NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of Commissioner of Police (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, announced today (April 2) that in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government, upon his nomination and recommendation, approved the appointment of Mr Chow Yat-ming, Joe, formerly Deputy Commissioner of Police, as Commissioner of Police and the removal of Mr Siu Chak-yee from the post of Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu proceeded on pre-retirement leave today after serving the Hong Kong Police Force for 36 years.
     
    Commenting on the appointment of Mr Chow, Mr Lee said, “Mr Chow has served in the Hong Kong Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills. I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”
     
    Speaking on the retirement of Mr Siu, Mr Lee said, “Since taking up the appointment as Commissioner of Police in June 2021, Mr Siu has made commendable efforts in maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world. He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest. During his tenure, he has also been devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to prevent deception cases and combat criminal activities. Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to the HKSAR and wish him a happy retirement.”
     
    The following are biographical notes of Mr Siu and Mr Chow:
     
    Mr Siu Chak-yee
    ——————
     
    Mr Siu joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1988 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police in 2013, Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2017 and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2018. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2019 and took up the Commissioner of Police post in June 2021.
     
    Mr Siu has held a variety of posts during his 36 years of service in the Police Force, responsible for crime investigations, security and operations as well as management work. He was District Commander of Kowloon City District and Chief Superintendent (Human Resources Branch) between 2013 and 2017. He was Assistant Commissioner of Police (Personnel) from January 2017 and took up the post of Director of Operations in November 2018. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) between November 2019 and June 2021. He was appointed as Commissioner of Police in June 2021.
     
    During his career in the Police Force, Mr Siu has received many awards. He was awarded five Commanding Officer’s Commendations between 1995 and 2006; Commissioner’s Commendation in 2006; Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 2006 with the first, second and third clasps in 2013, 2018 and 2021 respectively; Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2016 and Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2021; Hong Kong Police TIDERIDER Medal in 2020 and the Medal for Safeguarding National Security in 2024.
     
    Mr Chow Yat-ming, Joe
    —————
     
    Mr Chow joined the Hong Kong Police Force in November 1995 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police in 2016, Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2020 and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2021. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2022.
     
    Mr Chow has served in various posts in the Police Force, responsible for criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He served as the Commander of Criminal Intelligence Bureau, District Commander of Yau Tsim District and the Deputy Regional Commander of Kowloon West Region between 2016 and 2020. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in February 2020 and took charge of the Operations Wing and later the Personnel Wing. He became the Director of Personnel and Training in January 2021 and took up the office of the Director of Crime and Security in August 2021. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) in April 2022 and assumed the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in August 2023.
    ​
    During his career in the Police Force, Mr Chow has received a number of awards. He was awarded Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 2013 with the first clasp in 2020; Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service and Hong Kong Police TIDERIDER Medal in 2020; and Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2021.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: ProMOS Adopts Silvaco Victory TCAD Solution for the Development of Next-Gen Silicon Photonics Devices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvaco Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVCO) (“Silvaco” or the “Company”), a provider of TCAD, EDA software and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation, today announced that ProMOS Technologies has adopted Silvaco’s Victory TCAD™ simulation solution to accelerate the development of next-generation silicon photonics devices. By leveraging Silvaco’s cutting-edge technology, ProMOS aims to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of its photonic device designs.

    Silvaco’s Victory Process™ is a comprehensive and technology-agnostic simulation solution that enables precise modeling of real-world fabrication steps, including etching, deposition, oxidation, implantation, and diffusion. Unlike simple emulation tools, Victory Process provides a detailed and accurate representation of semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring that simulated outcomes closely match actual production processes.

    The Victory TCAD solution supports a wide range of cutting-edge applications, including Photonics, CMOS, Power, Memory, and Display technologies. Its user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and advanced simulation features allow for efficient process optimization, rapid design iteration, and robust Design of Experiments (DoE) implementation. With Victory TCAD, ProMOS gains a powerful platform for accelerating innovation and refining the performance of its photonic devices.

    “The adoption of Silvaco’s Victory TCAD tools marks a significant step forward for ProMOS in developing next-gen photonic devices,” said Lynn Lin, Vice President at ProMOS. “Silvaco’s product leadership, service, and technical support were instrumental in our decision to select Silvaco for our photonic device development, helping us accelerate the pace of our innovation.”

    “The adoption of the Victory TCAD solution by ProMOS highlights the growing demand for advanced simulation solutions in silicon photonics,” said Eric Guichard, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the TCAD business unit at Silvaco. “We are thrilled to support ProMOS in their silicon photonics development journey. Victory TCAD provides a comprehensive simulation environment that enables companies like ProMOS to take into account process variation to optimize device performance while exploring new frontiers in photonics and semiconductor innovation.”

    About Silvaco
    Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and AI through software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for process and device development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

    Contacts
    Media Relations:
    Tiffany Behany, press@silvaco.com

    Investor Relations:
    Greg McNiff, investors@silvaco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Alenia Space wins €51 million contract to extend EGNOS service life

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Alenia Space wins €51 million contract to extend EGNOS service life

    Strengthening Europe’s critical navigation infrastructure thanks to EGNOS satellite-based augmentation system

    Cannes, April 2, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a new contract worth €51 million with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to extend the operational life of the European Satellite-Based Augmentation System (EGNOS). Named LIFEX 1 (Life Extension Phase 1), this contract will ensure that EGNOS V2 continues to provide reliable, secure, and high-performance navigation services for Europe’s aviation, maritime, land transport, mapping and agricultural sectors beyond 2028. 

    EGNOS © Thales Alenia Space 

    EGNOS system enhances the accuracy, reliability and integrity of positioning signals by improving the performance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and, in the future, Galileo. As part of this contract, Thales Alenia Space will address EGNOS V2 critical system upgrades and infrastructure improvements, reinforcing the system’s resilience and operational durability. These updates will focus on enhancing security measures, modernizing components, and ensuring the ongoing reliability of EGNOS’s “Safety of Life” service, which plays a key role in aviation, enabling accurate approaches at European airports without requiring ground guidance systems. Operational since 2011, this service has significantly improved operational safety and efficiency for the greater benefit of European operators.

    ”EGNOS is a key asset for Europe, ensuring safer and more efficient transport across multiple sectors. This contract will secure the extension of the system in operations, making the service more robust to support a growing number of users and strengthening the European Union’s satellite navigation capabilities,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA.

    “We are very proud to support our client EUSPA in extending the lifetime of an operational system that plays a key role in European navigation every day. With this latest contract, Thales Alenia Space demonstrates its European and export leadership in satellite navigation and contributes to the success of the EGNOS system in Europe” said David Philipona, Vice-President Navigation for Thales Alenia Space in France. “This is in line with Thales Alenia Space’s commitment to provide reliable and innovative navigation solutions to ensure safer and more efficient transport across the continent and across the world.”

    About EGNOS

    EGNOS is one of the European Union’s flagship space programs, designed to improve the performance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and, in the future, Galileo. It enhances the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of satellite positioning signals, ensuring more precise and dependable navigation data for a wide range of industries. EGNOS’s “Safety of Life” service is essential for aviation, enabling precision approaches to airports without requiring traditional ground-based guidance systems. 
    First deployed in 2005 and providing operational “open” service since 2009, the current EGNOS system was developed by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor and is managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).

    Global Impact: EGNOS leading the way

    The EGNOS system’s success has influenced the development of similar systems worldwide. For example, the Korean Space Agency chose Thales Alenia Space in 2019 to supply the Korean Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) which is based on EGNOS principles. The system is already being used to enhance aviation safety, after the first signals were successfully transmitted in December 2022.

    In sub-Saharan Africa, ASECNA (Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar) chose Thales Alenia Space in 2019 to carry out a Phase B project for a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in the region including delivery of a pre-operational service in 2020, to provide enhanced satellite-based navigation for aviation, particularly for flights into and out of areas with limited ground infrastructure. Nigerian operator NIGCOMSAT and Thales Alenia Space performed successful demonstration flights in Lomé and Douala in 2021, using the SBAS signal they have transmitted in the Africa and Indian Ocean region since September 2020 – the first SBAS service provided in this region, via the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite. They also carried out a series of demonstrations of additional services provided by the A-SBAS system in Brazzaville, Congo.

    Thales Alenia Space: a long-standing leader in satellite navigation

    Thales Alenia Space brings over 40 years of expertise in satellite design, development, and operations to the EGNOS project. The company has been instrumental in the creation, maintenance, and evolution of EGNOS since its inception, ensuring its effectiveness as a critical tool for European navigation systems.
    EGNOS V2, which has been delivering the Safety of Life service since 2011, will continue to operate under Thales Alenia Space’s guidance, with a focus on infrastructure modernization and obsolescence management. 

    About EUSPA

    The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, promotes the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services and coordinates the EU’s forthcoming governmental satellite communications programme GOVSATCOM and the EU SST Front Desk. EUSPA is   responsible for the security accreditation of all the EU Space Programme components. By fostering the development of an innovative and competitive space sector and engaging with the  entire  EU  Space  community,  EUSPA  contributes  to  the  European green  and  digital transition,  the  safety  and  security  of  the  Union  and  its  citizens,  while  reinforcing  its  autonomy  and resilience. 

    About THALES ALENIA SPACE

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 16 sites in 8 countries across Europe.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Project Sanction Order signed for Design & Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine worth Rs 270 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi

     Project Sanction Order under Make-I category for the Design and Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine has been inked between Indian Navy and Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited. The signing took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan at South Block, New Delhi on April 02, 2025.

     

    The prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50% will be developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore with 70% funding from the Government of India. The order also includes development of detailed design for 3-10MW diesel engine. The developed engines will be used for Main Propulsion and Power Generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. 

    Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) till date. This project will start the process in achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country. 

    It is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to indigenise critical technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence. It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country.

     ***

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2117773) Visitor Counter : 8

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Umbrella organization for urban co-operative banks

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    A need was felt to establish an organization to resolve the difficulties being faced by the Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). UCBs are operating in a fragmented and uncoordinated environment, hindering their growth, stability and competitiveness. The lack of regulatory clarity, operational inefficiencies and limited access to resources and expertise left many UCBs vulnerable to financial instability, poor governance and market pressures.

    An Umbrella Organization (UO) named National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has been established as a long-term solution to transform India’s UCB sector to make them financially resilient, enhance their depositor’s confidence and establish them as a major player in the country’s financial system.

    The UO will provide various fund-based as well as non-fund-based services to UCBs. The fund-based services include extending Capital support, Loans and advances, Refinance facilities, Liquidity support against excess SLR securities through Repo, and Accepting deposits from UCBs.

    The non-fund-based services include Setting up IT Infrastructure for use of member banks; Fund Management/ Treasury Management Services; Consultancy services in various operational areas; Capacity building services such as training, seminars, and conferences; and Research & Development

    Within a short period of time, the UO has commenced business and has started rolling out certain services to meet the urgent needs of UCBs.

    The UO has launched the following services:

    1. Legal Advisory: UO’s legal resource is providing free templates & free vetting for few basic agreements required by Banks. Preparation of large/ complicated agreements is chargeable but much below market rates.
    2. Sahakar Compliance Monitoring Service: Automation of all the Regulatory Compliances for Banks, by integrating with Core-Banking System (CBS) of Banks on one side and with Daksh portal of RBI on other side.
    3. Technology Consulting: UO’s resources are providing technology related advisory to Banks on all aspects like CBS, Cybersecurity, IT Compliance etc.

    The UO has also published Expression of Interest (EOI) for setting up and implementation of;

    1. Sahakar Cloud: to create Cloud/ Data Centre for the sector and reduce overall cost by achieving economies of scale.
    2. Sahakar CBS: for providing industry-best, standardized Core Banking Solution for all UCBs, specially the Tier1, Tier2 and Unit Banks.
    3. SahakarBox: innovative offering by UO to ensure that even small UCBs can achieve cybersecurity, resiliency, disaster recovery and backup services at quite affordable cost.
    4. Sahakar Council – Expert Panel: UCBs need advice of various external experts in areas like Direct/ Indirect Tax, Audit, Treasury, Compliance and Business Development etc.

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

     

    (Release ID: 2117771) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (AHIDF) IN TAMIL NADU

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The district wise details of projects approved under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) in Tamil Nadu, including number of projects, sanctioned amount and project types are mentioned in the Annexure –I

    The district-wise fund disbursement and number of beneficiaries, particularly small and marginal farmers, cooperatives and FPOs is mentioned in the Annexure – II

    To ensure equitable fund distribution under AHIDF across all districts nationwide, the following measures have been adopted:

    To increase the uptake of the scheme, a diverse range of entities, including individual enterprises, private companies, Section 8 companies, Farmer Producer Organizations, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and cooperatives, have been made eligible. A dedicated end-to-end digitized portal (ahidf.udyamimitra.in) has been developed for application submission, ensuring a transparent and fair mechanism that promotes ease of doing business. The portal is also linked to Common Service Centers, enabling applications to be submitted even from remote locations across the country. Additionally, state-level nodal officers and bank nodal officers have been appointed to facilitate project monitoring and provide handholding support to applicants. In Review Meetings States are also requested to sponsor cases.

    As far as employment generation is concerned, total of 4595 persons are directly employed and 3.78 lakh indirect employment generation has been estimated in the State of Tamil Nadu. The livestock production capacity which has been added to the supply chain from the sanctioned projects of Tamil Nadu under AHIDF is of 24.34 Lakh litres per day under Dairy processing and value addition category projects. For Animal Feed category, production capacity of 12.76 lakh metric tonnes per annum of Cattle and poultry feed is added through AHIDF. 39718 Metric tonnes per annum capacity of meat processing is being added through projects sanctioned under AHIDF. 3.32 crores birds per annum and 126.99 crores eggs per annum will be added to supply chain. The district wise details for the State of Tamil Nadu are at Annexure –III.

    Annexure – I

    The district wise details of projects approved under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) in Tamil Nadu, including number of projects, sanctioned amount and project types are as under:

     

    Category of Infrastructure

    S No

    District

    Approved Projects

    Animal Feed Plant

    Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication farm

    Dairy Processing & Value Addition

    Meat Processing & Value Addition

    Project Cost (In Cr.)

    Term Loan (In Cr.)

    Interest Subvention Released (In Cr.)

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    6

    –

    –

    –

    104.31

    64.77

    3.38

    2

    Dharmapuri

    1

    –

    –

    1

    –

    75.13

    24.82

    2.74

    3

    Dindigul

    5

    –

    2

    2

    1

    114.32

    55

    2.89

    4

    Erode

    4

    1

    –

    3

    –

    1310.52

    935.52

    20.38

    5

    Karur

    1

    –

    1

    –

    –

    7.11

    5

    1.71

    6

    Krishnagiri

    3

    1

    1

    –

    1

    15.45

    9.74

    0.57

    7

    Namakkal

    3

    2

    –

    1

    –

    102.09

    73

    0.32

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    1

    –

    –

    –

    0.34

    0.3

    0.01

    9

    Salem

    1

    –

    –

    1

    –

    140.14

    112.11

    1.33

    10

    Tiruppur

    6

    3

    2

    1

    –

    177.69

    129.32

    6.95

    Grand Total

    31

    14

    6

    9

    2

    2047.1

    1409.58

    40.27

                   Annexure – II

    The district-wise fund disbursement and number of beneficiaries are as follows:

    S No

    District

    Approved Projects

    Cooperatives

    Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

    Individual Entrepreneur

    Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise

    Private Company

    Project Cost (In Cr.)

    Term Loan (In Cr.)

    Interest Subvention Released (In Cr.)

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    –

    –

    –

    6

    –

    104.31

    64.77

    3.38

    2

    Dharmapuri

    1

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    75.13

    24.82

    2.74

    3

    Dindigul

    5

    –

    –

    –

    3

    2

    114.32

    55.00

    2.89

    4

    Erode

    4

    –

    –

    –

    2

    2

    1310.52

    935.52

    20.38

    5

    Karur

    1

    –

    –

    –

    1

    –

    7.11

    5.00

    1.71

    6

    Krishnagiri

    3

    –

    –

    1

    1

    1

    15.45

    9.74

    0.57

    7

    Namakkal

    3

    1

    –

    –

    2

    –

    102.09

    73.00

    0.32

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    –

    1

    –

    –

    –

    0.34

    0.30

    0.01

    9

    Salem

    1

    1

    –

    –

    –

    –

    140.14

    112.11

    1.33

    10

    Tiruppur

    6

    –

    –

    –

    2

    4

    177.69

    129.32

    6.95

    Grand Total

    31

    2

    1

    1

    17

    10

    2047.10

    1409.58

    40.27

     

    ANNEXURE-III

    The district-wise impact of AHIDF on employment generation, income growth, and livestock productivity of in Tamil Nadu is present are as under

    S No

    District

    Animal Feed Plant

    Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication farm

    Dairy Processing & Value Addition

    Meat Processing & Value Addition

    Total Approved Projects in Tamil Nadu

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Lakh MTPA)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Cr. Eggs/Annum & Birds/Annum)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Lakh LPD)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Metric Tonnes per annum)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    961

    36281

    4.84

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    6

    961

    36281

    2

    Dharmapuri

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    65

    2100

    42000

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    65

    2100

    3

    Dindigul

    –

    –

    –

    –

    2

    80

    450

    124 (E)

    2

    85

    7000

    1.40

    1

    50

    2318

    21000

    5

    215

    9768

    4

    Erode

    1

    200

    4535

    0.60

    –

    –

    –

    –

    3

    943

    39702

    10.62

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    4

    1143

    44237

    5

    Karur

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    200

    1228

    3.36 (E)

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    200

    1228

    6

    Krishnagiri

    1

    15

    907

    0.12

    1

    9

    28

    0.97 (B)

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    120

    52

    468

    3

    144

    987

    7

    Namakkal

    2

    55

    19048

    2.52

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    125

    0

    2.00

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    3

    180

    19048

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    18

    454

    0.60

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    18

    454

    9

    Salem

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    428

    228000

    7.00

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    428

    228000

    10

    Tiruppur

    3

    171

    9615

    1.27

    2

    69

    9479

    3.31 (B)

    1

    107

    6000

    1.20

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    6

    347

    25094

     

    Grand Total

    14

    1420

    70839

    		  

    6

    358

    11185

    		  

    9

    1753

    282802

    		  

    2

    170

    2370

    21468

    31

    3701

    367196

     

    Note: B represents Birds and E represents Eggs

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117769) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: All Anganwadi Centres are registered on the Poshan Tracker application ; Over 10.12 Crore Beneficiaries Registered on Poshan Tracker App

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the 15th Finance Commission, various components like Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan and Scheme for Adolescent girls (of 14-18 years in Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern region) have been subsumed under the umbrella Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0) to address the challenge of malnutrition. It is a Centrally Sponsored mission, where the responsibility for implementation of various activities lies with the States and UTs. This mission is a universal self-selecting umbrella scheme that is being implemented across the country including in the State of Karnataka.

    The beneficiaries under this mission are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers and Adolescent Girls between 14-18 years (North Eastern States and Aspirational Districts). Total 10,12,46,106 beneficiaries are registered on Poshan Tracker as on 28 February 2025 of which 44,38,725 beneficiaries are registered in the State of Karnataka with 99.61% beneficiaries verified by Aadhaar in the State.

    IT systems have been leveraged to strengthen and bring about transparency in nutrition delivery support systems at the Anganwadi centres. The ‘Poshan Tracker’ application was rolled out on 1st March 2021 as an important governance tool.

    All Anganwadi Workers are provided with smartphones. Near real time data collection for Anganwadi Services such as, daily attendance, ECCE, Provision of Hot Cooked Meal (HCM)/Take Home Ration (THR-not raw ration), Growth Measurement etc. has been made possible. Poshan Tracker is available in 24 languages including Hindi and English. The Physical Records of Growth Monitoring have been replaced by auto generated monthly report in Poshan Tracker. These reports can be downloaded as required.

    The Poshan Tracker facilitates monitoring and tracking of al Anganwadi Centers, Anganwadi Workers and beneficiaries on defined indicators.

    All Anganwadi Centres are registered on the Poshan Tracker application as on 28 February 2025.

    UNICEF has appreciated the simplicity of Poshan Tracker application and how it has made the work of Anganwadi Workers easier; and ensured tracking of children and mothers on key health and nutrition related information.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has applauded the efforts made by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) on Poshan Tracker mentioning the ‘Poshan Tracker’ as one of the exemplary platforms for flawlessly collecting routine administrative data on nutrition.

    During the G-20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment 2023, Poshan Tracker was also showcased and discussed. It was part of the chair’s statement. The members recognized the importance of deployment of technology for monitoring nutrition and health services and early childhood care service delivery for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children and took note of the Poshan Tracker application, a unique digital platform which seeks to digitize data near-real time monitoring and enabling policies for targeted intervention.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

    *****

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2117763) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs shuts down dangerous drugs distribution centre with seizure of “space oil drug” and other kinds of narcotics (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs shuts down dangerous drugs distribution centre with seizure of “space oil drug” and other kinds of narcotics (with photo) 
    During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Wong Tai Sin yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a 19-year-old man and found about 1.1 kilograms of suspected crack cocaine, 1kg of suspected cocaine, 1 500 tablets of suspected ecstasy, 100 grams of suspected ecstasy powder, and 102 electronic cigarette devices containing suspected cannabis oil inside a suitcase carried by him. He was then arrested. Customs officers later escorted the arrested man to a nearby public housing unit where he lived for a search, and further seized 129 suspected “space oil drug” capsules, about 5kg of suspected cocaine, about 200g of suspected crack cocaine, 80 electronic cigarette devices, and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. Another man, aged 54, inside the unit was also arrested.
     
    An investigation is ongoing.
     
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement and stringently combat against trafficking of the “space oil drug”. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in drug trafficking crimes, Customs will notify the Housing Department for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:23

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Reducing risk of unintentional injuries among elderly

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chow Man-kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (April 2):

    Question: Data source???The DH and the Hospital Authority.

         The DH does not maintain other statistics requested in the question.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union government to establish 440 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011)

    Source: Government of India

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

    The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey informed in Rajya Sabha today that the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) was started in the year 2018-19 to provide quality education at par with Navodaya Vidyalaya to the tribal children in their own environment.

    Under the new scheme, Government decided to establish 440 EMRSs, one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011). 288 EMRS schools were initially funded under Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, which are being upgraded as per the new model.

    Accordingly, Ministry has set the target to set up total of 728 EMRSs benefiting around 3.5 lakh ST students across the country. To ensure quality education and holistic development for tribal students following facilities are being provided in EMRSs: –

    Educational Infrastructure:

      • Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
      • Science and computer laboratories.
      • Libraries with diverse learning resources.
    2. Accommodation and Amenities:
      • Residential facilities for students and staff.
      • Separate hostels for boys and girls with essential amenities like bedding, furniture, and hygiene facilities.

         3.    Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:

    • Playgrounds and sports equipment.
      • Facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports
    1. Health and Nutrition:
      • Regular health check-ups and medical facilities.
    1. IT and Digital Learning:
      • Smart classrooms for digital education.
      • Computer labs with internet access.
    1. Vocational Training:
      • Skill development and vocational training programs to enhance employability.

     

    Further, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been established as an autonomous body under this Ministry to manage and implement scheme of EMRS. NESTS has organized Principals’ Conclave bringing together all Principals of EMRSs from across the country for orientation in the areas of academic management, mental health, safety, HR matters etc. and the conclave enriched their knowledge and professional skills. NESTS has also empowered State societies to impart induction training to Teacher’s towards residential culture and academic transactions.

     

    The Ministry is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with other government bodies to provide tribal students with access to digital and skill-based education while maintaining the traditional curriculum.  These initiatives include:

     

    i)    Establishment of Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards in partnership with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to enhance digital learning in tribal schools.

    ii)    Setting-up of 400 Skill Labs in 200 EMRSs in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) to provide hands-on vocational training and industry-relevant skills to students.

    iii)     Provision of online coaching sessions for IIT-JEE and NEET, along with recorded lectures tailored for Class 11 and 12 students, in collaboration with PACE- IIT & Medical. Additionally, special classes and focused training modules are provided to support both high-performing and academically weaker students.

    iv)     Allocation of a dedicated DTH channel by NCERT to enhance both curricular and extracurricular learning, including vocational education, ensuring wider accessibility for students in remote areas.

    Additionally, to preserve and promote traditional curricula, regional language teachers have been recruited to support language learning and cultural continuity.

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing following Scholarship Schemes to promote and encourage basic and higher education amongst ST population: –

    1.  
    • Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class IX and X)
    • Post Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class XI and above)
    • National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students (earlier known as Top Class Scholarship Scheme): Scholarship is provided for pursuing Graduate/Post Graduate courses in the 265 top-class Government and Non-Government Institutes in professional fields such as Management, Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Law etc.
    • National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students: Scholarship to meritorious ST students for pursuing M. Phil or Ph.D. in India
    • National Overseas Scholarship for ST students: Scholarships are given to the meritorious Schedule Tribe (ST) students for pursuing higher education abroad. Pre and Post matric Scholarships scheme are open ended and every ST student with income up to 2.5 lakh can take benefit of these schemes.

    Additionally, to encourage students to pursue higher studies, instructions have been issued to state societies to cover the application fees for national-level entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, etc., for students studying in Class XII in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). The cost of these application fees is to be borne by the respective State EMRS Societies, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

    ******

    RN/PIB

     

    (Release ID: 2117788) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) does not specifically promote the cultivation of Nannari plants: Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey

    Source: Government of India

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

    The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey informed in Rajya Sabha today that the Ministry is implementing the schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) under which funds are provided to the State Governments for establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to enhance livelihood opportunities and promoting tribal entrepreneurship.

    The Scheme also supports for the value addition of minor forest produce (MFP) at these Kendras and does not specifically promote the cultivation of Nannari plants. An amount of Rs.180 Lakhs have been sanctioned to state of Andhra Pradesh including 12 VDVKs with 3601 members which are regularly engaged in the production of Nannari-related value-added products. The sanctioned funds can be utilized for training and capacity building, toolkit and machinery procurement, value addition and branding & packaging.

    ****

    RN/PIB

    (Release ID: 2117787) Visitor Counter : 6

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHAI Achieves Robust Growth in National Highway Construction During FY 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Working relentlessly towards development of the National Highway infrastructure in the country, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), during the Financial Year 2024-25, constructed 5,614 km of National Highways against the target of 5,150 km for the year.

    In addition, the Capital Expenditure by NHAI in Financial Year 2024-25 for development of National Highway Infrastructure reached an all-time high of over Rs. 2,50,000 Crore (provisional) against a target expenditure of Rs. 2,40,000 Crore. This highest ever capital expenditure in a Financial Year by NHAI includes both Government budgetary support and NHAI’s own resources. The overall capital expenditure increased by around 21 percent as compared to Rs. 2,07,000 Crore in previous FY 2023-24 and by around 45 percent as compared to Rs. 1,73,000 Crore in FY 2022-23.

    During FY 24-25, NHAI leveraged three modes for monetization, that included Toll Operate Transfer (TOT), Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) and Toll Securitisation. During the Financial Year, NHAI monetized assets for a total of Rs. 28,724 Crore. This includes NHAI’s highest ever single round InvIT receipt worth Rs. 17,738 Crore. 

    NHAI is committed to build world class National Highway infrastructure across the country that will contribute not only to the growth of the road sector but will also play a critical role in nation building and advancing the growth of the Indian economy.

    ***

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2117781) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a new Central Sector Sub-scheme namely the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 at an estimated outlay of ₹6000. As of now, an amount of Rs. 11.84 crore has been sanctioned under the PM-MKSSY.

    The Component 1-B of PM-MKSSY provides onetime incentive to the aquaculture farmers against purchase of insurance with farm size upto 4 hectares of water spread area. The ‘onetime incentive’ is provided at the rate of 40% of the cost of premium subject to the ceiling of ₹25000 per hectare of water spread area of the aquaculture farm. The maximum incentive payable to single farmer is ₹100,000 upto farm size of 4 hectares of water spread area. For intensive form of aquaculture other than farms such as cage culture, Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), bio-floc, raceways, etc. the incentive payable is 40% of premium. The maximum incentive payable is ₹1 lakh and the maximum unit size eligible is 1800 m3. The aforesaid benefit of ‘onetime incentive’ is provided for aquaculture insurance purchased for one crop only i.e. one crop cycle.  Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Women beneficiaries would be provided an additional incentive @ 10% of the incentive payable for General Categories. 

    The Component 3 of PM-MKSSY provides financial incentive to fisheries micro and small enterprises in the form of Performance Grant to adopt safety and quality assurance systems in fish and fishery products through provision of performance grants against a set of measurable parameters. The quantum of Performance Grant is given in the following manner: (i)For a microenterprise, 25% of the total investment or, ₹35 lakhs, whichever is lower, for General Category and 35% of total investment or, ₹45 lakhs, whichever is lower, for SC, ST and Women owned microenterprises. (ii) For a Small enterprise, 25% of total investment or ₹75 lakhs, whichever is lower, for General Category and 35% of total investment or ₹100 lakhs, whichever is lower, for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Women owned small enterprises. (iii) For Village Level Organizations and Federations of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmer Producer Organisation (FFPOs) and Cooperatives, 35% of total investment or ₹200 lakhs, whichever is lower.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117744) Visitor Counter : 90

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages Programme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) primarily aims to develop existing 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to coastline in all coastal States and Union Territories(UTs) including in Karnataka as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The objectives of  Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen villages(CRCFV) initiative are to  (i) create sustainable economic and livelihood opportunities to fishers living in coastal fishermen villages situated along the seashore, (ii) development of need based fisheries infrastructure in the coastal villages, (iii) develop the coastal fishermen villages as climate resilient and gorgeous fishing villages to attract tourist and coastal trade, (iv) promote to harness local fisheries potentials in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, equitable and eco-friendly manner for economic prosperity of fishers, (v) provide safety and security of fishermen in coastal villages, (vi) improving the quality of lives of local fishers through accelerating fisheries and allied economic activities, (vii) make availability, fishing implements, techniques, infrastructure for post harvest& processing activities, safe landing &berthing, marketing, access to credit and extension services, (viii) involving local fishermen organizations, fisheries cooperatives, FFPOs, Non-Governmental Organizations in development and management of fisheries, (ix) exploring coastal tourism based on the traditional knowledge, local culture and heritage, (x) development of fisheries entrepreneurship, empowering of local youths and women through skill and entrepreneurship development and (xi)  provide social security cover to fishers in the coastal villages.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying in consultation with the Government of Karnataka has identified five coastal fishermen villages in Karnataka to develop as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages under PMMSY and the villages identified in the State are; (i) Uppunda Madikal, (ii) Koteshwara, (iii) Kadekar, (iv) Bailuru and (v) Mattadahitlu.  Under the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV), 70% of unit cost/estimated cost is envisaged towards creation of infrastructure facilities in the village and 30% of unit cost/estimated cost is towards creation of fisheries economic activities in the village. Based on the gap analysis study in consultation with Government of Karnataka need based activities like establishment of multipurpose fisheries centres, high mast lighting pole & lighting, fish vending kiosks, net mending yards, ice plants/cold storages, fish drying yards, shore protection works etc have been envisaged for development in the identified villages in Karnataka to make the villages climate resilient and economically vibrant fishermen villages. The State-wise number of coastal fishermen villages for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages are envisaged in proportion to the total number of coastal fishermen villages in the State and at present, there is no proposal for expanding the coverage of Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Village programme beyond the identified 100 coastal fishermen villages.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117742) Visitor Counter : 76

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with effect from financial year 2018-19 has been implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore. FIDF inter-alia provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/Union Territories and State entities for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities. Under FIDF, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for providing the concessional finance by the Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) at the interest rate not lower than 5% per annum. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying since the inception of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) in 2018-19, has accorded approvals to a total of 64 number of fisheries infrastructure development proposals of Governments of Tamil Nadu at a total outlay of Rs. 1574.73 crore with project cost restricted for interest subvention at Rs.1336.73 crore. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) being the Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) for State Implemented projects, has sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 1314.73 crore to the Government of Tamil Nadu and out of this, an amount of Rs. 956.05 crore has been disbursed so far to the State Government for implementation of the approved projects under FIDF. The Government of Tamil Nadu reported completion of a total of 47 projects while 16 projects are in progress and one project has not yet commenced by the State Government. The Central Approval and Monitoring Committee (CAMC) of FIDF monitors regularly the progress of the projects approved under FIDF and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the Nodal Implementing Agency (NIA) of FIDF conducts the desk studies and need based field inspections of approved projects to ensure the timely completion of approved projects. Besides, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying also reviews the progress of approved projects to ensure the timely implementation.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117740) Visitor Counter : 83

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion of tribal art and culture in Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Promotion of tribal art and culture in Madhya Pradesh

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission” (PMJVM) scheme through TRIFED to preserve and promote tribal art, culture: Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey informed in Rajya Sabha today that Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India under the Centrally Sponsored scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)’ extends financial support to 29 Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in States/Union Territories (UTs) including Tribal Research Institute Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on the basis of the Annual Action Plan submitted by the States/UTs subject to the approval of the Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

    Under the Scheme, proposals relating to infrastructural needs, research & documentation activities and training & capacity building programmes, organization of tribal festivals, yatras for promotion of unique cultural heritage and tourism and organization of exchange visits by tribals are organized so that their cultural practices, languages and ritual are preserved and disseminated. TRIs are primarily institutions under the administrative control of the State Government/UT Administration. The Ministry undertakes following initiatives for the preservation/documentation and promotion of tribal art, culture and handicrafts which are as under:

    Tribal Research Institutes organize different events like National Tribal Craft Mela, National/State Tribal Dance Festival, Art Competition, Workshop – cum – Exhibition on Tribal paintings and state-level tribal poet and writers meet.

    1. Research studies/publication of books/documentation including audio visual documentaries for promotion of rich tribal cultural heritage which includes preservation of tribal languages.
    2. Research and documentation of Indigenous practices by tribal healers and medicinal plants, Adivasi Languages, agriculture system, dances and paintings, organization of literary festivals, publication of books written by tribal writers/ authors, translation works and literature competitions, etc. Preparing Bilingual Dictionaries, Trilingual Proficiency Modules, Primers for students of Class I, II and III in tribal languages under Multi-Lingual Education (MLE) Intervention in the line of New Education Policy 2020. Publishing Varnamala, local rhymes, and stories in tribal languages. Publishing books, journals on different tribal languages to promote tribal literature. Documenting folklore, and folktales of different tribes for preservation and promotion of tribal folk tradition. Collecting oral literature (songs, riddles, ballads etc.)
    3. Ministry has developed a searchable digital repository where all research papers, books, reports and documents, folks’ songs, photos/videos are uploaded. The repositories can be visited at https://repository.tribal.gov.in/ (Tribal Digital Document Repository)
    4. Government of India has declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor all the tribal freedom fighters to remember and acknowledge their contribution to the freedom struggle and cultural heritage, and to re-energize the efforts for the socio-economic development of the tribal regions. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs along with other central ministries, state governments, and other institutions are celebrating the glorious history of its tribal people, culture, and achievements since 2021.
    5. Development of bilingual Primers for the preservation of tribal languages and enhancement of learning achievement levels amongst the Scheduled Tribe Students.
    6. Tribal cultural exchange programmes.

    Further, Ministry of Tribal Affairs sanctioned Raja Shankar Shah Kunwar Raghunath Shah Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Jabalpur and Shri Badal Bhoi Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh to acknowledge the heroic and patriotic deeds of tribal people and to exhibit rich tribal cultural heritage of the region. Both the museums were inaugurated on 15.11.2024 on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

    Moreover, as informed, Tribal Research Institute Madhya Pradesh has documented Bhili, Baigani, Korku, Mawasi and Gondi languages through folk tales, folklores etc organized tribal festival (Adirang) at Balaghat, Chhindwara, Shahdol &Betul district which included craft mela, photo exhibition and tribal food stalls besides tribal dances and video documentation of 9 Gond forts.

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission” (PMJVM) scheme through TRIFED to preserve and promote tribal art, culture and handicrafts and for socio-economic development of tribal communities across the country including Madhya Pradesh. TRIFED organizes “Aadi Mahotsav” annually at Delhi to showcase tribal products at the national level. TRIFED undertakes retail marketing of tribal products through its TRIBES India Outlets & E-Commerce platforms. It also organizes Exhibitions like Aadi Bazaar, Aadi Chitra etc. at various parts of the country.

    Further, under the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), TRIFED undertakes empanelment of tribal artisan and procurement of various tribal products from them for generating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.

    ***

    RN/PIB

    (Release ID: 2117732) Visitor Counter : 93

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRIFED in collaborations with organizations like NIFT and HPMC aims to provide wider market access through online and offline platforms: Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Replying to a question of Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet tanavade, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey today informed in Rajya Sabha that TRIFED has entered into collaboration with organizations like NIFT and HPMC to encourage tribal entrepreneurship in February, 2025.

    The MoUs, have been signed to support the tribal artisans with following main objectives:

    1. Improving product designs.
    2. Infusion of technology.
    3. Enhancement of market access.

    These MoUs aim to strengthen and spread the tribal products and promoting their culture in various parts of the country. These collaborations aim to provide wider market access through their online and offline platforms and assist in sustainable livelihoods to all sections including PVTGs. The initiatives will drive entrepreneurship, skill development, and global recognition of tribal craftsmanship.

    TRIFED undertakes retail marketing of tribal products through TRIBES India Outlets as well as E-Commerce & Exhibitions. Partnerships with various organizations may expand the reach of tribal products by prioritizing their inclusion in production clusters, providing direct market access and implementing fair pricing mechanisms.

    TRIFED has facilitated on boarding of more than 13,000 products made by tribal artisans/ producers on ecommerce platforms. On receipt of specific proposals, TRIFED may scale up similar partnerships with other organizations to further enhance the market reach of tribal products.

    ***

    RN/PIB

    (Release ID: 2117730) Visitor Counter : 85

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government implementing various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, especially the economically weaker and lesser-privileged sections of the society

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government implements various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, especially the economically weaker and lesser-privileged sections of the society. Ministry of Minority Affairs specifically implements various schemes for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities, across the country. The Schemes/ programmes implemented by the Ministry are as under:

    1. Educational Empowerment Schemes

    i. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme

    ii. Post Matric Scholarship Scheme

    iii. Merit-cum-Mean based Scholarship Scheme

    The Scholarship Schemes are implemented through National Scholarship Portal (managed by NIC) which is a continuously evolving platform. Scholarship payments are done through Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) under DBT mode so that benefit could reach to the genuine beneficiaries.

    2. Employment and Economic Empowerment Schemes

    1. Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

    ii) National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC): It implements schemes of Term Loan, Micro Finance, Education Loan & Virasat Scheme for socio-economic development of “backward sections” among the notified minority communities by providing concessional loan for self-employment income generation ventures across the country. The schemes of NMDFC are implemented through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) nominated by respective State Govt./ UT Administration, Punjab Gramin Bank and Canara Bank.

    To monitor implementation of its schemes, NMDFC regularly conducts “beneficiary verification” and “impact assessment study” by engaging independent third-party organizations/agencies to assess the proper utilization & impact of NMDFC financing on the target groups across the country.  NMDFC officials also visit different States/UTs for beneficiary interaction.

    3. Infrastructure Development Scheme
    i) Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) : “Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram” (PMJVK) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and one of the flagship program of the Ministry for creation of community infrastructure in the Minority Concentration Areas of the country in the sectors viz. Education, Health, Skill Development, Women Centric Projects, Drinking Water and Supply, Sanitation and Sports. The aim of the scheme also includes to boost the social and economic conditions of the Minority Communities of that particular areas.

    The projects under PMJVK are considered and approved on the basis of the requests received from the respective State Governments/UT Administration. The formulation of the project proposal submission thereof to the Ministry; execution of the approved projects and operation & maintenance of the completed projects is the responsibility of the respective State Governments/UT Administration.

    National Commission for Minorities (NCM), a statutory body under the Ministry was established under the NCM Act, 1992. As part of its function, it receives petitions of minorities and takes them up with the appropriate authorities/ State Governments for necessary action. Further, to promote communal harmony, Hon’ble Chairman and Members of the NCM hold regular meetings with the representatives of the minority communities. Moreover, NCM conducts ‘Sarv Dharam Samvad with representatives of minority communities to discuss issues faced by the communities and promote communal harmony.

    The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has been implementing various skilling and education schemes for socio-economic development of minorities to make them employment ready.

    Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a flagship Scheme of MoMA which converges five erstwhile schemes and focuses on upliftment of minorities through skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education support for school dropouts.

    Prior to PM VIKAS, the Ministry provided skill training to youth from minority communities to increase employment and livelihood opportunities under the ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, and ‘USTTAD’ schemes, which have now been converged into the PM VIKAS scheme. No new targets were allocated under the said erstwhile schemes after 2020-21.

    A brief of these schemes along with achievements made therein is as under:

    i) Seekho aur Kamao (SAK) scheme, started in 2013-14, targeted to upgrade the skills of minority youth (14-45 years) in various modern/ traditional skills depending upon their qualification, prevailing economic trends, and market potential, that could earn them suitable employment or make them suitably skilled to take up self-employment. Since inception, about 4.68 lakh beneficiaries have been trainedunder the scheme.

    ii) Nai Manzil scheme started in 2015, and was implemented with an objective to benefit the minority youth who do not have formal school leaving certificate. The scheme provided a combination of formal education (Class VIII or X) and skills and enabled the beneficiaries to seek better employment and livelihoods. Since inception, 98,712 beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme.

    iii) USTTAD and Hamari Dharoharscheme started in 2015 for targeted capacity building and upgrading of the traditional skills of master craftsmen/ artisans. Since inception, about 21,611 beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme.

    iv) Nai Roshni, a Leadership Development Programme for Minority Women was launched in 2012-13 with an objective to empower and instill confidence among minority women by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for interacting with Government systems, banks and other institutions at all levels.Since inception, over 4.35 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme.

    Ministry engaged institutions of national repute namely, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID) and Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) to work in various craft clusters for design intervention, product range development, packaging, exhibitions and brand building etc.

    Ministry initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv aim at creating awareness about the schemes and providing opportunities to upliftminority traditional artisans through showcasing and marketing their products. Since 2015 to till date, 43 such events have been organised by the Ministry across the country.

    Further details of schemes are available on the website of the Ministry i.e www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    SS/ISA

    (Release ID: 2117731) Visitor Counter : 122

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN POULTRY”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the information provided by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), surveillance data on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in food animals including poultry is compiled and published as part of the Indian Network for Fisheries and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) annual report, which is accessible to the public. The study conducted by ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) examined various factors like agro climatic zones, pathogen phylotypes and host characteristics including utilization of machine learning algorithms to identify key drivers of AMR in poultry.

    The measures and advisories are outlined as follows:

    1. Department under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) scheme, 100% central assistance is provided to States/UTs for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, Black Quarter, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia etc. including disease surveillance, monitoring and capacity building. Vaccination reduces the use of antibiotics, hence reduce the AMR.

     

    1. Department has developed The ‘Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs) for Livestock and Poultry’ for best practices in veterinary care to enhance livestock health and disease control while ensuring the responsible use of drugs including antimicrobials.
    1. DAHD has formulated the Poultry Disease Action Plan, which emphasizes proactive disease management through biosecurity measures, enhanced surveillance, and vaccination protocols, thereby safeguarding both poultry population and public health.
    2. Bharat Pashudhan application under National Digital Livestock Mission provides management of nearly 29 common ailments of dairy animals e.g. mastitis, indigestion, diarrhoea etc. using Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM).
    3. Department has constituted the Empowered Committee on Animal Health-Regulatory, a subcommittee to ‘Assess and provide recommendations on submission of veterinary vaccines/biological/drugs for policy input’ to examine the proposals received from DCGI regarding import and manufacturing of drugs and vaccine including antibiotics.
    4. Department has formulated the National Action Plan on Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) in consultation with MoH&FW and other stake holders for judicious use, surveillance and monitoring of antibiotics in animal health sector. MoA&FW is also one of the stakeholder in respect to use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture sector keeping in view the One Health Initiative and provisions under NAP-AMR.
    5. Department has issued advisories to all State/UTs for judicious use of antibiotics in treatment of food producing animals, for stopping the use of antibiotics in animal feed and for general awareness.
    6. As per information received from the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) import, manufacture, sale, distribution of drugs including antibiotics are regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules there under. Further, it is mandatory that the container of the medicine for treatment of food producing animals requires to be labelled with the withdrawal period of the drug for the species on which it is intended to be used.
    7. On the recommendations of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Colistin and its formulations have been prohibited to be manufactured, sold and distributed for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplement

     

    1. ICAR has strengthened the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by initiating All India Network Programme on AMR (AINP-AMR) involving 31 centres across different states of the country. Further, INFAAR is a nationwide initiative that comprises 20 animals science centres establishing a strong frame work for monitoring and surveillance.

     

    1. The Central Government has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Egg laying Hens) Rules, 2023 to ensure the welfare of poultry specifically for the space requirement for sheltering the poultry bird. As per the Rule 10 of the said Rules following shall be prohibited for feeding of laying hens:
    1. Feeding of laying hens with remains of dead chicks.
    2. Use of antimicrobial growth promoters.
    3. Use of antimicrobials, if required, may be administered for therapeutic purposes (disease treatment) and only under supervision of a veterinarian and
    4. Withdrawal of feed to induce a molting.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117764) Visitor Counter : 18

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pilot project for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to create decentralized food grain storage capacity in the country, the Government on 31.5.2023 approved the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector, which has been rolled out as a Pilot Project. It entails creation of various agri infrastructure at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS), including setting up decentralized godowns, custom hiring center, processing units, sorting and grading facilities, cold storage units, packhouses etc. through convergence of various existing schemes of the Government of India (GoI), such as, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), etc.

    The Plan addresses transportation and distribution challenges by enabling local storage of grains at the PACS level, minimizing long-distance transportation costs and losses. Additionally, by integrating PACS with agri-marketing and procurement systems, direct access to storage facilities is ensured for farmers, reducing their dependence on intermediaries. Hence, the Plan aims to ensure better price realization for farmers, reduce transportation costs, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

    Under the Pilot project of the Plan, 11 godowns in 11 PACS have been constructed across the country and a total storage capacity of 9,750 MT has been created.

    The Government on 15.2.2023, has approved the Plan for strengthening cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots. The Plan entails establishment of 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS (M-PACS), Dairy, Fishery Cooperative Societies covering all the Panchayats/ villages in the country in five years, through convergence of various existing GOI schemes, including Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), etc. with the support of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State Governments.

    As per National Cooperative Database, a total of 3,667 new PACS have been registered as on 27.1.2025 across the country, including 148 new PACS in the State of Maharashtra, since the approval of the plan on 15.2.2023. The State-wise details of the same are enclosed at Annexure.

    Government of India has approved a project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore, which entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software, linking them with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). The National Level Common Software for the project has been developed by NABARD and 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP software as on 27.01.2025. So far, proposals for computerization of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned, for which Rs. 741.34 Cr. has been released as GoI share to the States/UTs concerned as on 27.01.2025 and hardware has been delivered to 60,382 PACS.

    *****

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Newly registered PACS

    1.

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    1

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    12

    4.

    Assam

    59

    5.

    Bihar

    25

    6.

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    7.

    Goa

    12

    8.

    Gujarat

    291

    9.

    Haryana

    2

    10.

    Himachal Pradesh

    57

    11.

    Jammu And Kashmir

    84

    12.

    Jharkhand

    44

    13.

    Karnataka

    128

    14.

    Ladakh

    0

    15.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    16.

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    17.

    Maharashtra

    148

    18.

    Manipur

    68

    19.

    Meghalaya

    193

    20.

    Mizoram

    25

    21.

    Nagaland

    12

    22.

    Odisha

    1,535

    23.

    Puducherry

    2

    24.

    Punjab

    0

    25.

    Rajasthan

    760

    26.

    Sikkim

    23

    27.

    Tamil Nadu

    21

    28.

    Telangana

    0

    29.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu

    4

    30.

    Tripura

    38

    31.

    Uttar Pradesh

    94

    32.

    Uttarakhand

    0

    33.

    West Bengal

    13

     

    Total

    3,667

     

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117766) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Poshan Tracker app aims to enhance Anganwadi Worker’s capacity to deliver optimal early childhood care and education services to all children

    Source: Government of India

    Poshan Tracker app aims to enhance Anganwadi Worker’s capacity to deliver optimal early childhood care and education services to all children

    Till now, over 36,000 SLMTs and 420,000 Anganwadi Workers trained Nationwide under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Program

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) Programme was launched on 10th May, 2023 with an objective to improve the quality of education in the Anganwadi centers along with the focus on nutrition.

    This national initiative aims to provide all 13.9 lakh Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) with a 5 day in person training – 3 days in Round 1 (2023-25) and 2 days in Round 2 (2025-26). A Two Tier Training PBPB Implementation Model is being followed. Tier 1 involves two days training of State Level Master Trainers (SLMTs). Tier 2 involves a 3 Days Training of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs). It covers curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment tools, emphasizing play-based, activity-based learning.

    Capacity-building under PBPB helps to facilitate implementation of Aadharshila (National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education for Children from Three to Six Years) and Navchetana (National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children from Birth to Three Years) at the Anganwadi Centre level in the mother tongue. Up to 27th March, 2025, 36,424 SLMTs have been trained under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi programs in Round 1 across the country and 420,360 Anganwadi Workers have been trained across the country including 35,174 AWWs from the State of Maharashtra.

    In PBPB Round 1, Day 1 training schedule covers sessions including Introduction to Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Developmental Domains and Play-based ECCE activities, and Weekly and Daily schedule as per Aadharshila and home visits as per Navchetana, Day 2 covers nutrition, including IYCF, SAM/MAM treatment micronutrient deficiencies, Dietary Guidelines, Growth Monitoring, parental engagement and community mobilization, etc. Day 3 covers divyang inclusion and birth to three stimulation, child assessments and learning outcomes, home visits and practices during pregnancy known as “Garbh Sanskar”, States best practices, etc.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has leveraged the Poshan Tracker application to empower Anganwadi Workers and provide them with continuous digital support and coaching. This initiative aims to enhance their capacity to deliver optimal early childhood care and education services to all children.

    As part of the digital training efforts, daily learning prompts based on Aadharshila are sent to all AWWs through the Poshan Tracker app. These include two ECCE activity videos and one voice note summarizing the day’s activities for children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadi Centres. The content follows a structured 44-week curriculum, with 36 weeks of active learning and 8 weeks for recap and reinforcement. Over 230 unique videos, 180+ voice notes, and 1,000+ activity PDFs have been uploaded

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PACS/Dairy/Fisheries Cooperative Societies in every Panchayat/Village

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has approved the Plan to establish 2 lakh new multi-purpose PACS (M-PACS), Dairy & Fishery Cooperative Societies to cover all the Panchayats/ Villages across the country through convergence of various existing schemes of Government of India (GoI), including Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), etc, with the support of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State/ UT Governments. The convergence of GoI schemes under this Plan enables newly formed Dairy & Fishery Cooperative Societies to set up and modernize necessary infrastructure for diversifying their activities, like, milk testing laboratories, bulk milk coolers, milk processing units, construction of biofloc ponds, fish kiosks, development of hatcheries, acquiring deep sea fishing vessels, etc.

    Further, in order to diversify the business activities of PACS, the Government has circulated Model Bye-laws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable them to undertake more than 25 economic activities, including dairy, fishery, floriculture, setting up godowns, processing, marketing of agricultural produce, custom hiring centers, Common Service Centers (CSCs), Fair Price Shops (FPS), community irrigation, etc. The registration of new PACS as multipurpose PACS enables them as well as their farmer members to diversify their business activities, expand their access to markets & credit and generate additional sources of revenue for themselves.

    As on 27.1.2025, 12,957 new M-PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperative Societies have been registered across States/ UTs, with 17,10,224 farmer members associated with them, the details of which are enclosed at Annexure.

    The formation of these newly formed cooperative societies enables their farmer members to get requisite forward and backward linkages to market their produce, expand the size of their markets, enhance their incomes, obtain credit facilities, and other services at the village level itself, thus contributing towards strengthening the rural economy.

    *****

    Annexure

    State/ UT- wise details of newly registered Cooperative Societies

     

     

    Sr. No.

     

    State/UT

    Total no. of newly

    registered M-PACS, DCS and FCS

    No. of associated farmer members

    1.

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    9

    104

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    897

    18,018

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    33

    1,337

    4.

    Assam

    321

    17,546

    5.

    Bihar

    308

    80,873

    6.

    Chhattisgarh

    331

    6,050

    7.

    Goa

    12

    247

    8.

    Gujarat

    733

    98,031

    9.

    Haryana

    50

    4,389

    10.

    Himachal Pradesh

    411

    8,556

    11.

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1,118

    22,840

    12.

    Jharkhand

    248

    9,858

    13.

    Karnataka

    598

    82,035

    14.

    Ladakh

    4

    371

    15.

    Lakshadweep

    7

    508

    16.

    Madhya Pradesh

    613

    27,350

    17.

    Maharashtra

    889

    65,008

    18.

    Manipur

    95

    11,216

    19.

    Meghalaya

    206

    11,994

    20.

    Mizoram

    29

    1,093

    21.

    Nagaland

    14

    657

    22.

    Odisha

    1,535

    6,87,126

    23.

    Puducherry

    7

    507

    24.

    Punjab

    80

    1,851

    25.

    Rajasthan

    1,995

    3,22,255

    26.

    Sikkim

    57

    1,192

    27.

    Tamil Nadu

    520

    36,271

    28.

    Telangana

    82

    2,345

    29.

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman &

    Diu

    5

    298

    30.

    Tripura

    40

    961

    31.

    Uttar Pradesh

    1,464

    1,79,926

    32.

    Uttarakhand

    147

    3,612

    33.

    West Bengal

    99

    5,799

    Total

    12,957

    17,10,224

     

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117761) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliamentary Affairs Ministry organizes Youth Parliament Competitions in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organizes the following Youth Parliament Competitions in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country in coordination with the respective stakeholder organizations:

    1. Youth Parliament Competition for schools under the Directorate of Education of Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Department of Education of New Delhi Municipal Council;
    2. National Youth Parliament Competition for Kendriya Vidyalayas ;
    3. National Youth Parliament Competition for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas; and
    4. National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities/Colleges.

    In last three years, 7 such Youth Parliament Competitions were organized.

    The participating educational institutions are nominated by their stakeholder organizations as per their organizational structures and not as per state-wise/city-wise/town-wise.

    In addition to the above, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs also provides financial assistance to States/UTs for organizing Youth Parliament Competitions as per the guidelines of the Ministry, subject to receiving of the claims from them.

     The Ministry has also introduced a web-portal of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) to increase the outreach of Youth Parliament to hitherto untouched sections and corners of the country. All the citizens of the country can participate in the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry through the web-portal. 

    During the last three years, a total of ₹ 49,34,599 has been spent on various activities in connection with Youth Parliament at school level. Out of this amount, financial assistance of ₹ 8,78,319, ₹ 2,99,769, and ₹ 2,00,000 was reimbursed to the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh respectively, for conducting Youth Parliament in their states. There is no dedicated state-wise allocation of funds for Youth Parliament in the Ministry.

    There is no plan under consideration of the Ministry to encourage youth participation in legislative processes and parliamentary affairs apart from National Youth Parliament (NYP) and internships.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice; Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    SS/ISA

    (Release ID: 2117762) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Myanmar: Urgent Humanitarian Needs Mount After Major Earthquakes – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Melissa Lee Hein, World Food Program (WFP) Head of Communications in Myanmar said that the needs in the country are “huge, and support is needed. That support includes an end to the conflict, free and unimpeded humanitarian access, and also the resources to meet the needs.”

    Addressing the press virtually today (01 Apr), Hein said “What we know is as of today, almost 3000 are dead and thousands more injured and missing, and the devastation is really alarming. Colleagues are reporting buildings turned to rubble, homes destroyed and significant and significant damage to road and bridges and other infrastructures. Electricity supplies are still down in many places and phone communication is patchy at best. And added to this the destruction of hospitals and a lack of clean water.”

    She highlighted, “Before the earthquake, the humanitarian needs in Myanmar were already huge. We know that 20 million people were in need of humanitarian support, 15 million facing food insecurity, and more than three and a half million people displaced by the conflict over the past four years. So, the earthquake on Friday has made a bad situation really so much worse. And while people are resilient, after years of conflict and successive disasters, many have little or nothing to fall back on.”

    She continued, “After the earthquake, a state of emergency was declared across six states and regions. Among the worst affected are Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Shan and Sagaing. And what we’re seeing is that the effect of the earthquake is largely concentrated in the northwest dry zone. And this is an area that was already suffering with chronic poverty, ongoing conflict and frequent displacement.”

    She said, “Just 48 hours after the earthquake hit, the World Food Program was delivering emergency food supplies to people in Nay Pyi Taw. That was on Sunday. On Monday, teams started to provide food and cash assistance in Shan and Sagaing. And today, distributions of emergency food from WFP started in Mandalay.”

    She also said, “People are sleeping outside. If they’re lucky they have maybe a sheet or a tarp for cover and some have nothing. In one of the worst parts of the city, WFP team said that almost every house had been destroyed either by the earthquake or a major fire that followed in that area. So, people are anxious and afraid even if buildings are standing many don’t want to return home for fear of collapse, aftershocks are still a regular occurrence.”

    Responding to the immediate health needs of the thousands of people injured in the strong earthquakes that rocked Myanmar, WFP has provided nearly 3 tons of medical supplies to hospitals in the worst hit Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.

    The supplies comprising of trauma kits and multipurpose tents have reached a 1000 bedded hospital in Nay Pyi Taw and is soon reaching the Mandalay General Hospital, the two main hospitals treating the injured in these areas.

    These supplies were rushed from the emergency stockpile in Yangon to the earthquake affected areas within 24 hours of two strong earthquakes of 7.7 magnitude and 6.4 magnitude hitting central Myanmar on Friday.

    Rescue operations are ongoing. Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Shan South and East and Sagaing are among the worst hit.

    According to WFP, Hospitals are overwhelmed with thousands of injured in need of medical care.

    The supplies that reached the hospitals today comprised of multipurpose tents to also create space for the increasing number of injured; and trauma kits to treat severe wounds and fractures.

    WHO is preparing the second dispatch comprising of Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits tomorrow morning, with each kit having supplies to treat 10 000 people for three months.

    WHO is providing operational support to the rapid response teams deployed in the hospitals of the affected areas.

    Preparations are on for WHO and partners to roll out a rapid needs assessment to better understand needs and gaps in the affected areas for a tailored response.

    The scale of deaths, injuries and damage to health facilities are not yet fully understood.

    The casualties are likely to be highest in urban areas of Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw where the earthquakes caused largescale destruction of structures and building.

    As per initial reports, in Nay Pyi Taw some public and private health facilities including a large polyclinic have been damaged.

    Information from Sagaing is limited as electricity and communication is largely disrupted.

    WHO has reached out to the global Emergency Medical Teams Network to identify teams willing to be deployed with field hospitals in Myanmar. So far 26 EMTs have expressed interest.

    The situation in Myanmar is concerning in view of the huge demand on the already fragile healthcare in conflict-hit areas.

    Prior to these earthquake, 12.9 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian health interventions in Myanmar in 2025.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZLsDeaiE74

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Taiwan’s government and civil society ready to join international efforts to assist Myanmar in postdisaster reconstruction

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Taiwan’s government and civil society ready to join international efforts to assist Myanmar in postdisaster reconstruction

    • Date：2025-03-30
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    March 30, 2025
    No. 084

    A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing significant casualties and vast property damage. In response, Taiwan’s government and nongovernmental organizations quickly mobilized needed resources. Through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Myanmar, the Taiwan government expressed concern to the government of Myanmar and conveyed Taiwan’s readiness to assist in rescue operations.

    While Myanmar was formulating a coordinated response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung instructed TECO in Myanmar to establish a single contact window (email: mmr@mofa.gov.tw; phone: +95-9-427355550) to ensure that Taiwan’s assistance efforts could proceed smoothly. It would be responsible for coordinating and tallying the forms of assistance that related Taiwan agencies and groups could provide and then contacting the Myanmar government, affected areas, and related institutions, as appropriate.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stresses that the government of Taiwan is both able and willing to provide assistance. It also appreciates that Taiwanese NGOs have shown initiative and are working together to extend care and support to people in affected areas, highlighting Taiwan’s humanitarian concern. MOFA hopes that the concerted efforts by the Taiwan government and civil society can help speed up postdisaster reconstruction in Myanmar so that people there can rebuild their homes and resume a normal life. (E) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Miscellaneous amendments proposed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will introduce the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which proposes miscellaneous amendments to various statutes, in the Legislative Council on April 16.

    The bill amends outdated references including “Crown”, “Governor”, “Secretary of State”, “Her Majesty”, “overseas”, “country” and “country or territory”, as well as references to UK legislation, in various enactments.

    It also updates or amends certain texts, references and terminology in specific ordinances and subsidiary legislation.

    Moreover, the bill repeals a number of enactments, or provisions or references in others, which have become obsolete, and makes miscellaneous minor, or technical, amendments to some enactments.

    The Department of Justice said the proposed amendments mainly arise from the Systematic Review of Statutory Laws of Hong Kong.

    It added that the amendments included are largely minor, technical and non-controversial but are useful for the purpose of updating or improving legislation.

    In respect of the proposed amendments, the department said no objections have been received from stakeholders consulted.

    The department issued an information paper to the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice & Legal Services in February, briefing members of the panel on the major proposals to be included in the bill.

    The bill will be published in the Government Gazette tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPOSITION OF DIGITAL TOOLS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The policies of the Government of India are aimed at ensuring a safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for users in the country. In this regard, key regulatory initiatives taken by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) focus on strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing data protection & cyber security infrastructure and promoting awareness among individuals and organizations.

    Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions have not issued any guidelines related to use of digital tools like slack by Government employees.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117818) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UNION TERRITORIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has taken various steps for the economic development of Union Territories (UTs) through strategic interventions across various sectors including tourism, digital/telecom connectivity, road/air/sea connectivity, governance reforms, industry, employment, etc. This has led to sustainable economic growth, attracted investments and improved living standards.

    Tourism has been identified as a key sector due to its multiplier effect. The Government is actively promoting various kinds of traditional and experimental forms of tourism like eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, spiritual and wellness tourism, heritage tourism, tourist circuits, astro-tourism, cruise tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism etc. For example, the first-ever dark sky reserve of the country has been set up in Hanle in the UT of Ladakh; the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD) has developed world-class sea fronts and premier river fronts; eco-tourism resorts are being developed in the island UTs. All these initiatives have resulted in a boost to tourism and other allied economic activities in the UTs.

    Internet/broadband and mobile/digital connectivity in all the UTs, including the Island UTs, have been considerably enhanced. Connectivity has been revolutionised in the island UTs through the commissioning of the Chennai Andaman Nicobar Islands (CANI) Optical Fiber Cable Project at a cost of about ₹ 1,224 crore in A&NI and the Kochi Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Project (KLI Project), with a cost of about

    ₹1,072 crore in Lakshadweep. In the UT of A&NI, bandwidth utilization (including inter-island) has increased from 4.1 Gbps to 233 Gbps, internet speed has increased from 100 kbps to up to 300 Mbps, total mobile connections have increased to about 7.5 lakh and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH)

    services have increased to more than 37,365. 5G services were also launched in the UT. Similarly, with the commissioning of the KLI Project, bandwidth utilization (including inter-island) has increased to 149 Gbps, internet speed availability is up to 1 Gbps, total mobile connections have increased to about 87,000 and FTTH services have increased to 7,500. These projects have benefitted the public significantly through enhanced online access in the fields of education, tele-medicine, e-commerce, digital governance, tourism etc.

    The various initiatives of the Government have led to reduced cost of data, increased mobile and internet/broadband penetration, increase in internet teledensity, and higher internet/broadband speeds directly to home and offices across the UTs.

    The Government has also been focusing on development of air, road and sea connectivity in the UTs. Strategic infrastructure like roads, expressways, construction of new tunnels/bridges, development of ports, expansion of airports, development of helipads etc. has been created in the recent years. A new terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport at Sri Vijaya Puram has come up with a capacity to handle 50 lakh passengers per year; ‘Azad Hind Fauj Setu’ on Humphrey Strait has significantly improved the road connectivity in the island UT of A&NI. 

    Several infrastructure projects to boost road connectivity have also been completed/underway in other UTs, like the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir and the construction of the Zojila tunnel in the UT of Ladakh.

    Several steps have been taken to bring in governance reforms in the UTs and to promote ease of doing business. To promote industry and business activities, steps have been taken to significantly reduce compliance burden. Single window clearance systems have been put in place to enable faster clearance of proposals. UTs have implemented suitable policies to promote businesses and entrepreneurship including industrial policy, land allotment policy, start-up policy, logistics policy, policies to promote handicrafts, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through suitable incentivisation etc. Investment promotion schemes have been formulated which provide for capital and interest subsidy. The thrust sectors identified are tourism, manufacturing, production, IT and ITes, shipping, agriculture, fisheries etc.

    The Government is also focused on employment generation and skill development. The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, PM Vishwakarma, Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, PM SVANidhi etc. are being effectively 

    implemented in the UTs with an aim to generate employment, and to provide financial and skill development support. UTs have also identified certain priority economic sectors for accelerated economic growth of UTs, based on their unique strengths and resources, such as developing a Blue Economy, transforming into regional knowledge/IT/medical hubs, promoting tourism etc.

    The Government’s policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and introduction of IT enabled initiatives have brought greater accountability, transparency and financial transformation resulting in a big push to businesses in the UTs and also promoting them as new drivers of economic prosperity (Aatmanirbhar Arthavyavastha) and Viksit Bharat.

    Initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat have been taken to provide better services to consumers and improvement in operational and financial efficiency in electricity distribution in certain UTs.

    Further, a robust monitoring mechanism has been put in place to monitor the implementation of various flagship/development schemes and programmes of Government of India in the UTs.

    It is the endeavour of Government of India to make UTs role models of good governance and development. Moreover, it is envisioned to holistically 

    develop the island UTs as global hubs of tourism, raise the standard and quality of living of residents in UTs, create better infrastructure including social infrastructure, achieve saturation of health and educational indicators, enhance health infrastructure to ensure universal access to quality healthcare, promote green energy etc. This is a continuous process.

    The Government has taken various positive initiatives to promote renewable and green energy in Union Territories through various schemes i.e. National Solar Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Green Hydrogen Mission etc.

    Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the UTs are providing additional subsidy in addition to the central subsidy for installation of rooftop solar in residential and government buildings. Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Plants are being promoted and installed in the UTs. The UT of Jammu & Kashmir has installed a 100kW solar power project in Dal Lake. Further, Pilot Green Hydrogen Plant are also being set up in UT of Ladakh. In addition, initiatives for waste-to-energy have been undertaken for the promotion of clean and green energy.

    To promote green energy generation and consumption, the Government of India has notified the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022. In line with the 

    above, the UTs of Puducherry and Delhi have implemented Green Energy Open Access (GEOA). In the UT of Puducherry, Green Energy Tariff has been notified. The UTs have notified various policies, including renewable energy policy, solar policy, EV policy etc. Further, in some of the UTs, generation- based incentive is given to the consumers for generation of solar energy.

    These initiatives have resulted in reduced carbon emissions and reduced the electricity cost for the consumers.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

     ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117799) Visitor Counter : 66

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: CONCESSION AND INCENTIVES TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DONATING BODY PARTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has provided a maximum of 42 days Special Casual Leave to Central Government Servants for donating their organ(s).

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117819) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STATUS OF THE UMBRELLA SCHEME ON WOMEN’S SAFETY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing six projects under Umbrella Scheme for “Safety of Women” in collaboration with States and Union Territories for ensuring timely intervention and investigation in cases of crime against women and enhanced efficiency in investigation and crime prevention in such matters. Details of the project are as under-

      • 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)
      • Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences Laboratories, including setting up of a National Forensic Data Centre
      • Strengthening of DNA Analysis, Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
      • Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children
      • Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children
      • Women Help Desk & Anti-human Trafficking Units

    The Ministry of Home Affairs is funding for the setup of Women Help Desks (WHDs) in police stations, to improve women’s access to police services. So far, 14,658 WHDs are operational across all States and UTs, out of which 13,743 WHDs are led by women officers. Additionally, 827 Anti- Human   Trafficking   Units   (AHTUs)   have   been   established   across   all States/UTs. The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women & Children project is implemented in all States and UTs. So far, Cyber Forensic Training Laboratories have been setup in 33 States/UTs and over 24,624 officials including police officers, judges and prosecutors have been trained. A portal for reporting cyber-crime against women and children is also active. Under the Nirbhaya fund, projects worth ₹245.29 crore have been approved for enhancing DNA and Cyber Forensic capabilities in State Forensic Labs across 30 States/UTs.    DNA   Analysis facility   has   been  established in Chandigarh. Six National Cyber Forensic Labs, along with a National Forensic   Data   Centre   has   been   approved.   34,626   officials   including Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers and Medical Officers have been trained on DNA evidence management     and the use of Sexual Assault

    Evidence Collection Kits. Also, 18,020 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits has been distributed to States/UTs.

    The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is operational across all 36 States/UTs. The upgraded ERSS (2.0) enhances emergency services with improved data centers, wider district coverage, higher call capacity, vehicle tracking, and disaster recovery. Disaster Recovery facilities are functional at C-DAC centers in Noida and Thiruvananthapuram. ERSS is now integrated with other emergency helplines such as Railway Helpline, Women Helpline, Child Helpline, and Disaster Response services.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ***

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117800) Visitor Counter : 72

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –