energy sector: Satellite-based Winds, clouds, Outgoing longwave radiation, etc., provide an important input to this sector for managing the resources efficiently.
    • Research and development activities. New algorithms and approaches (like AI/ML, deep learning, etc.) are also under development to further streamline the process.
    • Therefore, with the support of INSAT-3DS (which provides advanced imaging and sounding capabilities), weather monitoring service capabilities are enhanced. It offered detailed observations of land and ocean surfaces, real-time data on cloud cover, moisture content, temperature profiles, and other atmospheric parameter which are crucial for weather monitoring.

    The INSAT-3D has reached its end of life and has been replaced by the INSAT-3DS, whereas INSAT-3DR is operational in sensing and transmitting meteorological data.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117833)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INSTALLATION OF NEW RADAR SYSTEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has planned new radars across the country. Tentative sites where the radars are planned to be installed are given below:

    • 12 no. of C-Band Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) tentatively at Raipur, Mangalore, Ranchi, Lakshadweep, Malda, Aurangabad, Balasore, Sambalpur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Rupsi, & Port Blair.
    • 12 no. of X-Band DWRs tentatively at Pune, Kolkata, Purnea, Varanasi, Wayanad, Bhubaneswar, Dharwad, Lahaul &Spiti, Aligarh (GoUP), Azamgarh (GoUP), Jhansi (GoUP), Lucknow (GoUP).
    • 10 no. of X-Band DWRs for North East tentatively at Jorhat, Tezpur, Aizawl, Namsai, Silchar, Imphal, Dimapur, Mandala Top, Central Arunachal Pradesh, & Guwahati.
    • In addition, 53 radars (8 S-Band, 20 C-Band, and 25 X-Band) are also planned to be installed across the country under the Mission Mausam so that the entire country is brought under radar coverage.  

    The locations of the DWRs have been arrived upon considering the gap areas in the coverage of the existing DWR network.

    In addition to the proposed improvement in the radar coverage mentioned above, other observation systems like wind profilers, radio sonde/radio wind, microwave radiometers, etc., are also planned under the Mission Mausam. Along with the improvement in the observational network, deployment of high-performance computing infrastructure, advanced Earth system models, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, etc, under the Mission Masuam will help improve in forecasts on various timescales, especially in location-specific nowcast (forecast up to a few hours) to short-range forecast up to 3 days. The implementation of the Mausam Mission is likely to help (i) in capturing and monitoring all the weather events happening in the country so that no weather system will go undetected (ii) improve the frequency of nowcasting extreme weather such as thunderstorms, lightening, strong winds, etc. from 3 hrs. to 1 hr. (iii) improve the short and medium range weather forecast accuracy by about 5-10% and (iv) improve air quality forecasts by about 5-10% in the major metro cities.

    The entire country will be under radar coverage within the next 2-3 years.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION; THE HEAT MITIGATION STRATEGY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Several parts of the country, including States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, are likely to be severely impacted by heat, and as per the recent report by the World Bank, the rising temperatures are expected to cause India to lose up to 5% of its Gross Domestic Product by 2030. Heat is recognized as a severe threat, and the State Disaster Management Agencies of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have prepared State heat action plans in 2016 and 2019, respectively, to manage the heat stress. Also, the State Planning Commission has set up the heat action network to advance efforts for inter-departmental and intersectoral engagement toward heat mitigation.

    As per the State-wise statement of Climate Report-2023 published by,   (https://imdpune.gov.in/Reports/Statewise%20annual%20climate/statewise_annualclimate.html)   the India Meteorological Department (IMD)  a significant increasing trend of +0.68°C/100 years is observed in the Tamil Nadu State averaged annual mean temperature series for the period 1901-2023. The increasing trend is relatively higher in the case of maximum temperature (+0.84°C/100 years) compared to that in the case of minimum temperature (+0.51°C/100 years). The five warmest years on record for the state of  Tamil Nadu are 2019 (temperature anomaly of +0.848°C), 2016(+0.837°C), 2017(+0.624°C), 2020(+0.493°C) and 2023(+0.432°C). Under the changing climate, various parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, are projected to experience increased heatwaves.

    Due to climate change, annual temperatures are increasing globally and the impact of the same is reflected in the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves in various parts of the globe, including India. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also reflects the same observations (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf). Addressing the root causes of global climate change is essential to mitigate the impact of heat waves. This involves international cooperation to reduce green house gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices across all sectors. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India with the help of States to reduce the impact of heatwaves in the coming years. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) are one of the major initiatives in this direction. Additionally, India has taken a proactive role in fostering international collaborations through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. India is committed to pursuing low-carbon strategies for development and is actively pursuing them, as per national circumstances.

    The India Meteorological Department, in coordination with various research centers across the country, has taken multiple steps to improve monitoring and early warning systems, which has helped minimize loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heat waves. These include:  

    • Issuing seasonal and monthly outlooks, followed by extended-range forecasts of temperature and heatwave conditions. The early warning and forecast information are disseminated through the website,  various social media,etc., for timely public outreach.
    • District-wise heatwave vulnerability Atlas over India to help State Government authorities and disaster management agencies for timely planning.
    • The hot weather hazard analysis map over India includes daily temperature, winds, and humidity conditions.
    • Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in 23 States that are prone to heatwave conditions were jointly implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the State Governments.
    • A series of National and State-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted much before the start of the summer season, with regular review meetings from time to time during the season.

    IMD has launched seven of its services (Current Weather, Nowcast, City Forecast, Rainfall Information, Tourism Forecast, Warnings, and Cyclone) with the ‘UMANG’ Mobile App for use by the Public. Moreover, IMD has developed a mobile App, ‘MAUSAM’ for weather forecasting, ‘Meghdoot’ for Agromet advisory dissemination, and ‘Damini’ for lightning alerts. The common Alert Protocol (CAP) developed by the NDMA is also being implemented to disseminate extreme weather warnings by the IMD.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117827) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to inclusive education by strengthening support systems for children with autism spectrum disorder in schools

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to inclusive education by strengthening support systems for children with autism spectrum disorder in schools

    Strengthening Inclusive Education: Block Resource Centres under Samagra Shiksha provides Essential Therapy Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2025), the Ministry of Education, Government of India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive education by strengthening support systems for children with autism spectrum disorder in schools.

    Through Block Resource Centres (BRCs), the government is ensuring that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive essential therapy services, specialized interventions, and learning support to help them reach their full potential.

    Supported under the centrally sponsored scheme- Samagra Shiksha, the BRCs serve as dedicated resource centers, offering essential therapy-based interventions to support the physical, cognitive, and communicative needs of CwSN.

    These include:

    • Occupational Therapy: Helps children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and independence in daily activities.
    • Physiotherapy: Supports children with mobility challenges, improving posture, muscle strength, and physical coordination.
    • Speech and Communication Therapy: Supports children with delayed speech, difficulty in communication, or social interaction challenges, especially beneficial for children with autism.
    • Psychological & Behavioural Support: Provides emotional and behavioural counselling to enhance confidence, social interaction, and well-being.

    BRCs are staffed with trained resource persons, special educators, and therapists who work closely with parents, teachers, and caregivers to create personalized intervention plans for children.

    These centres also organize regular screening camps, parent counselling sessions, orientation/teacher training programs, assistive devices, appropriate Teaching-Learning Material (TLM), and aids & appliances etc. to ensure a holistic approach to inclusive education.

    As envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the government is continuously strengthening these inclusive learning environments by integrating therapy services with classroom learning and ensuring accessible infrastructure, assistive devices, and digital learning solutions for CwSN across the country.

    State and district education authorities are encouraged to maximize the utilization of Resource Centres and also collaborate with local health and social welfare departments to further expand support for children with diverse needs.

    On this World Autism Awareness Day, the Ministry appeals to schools, educators, and parents to optimally utilise the services of BRCs for CwSN and also work together to promote awareness, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder.

    ******

    MV/AK

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Prevention and treatment of hepatitis

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ14: Prevention and treatment of hepatitis 
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that hepatitis is one of the common diseases in Hong Kong, and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people in Hong Kong are affected by hepatitis. Hepatitis may further develop into cirrhosis of the liver or even liver cancer if it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, which will bring about a serious impact on the health and finances of patients and their families, and place a burden on the public healthcare system. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) in respect of education on the prevention of hepatitis, whether the Government has organised preventive educational programmes to promote the importance of keeping the liver healthy in schools and in the community in 2024; if so, of the relevant expenditure, the number of programmes organised, as well as the respective numbers of students or members of the community who have participated in such programmes; whether it will increase the relevant estimated expenditure for this year; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) in view of the Government’s commitment in the 2024 Policy Address to implement hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer, whether the Government has formulated the relevant implementation plan; if it has, of the budget and target number of people to be screened; whether it will accord priority to screening for high-risk persons, and introduce primary healthcare networks and the public-private partnership approach to expand the screening capacity, e.g. carrying out blood monitoring for liver cancer in high-risk groups; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) whether it knows the respective numbers of new cases of liver cirrhosis diagnosed by the Hospital Authority (HA) and patients with liver cirrhosis who continued to receive treatment in public hospitals under HA in each of the past five years;
     
    (4) whether it knows the respective numbers of cases of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer among the oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy services provided in public hospitals in each of the past five years; whether the relevant data reflects the incidence trends of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in Hong Kong; whether the Government has adjusted its prevention strategies on the basis of such data; and
     
    (5) in order to provide more treatment options for patients and effectively relieve the pressure on public hospitals, whether the Government will consider using the public-private partnership approach or expanding the scope of the “Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme” to arrange, under the risk-based principle, for low-risk patients to receive treatment at healthcare institutions in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can be classified into acute or chronic disease. Serious hepatitis cases will lead to liver failure, cirrhosis or liver cancer Hepatitis is the most commonly caused by the hepatitis virus infection worldwide. In Hong Kong, the major risk factor leading to liver diseases including liver cancer is chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. The Government is strongly committed to the prevention and treatment of hepatitis and liver cancer. Among which, in 2018, the Government established the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis (SCVH) to provide advice on overall policy, targeted strategies and effective resource allocation related to prevention and control of viral hepatitis. In October 2020, the SCVH formulated the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2020 – 2024 and all the new initiatives outlined in the plan have been fully implemented.
     
         The Government has been adopting a series of effective and free-of-charge measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) which may lead to CHB, including:
     
    (i) universal neonatal hepatitis B vaccination since 1988;
    (ii) universal antenatal screening for hepatitis B;
    (iii) administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B;
    (iv) using antivirals to further minimise the risk of MTCT of HBV among pregnant women with CHB and high viral load since August 2020 under the steer of the SCVH; and
    (v) post-vaccination serologic testing arranged for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B since January 2022. 
         The reply, in consultation with the DH, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Hospital Authority (HA) to the question raised by the Hon Joephy Chan is as follows:
     
    (1) Viral Hepatitis Control Office (VHCO) of the DH co-ordinates the actions and programmes related to prevention and control of viral hepatitis, including health education, and surveillance and prevention of viral hepatitis, and provides secretariat support to the SCVH. The VHCO has been providing health education related to viral hepatitis for the public through various channels, including social media, health talks and themed exhibitions. The VHCO also collaborates with community partners to launch promotion activities. 
     
         Currently, the Maternal and Child Health Centres under the DH provide hepatitis B vaccination services for infants and young children from birth to five years old. For those primary school children who have not completed the hepatitis B vaccination, the School Immunisation Team under the Centre for Health Protection of the DH provides mop-up vaccination services to ensure that local school children are protected by the hepatitis B vaccine. The current vaccination rate for school children is 99 per cent while the prevalence of HBV infection among those under 35 years old is below 1 per cent. Hence, the health promotion efforts of the VHCO focus on reminding adults at higher risk of infection in the community to undergo early testing and treatment for hepatitis B, including those who have not been benefited from vaccination.
     
         In 2024, the VHCO conducted nine public health talks and 11 themed exhibitions, reaching over 7 000 attendances. Over 33 000 health education materials were distributed to community health promotion partners, healthcare institutions and the general public. The related expenditure cannot be separately identified given that they have been subsumed into the viral hepatitis control programmes provided by the DH.
     
         The Government will closely keep in view local and international situation of hepatitis B, promulgate the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025 – 2030 this year, and continue to enhance health promotion and educational activities.
     
         Meanwhile, District Health Centres and District Health Centres Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) in all 18 districts across the city are promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan along with family doctors to enhance citizens’ self-management ability. Family doctors and primary healthcare professionals will provide vaccination information and education (such as Hepatitis B vaccine), guidance on healthy lifestyles, as well as recommendations and services for chronic disease and cancer screening, according to personal factors like age, sex and family history. DHCs also organise talks on liver health, providing the public with related education and information.
     
    (2) The DH has been enhancing the focused risk-based testing service for viral hepatitis for people at a higher risk of HBV infection in its Services in recent years. With effect from April 2022, all men who have sex with men and sex workers attending Social Hygiene Clinics of the DH are offered with HBV screening as part of the comprehensive screening for sexually transmitted infections. With effect from July 2023, the DH has launched risk-based viral hepatitis screening services at its Elderly Health Service, Woman Health Service, Families Clinics and methadone clinics.
     
         As announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the Government will roll out a new programme to subsidise hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer. The PHC Commission will provide hepatitis B screening and continued management to groups with higher risk via DHCs and family doctors through strategic purchasing and co-payment model. The programme enables early detection of people infected with HBV in the community and early identification and treatment of CHB to reduce the risk of complications (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer). The PHC Commission will announce the programme details within 2025.
     
    (3) The number of in-patient and day-in-patient discharges and deaths with the principal diagnosis of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis at various hospitals under the HA in the past five years is set out as follows:
     

    Yeardischarges and deaths with the principal diagnosis of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis(Provisional figures) 
    (4) Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (commonly known as gastroscopy) is not a mandatory examination for the diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. The HA provides appropriate examination and necessary treatment to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer patients based on clinical needs. The HA does not maintain statistics on the number of cases diagnosed with liver cancer or liver cirrhosis among those undergoing gastroscopy. The relevant data is not related to the trends of liver disease incidence in Hong Kong.
     
         According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were 1 612 new cases of liver cancer in 2022, accounting for 4.6 per cent of all new cancer cases in Hong Kong. Liver cancer ranks as the fifth most common types of cancer and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. Based on the crude incidence rate, there are 22 new cases per 100 000 population in Hong Kong. Males are more susceptible to liver cancer than females, with a male-to-female incidence ratio of 2.7 to 1 in 2022. Compared with ten years ago, the number of new cases of liver cancer has dropped by about 10 per cent.
     
         The number of liver cancer cases diagnosed each year and its percentage in the total number of new cancer cases from 2012 to 2022 are set out below:
     

    Year     On prevention and control strategies, key measures of the Government include:
     
    (i) continuing to closely monitor the hepatitis situation locally and internationally;
    (ii) formulating the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025-2030 within 2025;
    (iii) preparing for the launch of a pilot programme for hepatitis B in the community in a risk-based approach by the PHC Commission with reference to the screening strategy recommended by the SCVH; and
    (iv) apart from the three clusters currently piloting the collaborative service model for the management of hepatitis B, the HA will continue to pilot the service model concerned in the Medicine Specialist Out-patient Clinics and Family Medicine Specialist Clinics of other clusters, as well as collaborate with the DH and the PHC Commission to promote hepatitis B management to family doctors. Through the above measures, it is expected that the overall management capability for hepatitis B and service volume in Hong Kong will be further enhanced, thereby reducing the transmission of hepatitis B and its associated disease burden. 

         In addition, the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), established under the Cancer Coordinating Committee chaired by the Secretary for Health, regularly reviews local and international scientific evidence with a view to making recommendations to the Government on formulating evidence-based measures for cancer prevention and screening programmes applicable to the local population. Currently, the CEWG does not recommend routine liver cancer screening for asymptomatic individuals at average risk.
     
         Primary prevention (i.e. reducing exposure to cancer risk factors) is the most important strategy for reducing the risk of developing cancer. The DH has long been encouraging citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, including avoidance of smoking and alcohol, healthy diet, regular physical activities and maintenance of a healthy body weight and waist circumference to reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases including cancer.
     
    (5) In terms of primary healthcare, the Government is establishing a “Family Doctor for All” system and a multidisciplinary public-private partnership model with DHCs as the hub through the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) to subsidise citizens in the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases in the private medical sector. As mentioned above, the Government is planning to implement a subsidised hepatitis B screening programme through family doctors and DHCs using the same multidisciplinary public-private partnership model to encourage citizens to understand their health status through early screening to achieve the goals of “early prevention, early detection, and early treatment”. The DH will also continue to strengthen the Government’s different vaccination programmes, such as exploring the best use of public-private partnership arrangement where appropriate.
     
         The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been following the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits to enhance the cooperation with various cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), on the premise that the development of Hong Kong and the Mainland’s healthcare system will be benefited. This is to promote the medical professional standard in the region in general and provide convenience for Hong Kong citizens travelling to and from the Mainland in terms of choices of medical services. Among which, in collaboration with designated collaborating healthcare institutions in the Mainland cities of the GBA, the Government gradually launched the Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme, the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in Greater Bay Area, as well as the new functions under the five-year plan of eHealth+, which enables citizens to keep and use their personal medical records from within and outside Hong Kong across the boundary.
     
         As a member of the GBA, the HKSAR Government, in formulating cross-boundary healthcare measures, will not only focus on meeting the needs of Hong Kong citizens, but will also consider the potential impact of the policies on the social resources and livelihood of citizens on the Mainland. The healthcare resources and needs, relevant laws and regulations, as well as regulatory regimes for healthcare professions are different in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Upholding the important role of protecting the health of Hong Kong citizens, the HKSAR Government will continue to provide quality healthcare services to Hong Kong citizens, including the above-mentioned strategies and work in the prevention and treatment on hepatitis B. The Government will also explore cross-boundary healthcare measures under the premise that these measures are feasible and mutually beneficial. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government is exploring the strategic purchase of healthcare services for Hong Kong citizens from suitable healthcare institutions in the GBA to alleviate the pressure on service demand of our public hospital services and shorten the waiting time of Hong Kong residents.
    Issued at HKT 19:58

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Tarang facility in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    ‘TARANG’ is a 64-bit High Performance Computing (HPC) system, capable of supporting multi-tasking, multi-programming, multi-user and time-sharing environment, of a proven architecture with scalable processing elements, scalable high performance I/O, scalable interconnection network and a balanced design to have 99.5% uptime with adequate redundancies and to avoid single point of failure so as to meet the operational requirements. The HPC system is supported by technical support facilities such as transformers, diesel generators, UPS, batteries, multiple utility paths, lighting system, adequate number of earthing pits and cables.

    The compute capacity is about 1 Peta FLOPS, with 2 Peta Byte storage and 3 Peta Byte archival storage. Additionally, there is a dedicated standalone system for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications with a capacity of 15.5 Peta FLOPS.

    The HPC would help scientists to run advance operational models for providing Tsunami Early Warnings for India and other 25 countries on the Indian Ocean rim. Further, the new computational facility will also be used for next generation Ocean State Forecast system having more accurate representation of physical processes, non-hydrostatic dynamics, high resolution nests for local forecasts and advanced data assimilation techniques and augment the quality of the forecasts using the available GPU processors.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Russian shadow fleet and oil imports – E-001226/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001226/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)

    1. To what extent does the Commission rely on oil and gas tanker data from Vortexa regarding the so-called Russian shadow fleet?

    2. With regard to the sanctions against Russia and accusations of EU double standards, what does the Commission make of the fact that Russian oil is transported by ship to India, where it is processed, and then exported to the EU?

    Submitted: 24.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Autism Acceptance Month

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 2, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 2025, as Autism Acceptance Month. 

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    This month, California joins communities around the world in recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month. We celebrate the many ways autistic individuals add to the diversity and strength of our state, while raising awareness of the challenges faced by children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum in living to their full potential.

    In California, one in 22 children have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Our state’s 21 regional centers provide community-based developmental services and supports to over 194,000 autistic individuals. We are proud to honor the many individuals with autism enriching our communities with their perspectives, talents, and achievements.

    This year, California’s Health and Human Services Agency released its Master Plan for Developmental Services, outlining recommendations that will impact the rapidly increasing regional center caseload of individuals with a diagnosis of autism. The Master Plan is shaped by the community itself, expressing a vision for how California supports people with disabilities like autism into the future, and recognizing the connections between the developmental disabilities services system to other employment, health, and social services systems. This vision will inform existing and future efforts to enhance state services in the days and years ahead, and reflects the state’s commitment to supporting, empowering, and celebrating people on the autism spectrum.

    This Autism Acceptance Month, we share our deep appreciation of individuals, families, and many others who are dedicated to uplifting the experiences of autistic people. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting and including individuals with autism in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Together, we will continue to build communities where everyone belongs.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 2025, as “Autism Acceptance Month.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 1st day of April 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Sexual violence used as weapon of terror against women and girls

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Women

    Amid alarming reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon of terror across Sudan, UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is warning that over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk.

    It is nearly two years since the brutal war between the forces of the military government in Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces militia erupted, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

    Human rights abuses have been committed on both sides and more than 30.4 million Sudanese require urgent assistance, with millions displaced, and tens of thousands killed. Nearly 25 million people face acute hunger.

    According to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, there have been increasing and alarming reports of sexual violence being used to terrorise civilians.

    Layla’s story

    In late 2024, in the northern state of Sudan, armed men forced their way into Layla’s* home in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, while she was alone with her children. “They arrested my son and took me to a separate car. I noticed they were looking at my daughter in a disturbing way – she’s 18 years old. Probably they took me away to keep her alone.”, she told UNFPA.

    Layla’s fears for her daughter were a precursor of what she would later confront at an overcrowded prison, where she was held for nearly three weeks.

    © UNFPA Sudan

    A woman, who has fled conflict in Sudan, washes clothes.

    ‘Unimaginable horrors’

    Recounting that they brought her son back and started beating him in front of her, Layla added that they interrogated her, accused her of being a spy and claimed that her husband was working for the army.

    Although the Sudanese army has recently retaken strategic areas of Khartoum, at that time opposition paramilitary forces were in control. Layla described being strip-searched, beaten and detained without charge.

    “I witnessed unimaginable horrors,” she said. “When the officers left, the soldiers would begin raping prisoners. They would take young women out into the yard, and all night long we would hear the screams of girls and women.”

    Over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk of assault, an 80 per cent increase from the previous year.

    A growing health crisis

    Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically, with almost 13 million people forcibly displaced – nearly one third of the population – and the health system all but obliterated.

    Across Sudan, UNFPA is providing reproductive health and protection services through 90 mobile health teams, more than 120 health facilities, and 51 safe spaces for survivors of sexual violence.

    This assistance includes clinical treatment and psychological counselling following rape, sexual abuse and assault, as well as referrals for legal assistance and awareness raising among communities of the risks of sexual violence, coercion and trafficking.

    At a UNFPA-supported safe space, Layla explained how she struggled to endure the ordeal in prison. “One day, a 16-year-old girl was brought back to the cell, bleeding heavily,” she recalled. “She came to me, hugged me, and we cried together for an entire day.”

    © UNFPA Sudan

    UNFPA is providing reproductive health and protection services in dozens of locations in Sudan.

    After nine days in prison, Layla stopped eating and drinking, hoping to die instead of being raped as well. Eventually becoming very sick, Layla was released.

    Although Layla and the young survivor were able to find physical and mental health support through the safe space, they are not among the majority.

    According to UNFPA, there have been more than 540 attacks on health facilities reported over the last two years, supplies and equipment are frequently looted, and health workers, patients and ambulances are targeted with violence and intimidation.

    ‘No longer safe havens’

    Maha Mahmoud, a social worker at a UNFPA-supported safe space in Dongola in Northern State, said health facilities are no longer safe havens.

    “I was informed that a young woman had been raped at a maternity hospital,” she told UNFPA. “She’s 18, divorced with one daughter and had been living with her family when opposition forces entered her area. They took her, along with many other women, and raped them.”

    “She lost consciousness. When she woke up, she found herself surrounded by other girls, all of whom had also been raped. They were then left in the street.”

    The woman would later discover she was pregnant. “She made her way to the safe space, where we provided her with psychological support and all the necessary medical care,” said Ms. Mahmoud, adding that the woman and her baby are slowly recovering. “Since then, we have continued to help her cope with the trauma.”

    Listen to an interview with UNFPA’s Representative ad interim in the country, Argentina Matavel Piccin: 

    Soundcloud

    Urgent appeal

    UNFPA is calling for $119.6 million for its work in Sudan and a further $26 million to assist refugees in the country. In the northern state, UNFPA’s sexual and reproductive health programmes and safe spaces operate with funding from Canada, the European Union, Japan, Norway and Sweden.

    Yet unprecedented funding cuts by many leading donors are throwing into jeopardy the health and lives of hundreds of thousands of women and girls.

    The United States has been a crucial supporter of the people of Sudan, but recent funding cuts will leave some 250,000 women without reproductive health services.

    Training for frontline medical workers has also been halted, and 10,000 women will lose access to safe spaces that provide medical, legal, and psychosocial support.

    * Name changed for privacy and protection.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –