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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Freedom, Peacekeeping, Syria & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – World Press Freedom Day
    – International Days
    – Secretary-General/Peacekeeping
    – Syria
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – UNIFIL
    – Ukraine
    – Haiti
    – Myanmar
    – Somalia

    WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
    Tomorrow is World Press Freedom Day. It is a constant reminder that free and independent journalism is an essential public good.
    In his message, the Secretary-General says that when journalists are unable to work, we all lose. Tragically, this is becoming more difficult every year.
    “We are seeing a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed in conflict areas — particularly in Gaza,” he said.
    And this year’s theme is “the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom” – The Secretary-General added that artificial intelligence can support freedom of expression — or stifle it.

    INTERNATIONAL DAYS
    Today is World Tuna Day. Tuna is rich in Omega-3, and it also contains minerals, proteins, and vitamin B12, among other advantages. Unfortunately, though, its popularity has led to overfishing in so many parts of the world.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/PEACEKEEPING
    This morning, the Secretary-General took part in a dialogue with peacekeeping troop-contributing countries.
    This was a closed meeting, so we won’t be sharing the Secretary-General’s full remarks. But I can tell you that, as you can imagine, he thanked the troop-contributing countries.
    Peacekeeping is multilateralism in action, he said, a direct, collective and tangible commitment to peace.
    He added that peacekeeping is also a partnership that depends on global political support as well as on the ideas, insights and continued commitment of Member States in the face of a range of increasingly complex risks and challenges, financing for peacekeeping is one of those challenges.
    The Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, in two weeks, the Secretary-General said, will be an opportunity to build on this important work.

    SYRIA
    The Secretary-General has been monitoring with alarm the reports of violence in the Druze-majority suburbs of Damascus and in the south of Syria, including reports of civilian casualties and assassination of local administration figures. He condemns all violence against civilians, including acts which could risk inflaming sectarian tensions.
    In this context, he also condemns Israel’s violation of Syria’s sovereignty, including the latest airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus. It is essential that these attacks stop and that Israel respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.
    The Secretary-General unequivocally calls on all concerned to cease all hostilities, exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation.
    He is encouraged by intra-Syrian efforts to de-escalate the violence and maintain security and stability.
    He takes note of the statement by interim President al-Sharaa, prioritizing “dialogue and cooperation within the framework of national unity,” and appeals to the interim authorities to transparently and openly investigate all violations.
    The Secretary-General further underscores that it is imperative to support a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria, in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 (2015).

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Qei4f4r4M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and Denmark signs renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

    Source: Government of India

    India and Denmark signs renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

    India and Denmark Strengthen Energy Sector Cooperation Through Renewed Partnership

    The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070

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

    India and Denmark have reinforced their long-standing energy cooperation by signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

    The MoU was signed by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, in the presence of Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. This agreement reflects both countries’ continued commitment to accelerating clean energy transitions.

    The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It aims to foster knowledge exchange and technological collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the area of clean and sustainable energy solutions.  This agreement follows five years of successful collaboration under the original MoU, signed on June 5, 2020, and initially set to expire on June 5, 2025. The proactive renewal ensures continuity in dialogue and cooperation, allowing for a seamless extension of joint efforts in energy sector development.

    The renewed agreement broadens the partnership to cover advanced areas such as power system modeling, integration of variable renewable energy, cross-border electricity trading, and development of EV charging infrastructure. It also emphasizes increased knowledge exchange through expert interactions, joint training sessions, and study tours.  Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs said that the renewed energy cooperation expresses the mutual commitment of India and Denmark to foster sustainable development.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: States and UTs Conclude Day-2 of NAM Conclave with Renewed Push for Public Health Delivery

    Source: Government of India

    States and UTs Conclude Day-2 of NAM Conclave with Renewed Push for Public Health Delivery

    Experiential knowledge exchange and constructive deliberations inspire fresh momentum in Ayush quality standards, regulation, and investment

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:26PM by PIB Mumbai

    Pune/Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    LONAVALA, MAHARASHTRA – Day-2 of the second edition of National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025, being held at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, featured comprehensive discussions on enhancing quality services under Ayush facilities, strengthening regulatory mechanisms, and exploring investment opportunities in the Ayush sector.

    The day began with Session IV on “Quality Services Under Ayush Facilities Including Medicinal Plants,” coordinated by Dr. A. Raghu, DDG (Ayush), Ayush Vertical DGHS. The session highlighted the implementation of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) and Ayush hospitals, with states expected to achieve 30% compliance by June 2026, 40% by 2028, and 50% by 2029.

    Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), outlined the vital role of medicinal plants in conservation, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation under the “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants.”

    Dr. Saketh Ram Thrigulla presented on the Ayush Grid initiative, a dedicated Digital Health Platform that aims to transform operational efficiency and service delivery in the Ayush sector. Representatives from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Manipur, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands shared their respective best practices and innovations in Ayush healthcare delivery.

    Session V focused on “Regulatory Mechanism with Respect to Quality Assurance of Ayush Medicines and Monitoring of Misleading Advertisements,” coordinated by Dr. Raman Kaushik. The session addressed the challenges in uniformly implementing regulatory provisions across states and the need for strengthened coordination between central and state authorities. Dr. Galib from AIIA, Delhi, discussed strategies for monitoring misleading advertisements through the Pharmacovigilance program. Representatives from Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu presented their best practices in regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

    The final session of the day explored “Investment Opportunities in Ayush Sector,” coordinated by Shri Indroneel Das from Invest India. Dr. Suruchi Mittar, Sr. Vice-President & CIO, Invest India, highlighted the sector’s remarkable growth from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 23 billion by 2023 in manufacturing, with an ambitious target of USD 200 billion by 2030.

    Highlights of the Day-1

    The NAM Conclave 2025 commenced on May 1 with the participation of several State and UT Ministers, including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ from Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal from Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma from Himachal Pradesh; Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii from Mizoram; and Shri G.T. Dhungel from Sikkim.

    In his inaugural address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted that the number of beneficiaries of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has risen dramatically from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, noted that the NAM budget has increased from ₹78 crore in 2014 to ₹1275 crore in 2025-26.

    Dr. Dayashankar Mishra from Uttar Pradesh reported that the state currently has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals with varying bed capacities. Shri Prem Chand Bairwa mentioned that Rajasthan is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy for integrated growth of all Ayush systems, while Shri Yadvinder Goma highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s integrated model combining traditional knowledge with modern technology.

    Dr. Atul Mohan Kocchar, CEO of NABH, emphasized the importance of accreditation in enhancing trust and regulatory compliance in Ayush facilities. The session also featured insights from specialized institutions like the National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH) and the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD). Representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, and Maharashtra shared their initiatives to attract investments in the Ayush sector.

    Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared additional key achievements: “5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility.”

    A key highlight of Day-1 was the release of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine, covering five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia.

    The conclave continues to serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, policy discussions, and collaborative planning to further strengthen the Ayush healthcare system across India.

    About National Ayush Mission

    The National Ayush Mission (NAM), launched in 2014, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of the Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Amritasya: Madhya Pradesh Showcases State’s Rich Artistic Legacy at WAVES Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:23PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    The second day of the WAVES Summit 2025 witnessed a spectacular showcase of cultural heritage with the presentation of Amritasya: Madhya Pradesh at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai. This grand showcase paid a vibrant tribute to the artistic spirit of Madhya Pradesh, enthralling audiences with a dazzling display of the state’s diverse dance traditions.

    The showcase featured an engaging fusion of Indian classical dance forms with the folk and tribal traditions of the state. Rich in colour, rhythm, and movement, the performance highlighted the immortal spirit of tradition that defines the state’s cultural identity.

    Audiences at the WAVES Summit witnessed a high-energy production that skillfully blended heritage and storytelling through dance. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause and widespread appreciation from cultural delegates, dignitaries, and art lovers from across the country.

    Amritasya reaffirmed Madhya Pradesh’s standing as a vibrant hub of India’s diverse artistic heritage and added a resonant cultural dimension to the broader goals of the WAVES Summit 2025.

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Ritu/ Darshana | 154

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Repayment of ‘7.72% GS 2025’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The outstanding balance of ‘7.72% GS 2025’ is repayable at par on May 23, 2025 (May 24 and 25, 2025 being Non-working Saturday and Sunday respectively). No interest will accrue thereon from the said date. In the event of a holiday being declared on repayment day by any State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Loan/s will be repaid by the paying offices in that State on the previous working day.

    As per sub-regulations 24(2) and 24(3) of Government Securities Regulations, 2007 payment of maturity proceeds to the registered holder of Government Security held in the form of Subsidiary General Ledger or Constituent Subsidiary General Ledger account or Stock Certificate, shall be made by a pay order incorporating the relevant particulars of his bank account or by credit to the account of the holder in any bank having facility of receipt of funds through electronic means. For the purpose of making payment in respect of the securities, the original subscriber or the subsequent holders of such Government Securities, shall submit the relevant particulars of their bank account well in advance.

    However, in the absence of relevant particulars of bank account / mandate for receipt of funds through electronic means, to facilitate repayment of the loan on the due date, holders may tender the securities, duly discharged, at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries/Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India (at which they are enfaced / registered for payment of interest) 20 days in advance of the due date for repayment.

    The details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pan-Indian Cinema is Not a Myth; Film Industry Veterans Emphasize Unity in Indian Cinema

    Source: Government of India

    Pan-Indian Cinema is Not a Myth; Film Industry Veterans Emphasize Unity in Indian Cinema

    Anupam Kher Highlights Shifting Cinema Consumption Trends Post-COVID

    When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film becomes Indian cinema: Khushboo Sundar

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, being held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled “Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum.” Moderated by Sh. Naman Ramachandran, the session brought together four distinguished personalities from the Indian film industry, Sh. Nagarjuna, Sh. Anupam Kher, Sh. Karthi, and Ms. Khushboo Sundar, for an engaging conversation.

    Ms. Khushboo Sundar reminded the audience that cinema’s power lies in its emotional resonance. She emphasized that there should be no perceived divide between Bollywood and regional film industries, as Indian films are created with the intent of resonating with all Indians. “When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film stops being regional or national, it becomes Indian cinema and that is what makes everything fall into place,” she observed.

    Sh. Nagarjuna echoed this sentiment by celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that weaves together India’s filmmaking traditions. He spoke of the myriad languages, customs and landscapes that inspire storytellers, and he reminded attendees that pride in one’s roots does not constrain creativity, it liberates it and that is the true essence of Indian cinema.

    Sh. Anupam Kher spoke about how COVID-19 pandemic changed the behavior of cinema consumption. He recounted how audiences started consuming films from different sources and it is not about cinema from different regions, but cinema from India alone. He also stressed about one must be true and honest in their craftsmanship, “Whether you are broadcasting a mythic saga on the big screen or streaming a slice-of-life drama, honesty in storytelling is your greatest ally. Audiences may crave spectacle, but they will always applaud sincerity and that is what works in films.”

    Further adding to this, Sh. Karthi reflected on the enduring appetite for larger-than-life experiences. He expressed that while audiences today have access to diverse content, they still flock to theatres for the magic of song-and-dance extravaganzas and heroic epics.

    Throughout the discussion, the panelists spoke about the importance of evolving beyond the notion of “regional” films and embracing the idea of Indian films. They emphasized on the importance of emotions, sincerity and that Indian cinema’s true strength lies not in divisions, but in unity, rooted in our soil, and it is that momentum that will carry Indian cinema forward.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

    On X : 

    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

    https://x.com/MIB_India

    https://x.com/PIB_India

    https://x.com/PIBmumbai

    On Instagram: 

    https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

    https://www.instagram.com/mib_india

    https://www.instagram.com/pibindia

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates development works worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates development works worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

    The development works launched today will strengthen infrastructure and accelerate the growth of Andhra Pradesh: PM

    Amaravati is a land where tradition and progress go hand in hand: PM

    NTR Garu envisioned a developed Andhra Pradesh, Together, we have to make Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, the growth engine of developed India: PM

    India is now among the countries where infrastructure is rapidly modernising: PM

    Viksit Bharat will be built on four pillars – poor, farmers, youth and Women power: PM

    The Navdurga Testing Range to be built in Nagayalanka will strengthen the country’s defense power just like Maa Durga, I congratulate the country’s scientists and the people of Andhra Pradesh for this: PM

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh today. The Prime Minister expressed that standing on the sacred land of Amaravati, he does not see just a city but a dream coming true—a new Amaravati, a new Andhra. “Amaravati is a land where tradition and progress go hand in hand, embracing both the peace of its Buddhist heritage and the energy of building a developed India”, remarked the Prime Minister. He added that today, foundation stones and inaugurations have been laid for projects, and these projects are not just about concrete structures but the strong foundation of Andhra Pradesh’s aspirations and India’s vision for development. Prime Minister Modi extended his greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, offering prayers to Bhagwan Veerabhadra, Bhagwan Amaralingeshwara, and Tirupati Balaji. He also conveyed his best wishes to Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan.

    Remarking that Indra Lok’s capital was once called Amaravati, and now Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Modi  emphasized that this is not a mere coincidence but a positive sign for the creation of ‘Swarna Andhra’, which will strengthen India’s path toward development. The Prime Minister highlighted that Amaravati will energize the vision of ‘Swarna Andhra’, making it a center for progress and transformation. “Amaravati is not just a city, it is a force, it is the strength that will transform Andhra Pradesh into a modern state and a power that will transform Andhra Pradesh to an advanced state”, stated Shri Modi in Telugu.

    Envisioning Amaravati as a city where the dreams of Andhra Pradesh’s youth will come true, the Prime Minister highlighted that in the coming years, Amaravati will emerge as a leading city in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy, Clean Industry, Education, and Healthcare. The Prime Minister remarked that the Central Government is fully supporting the State Government in rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure to accelerate growth across these sectors.

    Shri Modi lauded Shri Chandrababu Naidu’s acumen for envisioning future tech on a large scale and implementing it swiftly. He recalled that in 2015, he had the privilege of laying the foundation stone for Praja Rajadhani, emphasising that over the years, the Central Government has extended comprehensive support for Amaravati’s development, ensuring all necessary steps for basic infrastructure. He remarked that with Shri Naidu’s leadership, the new state government has accelerated development efforts. He highlighted that key institutions, including the High Court, Assembly, Secretariat, and Raj Bhavan, are now being prioritized for construction.

    “NTR Garu envisioned a developed Andhra Pradesh”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, urging collective efforts to make Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh the growth engine of a developed India, reaffirming the commitment to fulfilling NTR Garu’s dream. Addressing the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, the Prime Minister said in Telugu that it is our responsibility and something we must achieve together.

    Emphasising that over the past 10 years, India has focused extensively on physical, digital, and social infrastructure, Shri Modi highlighted that India is now among the fastest-modernizing infrastructure nations in the world, and Andhra Pradesh is benefiting significantly from this progress. He noted that thousands of crores worth of road and rail projects have been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, accelerating its development. “Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a new era of connectivity, which will enhance district-to-district links and improve connectivity with neighboring states”, he stated, stressing that farmers will find it easier to access larger markets, and industries will benefit from improved logistical efficiency. Shri Modi also highlighted that the tourism and pilgrimage sectors will also gain momentum, making key religious sites more accessible. He cited the Renigunta-Naidupeta Highway as an example, stating that it will significantly ease access to Tirupati Balaji shrine, allowing devotees to visit Lord Venkateswara Swami in much less time.

    Prime Minister emphasized that countries that have rapidly developed have given immense importance to their railway networks. He highlighted that the past decade has been a transformational period for Indian Railways, with the Government of India allocating record funds for railway development in Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister pointed out that between 2009 and 2014, the combined railway budget for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was less than ₹900 crore, whereas today, Andhra Pradesh alone has a railway budget exceeding ₹9,000 crore, marking an increase of more than tenfold. “With the enhanced railway budget, Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% railway electrification”, stated the Prime Minister, noting that the state now operates eight pairs of modern Vande Bharat trains, along with the Amrit Bharat train, which passes through Andhra Pradesh. He further highlighted that over the past 10 years, more than 750 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the state. Additionally, the Prime Minister stated that over 70 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, ensuring world-class infrastructure for passengers.

    Underscoring the multiplier effect of infrastructure development, highlighting its direct impact on the manufacturing sector, Shri Modi  noted that raw materials such as cement, steel, and transportation services benefit significantly from large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthening multiple industries. He stressed that infrastructure development directly benefits India’s youth, creating more employment opportunities. He remarked that thousands of young people in Andhra Pradesh are gaining new job prospects through these ongoing infrastructure projects.

    “The foundation of a developed India rests on four key pillars—the poor, farmers, youth, and women empowerment”, the Prime Minister reiterated his statement from his address at Red Fort. He emphasised that these pillars remain central to their government’s policies, with special priority given to farmers’ welfare. He highlighted that to reduce the financial burden on farmers, the Government of India has spent nearly ₹12 lakh crore over the past 10 years to provide affordable fertilizers. He remarked that thousands of new and advanced seed varieties have been distributed to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity. The PM said that under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have received claim settlements worth ₹5,500 crore. Additionally, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, more than ₹17,500 crore has been directly transferred to the accounts of lakhs of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring financial support for their livelihoods, he added.

    Emphasising that India is rapidly expanding irrigation projects across the country, along with launching river-linking initiatives to ensure water reaches every farm and farmers do not face water shortages, Shri Modi underlined that with the formation of the new state government, the Polavaram Project has gained fresh momentum. He stated that millions of people in Andhra Pradesh will see their lives transformed by this project. He reaffirmed that their government is fully supporting the state government to accelerate the completion of the Polavaram Project.

    Underlining Andhra Pradesh’s pivotal role in establishing India as a space power over the decades, the Prime Minister said that every mission launched from Sriharikota fills millions of Indians with pride, inspiring the country’s youth toward space exploration. He announced a major development in India’s defense sector, stating that a new defense institution has been established. He also mentioned that the foundation stone has been laid for DRDO’s new missile testing range. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Nava Durga Testing Range in Nagayalanka will serve as a force multiplier for India’s defense capabilities, drawing strength from Maa Durga’s divine power. He extended his congratulations to the nation’s scientists and the people of Andhra Pradesh for this landmark achievement.

    “India’s strength lies not just in its weaponry but in its unity”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting that this spirit of unity is further reinforced through Ekta Malls, which are being set up in cities across the country. He announced that Visakhapatnam will soon have its own Ekta Mall, where artisans and craftsmen from across India will have their products showcased under one roof. He noted that these malls will connect people with India’s rich diversity, while boosting the local economy and strengthening the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” vision. 

    The Prime Minister announced that this year’s International Day of Yoga (21st June) marking the 10th edition will be celebrated at Andhra Pradesh and he would also attend it. He urged the people to undertake more activities on Yoga in the next 50 days and set a world record. Remarking that Andhra Pradesh neither has shortage of dreamers nor achievers, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the state is on the right path and has picked up the right speed for growth. He urged for sustained momentum in accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s progress and concluded by reassuring his unwavering support, stating that he will stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

    The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Cabinet Ministers were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, Prime Minister inaugurated 7 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh. These Projects include widening of various sections of National Highways, construction of Road over bridge and subway among others. These projects will further enhance road safety; create employment opportunities; provide seamless connectivity to religious and tourist places like Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Malakonda and Udayagiri Fort among others.

    Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity. These projects are doubling of the rail line between Bugganapalle Cement Nagar and Panyam stations, enhancing connectivity between Rayalaseema and Amaravati and construction of a third rail line between New West Block Hut Cabin and Vijayawada stations.

    Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of 6 National Highway projects and one Railway project. These Projects include widening of various sections of National highways; construction of elevated corridor,  half clover leaf and Road over bridge among others. These projects will improve connectivity, inter-state travel, reduce congestion and improve overall logistics efficiency. Construction of Rail over Rail between Guntakal West and Mallappa gate stations aims to bypass freight trains and reduce congestion at the Guntakal Junction.

    Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects that include the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat, other administrative buildings and housing buildings for over 5,200 families, worth over Rs 11,240 crore. It will also include trunk infrastructure and flood mitigation projects featuring a 320 km world-class transport network with underground utilities and advanced flood management systems, worth over Rs 17,400 crore. The Land Pooling Scheme Infrastructure projects will cover 1,281 km of roads equipped with central medians, cycle tracks, and integrated utilities across the capital city of Amaravati, worth over Rs 20,400 crore.

    Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Missile Test Range at Nagayalanka in Andhra Pradesh worth around Rs 1,460 Crore.  It will comprise a launch center, technical instrumentation facilities, Indigenous Radars, Telemetry and Electro-Optical systems enhancing the country’s defence preparedness.

    Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of PM Ekta Mall at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam. It has been envisioned with the objective of fostering national integration, supporting the Make in India initiative, promoting One District One Product, generating employment opportunities, empowering rural artisans, and enhancing the market presence of indigenous products.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw charts India’s creative future at WAVES, says startups should think beyond films and build brands that create global waves

    Source: Government of India

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw charts India’s creative future at WAVES, says startups should think beyond films and build brands that create global waves

    It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology: Shaw

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:17PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Global business leader and Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Friday said that the Indian Startups involved in creative content sector should think beyond films and build brands, ecosystems, and intellectual property that create global waves. She was talking at an In Conversation session on the second day of the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai.

    Kicking off the discussion with Maneet Ahuja, Editor-at-Large at Forbes, on the theme “India’s Innovation Renaissance: The Next Decade of Global-First Startups,” Mazumdar Shaw spoke about the global potential of Indian narratives. Referring to the Ramayana, she said, “It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology. Just as George Lucas drew inspiration from Indian epics for Star Wars, we can use technology to transform our cultural heritage into global franchises.”

    Touching on India’s demographic and digital strengths, she said, “With over a billion smartphones and a tech-savvy Gen Z, India is poised for global innovation. But like any blockbuster, success starts small — with an idea, strategy, and relentless focus.” She drew parallels with her own journey of starting Biocon in a garage and building it into a global biotech force.

    Talking about the India’s creative economy, she said that those in the filed should focus on the growth of the so-called Orange Economy which has immense potential. “The media and entertainment sector contributes 20 billion dollar to the GDP today. We must aim for a 100 billion dollar, and eventually, for a 1 Trillion dollar Orange Economy by 2047, which will resonate with the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shaw said.

    Empowering Creators and Startups

    Responding to questions on India’s creative edge, Shaw highlighted the convergence of AR, VR, and immersive experiences as key frontiers. “The next unicorns won’t just be apps — they’ll be creators who understand IP, tech, and immersive storytelling,” she noted. Citing examples like Naatu Naatu song in the movie RRR, she said that Indian creativity must go beyond diaspora appeal. “It must become globally relevant,” she added.

    She urged startups to embrace originality and persistence: “Every great idea starts small. What matters is how far you take it. Failure is part of the journey.”

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah says, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah says, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression

    Amritsar Zonal Unit of the NCB axed a drug diversion cartel through a 4-month-long operation across 4 states, seizing drugs worth ₹547 crore and arresting 15

    It is a giant stride towards building a drug-free Bharat under the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Congratulations to Team NCB

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 9:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression.

    In a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that “The Amritsar Zonal Unit of the NCB axed a drug diversion cartel through a 4-month-long operation across 4 states, seizing drugs worth ₹547 crore and arresting 15. It is a giant stride towards building a drug-free Bharat under the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Congratulations to Team NCB.”

    In a major step towards Government’s zero tolerance approach against drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 1.36 crore psychotropic tablets from a distributor in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. NCB has also seized 11,693 CBCS bottles & 2.9 kg of Tramadol powder from a manufacture in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The total value of seized drugs is around Rs. 547 crores.

    In pursuance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat, Amritsar Zonal Unit of NCB has busted major networks involved in illegal diversion and distribution of pharmaceutical medicines for non-medical use across Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

    Under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, a sustained intelligence-driven operation and Top to Bottom and Bottom to Top approach in investigation of cases from December 2024 to April 2025 led to significant seizures and arrests, exposing a complex nexus between manufacturers, stockist, and front operators.

    On April 20-21, 2025, the raids were conducted in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. The search in Uttarakhand resulted in seizure of 11,693 CBCS bottles and 2.9 kg of Tramadol powder from J R Pharmaceuticals. The search at the premises of key distributor, Embit Bio Medix, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in the seizure of 19,25,200 tablets and the search at the premise of Aashi pharmaceutical, Bawana, Delhi resulted in the seizure of 1.17 crore tablets of Tramadol and Alprazolam indicating massive unauthorized possession and illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals medicine. The proprietor of Embit Bio Medix was arrested earlier, while attempting to flee to Vietnam on 18th April at Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi.

    The investigation revealed that proprietor of Embit Bio Medix, Himachal Pradesh had previously operated in Delhi, where his drug license was cancelled in December 2022. Concealing this, he obtained a new license in Himachal Pradesh and also launched another firm in Delhi, registered under an associate’s Aashi Pharmaceutical.

    The investigation started four months ago when a person impersonating a medical professional was intercepted at Amritsar with 2,280 Alprazolam and 1,220 Tramadol tablets. Further investigation uncovered a local distribution chain, leading to several arrests and follow-up searches that resulted in the recovery of 21,400 more Tramadol tablets and 43,000 Alprazolam tablets.    

    In another case in February 2025, a separate seizure of 5,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride (Trekm-100) tablets in Amritsar led investigators to a chain extending into Tarn Taran, Dehradun, and Manawala. The source trail pointed toward the illegal supply of pharmaceutical medicines by individuals operating without valid licenses, supported by dummy medical setups.      

    Investigations in both cases revealed involvement of same pharmaceutical manufacturing company that is J R pharmaceutical based in Haridwar, Uttarakhand which led to suspicion and through investigation conducted so far, has disclosed large-scale diversion of pharmaceuticals medicine by M/s J R Pharmaceuticals, Haridwar and others.

    The follow up raids conducted in the month of February, 2025 at J R Pharmaceuticals led to seizures of 16,860 Tramadol tablets, 327 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup, and 2.55 lakh loose Tramadol tablets (80.7 kg) hidden in drums. Further raids in the same month, based on information provided during interrogation, led to the seizure of 8,89,064 CBCS bottles held without valid documentation purportedly for diversion.

    Investigation further revealed that several front stockist firms were found to be fake or non-operational and diversions of the drugs were carried out using them. One such firm, M/s Tiwari Medical Agency, Dehradun was found upon verification to be a sweet/tailor shop and proprietor of firm was found to be working as a maid, while other firms, M/s Kavati Health Care Pvt Ltd, Dehradun, and M/s Life Care Pharma, Kolkata found to be non-existent at declared address. The mastermind behind the dummy stockist M/s Tiwari Medical Agency was arrested, leading to the seizure of 1.24 lakh Alprazolam tablets from a roadside dhaba in Dehradun. The investigation revealed that he was getting the pharmaceutical drugs from other firms as well.      

    The NCB is actively coordinating with the GST Department, State Drug Controllers, Income Tax Authorities, CBN, and financial institutions to uncover the full extent of the drug diversion network.

    Investigation conducted so far led to cumulative seizure of over 1.42 crore of Tramadol & Alprazolam tablets, 2.9 kg tramadol powder, & 9,01,084 CBCS bottles (approx. 135 tons), and arrest of 15 accused from 04 different states in last four months. Leads about involement of others, have also been revealed during investigation and more siezure  are expeted in next few weeks .

    The seizure exemplifies the NCB’s commitment to successfully dismantle drug networks. To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities 
         Customs is actively looking into this incident and is conducting investigations into offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) regarding the unfair trade practices. If there is any violation of the TDO, Customs will take appropriate enforcement actions. As at 4pm today (May 2), Customs and the police received 312 related reports and the Council received 157 related complaints. The Council urges the responsible persons of the relevant private healthcare facilities to explain as soon as possible whether it has closed down and the subsequent arrangements to address consumers’ concerns. Consumers are advised to call the Council’s hotline at 2929 2222 if they are in doubt.
     
         Customs appeals to members of the public who have purchased prepaid services (including vaccinations) from the private healthcare facilities concerned to contact the department as soon as possible. Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs by calling its 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or sending an email to its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
         Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers are also reminded to procure services at reputable shops and consider prudently before making decisions to make prepaid purchases. After making prepaid purchases, consumers should keep the relevant records, such as transaction receipts and contracts, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future.
    ???
    Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment, the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product, or there is no reasonable ground for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
     
    As regards the concerns of affected parents about their children’s remaining vaccinations, all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) under the DH provide vaccination service for infants and young children from birth to five years of age under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. For children affected by the incident and have been registered with one of the MCHCs, their parents may make an appointment by calling the registered MCHCs to consult the healthcare staff at the MCHCs on the vaccinations that their children need to receive in the future. For a small number of children who have not been registered with the MCHCs, parents may call this hotline (2125 1188), which will operate from tomorrow (May 3) from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice. Parents can also send emails to     dhhelpdesk_2501@dh.gov.hkIssued at HKT 23:12

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Secretary holds a meeting to discuss urgent water requirements of Haryana for next 08 days from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Dams

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

    A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Home Secretary, Government of India at New Delhi today to discuss the issue of implementation of decision of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for release of extra 4500 cusecs of water to Haryana for 08 days for meeting urgent water needs of Haryana and some parts of Rajasthan. The meeting was attended by senior officers of Government of India, the partner states of BBMB viz. Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana and BBMB.

    The matter was discussed/deliberated and it was advised to carry out the decision of BBMB to release 4500 cusecs of extra water from Bhakra Dams to Haryana for next 08 days to meet their urgent water requirements. It was also agreed that during the filling period of Dams, BBMB will provide this excess water to Punjab to fulfil their any additional requirements. The BBMB will immediately convene a meeting of the Board to work out the modalities of implementing the release of extra water to Haryana.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s Creative Future

    Source: Government of India

    Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s Creative Future

    WAVES 2025 honours winners of 32 creative challenges under Create in India Challenge; over 750 finalists from 60+ countries converge to celebrate innovation and talent

    “The journey has just begun, and we are committed to empowering India’s creative minds with initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technology:” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

    “This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology:” MoS Dr. L. Murugan

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:08PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    The much-anticipated Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, an initiative that has captured the imagination of creators across the globe, culminated in a spectacular ceremony at WAVES 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s creative landscape. This monumental event honoured the winners of 32 distinct challenges, spanning every domain of the media and entertainment industry, from animation, gaming, and filmmaking to AI, music, and digital art.

    Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the young creators and visionaries, calling this a historic moment. “For the first time, an award is being given purely for creativity. This journey has only just begun. With this initiative, you are stepping into a world of new opportunities. We are also launching the Indian Institute of Creative Technology like an IIT, but for training in creativity, to build a strong foundation for innovation and expression.”

    Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, congratulated the participants, highlighting the dynamic energy and technological prowess of the youth. “Best wishes to all of you. This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology. It also reflects the strength of Nari Shakti and the future of Indian content creation,” he remarked.

    Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, reflected on CIC’s evolution. “When we began in August, there were 25 challenges across the M&E spectrum.  After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about CIC in Mann Ki Baat in September, the participation surged. The number of challenges grew to 32. We received nearly one lakh registration. Today, 750 finalists are here and each of them is a winner,” said Shri Jaju.

    The Create in India Challenge (CIC) was launched to provide a global platform for emerging talent and to showcase the vibrant creativity of young minds. The challenges spanned a wide range of categories, giving creators the opportunity to explore and push boundaries across various forms of media. From the Anime Challenge to the AI Film Making Competition, XR Creator Hackathon, each category encouraged innovative expression, bringing together creators, technologists, and storytellers from around the world.

    CIC has garnered significant attention, both domestically and internationally. With entries pouring in from over 60 countries, including more than 1,100 international participants, CIC has proven to be a global success. The response underlined the ever-growing demand for opportunities to engage with creative technologies and develop new forms of media that are both innovative and influential.

    The prestigious awards were presented by a stellar lineup of industry legends, including Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Vikrant Massey, Prasoon Joshi, and Aroon Purie, alongside other dignitaries and officials.

    The 32 challenges were conducted in collaboration with leading industry bodies, allowing the CIC to reach its full potential by bringing together a wide array of creative disciplines, technology-driven projects, and future-ready content.

    This initiative served as a launchpad for the next generation of creators who are redefining India’s position in the global entertainment and technology ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the importance of fostering homegrown talent and celebrating innovative content creation across various media formats.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 brings together industry stalwarts to discuss Indian cinema’s international expansion

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 brings together industry stalwarts to discuss Indian cinema’s international expansion

    This is the first time I’ve seen a government taking such interest in our industry: Aamir Khan

    WAVES is not just a dialogue—it’s a bridge to policy. It’s a promising start: Aamir Khan

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:42PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Indian movie-makers and producers need to focus on creating distribution channels in different countries to facilitate expansion of Indian film viewership, said renowned Actor Aamir Khan at a panel discussion titled ‘Studios of the Future: Putting India on World Studio Map’. The discussion was held at Jio World centre on Friday, on the second day of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.

    The session, moderated by film critic Mayank Shekhar brought together a stellar lineup of film industry stalwarts, including producer Ritesh Sidhwani, Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus Limited, Film Producer Dinesh Vijan, PVR Cinemas’ Ajay Bijli, and renowned American producer Charles Roven.

    Talking about the rich potential of Indian films, Aamir Khan emphasised on the crucial need to think global from the beginning.

    On the OTT debate, Aamir pointed how the narrow window between theatrical and OTT releases discourages theatre viewership.

    Charles Roven, the producer of global blockbuster, Oppenheimer, emphasized on the enduring strength of theatrical cinema. He stated, “Despite the rise of TV and OTT platforms, the theatrical experience remains irreplaceable.”

    Charles Roven advised Indian studios to shift from a domestic-only focus and to approach projects with international reach in mind.

    Dinesh Vijan talked about the importance of authentic storytelling and collaborations with international studios. “It’s not just about budgets,” he said. “Smaller cities are more cinema-friendly. But to go global, we must focus on quality content and cross-border partnerships.”

    Namit Malhotra spoke about the pivotal role of technology, particularly the use of AI, in enhancing storytelling and helping Indian talent reach global audiences.

    Ritesh Sidhwani pointed out the expanding opportunities through OTT platforms. “OTT has given Indian content global visibility,” he noted. “It allows us to experiment with format and narrative.”

    Ajay Bijli raised concerns about declining theatre footfalls post-COVID. He stressed the importance of managing release windows wisely to ensure monetization through both theatrical and digital platforms.

    Dinesh Vijan also emphasized that technology could help overcome language barriers through authentic lip-sync translations, enabling cultural specificity while reaching wider audiences.

    The panel concluded with a discussion on how the government can support this transition. On WAVE summit, Aamir Khan said: “This is the first time I’ve seen a government taking such interest in our industry. WAVES is not just a dialogue—it’s a bridge to policy. It’s a promising start. I am sure our discussions will transform into policies,” the actor said.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Stories that touch hearts Around the World” – WAVES 2025 propels a global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling

    Source: Government of India

    “Stories that touch hearts Around the World” – WAVES 2025 propels a global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling

    Streaming, Cinema and Literature intersect at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 7:40PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    The second day of the maiden WAVES 2025 Summit featured an exceptional lineup of speakers in the Panel discussion on “Stories that touch hearts around the World”: Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer at National Geographic Society; Justin Warbrooke, EVP and Head of Corporate Development at The Walt Disney Company; Kelly Day, Vice President of International at Amazon Prime Video; Phil Hardman, Executive Vice President & General Manager of BBC Studios Asia; Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most celebrated film directors; and Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat, serving as the moderator.

    This session brought together visionary leaders and master storytellers from across the global media, entertainment, and literary landscapes to explore the transformative power of storytelling. From streaming platforms and broadcasting giants to cinema and literature, the panelists shared insights into how compelling narratives can transcend borders, shape cultures, and connect people worldwide. The discussion highlighted the strategic, creative, and emotional forces that drive global storytelling and its profound impact on perceptions, cultures, and social change.

    Kaitlin Yarnall (National Geographic) leads the strategic vision for creating powerful narratives that intertwine science, exploration, and visual storytelling to engage audiences worldwide. In the discussion, she emphasized the importance of authenticity and excellence in storytelling, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities involved in crafting content that truly resonates.

    Justin Warbrooke (Walt Disney) highlighted the Indian market as a top priority describing it as the world’s most populous and one of the fastest-growing media and entertainment markets. He also spoke about Disney’s collaborations with Indian companies, emphasizing how such partnerships are helping to bridge cultures and bring global audiences closer together through storytelling.

    Kelly Day (Amazon Prime Video) oversees global expansion and content strategy, working to bring diverse and locally resonant stories to audiences across continents. When asked how the platform determines which stories succeed financially in domestic and international markets, she clarified that there’s no set algorithm—success is rooted in strong storytelling, understanding local audiences, and choosing the right formats and genres.

    Phil Hardman (BBC Studio, Asia) leads the delivery of premium British content tailored for Asian audiences. He spoke about the enduring power of quality content, emphasizing the BBC’s core mission to educate and inform. He noted that their focus remains firmly on finding and sharing meaningful stories that align with that mission.

    Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most acclaimed film directors, Rajkumar Hirani is known for creating emotionally powerful and socially impactful films that resonate with audiences both in India and around the world. In the discussion, he highlighted that storytelling is inherently subjective—what resonates varies from person to person. He also shared his optimism about the potential of AI, calling it a valuable tool for filmmakers to enhance creativity and storytelling.

    Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat brings a unique fusion of mythological narrative and cultural depth to his storytelling. As moderator, he expertly guided the panel discussion, bridging diverse perspectives and emphasizing the universal power of stories to connect people across borders.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters 
    A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food, including marinated goose and smoked goose. Staff of the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an investigation at the restaurant, examined the cooking process and food hygiene, and taken food and environmental samples for testing.  
    The investigation of the CHP and CFS is ongoing. Issued at HKT 20:50

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 Sessions Explore Innovations in Sports and Technology

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 Sessions Explore Innovations in Sports and Technology

    Saudi Arabia’s Esports Ambitions Spotlighted at WAVES 2025

    Vision, Investment and Innovation Drive Saudi Gaming Growth

    “Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential:” Ravi Shastri at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Day 2 of WAVES 2025 in Mumbai featured two forward-looking discussions on the future of sports and esports, with particular focus on how media, technology, and storytelling are reshaping global engagement.

    Gaming Revolution: A Bold Vision for the Future

    In a high-impact fireside chat titled “Building a Global Powerhouse: Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Gaming & Esports”, HE Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, presented the Kingdom’s sweeping plans to redefine the global esports landscape. The session, moderated by Girish Menon, Chief Strategy Officer at Jetsynthesys, explored how the Kingdom’s youth-driven policies, strategic investments, and global partnerships are transforming Saudi Arabia into an emerging hub for gaming and esports innovation.

    With over 67% of its population identifying as gamers, Saudi Arabia is cultivating an ecosystem designed for long-term sustainability. From landmark events such as Gamers Without Borders to the hosting of the Esports World Cup, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of international competition.

    The cornerstone of this vision is the Saudi Esports Academy which provides training across a range of fields—coaching, event production, game development—creating meaningful career pathways for young professionals. The Federation’s efforts are also supporting the rise of content creators, fostering an inclusive and scalable industry built on community engagement and cross-border collaboration.

    HE Faisal emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s goal extends beyond tournaments. “This is about opportunity creation, ecosystem development, and showcasing what’s possible when a country aligns resources, vision, and talent,” he said. As the discussion revealed, the Kingdom’s approach could well shape global gaming trends over the coming decade.

    The Changing Face of Sports: Media, Technology and Human Connection

    Earlier in the day, a dynamic panel on “Sports, Technology, Entrepreneurship & Media – The REAL STEM” brought together voices from across the sports ecosystem. The session was moderated by producer and entrepreneur Dheer Momaya and featured cricketing icon Ravi Shastri alongside Prashant Khanna (Jiostar), Nullah Sarker (Kosmos), Vikrant Mudaliar (Dream Sports), and Dhaval Ponda (Tata Communications).

    Ravi Shastri shared his insights on cricket’s transformation through media and technology. “Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential,” he remarked, reflecting on how fan engagement and athlete branding have grown. He described his own journey as “a wave”—symbolic of both personal highs and the broader evolution of the sport.

    Panelists pointed to technological advances such as immersive feeds, fantasy gaming, and AI-driven content personalization as tools reshaping how fans connect with sports. Vikrant Mudaliar underlined how fantasy platforms have turned audiences from passive viewers into active participants. Prashant Khanna highlighted inclusivity tools like sign language commentary and custom visual feeds.

    Nullah Sarker stressed the importance of storytelling: “Fans don’t just follow stats—they follow people.” Echoing this, Dhaval Ponda noted how live sports remain the soul of global content consumption, with technology now enabling custom viewing experiences.

    The session concluded with Shastri expressing optimism: “The future of sports, tech and media is limitless. We’re only just getting started.”

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 discusses Accessibility in Media and Entertainment Sector: Experts Call for Inclusive Innovation and Policy Reform

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 discusses Accessibility in Media and Entertainment Sector: Experts Call for Inclusive Innovation and Policy Reform

    Accessibility must be viewed not as a compliance checkbox but as a creative, ethical, and strategic imperative

    India is not just catching up; in many ways, we are leading the conversation on inclusive design: Brij Kothari

    We’re laying the groundwork for systemic change in how accessibility is implemented”: Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:20PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

    A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Accessibility Standards in the Media & Entertainment Sector” took center stage at WAVES 2025 today. The session brought together leading voices from academia, technology, policy, law, and journalism to explore how accessibility in content creation and distribution is evolving—and why it must be prioritized in India’s digital transformation journey.

    Opening the session, Prof. Brij Kothari of IIT Delhi emphasized India’s leadership in redefining accessibility. “India is not just catching up; in many ways, we are leading the conversation on inclusive design,” he stated. He said that the scale, diversity and accessibility are no longer just a solution for the visually or hearing impaired—it’s a universal design philosophy that benefits over 1.4 billion citizens.

    Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion for EMEA at Google, offered a global perspective, noting that while few countries like the U.S. have strong legislation, enforcement often falls short. He said that the European Accessibility Act is showing promise, and the next decade will be transformative. “We’re laying the groundwork now for systemic change in how accessibility is implemented”, he stated.

    Ashay Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, CEO of Kintel, highlighted the creative dimensions of accessibility in media. “Content is shaped through the unique lens of its creator, especially in film. To make content truly accessible, we must preserve that creative perspective—not dilute it with generic, automated solutions,” he explained. He emphasized on translating the director’s vision meaningfully for all audiences, including those with disabilities.

    Journalist Priti Salian spotlighted how technology and AI are accelerating accessibility efforts. “We’ve launched an AI-based channel featuring sign language interpreter avatars, and with advancements in audio description, what once took weeks now takes just 30 hours,” she said. She further stressed that technology alone isn’t enough as greater governmental support, public-private partnerships, and tendering mechanisms to scale accessible entertainment in India is required.

    Rahul Bajaj, lawyer and advocate for inclusive content across platforms such as theatre, OTT, and television emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks and industry collaboration.

    Danish Mahajan, Founder of Radio Udaan called for stricter implementation of existing policies and increased representation of persons with disabilities in policymaking and regulatory bodies. “Representation ensures that accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s embedded in the system,” he noted.

    Together, the panel underscored a collective call to action: accessibility must be viewed not as a compliance checkbox but as a creative, ethical, and strategic imperative. As India stands at the crossroads of a content revolution, accessibility will be key to unlocking its full potential for every citizen.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His Journey at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His Journey at WAVES 2025

    Farhan Akhtar reflects on storytelling, self-belief, and evolving with the craft

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:19PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Acclaimed filmmaker, actor and writer Farhan Akhtar took centre stage at WAVES 2025 in a masterclass titled “The Craft of Direction”, moderated by Gaurav Kapur. The session offered an intimate glimpse into Akhtar’s journey as a storyteller, exploring the evolution of cinema, the challenges of direction, and the need for authenticity in filmmaking.

    Opening the conversation, Farhan called WAVES “a very empowering event” and reflected on his creative roots. When asked whether he preferred any particular facet of his multifaceted career from singing and acting to directing, he likened it to “choosing a favourite child,” acknowledging that while there may be a quiet preference, every role carries its own joy.

    Revisiting the making of Dil Chahta Hai, a film that redefined contemporary Hindi cinema, Farhan said, “I wanted to write something real, about friendship, about people like us. You shouldn’t imitate others. Audiences can sense when something lacks integrity.” He credited honesty and empathy as essential traits for any writer, encouraging young creators to stay focused and embrace setbacks as part of the journey.”

    The session was filled with anecdotes, from the difficulties of casting his debut film to the use of sync sound, which was a new experience for most of the actors in the film. “They were used to dubbing. Sync sound made them nervous,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technology in filmmaking.

    Talking about Lakshya, Farhan described the physical and emotional toll of shooting in Ladakh and the heartbreak of discovering technical issues post-filming. “We had to go back. But when we did, we got some of the most stunning shots,” he recalled, adding, “Everything happens for a reason.”

    On Don, he shared how the idea came while listening to the original score on a train ride. The challenge was not remaking the film, but reimagining it. “What new meaning could I give to Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi…? That was the real test.” He said he wrote the film with Shah Rukh Khan in mind, noting that he himself was a big fan of the original.

    He spoke fondly of his father Javed Akhtar and sister Zoya Akhtar, both key sounding boards for his scripts. “My dad is the most brutal. He’ll just ask, ‘Why are you making this?’” When asked about his father’s favourites, Farhan mentioned Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others.

    Recalling his transformation for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he said it was Milkha Singh’s spirit that inspired him. “Milkha ji wanted the story to tell the next generation to work hard and focus on skill. That energy pushed all of us.”

    To a packed audience, Farhan’s advice was clear and resonant: “Don’t be a character in someone else’s story. Write your own. And never underestimate the value of discipline.”

    The session ended with questions from the audience, rounding off an engaging, honest, and inspiring masterclass that celebrated not just cinema, but the courage it takes to carve one’s own path.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health — a powerful movement uniting humanity through Yoga and beyond: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Source: Government of India

    Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health — a powerful movement uniting humanity through Yoga and beyond: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Yoga Sangam Portal Launched

    Nashik celebrates Grand Yoga Mahotsav, more than 6000 practice common yoga protocol in unison

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 12:51PM by PIB Mumbai

    Nashik/Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Nashik, the land of Mahakumbh, witnessed a grand celebration of Yoga as over 6000 enthusiasts came together to mark the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 at the Yoga Mahotsav organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush. Held at the spiritually significant Gauri Maidan in Panchavati, the event not only celebrated India’s rich Yoga tradition but also marked the launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal — a digital platform for online registration towards facilitating the synchronized nationwide celebration of IDY 2025 on 21st June at more than 1,00,000 locations across India.

    The programme was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of Yoga and said that, “Nashik is a sacred city blessed by the presence of great souls, and visiting it filled me with pride and joy. Yoga, once an integral part of Indian tradition, is now flourishing within the international community.”

    He further added that the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to make IDY a success and stated, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today, Yoga forms the foundation of life for millions around the world. As part of efforts to take its benefits to every individual, the International Day of Yoga 2025 is being celebrated as a decade-long global festival.”

    While launching the Yoga Sangam Portal, he said, “Today, on Nashik’s sacred soil, we’ve launched the ‘Yoga Sangam Portal’ for online registration, marking a significant step towards International Day of Yoga 2025. Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health, and through initiatives like these, International Day of Yoga is becoming a powerful global movement that unites humanity, promoting Yoga and beyond.”

    “Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Ministry of Ayush deserve heartfelt congratulations for their contributions to this decade-long journey of Yoga.” ” he added.

    It is to be noted that Yoga Sangam, one of the ten Signature Events of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, is a groundbreaking initiative unfolding a decentralised, yet synchronised mass Yoga performance at 1,00,000 locations across India. It will take place on 21st June 2025, the International Day of Yoga. This event will weave a harmonious tapestry of well-being nationwide, as hundreds of thousands of individuals unite under Yoga’s enabling shield. The sheer scale of participation in the event will create a powerful ripple effect of positive energy nationwide.

    Yog Mahostav at Nashik also witnessed the esteemed presence of  Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Nashik; Smt. Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA, Nashik Central; Smt. Seema Hiray, MLA, Nashik West;  Shri Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East; Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik; and Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush as distinguished guests.

    Ms. Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ayush, delivered the welcome address at the event. While extending her greetings to all the distinguished guests, she remarked that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — is one of India’s greatest guiding principles and a true symbol of global brotherhood and harmony.”

    A special emphasis was laid on the Common Yoga Protocol during today’s Yoga Mahotsav. Developed with inputs from leading Yoga experts, the CYP is designed to help individuals integrate day-to-day Yoga practices such as Pranayama and Dhyana into their lives enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and overall harmony. The Government of India’s Yoga Portal serves as a valuable platform encouraging citizens to embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga daily.

    Following the addresses, demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. The session saw the active participation of more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective energy and discipline. The event was streamed live across various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other prominent Yoga institutions.

    The Yoga Mahotsav at Nashik marks a significant step in the run-up to IDY-2025, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and environmental sustainability through Yoga.

    Before this, MDNIY and the Ministry of Ayush had organised a Yoga Mahotsav on March 13, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to IDY-2025. Similarly, a grand event was organised on April 7, 2025, on the occasion of the 75-day countdown at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

    10 unique signature events to guide events to the International Day of Yoga 2025. This year, IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

    • Yoga Sangam – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations.
    • Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
    • Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
    • Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
    • Yoga Prabhav – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
    • Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
    • Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
    • Yoga Unplugged- An event to attract young people to Yoga.
    • Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Prime Minister.
    • SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

    Yoga Sangam Portal can be accessed through the following link: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam

     

    Annexure

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

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

     

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    PIB Mumbai | A.Chavan/D.Rane

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AIR MARSHAL NARMDESHWAR TIWARI PVSM AVSM VM TAKES OVER AS VICE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, INDIAN AIR FORCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, IAF on 02 May 25.

    The Air Marshal completed his schooling at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun before joining the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasala, He passed out from NDA in Jun 1985 with the President’s Gold Medal. He was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force on 07 Jun 1986. The Air Marshal has over 3600 hours of flying experience on various types of aircraft. Besides being a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, the Air Marshal is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA. He has also served as Directing Staff at the IAF Test Pilots’ School and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. His extensive field experience encompasses operational testing of various weapons and systems, including a key role in operationalising the ‘Litening’ Laser Designation Pod during the Kargil Operations in 1999. He was actively involved in the flight testing of the LCA from 2006 to 2009 and later in 2018-19, wherein, as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, he was involved in the Final Operational Clearance of the aircraft. The Air Marshal served as the Air Attache at Paris from 2013 to 2016. He has also held appointment Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ (VB).

    Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at South Western Air Command. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded the Presidential Award of Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, and Vayu Sena Medal in 2008.

    He is married to Mrs. Richa Tiwari, a postgraduate in Cytology. The couple is blessed with two daughters.

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    VK/JS/SM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: High-Level Meeting Held to Strengthen Energy Security of Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

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

    A High level meeting was held on 02nd May 2025 at Chennai, between Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India and Shri N. Muruganandam, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, on enhancing energy security in the State of Tamil Nadu.

    Other dignitaries present included Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India Limited, Shri Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Mukesh Choudhary, Director (Marketing), Coal India Limited and Shri. Dr. Alby John Varghese, IAS, Managing Director, Tamilnadu Power Generation Corporation Limited.

    The deliberations focussed on the State’s projected power demand, availability of lignite & coal, and proactive measures required to meet peak load conditions during the summer and monsoon seasons. The issues of NLCIL related land acquisition, facilitation required for promoting of Overburden to M-Sand in Neyveli mines, Land acquisition of Lignite Mines, starting operations of Neyveli airport and formation of JV between TNGECL & NIRL were also discussed, on which State Government would extend the necessary support.

    The proactive and progressive approach taken by the State in today’s meeting is expected to significantly mitigate supply-side challenges and ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for Tamil Nadu and resolve the issues of NLCIL.

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    Shuhaib T

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Five incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Four men and a woman were each sentenced to four to eight months’ imprisonment and fined between $500 to $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on April 30 and today (May 2) for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs Officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

    Customs officers intercepted four incoming male passengers, aged between 27 and 43, and a 44-year-old female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on March 4 and 5. About 128 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 205 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $1.18 million and a duty potential of about $420,000 in total, were seized from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. 

    Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

    Source: Government of India

    India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

    India nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through Startup India, Skill India and Atal Innovation Mission: Shri Jayant Chaudhary

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

    TiEcon 2025, the world’s leading technology and entrepreneurship conference, kicked off its three-day run at the Santa Clara Convention Center, California, with a powerful focus on Artificial Intelligence under the theme “AiVerse.”This annual three-day conference, themed “AiVerse”, will focus on the vast potential and disruptive power of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of enterprises and society and has brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and academia. The three-day mega event is being held from 30th April to 2nd May, 2025.

    Addressing the conference through a recorded message, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said that the Indian Government is nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through its ambitious programmes like Startup India, Skill India, and Atal Innovation Mission.

    The Minister further  said, “India today stands at a powerful inflection point where innovation, enterprise, and skills are converging to shape a new global narrative. Across every corner of our nation, entrepreneurs are solving real problems, building sustainable ventures, and creating scalable impact.”

    A high-level Indian delegation comprising leaders in deep-tech, climate innovation, healthcare, AI, and digital transformation showcased the country’s expanding role as a global innovation partner. The delegation reflected India’s entrepreneurial spirit rooted in resilience, inclusion, and purpose-driven development.

    India’s participation at TiEcon 2025 marks a significant step in strengthening its positioning as a global talent hub and innovation partner in the AI era. With strategic initiatives underway, India continues to bridge global skill gaps and contribute meaningfully to the evolving AIVerse.

    Addressing at the TieCon 2025 Convention at Silicon Valley, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said, “AI is transforming the world in ways we never imagined which necessitates proactive measures to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities it brings. Skilling our youth and professionals is one of the most critical steps we must focus on today to prepare for the future. NSDC has been making significant efforts to skill and upskill the workforce through various targeted initiatives. We are empowering young people with the capabilities to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders in emerging fields. Our focus is on leveraging the power of human capital and technology to build a better tomorrow.”

    He also highlighted how India’s skilling ecosystem is evolving and democratising access to future skill training. Cutting-edge platforms like Skill India Digital Hub allows learners from across the country to learn from anywhere, anytime. He underscored NSDC International’s critical role in transforming India into a global supplier of skilled manpower.

    The corporation has also set up a dedicated exhibition stall at the conference, which drew enthusiastic engagement from global participants.

    The stall showcased India’s innovative skilling models and AI-integrated learning platforms. Delegates from across sectors explored potential collaborations in talent development, workforce mobility, and AI-centric skilling programmes.

    On the second day in TieCon 2025, Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft and Mr. Tiwari had a brief interaction about India’s skill ecosystem and about of NSDC’s initiatives and how the organisation is equipping Indian youth with job-ready and future-ready skills. The interaction took place at the NSDC stall set up at the exhibition zone.

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    Beena Yadav/Shahbaz Hasibi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Explores India’s Evolving Role in the Global Streaming and Film Economy

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Explores India’s Evolving Role in the Global Streaming and Film Economy

    “For content to truly travel across borders, India must invest in studio infrastructure, production hubs, and technology-driven ecosystems”, says Shibasish Sarkar

    While taking creative risks is essential, content portfolios must be balanced and structured: Ektaa Kapoor

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:29PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    Mumbai | May 2, 2025

    The breakout session on “India’s Evolving Role in the Global Film and Streaming Economy” held at Mumbai today brought together key voices shaping the future of media and content, including Shri Vikram Tanna, CEO, Eros Now and Mzaalo (Xfinite Global); Shri Shibasish Sarkar, President, Producers Guild of India; Smt. Ektaa R. Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms; and Ms. Shalini Govil Pai, Vice President & General Manager, Android TV, Google.

    Highlighting India’s deep-rooted tradition of storytelling, Shri Shibasish Sarkar spoke about the evolution of Indian cinema from a century ago to today’s dynamic streaming platforms. He stated that streaming has enabled Indian stories to find global audiences. However, for content to truly travel across borders, India must invest in infrastructure studios, production hubs, and technology-driven ecosystems. He also called for a focused, pan-India approach to institutional capital support.

    Underlining that compelling storytelling lies at the heart of global success, Ms. Ektaa R. Kapoor emphasised that the more relatable and emotionally resonant a story is, the more likely it is to connect with international audiences. She said that emotions such as pain, passion, and hope are universal. She noted that while taking creative risks is essential, content portfolios must be balanced and structured to de-risk investments and ensure long-term viability in a competitive ecosystem.

    Ms. Shalini Govil Pai stated that globalization is the most transformative trend in content today. She pointed out that technology has broken distribution barriers and made it easier to scale stories globally. Artificial Intelligence (AI), she added, is reshaping content creation by making production faster, more efficient, and data-driven. She urged Indian creators to leapfrog traditional methods and lead in the use of AI and technology to deliver stories that resonate across geographies. She noted that content discovery is becoming crucial, and the next wave of success will hinge on smart navigation, discoverability, and tech-led storytelling.

    Observing that India’s digital-first audience behaviour requires a shift in storytelling formats, Shri Vikram Tanna said that with shorter attention spans and increased mobile consumption, content must evolve to be voice-driven, opinion-led, and immersive. He outlined three key drivers for success: redefining technology, crafting experience-led narratives, and building IPs that command loyal fandom. He identified Generative AI as a game-changing opportunity for creators and platforms alike, offering new ways to engage, monetise, and personalise storytelling.

    The session concluded with a vision that India is well-positioned to become a global content powerhouse. With strategic investment in infrastructure, bold use of technology, and a commitment to authentic storytelling, India can lead the next phase of global media innovation.

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 Rajith/Navin Sreejith/Lekshmipriya/Cshekhar |148

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IOS SAGAR IN PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 01 May 25, marking another important milestone in her ongoing operational deployment across the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The ship’s arrival follows the successful completion of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission of Mauritius, undertaken in coordination with National Coast Guard Mauritius.

    The ship was accorded a warm welcome and received by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, and the Defence Adviser. The port call will feature a host of professional and cultural exchanges, including cross-deck visits involving multinational crew, and interactions with the CDF and senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and a joint Yoga session.

    These engagements aim to reinforce longstanding defence ties and mutual trust between India and Seychelles while deepening the spirit of cooperation among regional maritime partners.

    INS Sunayna, designated as IOS Sagar, has embarked a multinational crew comprising 44 naval personnel from 09 friendly foreign nations of the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The deployment exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building in the spirit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

    Earlier, the ship made port calls at Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), and Port Louis (Mauritius), engaging with local navies and maritime security stakeholders to train together, exchange best practices, and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding.

    The ship is scheduled to depart Port Victoria on 02 May 25 for her final port of call, Male, Maldives, where she will continue her collaborative maritime security and regional outreach mission.

    INS Sunayna, a state-of-the-art Saryu class NOPV is equipped with medium and close-range gunnery weapons and modern electronic warfare suites, including missile defence measures. She can also carry a helicopter, which enhances her operational and surveillance capability.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Provisional recommendations on boundaries and names of geographical constituencies for 2025 Legislative Council General Election for public consultation starts today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

         The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today (May 2) released for public consultation its provisional recommendations on the boundaries and names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. The public consultation period will last for 30 days until May 31.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Source: Government of India

    Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Union Minister conveyed a meaningful message on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India

    A Sacred Bodhi tree sapling from India was planted by the Union Minister at the Vietnam Buddhist University

    Relics were enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery following ceremonial prayers

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

    In a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today aboard a special aircraft from India, marking the beginning of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Vietnam from May 6–8, 2025.

    The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, India. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations.

    Following ceremonial prayers, the Holy Relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju conveyed a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India. The Government of Vietnam expressed its sincere gratitude for this sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilizational and spiritual ties between the two countries.

    The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.

    A grand public procession brought the Sacred Relics to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where they will remain on public exposition. Cultural programs, including a specially curated exhibition and a dance-drama on the life of Lord Buddha, will accompany the celebrations, underscoring the deep-rooted India-Vietnam Buddhist heritage.

    The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, 2025, as part of the Vesak Day commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honoring Lord Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and harmony.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces extension of Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to cover all nine Mainland cities in GBA

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    　　The Government announced today (May 2) the extension of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to include 12 additional medical institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), with a view to offering more convenience for eligible Hong Kong elderly persons to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) in the GBA. The number of pilot medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme will be significantly increased from the current seven to 19, covering all the nine Mainland cities in the GBA. Together with the two existing service points operated by the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), a total of 21 service points in the GBA will be allowed to use EHCVs, benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong elderly persons.

    　　All the 12 medical institutions newly included in the Pilot Scheme (see Annex for details) are Tier III Class A hospitals providing integrated healthcare services (including dental services). They are:
     

    GBA city Name of medical institution
    Guangzhou Guangdong Clifford Hospital
    Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine
    Shenzhen
    (including the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone)    		 Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University
    Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
    Zhuhai The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
    Zhuhai People’s Hospital
    Foshan The First People’s Hospital of Foshan
    The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University
    (Previously: Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University)
    Huizhou Huizhou Central People’s Hospital
    Zhongshan Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Jiangmen Jiangmen Central Hospital
    Zhaoqing The First People’s Hospital of Zhaoqing

    　　The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The main purpose of implementing the Pilot Scheme is to offer more convenience and flexibility for eligible Hong Kong elderly persons by providing more service points for them to better use their EHCVs for primary healthcare services to improve their health. The service points of the Pilot Scheme are meticulously planned to extend to GBA cities that are not yet covered, namely Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing, as well as to set up additional service points in the GBA cities that are already covered. The extension of the Pilot Scheme also includes Chinese medicine hospitals for the first time to provide eligible elderly persons with additional choices in healthcare services.

    　　”I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province (GDHC) and the health authorities of relevant cities for providing us invaluable advice and tremendous help on selecting suitable medical institutions and the regulations relevant to the monitoring of healthcare quality and fee level, among others, during the implementation of the Pilot Scheme.”

    　　The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced the extension of the Pilot Scheme to cover nine Mainland cities in the GBA last October. The Health Bureau (HHB) and the Department of Health (DH) have thereafter promptly taken forward the relevant work proactively, including seeking advice and recommendations from the GDHC, inviting medical institutions to briefing sessions, and conducting site visits.  

    　　The service scope eligible for claims for the EHCVs at medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme will be largely the same. The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme are also applicable. Moreover, eligible elderly persons have to register with eHealth. The “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application will also be applicable to the medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme, with a view to offering convenience for Hong Kong citizens to self-carry their electronic health records for cross-boundary uses. 

    　　To ensure the proper use of public money, the DH adopts a robust monitoring mechanism for checking and auditing EHCV claims, including routine checking, monitoring and investigating in respect of aberrant transactions, and investigations into complaints. In the monitoring issues and investigations of the Pilot Scheme, apart from the above measures, the DH has established a mechanism with the health authorities of the Mainland, through which the health authorities of the Mainland will provide assistance to the DH when necessary, with a view to enhancing its monitoring capabilities and ensuring the proper reimbursement of EHCV claims to the participating medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme. 

    　　The HHB and the DH are working on the follow-up arrangements with various new pilot medical institutions, such as personnel training, financial arrangements and system configuration. It is expected that the new pilot medical institutions will gradually launch the relevant arrangements by the fourth quarter of this year.

    　　Launched by the Government in 2009, the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) currently subsidises eligible Hong Kong elderly persons aged 65 and above with an annual voucher amount of $2,000 (with the accumulation limit set at $8,000) for them to choose in their own community private primary healthcare services that best suit their health needs. The Government launched the Pilot Scheme last year to extend the coverage of EHCVs to suitable medical institutions in the GBA. As at September of the same year, the coverage of EHCVs has been extended to seven integrated medical/dental institutions located in Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen. 

    Members of the public may refer to the EHVS website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the hotline (2838 2311) for more information on EHVS.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    About 700 leading industry players and decision maker from the exhibition sector attend

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    With the construction of the state-of-the art exhibition and conference complexes in the country, India is all set to become MICE ((Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capital of the world.

    “The new segments of tourism are getting developed, in which MICE tourism is the most important and is the fastest growing segment in the country. The exhibition and conference infrastructure we see across the nation including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and even small cities post G20 meet indicates that India is standing at the threshold of strong possibilities for this sector,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union minister of Culture and Tourism, while inaugurating a Two-day Seminar on India: The land of Exponential Growth organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) , the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country.

    “The government and the private exhibition industry has to work together to make India a centre of MICE tourism. Several events which are happening globally can be calendarized and brought here in India. Besides being a destination India, the country is also becoming a big Exhibition and conference hub with planned expansion in road, aviation and railway sectors along with expansion of the conference and exhibition sector, the country has a great future for economic growth,” Shekhawat said.

    “After 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure given the boom in infrastructure, be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways and more than 150 operational airports. All of these have contributed to India’s prowess with regards to the MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The confidence also built following India’s hosting of G20 nations, the entire world is looking at India in awe and curiosity. In times to come, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world.” Said Mr Shekhawat.

    “The IEIA Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo is the annual international conclave of the Indian Exhibition Industry attended by the captains of the industry from all regions of the country and overseas. The event acts as one of its kind meaningful platforms for business networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on the emerging trends shaping our industry’s future.” Said Mr Sooraj Dhawan, President. Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).

    “The 14th edition, the IEIA Open Seminar is expected to attract over 700 leading industry players at decision maker levels including leading Exhibition/ Event Organisers, heads of various trade bodies, sectoral associations and key govt. bodies. India is the fastest growing exhibition market in the world and has grown at 40% post Covid. The Exhibition Industry’s contribution to the Indian economy is Rs. 50,000 crores. Business generated through exhibitions is Rs. 300,000 crores.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    “The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).  refers to a specialized segment of the tourism and hospitality industry focused on organizing and hosting business events. We urge the govt to announce October 1 as the National MICE Day as further boosting the morale of the industry.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    MICE is also known as the event industry. Over the past decades, the MICE industry has been recognized as a significant market segment and an important contributor to national economies. It not only gives a boost to the economy in the form of income generation, but creates huge employment opportunities in related hospitality services providing sectors like accommodation, food and beverage, convention services, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

    Those present on the occasion included Mr Premjeet Lal ED, ITPO, Mr Rakesh Kumar, MD, India Expo mart, Mr Jagdish Patanakar Hon Secretary IEIA, and Mr Ravinder Sethi, vice president, IEIA 

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2126161) Visitor Counter : 97

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TERRORISM POSES A PROFOUND GLOBAL CHALLENGE AND ALL DEMOCRATIC NATIONS WILL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE IT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India

    TERRORISM POSES A PROFOUND GLOBAL CHALLENGE AND ALL DEMOCRATIC NATIONS WILL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE IT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPAN H.E. MR. NUKAGA FUKUSHIRO STRONGLY CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAHALGAM, ASSURES JAPAN’S FULL SUPPORT TO INDIA IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

    IN THE CURRENT GLOBAL SCENARIO, FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN IS ESSENTIAL FOR GLOBAL PEACE, PROSPERITY AND STABILITY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    INDIA AND JAPAN ARE CLOSE ALLIES ON MULTILATERAL FORUMS LIKE QUAD, G20 AND INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    SHRI BIRLA WELCOMES PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO OVER 50,000 SKILLED MANPOWER OF INDIA IN VARIOUS SECTORS IN JAPAN

     JAPANESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION CALLS ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMPLEX

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

     Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today asserted that all democratic nations—bound by a shared commitment to peace, security, and the rule of law – will have to come together to eradicate the menace of terrorism. He stressed that terrorism poses a profound global challenge that transcends national borders and threatens the very fabric of peaceful societies. He called for a collective and resolute response, grounded in mutual trust and respect for international norms, to effectively combat terrorism and uphold the values that define democratic societies.

    Shri Birla made these observations during his meeting with Japanese Parliamentary Delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan H.E. Mr. Nukaga Fukushiro at Parliament House complex today.

    H.E. Mr. Nukaga Fukushiro strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for India’s fight against terrorism. Shri Birla appreciated the leadership of Japan for expressing solidarity with India on the Pahalgam terrorist attack and emphasised that in the current global scenario, friendship between India and Japan is essential for global peace, prosperity and stability.

    Referring to partnership between India and Japan in multilateral forums like QUAD, G20 and International Solar Alliance, Shri Birla said that we have common concerns and thoughts on regional and global issues. Our relations based on mutual understanding are extremely important for co-beneficial progress as well as for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, he further said. In the changing context, the friendship has now taken the form of strategic and global cooperation, he added.

    Shri Birla noted that the friendship between India and Japan is based on civilisational contacts, shared heritage of Buddhism and shared commitment to democratic values. He also expressed happiness that every year a large number of Japanese tourists and pilgrims visit India to go to places related to Buddhism which promotes People to People Connect between the two countries.

    Shri Birla also welcomed the Japanese proposal to provide opportunities to more than 50,000 skilled human resources of India in various sectors in Japan. He appreciated Japan for providing more opportunities to Indian students in the country. He also thanked Japan for its assurance of support in infrastructure development of India’s North East region.

    Noting that last year, India completed the golden journey of 75 years of Constitution, Shri Birla mentioned that constitution has played an important role in India’s journey of progress and development. Under the guidance of the Constitution, the country has made large scale socio-economic changes after independence and has kept public welfare at top priority, he added.

    Referring to legislations like ‘Disability Rights Act-2016’ and ‘The Transgender Persons Act, 2019’, Shri Birla opined that these laws have made a significant contribution in connecting the last person of the society to the mainstream. To increase the participation of women in our legislative process to build a modern, balanced and progressive society, ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ has been passed which provides for reservation of seats for women in the Union and State Legislatures, he informed the Delegation.  He also informed that the Indian Parliament has increased the use of Digital Technology and AI to bring transparency in its functioning and make it accessible to the public and more efficient, which has yielded positive results. He expressed eagerness to share these experiences with the Parliament of Japan.

    On this occasion, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sanjay Jha, Lok Sabha MPs Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Deepender Singh Hooda and Ms. Kamaljeet Sehrawat  were present.

    ***

    AM

    (Release ID: 2126209) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –