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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on National Leprosy Eradication Programme

    Source: Government of India

    Update on National Leprosy Eradication Programme

    India achieved Elimination status for leprosy at National level. i.e. Prevalence Rate less than 1 per 10,000 population, in 2005

    Government of India launched the National Strategic Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-2027) on 30th January, 2023 to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027, three years before the SDG target

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 2:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a centrally sponsored scheme under the overarching umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM). Funds are allocated to the programme activities under NHM on the basis of State/UT specific Programme Implementation Plans and States/UTs are required to utilize funds as per their need, priority and on the basis of their absorption capacity. India achieved Elimination status for leprosy at National level. i.e. Prevalence Rate (PR) less than 1 per 10,000 population in 2005. Further, Government of India also launched the National Strategic Plan (NSP) & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-2027) on 30th January, 2023 to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027 i.e. three years before the Sustainable Development Goal which is by 2030. The major initiatives taken under NLEP are as under:

    • National Strategic Plan (NSP) and Roadmap 2023-2027 & National Guidelines for Anti-Microbial Resistance for leprosy have been released on 30th January 2023.
    • Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC), Active Case Detection and Regular Surveillance, both in rural and urban areas, through ASHAs and Frontline Workers in order to ensure detection of leprosy cases on regular basis and at an early stage in order to prevent Grade II Disabilities.
    • Leprosy screening has been integrated with Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) for screening of children (0-18 years).
    • Leprosy screening has been integrated with the activities of comprehensive primary health care under Ayushman Bharat Yojana for screening of people above 30 years of age.
    • Contact tracing is done and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is administered to the eligible contacts of index case in order to interrupt the chain of transmission.
    • Various services are being provided under the programme for Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) i.e., reaction management, provision of Microcellular Rubber (MCR) footwear, Aids & Appliances, self-care kits etc.
    • Reconstructive Surgeries (RCS) are conducted at District Hospitals/Medical Colleges/ Central Leprosy Institutes, and welfare allowance @ Rs 12,000/- is paid to each patient undergoing RCS.

    The number of cases detected annually under Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) since its introduction are as under:

    Total Cases detected during LCDC since its introduction in 2016

    Total Cases detected during LCDC since its introduction in 2016

    Year

    Total no. of States covered

    Total new Cases detected

    LCDC-2016

    20

    34,672

    LCDC-2017

    23

    32,714

    LCDC-2018

    19

    23,356

    LCDC-2019

    23

    23,077

    LCDC-2020

    1

    908

    LCDC-2022

    17

    18,067

    LCDC-2023

    17

    31,088

    Source: Central Leprosy Division, Dte.GHS, MoHFW.

    Under the NLEP, treatment/ diagnostic services are provided free of cost to all the patients. There is also a provision of providing welfare allowance @ Rs. 12,000/- to patients undergoing Reconstructive Surgeries (RCS).

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

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    MV

    HFW/ Update on NLEP/01 April 2025/1

    (Release ID: 2117214) Visitor Counter : 218

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion of Aquaculture Insurance

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing various schemes for development of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying sectors which inter-alia include (i) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), (ii) Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), (iii) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), (iv) Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, (v) Infrastructure Development Fund, (vi) Dairy Development, (vii) Rashtriya Gokul Mission, (viii) Livestock Census & ISS, (ix) National Livestock Mission and (x) Dairying through Cooperatives.  During the year 2024-25, an amount of Rs. 5113.00 crore has been allocated and an amount of Rs.3459.74 crore has been spent for various activities across the country under these above schemes by 23rd March, 2025.

    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. 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 for adoption of value chain efficiencies, safety and quality assurance systems in fish and fishery products against a set of measurable parameters. The quantum of Performance Grant is: (i) for 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 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 Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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    AA

    (Release ID: 2117260) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ornamental Fish Export Industry

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GoI) has taken various steps to promote ornamental fisheries in the country including North East and Southern State. Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), 2465 unit of Ornamental fish rearing units, 207 Integrated Ornamental fish (breeding and rearing) units, 5 fresh water Ornamental Fish Brood Bank units and 144 units of Promotion of Recreational Fisheries have been approved at a total cost of Rs.230.45 crore during the last four financial years (2020-21 to 2023-24) and current financial year (2024-25).

    To promote entrepreneurship, infrastructure and market expansion in the area of ornamental fisheries, the DoF, GoI has notified Madurai District of Tamil Nadu as the Ornamental fisheries cluster under PMMSY during 2024-25. The proposal of Government of Assam has also been approved for construction of an aquarium at Amingaon, Kamrup for display of indigenous variety of ornamental fish from North India. Further, To prepare the strategy and roadmap for development of ornamental fisheries resources in the country, the project proposal of ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) approved for Strategic Planning and Database development of Ornamental Fisheries Value Chain Upgradation in India under PMMSY.

    Under PMMSY, the proposal of Government of Madhya Pradesh approved at cost of Rs.2.60 crore for establishment of 11 unit of ornamental fish breeding and rearing unit. Under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the project proposal of Government of Tamil Nadu has been approved with total outlay of Rs.5.00 crore for establishment of a public aquarium and ornamental fish retail unit at Tirunelveli in Tirunelveli District. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has extended financial support to Tropical Aquaculture and farming systems, Udaipur, Rajasthan and Government of Rajasthan for organising training and skill development programme for 1000 trainees to promote ornamental fisheries in the state of Rajasthan.

    ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar has reported that Indian ornamental fish industry is valued at approximately Rs.3,000 crore which includes breeding, rearing, trade of ornamental fishes, aquarium accessories, aquatic plants, and decorative items, contributing significantly to employment and entrepreneurship. As reported by ICAR-CIFA, at present, about 1,300 aquarium shops are in operation in Madhya Pradesh and 700 shops in Rajasthan. 

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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    AA

    (Release ID: 2117255) Visitor Counter : 90

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Entrepreneurship in Fisheries Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has organized the Fisheries Startup Conclave on 8th March, 2025 at Hyderabad, Telangana to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. During the Conclave, the ‘Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0’ was launched with the aim to encourage the startups to develop transformative solutions in the fisheries sector and to drive innovation, sustainability and efficiency by supporting Startups with seed funding and incubation.  The Fisheries Startup Conclave witnessed active participation from over 50 fisheries startups, highlighting their innovations in areas such as aquaculture, fisheries technology, and value addition. Key outcomes of the conclave included the identification of potential areas for promoting innovation and sustainability, challenges and opportunities for startups regarding validation of their products & services, access to funding, market linkages, technology adoption and sustainability concerns.

    Under Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0, two Startup winners will be selected    for each of the five problem statements, resulting in a total of 10 Grand Winners. Each winning Startup will receive a cash prize of Rs. 10.00 lakh, amounting to Rs. 1 crore in seed funding support. Winning Startups will gain access to incubation facilities and mentorship provided by ICAR, National Fisheries Development Board, and attached offices of the Department of Fisheries, GoI. This challenge presents a unique opportunity for fisheries-focused startups to develop high-impact solutions, scale their innovations, and contribute to the growth and modernization of India’s fisheries sector. Earlier, on 13th January, 2022, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the Startup India under the Invest India, DPIIT, Government of India organised the Fisheries Grand Challenge 1.0, wherein,12 Startup winners were selected and awarded a cash grant of Rs 2.00 lakh each, including an incubation support and a seed grant up to Rs. 20.00 lakh (General category) and Rs. 30.00 lakh (SC/ST/Women) to 10 winners for transforming their ideas into effective pilots, which would further translate into commercialization. Further, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has also sanctioned 39 Nos of Project Proposals with subsidy assistance of Rs. 31.22 Crores, under the Entrepreneur Model of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Government of India is focusing on the areas in fisheries technology, aquaculture, and value addition by supporting a basket of interventions/activities along the fisheries value chain including quality fish production, expansion, diversification and intensification of aquaculture, promotion of export oriented species, infusion of technology, robust disease management and traceability, training and capacity building, creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure with seamless cold chain and processing facilities. The technology infusion and adoption has been enhanced through establishment of 52,058 reservoir cages, 22,057 RAS & Biofloc units and raceways and 1,525 sea cages approved under PMMSY with an investment of Rs. 3040.87 crore. The Department of Fisheries has collaborated with several research institutions under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and private incubators to boost the fisheries startup ecosystem.

    The Department of Fisheries has supported the establishment of five fisheries business incubation centers namely LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubation Centre (LlFIC), Guwahati Biotech Park, Assam, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi to provide mentorship and training for developing business models by fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Government of India has approved construction/modernization of 66 Fishing Harbors (FHs) and 50 Fish Landing Centers (FLCs) with total outlay of Rs. 9,558.91 crore that are expected to create safe landing and berthing for about 47,000 fishing vessels, benefitting 8.94 lakhs fishers and other stakeholders. 3 Smart & Integrated Fishing Harbours are being developed with global standards, technological advancements, seamless hygienic and post-harvest management etc. Under Fisheries Infrastructure and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF) 141 proposals have been approved with a total project cost of Rs. 5915.54 crore. This included establishment/ upgradation/maintenance of 22 Fishing harbours and 24 Fish Landing Centres at an outlay of Rs. 4,905.77 crore and Rs. 182.20 crore, respectively. 6.16 lakh stakeholders are expected to benefit, and 2.5 lakh employment opportunities will be created including 8,000 stakeholders benefiting from 33 private investment projects.

    Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) the Department of Fisheries has approved the development of post-harvest interface viz- cold storage, fish processing and Marketing infrastructure. The major post-harvest and Marketing infrastructure include; 66 fishing harbours/fish landing centres, 634 ice plants/cold storages, 21 Modern wholesale fish markets including 3 Smart Wholesale Markets, 202 retail fish markets, 6694 fish kiosks, 27118 units of fish transportation facilities, 128 value add enterprises, 5 E-platform for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products. Further, the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an objective to provide a digital platform and empower all stakeholders including traditional fishermen, fish farmers producer organization, entrepreneurs from fisheries sector to buy and sell their products through e-market place. Further, PMMSY has supported 2195 fisheries cooperatives as Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) with project outlay of Rs. 544.85 crore to facilitate fishermen with better market linkages, improved bargaining power and sustainable value-chain for higher returns.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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    AA

    (Release ID: 2117253) Visitor Counter : 102

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DENOTIFIED, NOMADIC AND SEMI-NOMADIC TRIBES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Based on the recommendation of National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, the Government has constituted a Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) in February, 2019. Further, Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified and Nomadic Tribes (SEED) has been initiated and is being implemented by DWBDNCs.

    A committee under chairmanship of Vice chairman, NITI Aayog is constituted for classification of 268 communities which have not been classified so far.

    Rs. 15.00 Cr. was released in Financial Year 2023-24 and Rs. 32.43 Cr. in Financial Year 2024-25 under the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) covering 32,936 beneficiaries under the livelihood component, 551 beneficiaries under free coaching component and 2608 beneficiaries under health insurance component.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICEAND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q4933)

    (Release ID: 2117271) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH’s first briefing seminar on “1+” mechanism for new drugs well received

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Department of Health (DH) yesterday (March 31) held the first briefing seminar on the “1+” mechanism for new drugs with an introduction of the requirements for registration of pharmaceutical products under this mechanism, as well as the upcoming workshops on good regulatory practices and pre-new drug application (NDA) meetings. The DH aims to work with the pharmaceutical industry to achieve the goals of early consultation to enhance quality and efficiency throughout the process so that registration approval can be expedited, thereby bringing more good drugs for use in Hong Kong.

         “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” announced that a consultation service for NDAs under the “1+” mechanism will be introduced to enhance the efficiency of processing relevant applications. The consultation service comprises briefing seminars, workshops and pre-NDA meetings. Yesterday’s seminar was well received and was attended by 76 representatives from pharmaceutical and consultation companies inside or outside Hong Kong, as well as scientific research institutions. This marks the beginning of the consultation service. The DH will organise two more seminars on April 21 and May 16 this year. For further details and to register for future seminars, please visit the Drug Office’s thematic webpage on the “1+” mechanism.

    The DH will also organise workshops starting from June this year to provide guidance and sharing of good practices and real-life experiences on submitting applications through the “1+” mechanism. The DH will also offer to hold pre-NDA meetings with potential “1+” registration applicants starting from the second half of this year, providing specific guidance to assist in their planning of the NDA approval process and improve the quality of application documents to enhance the efficiency of the whole process. Details of the arrangements of the workshops and meetings will be announced in due course.

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has implemented the “1+” mechanism since November 1, 2023, to facilitate the registration of new drugs for treating life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government has extended the “1+” mechanism to all new drugs from November 1, 2024, including all new chemical or biological entities and new indications, and vaccines and advanced therapy products. Under the “1+” mechanism, new drugs which are supported by local clinical data and recognised by local relevant experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong by submitting approval from the drug regulatory authority of one of the reference places (instead of two in the past).

    The “1+” mechanism serves to attract more new drugs from different parts of the world seeking approval for registration in Hong Kong, giving patients more choices and further strengthening the local capacity for drug evaluation while enhancing the development of relevant software, hardware and expertise with a view to progressing towards “primary evaluation”. Since the implementation of the “1+” mechanism, a total of 11 new drugs have been approved under this mechanism. The DH has been promoting the “1+” mechanism through different channels, and so far, has received 460 enquiries from 120 pharmaceutical companies, including those from overseas and the Mainland.

    Meanwhile, the Government will continue its efforts to reform the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices. These include putting forward a timetable for establishing the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and charting a roadmap towards “primary evaluation” in the first half of this year, aiming to spur the growth of new industries in pharmaceutical and medical device research, and development and testing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEVELOPMENT OF SILK SECTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:09AM by PIB Delhi

    The Government through Central Silk Board has been implementing Silk Samagra-2 scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the overall development of sericulture industry in the country from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to States towards implementation of various beneficiary oriented field level critical interventions, which includes raising of kissan nurseries, silkworm rearing packages (includes assistance for plantation, irrigation, rearing house, rearing equipments and prophylactic measures), establishment of chawki rearing centres in pre-cocoon sector, support and infrastructure oriented interventions for silkworm seed sector, silk reeling, spinning, weaving, processing components meant for post cocoon sector. 

    So far, the central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provided to States to cover around 78,000 beneficiaries under Silk Samagra-2 scheme towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components covering both pre and post cocoon activities/machineries for the growth and sustainability of sericulture sector.

    Additionally, through Research & Development activities, the production and productivity of silk has been improved to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in silk sector.

    Based on the proposals received from the States, central assistance of Rs 72.50 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs.40.66 crore to Telangana has been provided towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components under Silk Samagra-2, during the last three years including the current year.

    The Government is implementing Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) and National Handloom Development Programme to promote Handloom sector  throughout the country including Andhra Pradesh & Telangana States. Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible Handloom agencies/workers for raw material, procurement of upgraded looms and accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, products diversification & design innovation, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of Handlooms products in domestic & overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA Scheme and Social Security, etc. In addition, to give wider exposure to all the textile stakeholders including Handloom industry, several marketing events in the form of fairs/melas, exhibitions and expos are organised through support of CSB, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Export Promotion Councils (EPC) of textiles including Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, with the support of Ministry of Textiles.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

    MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q3354)

    (Release ID: 2117113) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MEASURES TO IMPROVE INDIA’S GLOBAL RANKING IN TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:09AM by PIB Delhi

    In order to popularize Indian textiles in global market and to promote Indian textiles, the Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated , world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre (MMF) Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain ; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicraft artisans. Under these schemes, support is provided for marketing, skill development, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support etc.

    Government provides Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure remunerative prices to cotton farmers and saves them from distress sales in any eventuality of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) cotton prices falling below MSP. During Cotton season 2023-24 also, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) supported the cotton farmers and procured 32.84 lakh bales valuing Rs. 11,712 crore under MSP operations, benefitting about 7.25 lakh cotton farmers in all cotton growing States. During the current cotton season 2024-25, CCI has procured a total of Rs. 99.41 lakh bales as on 25.03.2025 out of total arrival of 260.11 lakh bales.

    Further, for global branding of Indian Textile, Government has registered Kasturi Cotton India’s brand as a trademark to give a unique identity to Premium Quality Indian Cotton.

    A successful Global Mega Textile Event BHARAT TEX 2025 was organized in February, 2025 by Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to showcase, India’s prowess as a premier textile manufacturing hub, encompassing the entire value chain from raw materials to finished products. The event highlighted diversity and richness of Indian textiles, while emphasizing the industry’s manufacturing strength, global competitiveness as well as its commitment to sustainability and circularity.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Rajya Sabha US Q3356)

    (Release ID: 2117114) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Membership lists of District Youth Community Building Committees and District Youth Development and Civic Education Committees announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Home Affairs Department (HAD) announced today (April 1) that the Director of Home Affairs had respectively appointed 464 persons and 476 persons (940 persons in total) as members of District Youth Community Building Committees and District Youth Development and Civic Education Committees for a new term of office of two years starting from April 1, 2025.
     
    Comprising district personalities and self-nominated young people as members, the two Committees provide fora for discussion on various matters such as district works projects, youth development and civic education, and for participation in district activities.  Each Committee is composed of 20 to 30 members for its new term. The average age of all members is below 35. Forty per cent of them (375 persons in total) are young people aged between 16 and 35 selected through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth Phase 8, an increase of over 10 per cent from around 330 self-nominated seats in the previous term. Among the self-nominated young people selected as members, a total of 21 are under the age of 18, an increase of over 20 per cent compared to the total of 17 recorded in the previous term.
     
    The Chief Executive announced in the 2022 Policy Address the launch of a Youth Participation Initiative, with a view to engaging more young people in public affairs and enhancing their interaction and trust with the Government. One of the initiatives was for the HAD to designate two committees on district affairs for young people to nominate themselves as members. At the end of the same year, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau published the Youth Development Blueprint, striving to strengthen the sense of ownership and responsibility of young people, and to enable more young people to take part in community building and district affairs through the establishment of the two Committees. In this regard, the HAD established in April 2023 the above-mentioned two Committees in the 18 districts, opening up seats for young people to nominate themselves as members.
     
    The membership lists of the two Committees in the 18 districts have been uploaded to the website of the HAD (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/youth_participation_initiative/index.htm).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS AND INITIATIVES FOR ENHANCING TEXTILE EXPORT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:08AM by PIB Delhi

    The Government is implementing Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles on Pan India basis. PLI scheme is aimed at promoting the production of MMF Apparel, MMF fabrics and products of Technical Textiles to achieve size and scale and to become competitive. As per Ministry’s Budget Estimate 2025-26, approx. 22% of the budget is dedicated for PLI Scheme for Textiles. Out of the   74 applicants selected under the scheme, 24 are MSMEs. Turnover of Rs. 2,16,760 cr. including exports is projected for the scheme period.

    In addition, Government is implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc. at national and international levels.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

    MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q3358)

    (Release ID: 2117110) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and GCFFC co-host APAC Fighting Financial Crime Conference 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) co-hosted the APAC Fighting Financial Crime Conference 2025 today (April 1), under the theme of “Fighting Financial Crime in a More Complex World”.

    The event gathered leading global and regional anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) experts together with participants from across Hong Kong’s AML/CFT ecosystem, including representation from banks, government agencies, financial regulators, and law enforcement agencies. Participants shared insights on how to improve the fight against fraud and financial crime with keynotes, panels and interactive discussions.
     
    Welcoming the participants, Mr Raymond Chan, Executive Director (Enforcement and AML) of the HKMA, said, “Criminality has evolved on the back of the digitalisation of financial services and we must respond quicker and with the same level of innovation, including how we collaborate to share information and leverage artificial intelligence to deliver step changes in the results achieved.”
     
    Mr Keith Yip, Director of Crime and Security of the Hong Kong Police Force, said, “Through relentless collaboration and cutting-edge strategies, we shall prevail in the fight against financial crimes — from cyber-enabled fraud to transnational money laundering. Harnessing data-driven intelligence and global partnerships, we reaffirm our pledge to protect vulnerable communities and disrupt criminal networks, securing a resilient future for all.”
     
    Mr John Cusack, Chair of the GCFFC, thanked the HKMA for bringing leading experts together and said, “We invited leading financial crime fighters from the public, private and third sectors to meet and discuss critical topical and emerging issues under the theme ‘Fighting Financial Crime in a More Complex World’ and we had a lively discussion which helped everyone better understand threats and the best practices and evolving initiatives.”
     
    In a series of panels and breakout sessions, participants shared experience and expertise in maximising opportunities to enhance industry efforts to combat money laundering and financial crime, strengthening protection for customers, and improving the outcomes achieved by the global AML system.
     
    Some of the highlights included:
     

    • a call to action to strengthen efforts to tackle high levels of frauds and scams based on international best practices and the latest developments in the use of technology;
    • the changes banking supervisors have made to AML supervision to improve the outcomes achieved by banks to combat fraud and financial crime;
    • how Hong Kong has been at the forefront of international AML standard setting, in a conversation with Mrs Clarie Lo, former President of the Financial Action Task Force; and
    • how public and private collaboration in the Asia Pacific region is driving a stronger response to fraud and financial crime, for example, the latest development being legislative changes introduced by the HKMA to support information sharing between banks.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: RAW SILK PRODUCTION IN 2024-2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:08AM by PIB Delhi

    The raw silk production projected target for FY 2024-25 and actual production for the FY 2024-25 till January-2025 (on the basis of data made available by State Governments) and corresponding period in FY 2014-15 is given below:

    Period

    2024-25 Actuals

    (till Jan-2025)

    2014-15 Actuals

    (till Jan-2015)

    Raw silk production (MT)

    34,042

    24,299

            *Presently, the data is available upto January, 2025

    The raw silk production in the country has increased due to interventions of central schemes viz. Catalytic Development Programme (CDP), North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI), Silk Samagra and Silk Samagra-2.

    The projected employment generation estimated in silk sector as per raw silk production till   January-2025 is 80.90 lakh person, with direct employment of 71.2 lakh person and indirect employment of 9.7 lakh person.

    The establishment and functioning of 109 numbers of Automatic Reeling Machines (AMRs) in the country has increased the production of international grade (3A and 4A) quality silk in the country.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

    MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q3353)

    (Release ID: 2117111) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health meets Deputy Commissioner of National Medical Products Administration (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with Deputy Commissioner of the National Medical Products Administration Dr Xu Jinghe today (April 1) to have an in-depth exchange on the regulatory regime and reform of drugs and medical devices.  

    Professor Lo said, “The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has been ushering in immense opportunities for medical and biotechnological developments in recent years. The National 14th Five-Year Plan has expressed clear support to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. Biomedicine and medical innovation are directly related to people’s life and health and also represent immense new quality productive forces. The Resolution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee also pointed out the need to deepen medical and healthcare reform and to support the development mechanisms for innovative drugs and medical devices.

         “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strenuously works in line with the national objective of deepening medical and healthcare reform by pursuing innovation in the medical field. While integrating into the national development, the HKSAR will capitalise on its unique advantages of international influence and professions to the fullest to develop the city into an international health and medical innovation hub, thereby enabling the innovative medical technologies to go global and attract foreign investment and developing new quality productive forces in biomedicine. Hong Kong will strive to give full play to our strengths to serve the country’s needs amid the comprehensive deepening of reform.”

    While introducing the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices, Professor Lo emphasised, “The HKSAR Government will expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices to meet the institutional requirement necessary for the health and medical innovation development, such as extending the ‘1+’ mechanism to cover all new drugs, including vaccines and advanced therapy products, since November 1 last year; preparing for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) to progress towards the ‘primary evaluation’ approach, with a view to fully strengthening the drug approval capability of the HKSAR; and taking forward preparatory work for legislating for the statutory regulation of medical devices to dovetail with the timetable for the establishment of the CMPR.”

    The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and representatives from the Health Bureau and the Department of Health also attended the meeting today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION MODERNIZATION AND UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY IN SERICULTURE SECTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:08AM by PIB Delhi

    Karnataka is the largest silk producing state in the country, with production of 12,463 MT raw silk during 2023-24, which accounts to around 32% of country’s total raw silk production and around 42% of country’s mulberry raw silk production.

    The Government through Central Silk Board has been implementing Silk Samagra-2 scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the overall development of sericulture industry in the country from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to States towards implementation of various beneficiary oriented field level critical interventions. 

    So far, the central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provided to States to cover around 78,000 beneficiaries under Silk Samagra-2 scheme towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components covering both pre & post cocoon activities/machineries for the growth and sustainability of sericulture sector.

    Based on the proposals received from the Karnataka State Sericulture Department, central assistance of Rs. 241.62 crore has been provided to cover around 16,000 beneficiaries during last three years and the current year under Silk Samagra-2 scheme. Around 7,000 persons have been trained by the CSB R&D institutes in Karnataka during the last three years & the current year. Based on the State’s proposal for the benefit of silk producers & artisans, support has been provided for establishment of 32 Multi-end Reeling Machines, 42 Automatic Reeling Machines, 40 motorised charka, 2 pupae processing units and for upgradation of 143 cottage basins

    The Silk Samagra-2 scheme focuses on integrated production approach by providing required backward & forward linkages in the silk production chain, through provision of R&D & technical support, ensuring availability of planting material & silkworm seed, strengthening of market infrastructure & up-scaling of reeling & processing sector.

    The Government, through Central Silk Board has enhanced the global competitiveness of Indian silk & silk products including Karnataka through establishment of 42 Automatic Reeling Machines (ARM)  under Silk Samagra-2, generic and brand promotion of silk products in  Karnataka and organization of ‘Silk Mark Expos’.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Rajya Sabha US Q3355)

    (Release ID: 2117112) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lease arrangements for public market stalls in April

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (April 1) that open auctions for a total of 642 stalls in 46 public markets will be held in April. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on April 22 on a first-come, first-served basis.

    1. Open auctions

    The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat food, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food related dry goods and wet goods, service trades, siu mei and lo mei, mobile phones/mobile phone accessories/electronic products/electronic parts, pet goods and pet food, hardware/locksmith, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from May 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website.

    The date and venue of the auctions and the number of stalls are as follows:

    Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (1)
    —————————————–
    Auction date: April 8 (Tuesday) (am)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 101

    Lai Wan Market
    —————–
    Auction date: April 8 (Tuesday) (pm)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: two

    Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (2)
    —————————————–
    Auction date: April 9 (Wednesday) (am)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 46

    Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (3)
    —————————————–
    Auction date: April 9 (Wednesday) (pm)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 28

    New Territories (1)
    ———————
    Auction date: April 10 (Thursday) (am)
    Auction venue: Tseng Choi Street Community Hall, 27 Tseng Choi Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories
    Number of stalls: 126

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (1)
    —————————————————————————-
    Auction date: April 11 (Friday) (am)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 118

    Aberdeen Market
    ——————-
    Auction date: April 11 (Friday) (pm)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 21

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (2)
    —————————————————————————-
    Auction date: April 14 (Monday) (am)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 81

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (3)
    —————————————————————————-
    Auction date: April 14 (Monday) (pm)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 63

    New Territories (2)
    ———————
    Auction date: April 15 (Tuesday) (am)
    Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Number of stalls: 56

    Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.

    2. Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis

    The tenancy agreement of market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from June 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website after open auctions.

    Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on April 22:
     

    Districts in which the market stalls are located Venues for selection of market stalls
    Hong Kong Island and Islands District Hawkers and Markets Section (Hong Kong and Islands) Office, 8/F, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building,
    225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
    Kowloon Hawkers and Markets Section (Kowloon) Office, Room 301-302, 3/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Kwai Tsing District Kwai Tsing District Environmental Hygiene Office, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories
    North District North District Environmental Hygiene Office, 4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal Services Building, 13 Chi Cheong Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories
    Sai Kung District Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office, 7/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
    Sha Tin District Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office, Units 1201-1207 and 1220-1221, 12/F, Tower 1, Grand Central Plaza, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
    Tai Po District Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories
    Tsuen Wan District Tsuen Wan District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Yeung Uk Road Municipal Services Building, 45 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
    Tuen Mun District Tuen Mun District Environmental Hygiene Office, 1/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices Building, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
    Yuen Long District Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Office, 2/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories

     
         A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis. The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”

    ​Details of the open auctions and the public market stalls concerned (including stalls for open auction at reduced upset prices) have been uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/open_auction_coming.html). Details on renting public market stalls on a first-come, first-served basis will be uploaded to the FEHD website after open auctions (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/FCFS/index.html). Interested bidders or applicants may visit the department website or contact the respective District Environmental Hygiene Office.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BUDGETARY ALLOCATION TO MEGA HANDLOOM CLUSTERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:07AM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India through the Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles is implementing Mega Cluster Development Programme, a component of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), all across the country (including Andhra Pradesh State). Under Mega Cluster Development Programme, need based financial assistance upto Rs.30.00 Crore (GOI share) per Mega Handloom Cluster is provided on receipt of complete proposals for various interventions like upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, worksheds, design and product development, marketing support, setting up of common infrastructure such as Value Addition Centre (Garmenting/Apparel unit), Reeling, Processing, Printing units etc.

    There is no separate budget allocation for Mega Cluster Development programme however, during financial year 2022-23 to 2024-25, financial assistance of Rs.3,029.327 lakh has been provided for setting up of Mega Handloom Clusters.

    No financial assistance has been provided to Mega Handloom Cluster identified in Prakasam and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh State during financial year 2022-23 and 2023-24.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

    MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Rajya Sabha US Q3360)

    (Release ID: 2117108) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Chong Hing Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Chong Hing Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
     
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPORT TO SILK FARMERS AND WEAVERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:07AM by PIB Delhi

    The Government through implementation of Silk Samagra-2 scheme has extended support for the development of sericulture industry in the country and to increase the productivity & livelihoods of silk farmers and weavers. So far, an assistance of Rs. 1,074.94 crore has been extended to State Governments covering around 78,000 beneficiaries, for implementation of beneficiary oriented critical field level components under the scheme.

    Further, under the National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme implemented by the Handloom sector, support to handloom workers including silk handloom workers is provided.

    The thrust of the ongoing Silk Samagra-2 scheme is to become Aatmanirbhar in silk sector.  The initiatives under Silk Samagra-2 scheme are to enhance international grade bivoltine silk production and boosting of silk exports.

    The Government aims to establish India as a global leader in silk production and exports through a multi-pronged strategy focusing on production enhancement, quality improvement, infrastructure development, R&D, and market expansion.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Rajya Sabha US Q3348)

    (Release ID: 2117109) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent mobile application related to Bank of Singapore Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of Singapore Limited relating to a fraudulent mobile application (App), which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the App concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM pays tributes to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on his Jayanti

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 9:05AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on the special occasion of his Jayanti today. Hailing his extraordinary efforts, Shri Modi lauded him as a beacon of compassion and tireless service, who showed how selfless action can transform society.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “Heartfelt tributes to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on the special occasion of his Jayanti. He is remembered as a beacon of compassion and tireless service. He showed how selfless action can transform society. His extraordinary efforts across various fields continue to inspire generations.”

    “ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಡಾ. ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿ ಅವರ ಜಯಂತಿಯ ಈ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹೃತ್ಪೂರ್ವಕ ನಮನಗಳು. ಕಾರುಣ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ದಣಿವರಿಯದ ಸೇವೆಯ ದಾರಿದೀಪವೆಂದು ಅವರನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ನಿಸ್ವಾರ್ಥ ಸೇವೆಯು ಸಮಾಜವನ್ನು ಹೇಗೆ ಪರಿವರ್ತಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಅವರು ತೋರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ನಾನಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಅಸಾಧಾರಣ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳು ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ಫೂರ್ತಿ ನೀಡುತ್ತಲೇ ಇವೆ.”

    ******

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2117099) Visitor Counter : 217

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM extends greetings on Utkala Dibasa

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 8:59AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Utkala Dibasa today. He remarked that India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music, adding that Centre and Odisha Governments are working extensively to further the state’s progress.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “Warm wishes on Utkala Dibasa!

    This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha Governments are working extensively to further the state’s progress.”

    “ଉତ୍କଳ ଦିବସରେ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା !

    ଏହି ଦିବସ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ସଂସ୍କୃତି ପ୍ରତି ଏକ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସମ୍ମାନ । ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଇତିହାସ, ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ ସଂଗୀତକୁ ନେଇ ଭାରତ ଗର୍ବିତ। ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଲୋକମାନେ କଠିନ ପରିଶ୍ରମୀ ଏବଂ ବିଭିନ୍ନ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ ଉତ୍କର୍ଷ ହାସଲ କରିଛନ୍ତି । ଗତ ଏକ ବର୍ଷ ଧରି କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ଏବଂ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ସରକାର ରାଜ୍ୟର ଆହୁରି ପ୍ରଗତି ପାଇଁ ବ୍ୟାପକ ଭାବେ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କରୁଛନ୍ତି ।”

    *******

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2117100) Visitor Counter : 217

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Welcome remarks by SDEV at opening ceremony of International Water Pioneers Summit (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Welcome remarks by SDEV at opening ceremony of International Water Pioneers Summit (English only) 
    Honourable Minister Li Guoying (the Minister of Water Resources), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    A very warm welcome to all of you to Hong Kong and to this International Water Pioneers Summit. It is my honour to join prestigious water leaders on this significant occasion and to benefit from discussions among experts.
     
    First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the co-organisers, including Hong Kong branch of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong branch of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. I thank them for their collaboration and generous effort to make the Summit possible. My heartfelt thanks also goes to the Minister of Water Resources of China and his team for their presence in this Summit. Your presence means a lot to us. I also wish to thank all our distinguished speakers and moderators from the Mainland and overseas for accepting our invitations and travelling to Hong Kong to participate in this Summit. We are honoured to welcome an exceptional lineup of speakers and moderators from nine countries across four continents here today. They are distinguished experts and leaders of international water and health organisations and senior government officials. With these renowned leaders sharing their insights, I am sure the upcoming exchanges would be inspiring and rewarding.
     
    From the Hong Kong Palace Museum to the theme of the Summit
     
    Today’s venue, the Hong Kong Palace Museum showcasing the rich tapestry of Chinese art and culture, is a setting particularly fit for the Summit. Water is the essence of life and the cornerstone of human civilisation. It also has symbolic meanings in the Chinese culture. Most of you would have come across the Exhibition of Chinese Water Culture in the foyer before entering this Auditorium. The exhibition explains the origin, symbolism, philosophy and wisdom of water through the lens of Chinese culture. It also reminds us how water has shaped human civilisation, culture and connections.
     
    The supply of Dongjiang water from the Mainland is a showcase of the Chinese water culture. It is not just an engineering achievement to address Hong Kong’s water demand. More importantly, it is a touching demonstration of the core value in Chinese culture, “血濃於水” in Chinese, which means “family connections are inseparable”. The supply of Dongjiang water underscores the deep bonding between our country and Hong Kong as a special administrative region, as well as the unwavering love of our Motherland for Hong Kong. The extended spirit of unity and the sense of mission extending beyond the family to make the world a better place, serves as a guiding principle for us to work together to foster a community of life against the global water challenges.
     
    With the growing impacts of global climate change and increasing pressure on how best we should use the finite resources around the world, the sustainable management of water is no longer optional but imperative. The theme of the Summit, “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”, is undoubtedly very close to our hearts as it captures the urgency and importance of our having to overcome challenges we face nowadays. We need collective responses. We need innovative and actionable solutions. We also need forward-thinking strategies. Today’s Summit comes in time.

    The theme of the Summit – “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”
     
    So how can we achieve “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”? Our morning session will focus on the high-quality development of water supply and technologies in response to global crises, the essential co-ordination of water, economy, and ecology for sustainable growth, and the transformative role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in enhancing water management.
     
    And we all know that the reliability and safety of water supplies are crucial to public health. So in the afternoon session, our speakers will lead us in delving into crucial strategies and technological advances for developing low-carbon, as well as green urban and rural water systems. We will also touch on recent developments in drinking water safety, and the challenges and opportunities in protecting health through water, adaptability, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
     
    The special panel discussion – Belt and Road
     
    The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013 has connected countries, regions and continents through advancing infrastructure development and strengthening collaboration in various aspects. To bolster high-quality co-operation in water management among countries along the Belt and Road, a special panel discussion is arranged in this Summit to showcase successful examples of collaboration and highlight how shared expertise and resources can pave the way for sustainable water management across borders.
     
    Special keynote speeches on the Dongjiang Water Supply
     
    Another highlight of today’s programme is the special keynote session on the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, which is scheduled to take place later in the afternoon. I am sure that the renowned speakers would provide valuable insights on this mega water supply project, the achievement in safeguarding the water quality of the Dongjiang water and a great strive taken over the years in advancing the operation and maintenance through smart technologies.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, the significance of this Summit lies not only in the exchange of knowledge but also in the spirit of collaboration it fosters. Water is not just a resource, it is a lifeline of the ecosystems, economies and communities to where we belong.
     
    As we embark on today’s discussions, let us remember that the challenges we face can only be solved through collective efforts. I encourage everyone here to actively engage in the discussions. Once again, a warm welcome to all of you and I wish the Summit every success. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 13:23

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flag hoisted at Silverstrand Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:

    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

    Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

    The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 1) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New sections of GreenWay in Kai Tak open today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A spokesman for the Development Bureau said today (April 1) that two new sections of the GreenWay in the Kai Tak Development are open to the public. Located at Shing Fung Road Park and the Kai Tak Promenade adjacent to the To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter respectively (please refer to the location map), each section is approximately 1 kilometre long, offering the public scenic views of the harbour along the Greenway.

    The newly opened sections are about 6 metres wide, with ground markings, signs and speed-reducing rumble strips in place to ensure safe use for both pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, bicycle parking spaces are available, and there is a barrier-free walkway running alongside the GreenWay for pedestrians, offering an additional option for the public. Banners listing relevant rules have also been placed on-site. At the initial stage after the opening, ambassadors will be present at the GreenWay to provide appropriate reminders to users.

    ​The GreenWay was planned and designed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, while the sections opened today are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The remaining sections of the Greenway will be opened progressively in alignment with the implementation programme of infrastructure projects and open spaces in the area. For more details about the opened sections and the GreenWay, please refer to the location map and thematic website (www.kaitakgreenway.hk/en).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Missing man in Yau Ma Tei located

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A man who went missing in Yau Ma Tei has been located.

         Law Ah-cheung, aged 70, went missing after he was last seen at an elderly home on Man Ying Street on March 28 afternoon. Staff of the caring home then made a report to Police.

         The man was located in a park at the junction of Canton Road and Jordan Road yesterday afternoon (March 31). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Cracks Down on Substandard Imports of Goods to Protect Domestic Industry

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has implemented various measures to curb the import of substandard goods in Indian markets. To protect the domestic industry from the adverse impact of cheaper imports, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), an attached office of Department of Commerce, conducts various investigations (anti-dumping/safeguard (quantitative restrictions)/ countervailing) under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the rules made thereunder on the basis of duly substantiated petition filed by the domestic industry. The Authority at DGTR examines applications filed by the domestic industry and evaluates responses received from importers, exporters and other interested parties in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. Based on this examination, the DGTR submits its recommendations to the Ministry of Finance for final consideration.

    In the current F.Y. 2024-2025 (upto February, 2025), a total of 206 cases against import of substandard goods violating IPR, BIS and FSSAI norms, valued at Rs.206.62 crore, have been booked by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs field formations under Customs Act, 1962.

    Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs field formations under CBIC keep constant vigil to check import of substandard goods into India. On the detection of such cases, action is taken in accordance with Customs Act, 1962 & other Allied Acts. Further, the Indian Customs Risk Management System (RMS) implements the policies of risk-based selective examination and testing based on the selectivity criteria of the respective regulatory agency, thereby thwarting the attempts of import of substandard goods.

    Further, Section 25 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017 regulates the import of food articles into the country. The clearance or No Objection Certificate(NOC) issued by the FSSAI is subject to scrutiny of documents, visual inspection, sampling and testing, in order to determine whether or not they conform to the safety and quality standards.

    In addition to the above, with a view to protect its domestic producers and consumers, India has an elaborate and robust legal framework and institutional set up to protect environment, life and health of its people, plants and animals. Adequate provisions exist under the Foreign Trade 2 Policy to protect the Indian consumers and producers as imported goods are subject to domestic laws, rules, orders, regulations, technical specifications, environmental and safety norms. The BIS standards applicable to domestic goods are also applicable to imported goods. Besides, imports of plant & plant-based products are subject to Plant Quarantine measures and sanitary & phyto-sanitary measures, imports of animal & animal-based products are subject to sanitary import permits and imports of food/edible items are subject to FSSAl standards.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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    Abhishek Dayal /Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2117283) Visitor Counter : 16

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA Boosts Millet Exports with Trade Fairs, Exhibitions & Global Promotions

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Commerce, through Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized trade fairs, exhibitions and Millet Conclave for awareness, usage and export promotion of millets. Under the International Year of Millets 2023, a host of activities were conducted in close association with Indian Embassies/Missions and Government departments, which included millet themed participation in international trade fairs, sampling events, millet galleries, international buyer seller meets etc. Further, Millets are one of the key focus areas for enhanced branding and publicity in key global and domestic fairs, in which APEDA participates.

    The Government of India launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), to promote natural farming in a mission mode across the country as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. NMNF aims at promoting natural farming practices for providing safe & nutritious food for all. There is significant scope for promotion of India’s natural products abroad, based on availability of certified natural products, given the global trend of increasing demand for healthy and chemical free produce.

    The government is taking focused initiatives for boosting India’s agricultural exports making India a key exporter of agricultural products. Some of the key initiatives are:

    i. Broad basing India’s agricultural export basket by exporting new products.

    ii. Penetration of exports into new markets.

    iii. Exporting from new producing regions and exports.

    iv. Enhanced branding and promotion of India’s agricultural produce.

    v. Increase export realization by value added agri exports.

    vi. Expanding exports of Organic products.

    vii. Enhanced training and capacity building of producers and stakeholders to ensure quality produce and meeting of phyto-sanitary requirements of importing countries.

    viii. Development of Sea Protocols for enhancing exports of Perishable Horticultural produce.

    ix. Linking Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Self Help Groups(SHGs)to the export value chain.

    x. Enhanced market access through FTAs and engagements with trading partners.

    To enhance the export of Indian agricultural products and to protect exporters from protectionist trade policies, the Government is actively engaging in intensive bilateral discussions with respective importing countries to secure market access and to address trade barriers. The Government is also engaging in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions with trading partners for duty-free/concessional access to those countries. In case of barriers in the form of strict Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)/Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), efforts are made to resolve them through bilateral meetings with trading partners and in case of their no-resolution, by raising Specific Trade Concerns (STCs) at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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    Abhishek Dayal /Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2117282) Visitor Counter : 20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Coal Sector has Crossed the One Billion Tonne Milestone in Cumulative Production for the Financial Year 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Coal Sector has Crossed the One Billion Tonne Milestone in Cumulative Production for the Financial Year 2024-25

    Coal Dispatch has also Demonstrated Remarkable Progress

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:13PM by PIB Delhi

    In a remarkable achievement, India’s coal sector has crossed the One Billion Tonne (BT) milestone in cumulative production for the financial year 2024-25. This unprecedented feat underscores the Ministry of Coal’s relentless efforts to enhance production, streamline dispatches, and strengthen the nation’s energy security.

    The cumulative coal production in FY 2024-25 has now crossed the One Billion Tonne (BT) mark, reaching1047.57 (Provisional), compared to 997.83 MT in FY 2023-24, recording a substantial growth of 4.99%. Commercial & Captive, and other entities have also recorded a stupendous coal production of 197.50 MT (Provisional), reflecting a growth of 28.11% over the same period last year recorded at154.16 MT.

    Similarly, coal dispatch has also demonstrated remarkable progress, The cumulative coal dispatch in FY 2024-25 has also exceeded the One BT milestone, reaching 1024.99MT (Provisional), as compared to 973.01 MT in FY 2023-24, reflecting a significant increase of 5.34%. Dispatch from Commercial, Captive, and other entities also witnessed a significant rise, reaching 196.83MT (provisional), with a growth of 31.39% compared to the corresponding period of previous year which was recorded at 149.81 MT.

    This milestone highlights India’s progress in ramping up domestic coal production while ensuring efficient distribution to meet growing energy demands. The Ministry of Coal remains committed to fostering self-reliance, reducing import dependency, and driving sustainable mining practices to bolster the nation’s energy security and economic resilience.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    (Release ID: 2117280) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECI’s biggest engagement drive with political parties

    Source: Government of India

    ECI’s biggest engagement drive with political parties

    4,719 meetings conducted at CEOs, DEOs, and EROs level nationwide engaging over 28,000 party representatives

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a series of structured engagements with political parties at the level of Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), District Election Officer (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) across the country. In a span of 25 days and as of 31st March 2025, a total of 4,719 meetings were conducted, with 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3,879 by EROs, engaging over 28,000 representatives of political parties nationwide.

    These meetings were held in accordance with the directives issued by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, during the Chief Electoral Officers’ conference held on March 4-5 2025, at IIIDEM, New Delhi.

    The engagements are aimed to resolve any pending issues by the concerned competent authority i.e. ERO or DEO or CEO within the existing legal framework of the Representation of the People Act 1950 and 1951; the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 and the manuals, guidelines, and instructions issued by ECI from time to time. An action taken report has been sought from all State/UT CEOs for further assessment and any issue, if unresolved within the existing legal framework, will be taken up by the Commission.

    These engagements have been well-received by political parties, with active and enthusiastic participation across Assembly Constituencies, districts, and States/UTs. Photos from nationwide meetings can be viewed on ECI’s official social media handle:

    https://x.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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    PK/GDH/RP

    (Release ID: 2117277) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –