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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government through ICAR flagship network project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) develop and promotes climate resilient agricultural technologies in 151 climatically vulnerable districts spread across the country, which are prone to extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heatwaves, etc in light of the challenges posed by climate change. Climate resilient technologies viz., climate resilient varieties, intercropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero-till sowing, green manuring, integrated farming systems, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, protective irrigation, micro irrigation methods etc. have been developed and demonstrated to large number of farmers through farmers’ participatory approach. Further, these technologies have been documented for 23 States and 3 Union Territories and shared with the State departments for further upscaling and convergence with on-going schemes in the States.

    To promote Precision Agriculture, ICAR has a Network Program on Precision Agriculture (ICAR-NePPA) working at 16 locations to develop ICT based technologies for accelerated profitable and sustainable system through precise use of inputs. Some of the outcomes of the project related to adopting to climate change/ weather aberrations are as, sensor-based soil and crop health monitoring and precision management of inputs (water and fertilizer) using robotics, IoTs and Data analytics; developed technologies for pest and disease monitoring particularly for rice and cotton crops for value added advisories for real time management.

    ICAR operates All India Coordinated Research Programme on Integrated Farming Systems (AICRP-IFS) in 25 States/UTs and All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AINP-OF) in 16 States to develop sustainable farming practices such as alternate efficient cropping systems, integrated farming systems, organic farming and natural farming to address the challenges posed by climate change. A total of 76 models of integrated farming system (IFS) including 8 integrated organic farming system models for 26 States/UTs and organic farming packages for 80 cropping systems suitable to 16 States have been developed so far.          

    (c):    To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMSA has three major components i.e. Rainfed Area Development (RAD); On Farm Water Management (OFWM); and Soil Health Management (SHM). The Government of India provides financial assistance to the states through the NMSA to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.

    Further, Government has introduced flagship yield based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) from Kharif 2016 to help farmers build resilience against extreme weather events.

    Through Technology Demonstration component of NICRA, 6,93,629 farmers were benefitted through technology demonstrations and 6,47,735 farmers were benefitted through 23,613 capacity building programs on climate resilient agriculture.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100674) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: How can there be a discussion of regionalism v/s nationalism in this country? – VP

    Source: Government of India

    How can there be a discussion of regionalism v/s nationalism in this country? – VP

    In recent years, money has been used, and access to the judiciary has been weaponized to promote anti-national sentiments – VP

    Today, we need to preserve our cultural philosophy; we are trying to cut the branch on which we are thriving – VP

    Vice-President expresses concern over attempts to influence the electoral process within the country

    Vice-President inaugurates the third edition of the Karnataka Vaibhava Literature and Cultural Festival

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today warned against divisive forces, stating, “I have no hesitation in saying that the challenges we are facing are more serious than even climate change… [Some] people, in the style they are adopting, are creating divisions in a despicable manner. There are many bases for division—caste, regionalism. I don’t understand how there can be a debate about regionalism versus nationalism in this country. How absurd and baseless it is, but when you look at its roots, you will find the hand of anti-national forces.”

    In his address at the inauguration of the third edition of the Karnataka Vaibhava Literature and Cultural Festival at Ranebennur in Karnataka, the Vice President said, “These forces [divisive forces] work in different ways. They have adopted new paths, and on many issues, you will see they turn to the judiciary. I am concerned because our Constitution has given every individual the right in the judicial system, and what is the right? That they can seek the shelter of the court. But in recent years, money has been used to fuel anti-national sentiments, and access to the judiciary has been weaponized in a way that is not happening in any other country.”

    He further stated, “The forces challenging the nation, trying to create a clash between nationalism and regionalism, must receive a strong response. They want to shake our cultural heritage.”

    Emphasizing on the need to preserve the nation’s cultural philosophy, the Vice President said, “On this day, when I look to one side, I see India’s progress through the eyes of the world, through the eyes of the people living within the nation. They are like the feathers of the peacock dancing in the rain… But when I look at the peacock’s feet, I get worried, forced to reflect, and then I feel the need for our cultural philosophy. We are trying to cut the branch on which we are thriving, on which we are sitting.”

    Expressing deep concern over attempts to influence the electoral process within the country, the Vice President said, “In the country with the oldest democracy, the strongest democracy, the most progressive democracy, the most vibrant democracy, and constitutionally the only country in the world with a democratic system at every level—village, city, state, or nation; there is an attempt to influence our electoral process in a manner it should not be influenced. This attempt is being made by those who should not even be a part of it, but they are involved. We must, collectively, with strong resolve, develop a mindset.”

    Referring to India’s economic progress, he said, “The world’s leading institutions like IMF, World Bank, and others say that if there is any shining star in the world where investment can be made, where opportunities are available, where one can showcase their talent, it is India. India is considered a global favorite destination for investment and opportunities.”

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    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2100670) Visitor Counter : 68

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour Department investigates fatal work accident in Tuen Mun

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Labour Department investigates fatal work accident in Tuen Mun
    Labour Department investigates fatal work accident in Tuen Mun
    **************************************************************

         The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that happened in Tuen Mun this morning (February 7), in which a man died.      The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 19:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Industry Quality Assurance Conclave held in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Industry Quality Assurance Conclave held in New Delhi

    Innovation, collaboration, quality assurance & mindset will play a pivotal role in making India a global leader in defence exports: Secretary (DP)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Industry Quality Assurance (QA) Conclave, on the theme ‘Collaborative Quality Assurance: Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Defence’, was held in New Delhi on February 07, 2025. Delivering the keynote address, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar highlighted India’s strides in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He underscored the pivotal role of innovation, collaboration, and quality assurance and mindset in making India a global leader in defence exports. The conclave aimed to foster deeper collaborations and innovative strategies between the defence sector & shipbuilding industries to promote indigenisation and excellence in defence manufacturing.

    Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh described technical innovation, collaboration, and rigorous testing as key pillars for a robust and quality-driven defence ecosystem. Director General of Quality Assurance Shri N Manoharan highlighted the importance of a strong QA-industry partnership and the need for standardised, innovative, and risk-managed processes to enhance the quality of defence manufacturing. Additional Director General (QA) Warship Production Rear Admiral Iqbal Singh Grewal highlighted the critical role of emerging technologies and streamlined QA processes in achieving excellence in defence manufacturing.

    Discussions at the conclave explored innovative quality assurance practices, including proactive quality control strategies and enhanced collaboration frameworks between defence organizations and the shipbuilding industry. Efficient type testing and certification methods aligned with global best practices to reduce project delays and failures were also presented.

    Participants delved into strategies for balancing QA with project timelines and integrating delay mitigation strategies to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality. The conclave further emphasised the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and their impact on QA processes.

    Organised by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, the event witnessed participation from senior government officials, industry leaders, naval representatives, and quality assurance professionals. The conclave provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, collaborative brainstorming, and forging meaningful connections among stakeholders, including shipyard executives, QA professionals, policymakers and researchers.

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    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2100664) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates cluster of food poisoning involving porcini mushrooms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates cluster of food poisoning involving porcini mushrooms
    CHP investigates cluster of food poisoning involving porcini mushrooms
    **********************************************************************

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 7) investigating a food poisoning case involving four persons who had eaten porcini mushrooms.    Two male and two female patients (aged between 30 and 74) presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever around two to three hours after consuming porcini mushrooms cooked in a residential premise on January 30. They sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and United Christian Hospital, and were admitted on the same day. All of them were discharged after treatment.     Based on their clinical symptoms, the CHP believed that the patients developed food poisoning due to consuming porcini mushrooms. Upon testing, samples of uncooked porcini mushroom from the same batch provided by a patient was confirmed to be a poisonous mushroom species containing certain gastrointestinal irritants that remain even after being cooked.     The investigation revealed that the porcini mushroom concerned was purchased by one of the affected persons from a shop in Lo Wu, Shenzhen, last December. The product concerned was not pre-packaged and did not have any trademark or information on its place of origin.      The CHP has notified the case to the relevant authority of the Mainland, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard public health.          Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms such as profuse sweating, hallucinations, comas or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases. If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.     Members of the public are recommended to take note of the following when choosing or consuming mushrooms locally or overseas: 

    Buy mushrooms from reputable and reliable suppliers, and not buy mushroom products which may be mixed with unknown species;
    Do not buy mushrooms which look unhygienic, such as those with growing substrates left with the product, or those which show signs of spoilage such as coloured spots/abnormal smell/slime, etc;
    Do not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones; and
    Wash and cook mushrooms thoroughly before consumption.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 19:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ACHIEVEMENT OF TARGETS UNDER PMAY-G

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to achieve the objective of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from 1st April 2016 to provide assistance to 2.95 crore eligible rural households with basic amenities by March 2024. As on 31.03.2024, all houses have been sanctioned to the eligible beneficiaries by the states/UTs.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29” for construction of additional 2 crore houses. Ministry has allocated targets of 84,37,139 houses during 2024-25 to the 18 States viz. Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

    As on 02.02.2025, a cumulative target of 3.79 crore houses have been allotted to States/UTs out of which 3.34 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.69 crore houses have been completed.

    The main challenges in implementation of PMAY-G include the delay in release of Central & State Share from State Treasury to State Nodal Account of PMAY-G, cases of unwillingness of beneficiaries, permanent migration, disputed succession of deceased beneficiaries, delay in allotment of land to landless beneficiaries by the States/UTs and at times General/Assembly/Panchayat elections, unavailability of building materials.

    The Ministry is taking the following initiatives to ensure monitoring and timely completion of the houses under PMAY-G:

    1. Timely allocation of targets to the States/UTs.follow-up with States / UTs on providing land to landless beneficiaries of PMAY-G
    2. Issue based monitoring of house sanction and completion through workflow enabled transaction-based MIS-AwaasSoft, analytic Dashboard and using other IT tools & latest AI/ML technologies.
    3. Regular review by Minister/ Secretary/ Deputy Director General.
    4. Separate review of States with high targets.
    5. Timely release of funds to the States/UTs and follow up with the States/UTs for onward release to beneficiaries.
    6. Training to Rural Masons under Rural Mason Training (RMT) programme to make available pool of trained rural masons for faster construction of quality houses.
    7. Using newly launched IT tools including Awaas+ 2024 mobile app which ensures transparent beneficiary identification with Aadhaar-based face authentication.
    8. Creation of a dedicated performance index dashboard to create healthy competition and motivation among the States/UTs for achieving the set targets.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100662) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CLEARANCE OF DUES OWED TO STATES UNDER MGNREGS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand-driven wage employment scheme. Funds are released to the States/Union Territories (UTs) based on agreed to labour budget. Fund release to the States/UTs is a continuous process and Central Government is committed to making funds available to States/UTs for the implementation of the scheme as per the demand for the work on the ground. While Wage payments are directly credited by Central Government to the account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer protocol, the Material and Admin fund is released to States/ UTs based on the provision of the Act and guidelines.

    In the beginning of every financial year, due and admissible pending liabilities if any of the previous financial year are reimbursed by the Government of India to the concerned States/UTs.

    State/UT-wise details of pending liabilities for Wage, Material and Admin component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS as on 30.01.2025 are given at Annexure.

    Annexure

    State/UT-wise details of pending liabilities for wage and material and admin component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS as on 30.01.2025. (Rs. in crore)

    SI. No.

    State

    Wage

    Material

    Admin

    Total

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    99.16

    702.30

    0.00

    801.46

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    31.48

    62.01

    0.00

    93.49

    3

    Assam

    159.76

    0.00

    10.70

    170.46

    4

    Bihar

    729.79

    811.73

    28.81

    1570.33

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    212.05

    0.00

    17.95

    230.00

    6

    Goa

    0.37

    0.00

    0.00

    0.37

    7

    Gujarat

    74.48

    12.79

    0.00

    87.27

    8

    Haryana

    30.01

    38.65

    0.58

    69.24

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    95.41

    25.22

    2.60

    123.24

    10

    Jammu And Kashmir

    83.22

    120.60

    0.00

    203.82

    11

    Jharkhand

    149.10

    207.35

    0.00

    356.45

    12

    Karnataka

    171.01

    0.00

    13.21

    184.22

    13

    Kerala

    523.77

    0.00

    55.13

    578.90

    14

    Ladakh

    2.63

    0.00

    0.00

    316.65

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    316.65

    299.98

    0.00

    635.03

    16

    Maharashtra

    335.05

    1338.26

    0.00

    1392.26

    17

    Manipur

    54.00

    133.60

    0.00

    210.67

    18

    Meghalaya

    77.07

    74.80

    1.09

    100.04

    19

    Mizoram

    24.14

    0.00

    0.00

    5.65

    20

    Nagaland

    5.65

    0.00

    0.00

    150.51

    21

    Odisha

    150.51

    14.49

    0.00

    91.94

    22

    Punjab

    77.46

    0.00

    0.00

    520.50

    23

    Rajasthan

    520.50

    507.14

    0.00

    510.51

    24

    Sikkim

    3.38

    10.21

    0.00

    1708.19

    25

    Tamil Nadu

    1697.98

    501.99

    8.77

    528.80

    26

    Telangana

    18.04

    287.00

    47.71

    453.83

    27

    Tripura

    119.13

    0.00

    56.39

    1338.44

    28

    Uttar Pradesh

    1282.05

    1023.44

    123.41

    1174.26

    29

    Uttarakhand

    27.41

    101.59

    9.21

    110.80

    30

    Andaman And Nicobar

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    31

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    32

    Lakshadweep

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    33

    Puducherry

    1.09

    0.00

    0.21

    1.31

     

    Total

    7072.34

    6273.14

    375.79

    13718.65

     

    In case of West Bengal, release of funds to the State has been stopped since 09-03-2022 as per provision of Section 27 of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 due to non-compliance of directives of Central Government.

    This information was given by Minister of State Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100661) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RURAL DISTRESS SHOWCASED BY RISE IN HOUSEHOLDS UNDER MGNREGS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand driven wage employment Scheme which provides for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

    In order to upgrade the skill base of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS’s workers, Government of India launched “Project UNNATI” in December 2019. By upgrading skill base of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS workers, the project intends to improve their livelihoods, so that they can move from the current partial employment to full employment through either self-employment or wage employment. The Project aims to enhance the skill base of 2 lakh Mahatma Gandhi NREGS workers. So far total of 82,799 Mahatma Gandhi NREGS workers have been trained (as on 31.12.2024).

    In addition, this Ministry also implements the following two welfare schemes in the field of skill development for rural poor youth for their gainful employment with a view to eradicate poverty in the country under the umbrella scheme of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):

    1. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY): DDU-GKY is a placement linked skill development program for rural poor youth in the age group of 15-35 years. DDU-GKY guidelines provide for earmarking 50% of the funds for SCs and STs and 15% for minorities. Further, one third beneficiaries of the respective categories including general category, covered under the scheme, should be women.
    2. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): RSETI is a Bank lead- MoRD funded training institutions established by the Sponsor Banks in their Districts, to provide training for Skill and Entrepreneurship Development. MoRD extends financial support for the construction of RSETI buildings and also bears the cost of training the Rural Poor candidates. Any unemployed youth in the age group of 18-45 years having an aptitude to take up self-employment or wage employment and having some basic knowledge in the related field can undergo training at RSETI. Some of the trained candidates may also seek regular salaried jobs / wage employment.

    This information was given by Minister of State Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100660) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA-GRAMIN (PMAY-G)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to achieve the objective of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from 1st April 2016 to provide assistance to 4.95 crore eligible rural households with basic amenities by March 2029. As on 02.02.2025, a cumulative target of 3.79 crore houses have been allotted to States/UTs out of which 3.34 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.69 crore houses have been completed.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29” for construction of additional 2 crore houses. Ministry has allocated targets of 84,37,139 houses during 2024-25 to the 18 States viz. Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Out of 84,37,139 houses, target of 46,56,765 houses has been allocated in the months of December,2024 and January 2025 to the 9 States viz Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Out of targets 84,37,139 houses,39,82,764 houses has been sanctioned as on 02.02.2025.

    The PMAY-G scheme has had a significant positive impact on rural India by improving access to affordable housing and had played a key role in transforming the rural housing landscape, reducing poverty, improving living standards, and fostering social and economic development in rural India. The scheme of PMAY-G has also been evaluated through various Independent institutes such as National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, NITI Aayog, National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, etc..

    PMAY-G is monitored very closely at all levels. There is a special emphasis on quality and timely completion of construction. The details of the monitoring mechanism adopted under the scheme are as follows:-

    1. All data regarding beneficiaries, the progress of construction, and the release of funds, including photographs and inspection reports are placed on AwaasSoft and this forms the basis for follow-up of both the financial and physical progress of the scheme.
    2. The physical progress of construction of a PMAY-G house is monitored through the geo-tagged, time and date-stamped photographs to be uploaded at every stage of construction and upon completion.
    3. National-level Monitors and Officers of the Ministry also visit PMAY-G houses during the field visits to assess the progress, the procedure followed for the selection of beneficiaries, etc.
    4. The Project Management Unit (PMU) at the State level is to undertake the tasks of implementation, monitoring, and quality supervision. Officers at the Block level are to inspect, as far as possible, 10% of the houses at each stage of construction; district-level officers are to inspect 2% of the houses at each stage of construction. Every house sanctioned under PMAY-G is to be tagged a village-level functionary whose task is to follow-up with the beneficiary and facilitate construction.
    5. Social Audit is to be conducted in every Gram Panchayat at least once a year.
    6. Payment of assistance to the beneficiaries, who have been sanctioned houses, is to be made directly into their bank/ post office accounts through the AwaasSoft- PFMS platform electronically. This ensure increased transparency by enabling real-time monitoring of funds disbursed to beneficiaries.
    7. To prevent misuse of funds under PMAY-G, the assistance is provided to the beneficiaries directly into their bank account/ post office account through Aadhaar Payment bridge System/Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in construction stage linked installments. At every fixed stage of construction of the house, the geo-referenced and time-stamped photograph of the house along with beneficiary is also captured.
    8. The progress of different parameters for implementing the scheme is monitored through the Performance Index Dashboard which is helping in planning appropriate intervention in required areas.
    9. There is also a procedure of lodging of complaints on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal (pgportal.gov.in) by the public. The complaints received in the Ministry of Rural Development through CPGRAMS or otherwise are forwarded to the respective State Governments/ Union Territory (Union Territory) Administrations for redressal of the grievance. Apart from this, there are mechanisms like IGRS and CM helpline at the State Level for grievance redressal. The State-wise details of complaints related to misuse of funds are given at Annexure.

    Annexure

    State-wise details of complaints related to irregularities and misappropriation of fund under PMAY-G from 01.04.2016 to 30.01.2025

    State Name

    Brought Forward

    Received During

    Pending During

    Disposed During

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    2

    0

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    2

    0

    2

    Assam

    0

    274

    0

    274

    Bihar

    0

    451

    2

    449

    Chandigarh

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    28

    1

    27

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Daman and Diu

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Delhi

    0

    8

    0

    8

    Goa

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Gujarat

    0

    8

    0

    8

    Haryana

    0

    7

    1

    6

    Himachal Pradesh

    0

    5

    2

    3

    Jammu And Kashmir

    0

    10

    0

    10

    Jharkhand

    0

    68

    2

    66

    Karnataka

    0

    2

    0

    2

    Kerala

    0

    2

    0

    2

    Ladakh

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    0

    327

    2

    325

    Maharashtra

    0

    74

    1

    73

    Manipur

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Meghalaya

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Mizoram

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Nagaland

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Odisha

    0

    79

    0

    79

    Puducherry

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Punjab

    0

    10

    0

    10

    Rajasthan

    0

    55

    0

    55

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Tamil nadu

    0

    84

    0

    84

    Telangana

    0

    3

    0

    3

    Tripura

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Uttar Pradesh

    0

    824

    3

    821

    Uttarakhand

    0

    16

    0

    16

    West Bengal

    0

    59

    0

    59

    Total

    0

    2401

    14

    2387

    This information was given by Minister of State Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NUMBER OF MGNREGA WORKERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

    State/Union Territory(UT)-wise number of active workers whose Jobcards were deleted under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) during the financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 04.02.2025) is given at Annexure.

    Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a demand-driven wage employment scheme and the responsibility of implementation of the scheme is vested with the Government of concerned States/UTs. Updation/deletion of Job Cards is a regular exercise conducted by the States/UTs. Job cards have been deleted mainly for the reasons such as fake/duplicate/incorrect job cards, family shifted from Gram Panchayat permanently, Gram Panchayat classified as Urban etc.

    To ensure more transparency in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in the States/UTs, the Ministry has decided that States/UTs shall ensure capturing of attendance at the worksite through National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App with geo-tagged two-time stamped photographs of the worker in a day for all the works (except Individual Beneficiary Scheme/Project) through NMMS w.e.f 1st January, 2023.

    In case worksite is not located in network covered area or attendance could not be uploaded due to any other network issue then attendance can be captured in offline mode and can be uploaded once the device comes into network covered area. In case of exceptional circumstances owing to which attendance could not be uploaded, the provision for exemption also exists.

    Ministry of Rural Development has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) vide letter dated 25.01.2025 to all States/UTs, with clear guidelines regarding deletion and restoration of job cards. The SOP ensures compliance with the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS guidelines, promotes transparency and protects the rights of workers by defining conditions for deletion.

    The SOP emphasizes the importance of due process, including the publication of draft lists of job cards marked for deletion, verification at Gram Sabhas, and the right of appeal for affected workers. It also mandates the linking of job cards with Aadhaar to eliminate duplicate and fraudulent entries. These measures are aimed at preventing misuse of job cards while ensuring that genuine beneficiaries are not excluded. The Ministry is committed to maintaining the integrity of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reaches eligible rural households.

    Annexure

    Sl. No.

    States/UTs-wise number of active workers whose Job cards were deleted under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 04.02.2025).

    State/UTs

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    1

    Andaman and Nicobar

    0

    0

    4

    6

    10

    26

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    0

    10654

    256678

    154658

    79837

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    0

    703

    4006

    8955

    8414

    4

    Assam

    0

    0

    25741

    82953

    154262

    379789

    5

    Bihar

    0

    0

    197417

    1183405

    203384

    251529

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    0

    20271

    116583

    249202

    66524

    7

    Dn Haveli And Dd

     

     

     

     

    0

    0

    8

    Goa

    0

    0

    0

    4

    3

    10

    9

    Gujarat

    0

    0

    17274

    69476

    88558

    15408

    10

    Haryana

    0

    0

    4009

    7883

    4202

    2759

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    0

    0

    1427

    7458

    9569

    2953

    12

    Jammu And Kashmir

    0

    0

    5101

    20782

    50591

    22542

    13

    Jharkhand

    0

    0

    78708

    259989

    163406

    151852

    14

    Karnataka

    0

    0

    28752

    158752

    58166

    14400

    15

    Kerala

    0

    0

    1295

    5730

    21418

    2602

    16

    Ladakh

    339

    1033

    206

    734

    470

    236

    17

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    18

    Madhya Pradesh

    0

    2

    935912

    495850

    896927

    55013

    19

    Maharashtra

    0

    0

    6843

    71428

    21646

    13281

    20

    Manipur

    0

    0

    305

    998

    3904

    3636

    21

    Meghalaya

    0

    0

    657

    3433

    16976

    10907

    22

    Mizoram

    0

    0

    4405

    3228

    4173

    8871

    23

    Nagaland

    0

    0

    1778

    1864

    3191

    8130

    24

    Odisha

    0

    7

    339454

    520051

    262216

    222441

    25

    Puducherry

    0

    0

    9

    110

    134

    146

    26

    Punjab

    0

    0

    14720

    90601

    24089

    7947

    27

    Rajasthan

    0

    0

    23681

    153981

    214454

    24614

    28

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    263

    449

    753

    550

    29

    Tamil Nadu

    0

    2

    21996

    128553

    146106

    77193

    30

    Telangana

    3

    39

    2212

    159995

    40720

    30152

    31

    Tripura

    0

    0

    1971

    2767

    13201

    5795

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    0

    0

    154326

    1127994

    608107

    26209

    33

    Uttarakhand

    0

    0

    3014

    12791

    20577

    16789

    34

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    5921

    506981

    40663

    2309

     

    Total

    342

    1083

    1909029

    5455513

    3484691

    1512864

     

    This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: Over 40 crore Devotees have taken the Holy Dip at the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj till date

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

    As of 10AM today, the number of devotees who took the Holy dip at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, has crossed 42 crore. With 19 days still remaining, it is expected that the number of bathers could exceed 50 crore.

    Diverse Cultures Reflected at Maha Kumbh

    Even after the three Amrit Snans (Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami), there is no decrease in the enthusiasm of devotees. People from across India and the World, are coming in large numbers to bathe in the holy Triveni. This includes 10 million kalpavasis as well as devotees and sadhus from World over.

    Massive Crowds of Devotees

    The highest numbers of devotees, over 8 crore, took the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, while 3.5 crore bathed on Makar Sankranti. Both January 30 and February 1 witnessed over 2 crore people, whole on Paush Purnima over 1.7 crore devotees took the holy dip. Further, on Basant Panchami, now than 2.5 crore devotees bathed at the Triveni.

    Notable Personalities Who Have Bathed So Far

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (along with UP Cabinet Ministers), and other prominent leaders have already bathed at the Sangam. Hon. President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to bathe at the Sangam on February 10.

    Other notable figures include the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel, Rajasthan CM Shri Bhajan Lal Sjarma, Haryana CM Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Manipur CM Shri N. Biren Singh, Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel. The list of Union Ministers include Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Shri Shripad Naik, alongwith Members of Parliament like Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Smt. Sudha Murthy, Shri Ravi Kishan etc.

    Other prominent personalities included Senior BJP leader Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Samajwadi Party National President Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, renowned poet Kumar Vishwas, Cricketer Suresh Raina, International Wrestler Khali, Choreographer Remo D’Souza, among others.

    ******

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anganwadi workers technologically empowered with the provision of smartphones for efficient monitoring and service delivery under Mission Poshan 2.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Anganwadi workers technologically empowered with the provision of smartphones for efficient monitoring and service delivery under Mission Poshan 2.0

    Provision of performance linked incentives for Anganwadi workers and helpers  for growth measurement, home visits and opening of Anganwadi centres

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Poshan Abhiyaan, an overarching scheme for holistic nourishment was launched on 8th March 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Under Poshan Abhiyaan, Incremental Learning Approach (ILA) was incorporated in order to build and strengthen the capacity of Anganwadi workers. Under the 15th Finance Commission, to address the challenge of malnutrition, 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).

    Under Mission Poshan 2.0, Anganwadi workers (AWWs) have been technologically empowered with the provision of smartphones for efficient monitoring and service delivery. IT systems have been leveraged to strengthen and bring about transparency in nutrition delivery support systems at the Anganwadi centres and for dynamic identification of stunting, wasting, under-weight prevalence among children (0-6 years). It has facilitated near real time data collection for Anganwadi Services such as, daily attendance, Early childhood care and Education (ECCE), Provision of Hot Cooked Meal (HCM)/Take Home Ration (THR-not raw ration), Growth Measurement etc. This application is working as a job aid for Anganwadi Worker replacing the need for maintaining physical registers; thereby reducing her workload.

    The learning modules on nutrition and early care and education for capacity building of all Anganwadi workers are readily available online on Poshan Tracker.

    Further, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) initiative was launched on 10th May, 2023 for upskilling of all Anganwadi workers to build their capacity to provide early childhood care and nutrition service to children below six years of age. As on date, 31,114 SLMTs (CDPOs, Supervisors and Additional Resource Persons) and 145,481 AWWs have been trained across the country under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi programme.

    One of the key program elements of the Mission Poshan 2.0 is incentivizing Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) monthly for optimal delivery of nutrition and health services and supporting behaviour change. There is a provision of performance linked incentives of Rs 500/- per month and Rs 250/- per month for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers respectively for growth measurement, home visits and opening of Anganwadi centres.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anganwadi centres are the world’s largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Anganwadi centres are the world’s largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile

    In a first of its kind approach, Ministry has extended the services of childcare through Anganwadi cum Crèche

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Government’s sustained initiatives on education, skilling and employment of women have resulted in increased opportunities for their employment, and more and more women are now in gainful employment, working within or outside their homes. Growing industrialization and urbanisation have also led to increased migration into the cities. Past few decades have shown a rapid increase in nuclear families. Thus, the children of such working women, who were earlier getting support from joint families while they were at work, are now in need of day care services which have to provide quality care and protection for the children. Lack of proper day-care services is, often, a deterrent for women to go out and work. Hence, there is an urgent need for improved quality and reach of day care services/crèches for working women amongst all socioeconomic groups both in the organized and unorganized sectors.

    To address these difficulties faced by the working mothers in giving due child care and protection to their children, day-care crèche facilities are being provided through Palna Scheme. Crèche services formalise the child care responsibilities hitherto considered as part of domestic work. Formalization of care work supports the “decent work campaign” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth. This will also enable more mothers, who will be free from unpaid child-care responsibilities, to take up gainful employment.

    Anganwadi centres are the world’s largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile. In a first of its kind approach, Ministry has extended the services of childcare through Anganwadi cum Crèche (AWCC). This will ensure whole day childcare support ensuring their well-being in a safe and secure environment. Anganwadi cum Crèche initiative aims to increase ‘women work force participation’ in the economy. The objective of Palna Scheme is to provide quality crèche facility in safe and secure environment for children (from ages 6 months – 6 years), nutritional support, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring & immunization. Crèche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status.

    Palna is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ensuring the participation of State/ UT government to ensure better day-to-day monitoring and proper implementation of scheme, and is implemented with a funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature except North East & Special Category States where ratio is 90:10. For UTs without legislature, 100% funding is provided by the central government.

    Proposals for establishment and operation of AWCCs are received from the respective State Governments/UT Administrations. As on date, a total of 11,395 AWCCs have been approved as per proposals received from various States/UTs.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Facilitator guidebook developed by NIPCCD for training of Anganwadi Workers under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Facilitator guidebook developed by NIPCCD for training of Anganwadi Workers under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi

    31,114 State Level Master Trainers and 145,481 Anganwadi Workers trained  under PBPBT till 2nd February, 2024

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:04PM by PIB Delhi

    Under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) initiative, a total of Rs. 476.05 Crore has been sanctioned for Training of State Level Master Trainers (CDPOs, Supervisors and Additional Resource Persons) and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) under Anganwadi Services Scheme during FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-2026.

    Under PBPB, the Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) are imparted training on addressing malnutrition: Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM), Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) and micronutrient deficiencies among children. A facilitator guidebook has been developed by National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) for training of Anganwadi Workers under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. Special emphasis on balanced diet and inculcating healthy practices among children with increased intake of fruits & vegetables is given during the training. The training also includes sanitation and hygiene practices imparted to the children at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). Importance of including parents and community in development of children for inculcation of good nutritional practices is also a part of the programme.

    Under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Training to Anganwadi Workers is imparted through a Three-Day Programme Schedule (18 hours Duration). Special Training sessions include – “Navchetana- National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children from Birth to Three Years, 2024” and “Aadharshila- National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education for Children from Three to Six Years 2024”. Main emphasis is given on Play Based Activities for ECCE in each AWC and Weekly Play Based Calendar for ECCE. Poshan Component includes Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children: SAM, MAM and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Children; Nutrition, Personal Hygiene and Sanitation for Children (0-6 years) & Dietary Guidelines; Growth Monitoring and Poshan Tracker and Parental Engagement and Community Mobilization for ECCE and Poshan. Special efforts have been directed to include Divyang Children – Screening, Inclusion and Referrals.

    As on 2nd February, 2025 a total of 31,114 State Level Master Trainers (SLMTs) and 145,481 Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) have been trained across the country under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. In Rajasthan 1644 SLMTs and 18,690 AWWs have been trained under PBPB.

    To monitor the process of overall development of children under the said scheme, i.e. PBPB, Poshan Tracker, an important governance tool to ensure transparency in nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education service delivery at Anganwadi Centres is used. It is available in 24 languages. For the first time in the Anganwadi eco system, baseline data on nutritional indicators is available on Poshan Tracker with monitoring of nutritional delivery (Take Home Ration/Hot Cooked Meal) and growth measurement on real time basis.

    To make training programme more sustainable in long term for anganwadi workers, provisions from Aadharshila including weekly activity schedules, home visit guidance, assessment tools for tracking child development etc. are included on the Poshan Tracker. These include daily on-the-job nudges, in the form of videos on how to conduct simple play-based learning activities with the children. 432 video slots in total with 230 unique videos have been uploaded on the Poshan Tracker Portal. 1008 activity details, 1008 daily PDFs and daily voice note slots have also been uploaded. Content is focused on 6 domains of development including foundational literacy, numeracy, and interactive activities.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
    ******************************************************************************************

    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 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, 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 websites or login screens 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.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 18:07

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has undertaken cohesive convergent efforts for protection and empowerment of the girl child

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has undertaken cohesive convergent efforts for protection and empowerment of the girl child

    The scheme is 100% funded by Central Government and has been expanded to cover all districts of the country

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:01PM by PIB Delhi

    BBBP scheme launched on 22nd  January, 2015 aims to prevent Gender based sex selection and to ensure survival and protection of girl child and also to ensure education of the girl child. The scheme is 100% funded by the Central Government and has been expanded to cover all the districts of the country. The government of West Bengal is not implementing the Scheme.

    The objectives of the Scheme are as follows:

    • Improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) by 2 points every year.
    • Improvement in the percentage of institutional deliveries to the rate of 95% or above.
    • 1% increase in 1st Trimester Anti-Natal Care (ANC) Registration per year.
    • 1% increase in enrolment at secondary education level and skilling of girls/women per year.
    • To check dropout rate among girls at secondary and higher secondary levels.
    • Raising awareness about safe Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

    The latest reports from Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) reveal that Sex ratio at Birth (SRB) is showing improving trends and has increased from 918 to 930 at national level during 2014-15 to 2023-24 with a net positive change of 12 points.

    Further, Gross Enrolment ratio of girls in the schools at secondary level has increased from 75.51 percentage in 2014-15 to 78 percentage in 2023-24 [as per Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE)-data, Ministry of Education].

    As per reports taken from Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Ministry of Health & Family welfare (MoHFW), percentage of institutional deliveries has increased from 61% in 2014-15 to 97.3% in 2023-24.

    Similarly, as per the HMIS data, Percentage of 1st trimester Ante-natal care registration have increased from 61% in 2014-15 to 80.5% in 2023-24.

    Ministry has developed an operational manual which inter-alia includes a thematic calendar for suggested convergence activities at district level with month wise specific themes for holistic development of the Girl Child and to ensure year-round engagement of girls, their families and communities.

    Under the Mission Shakti guidelines the allocation of funds to the districts is based on their differential SRB status. Keeping in mind the differential SRB status of districts as on 2020-21 (as per HMIS data of MoH&FW), three brackets for release of funds under BBBP component have been prescribed. The districts with SRB less than or equal to 918 is being provided assistance of Rs.40 Lakh per year, districts having SRB from 919 to 952 is being provided assistance of Rs. 30 lakh per year and districts having SRB more than 952 is being provided assistance of Rs. 20 lakh per year. Further, any new district formed in the coming years will also be kept under Rs. 30 lakh bracket.

    Over the past years, BBBP has successfully captured the national consciousness, mobilizing communities, government agencies, civil society, and media to work together in fostering a supportive and equitable environment for girls. Through focused interventions like awareness drives on PCPNDT act, opening of Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts for the girl child and provision of maternity benefit under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) seek to promote positive behavioral change towards girl child. They have achieved significant progress in improving the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), raising awareness about the importance of girl education, and ensuring better healthcare for girls and women.

    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has undertaken cohesive convergent efforts for protection and empowerment of the girl child and has become a cornerstone for all schemes/programmes and policies at all levels for the safety, security and empowerment of the girl child through life cycle continuum.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Athletes, Fitness Influencers Rally Behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Call to Fight Obesity

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian sports athletes and fitness influencers are stepping up to support Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call to combat obesity, made at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games 2025 in Dehradun.

    Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh stressed the need for dietary awareness. “Eating well is the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Let’s make Fit Food India a lifestyle, inspired by PM Narendra Modi ji’s commitment to fitness,” he wrote on social media platform X.

    Table tennis star Manika Batra echoed the sentiment, promoting the importance of mindful eating. “The food we eat shapes our health. Let’s commit to nutritious choices and make Fit Food India a way of life, contributing to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s mission for a fitter India,” she posted on X.

    Fit India icon and MMA champion Sangram Singh meanwhile emphasized the urgency of prioritizing health, urging people to adopt a fit lifestyle. “The most essential thing for the human body is to eat well and stay fit. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has urged this to everybody, and we must fight against obesity. At the end of life, wealth and luxuries won’t matter—only our body will carry us forward. Let’s make ourselves healthy and take the country ahead,” said Singh in a video.

    With sports icons backing the movement, the fight against obesity is gaining momentum. Last Sunday, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium in the national capital saw Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya leading a 250+ group of doctors and nutritionists taking forward Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call to fight obesity in India.

    Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made the clarion call for the same at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun. He called for a fight against obesity that is affecting all age groups, both young and old.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) drives Swachhata Pakhwada: A two-week cleanliness campaign being implemented during February 1-15, 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 3:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) celebrates a fortnight long Swachhata Pakhwada this year, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision to make swachhata “everyone’s business” and to involve all Central Government Ministries and Departments including all the attached institutions/organizations/autonomous bodies/CPSEs also in swachhata related activities.

     

    Swachhata pledge being administered by Shri S Krishnan, Secretary MeitY

    10 years of swachhata pakhwada

    The year 2025 is the 10th consecutive year of Swachhata Pakhwada implementation. The proposed calendar, along with guidelines for Swachhata Pakhwada, has been shared with all the associated organizations of MeitY. They are engaging in Shramdan activities in the communities where they are located and to which they are connected by virtue of their work. Departmental canteens run by MeitY have been taken up for priority Swachhata makeover.

    A Step towards clean India, healthy India

    The Swachhata Pledge was administered by Secretary MeitY on 03.02.2025 with the participation of AS, JSs, GCs, CISF officers & staff, CEOs and officers and officials of MeitY. The officers/officials of autonomous/ attached/subordinate offices/statutory bodies/Autonomous societies and PSUs viz. NIC, STQC, CCA, ICERT, UIDAI, NIELIT, STPI, ERNET India, C-DAC, C-MET, SAMEET, SCL, BISAG(N) NIXI, NICSI, DIC (incl. My-Gov, NeGD), CSC participated in their respective Swachhata pledges.

    The banners and posters on Swachhata Pakhwada were prominently displayed. All organizations participated enthusiastically on daily basis to achieve the goal of “Clean India and Healthy India: With your cooperation, a step towards cleanliness”. Activities like removal of unwanted clutter, dusting and sanitization, waste segregation, toilet cleaning etc. were carried out to achieve cleaner workplace and pleasant surrounding area.

    Photographs and videos of the event were taken and uploaded on Swachhata Portal. The MeitY has also issued messages on X social media.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar Power Capacity

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar Power Capacity

    With 100 GW solar power achieved, India is moving towards energy independence and a greener future.: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 2:17PM by PIB Delhi

    India has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, reinforcing its position as a global leader in renewable energy. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the nation’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future and marks a significant step toward realizing its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030 set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s energy journey over the past ten years has been historic and inspiring. Initiatives like solar panels, solar parks and rooftop solar projects have brought about revolutionary changes. As a result, today India has successfully achieved the target of 100 GW of solar energy production. In the field of green energy, India is not only becoming self-reliant but is also showing the world a new path”.

    Union Minister Joshi said that this achievement is powered by the relentless commitment to clear and greener future. The Minister added that PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana is making rooftop solar a household reality and is a game-changer in sustainable energy, empowering every home with clean power.

    Unprecedented Growth in Solar Sector

    India’s solar power sector has witnessed an extraordinary 3450 % increase in capacity over the past decade, rising from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025. As of January 31, 2025, India’s total solar capacity installed stands at 100.33 GW, with 84.10 GW under implementation and an additional 47.49 GW under tendering. The country’s hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy projects are also advancing rapidly, with 64.67 GW under implementation and tendered, bringing the grand total of solar and hybrid projects to 296.59 GW.

    Solar energy remains the dominant contributor to India’s renewable energy growth, accounting for 47% of the total installed renewable energy capacity. In 2024, record-breaking 24.5 GW of solar capacity was added reflecting a more than two-fold increase in solar installations compared to 2023. Last year also saw the installation of 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity, a nearly 2.8 times increase compared to 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are among the top-performing states, contributing significantly to India’s total utility-scale solar installations.

    The rooftop solar sector in India witnessed remarkable growth in 2024, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed, reflecting a 53% increase compared to 2023. A key driver of this growth has been the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, which is now nearing 9 lakh rooftop solar installations, enabling households across the country to embrace clean energy solutions.

    India has also made significant strides in solar manufacturing. In 2014, the country had a limited solar module production capacity of just 2 GW. Over the past decade, this has surged to 60 GW in 2024, establishing India as a global leader in solar manufacturing. With continued policy support, India is on track to achieve a solar module production capacity of 100 GW by 2030.

    Under the guidance of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been implementing key initiatives to scale up renewable energy capacity in India. This 100 GW milestone in solar energy underscores India’s role as a renewable energy powerhouse, ensuring clean, sustainable, and affordable energy access for millions while shaping a self-reliant energy future.

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    Navin Sreejith

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD to hold Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival to celebrate spring festival with public (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD to hold Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival to celebrate spring festival with public (with photos)
    LCSD to hold Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival to celebrate spring festival with public (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         To celebrate the festive season with the public, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is presenting the Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) from today (February 7) until February 12. The carnival, with the theme of “Chinese Lanterns: An Enduring Heritage”, features dazzling lanterns and a series of fabulous performances and activities. Members of the public are invited to join for free.      The HKCC piazza is decorated with specially themed lanterns to create a joyful ambience. In addition to a 6-metre ornate palace lantern and an exquisite “Glittering Fish・Lanterns with Abundant Blessings” display launched in mid-January, a number of animal-shaped lanterns such as pandas, colourful peacocks, meerkats and squirrels are also on display. The lanterns will be illuminated from 6pm to 11pm daily.      A range of entertainment and activities with traditional Chinese characteristics and youthful vigour will also be organised. There will be songs, dances and acrobatic performances featuring Bouyei, Dong and Miao ethnic groups by the Guizhou Performance and Arts Group. Other attractions include music, dance and lion dance performances by young local artists and youth organisations, an intangible cultural heritage market and photo exhibition on Guizhou, lantern riddles, inclusive performances, and more.      Details of the events are as follows:

    Theme: Chinese Lanterns: An Enduring Heritage

    Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre piazza and foyer

    From today to February 12

    Lantern display: animal-shaped lanterns including pandas, peacocks, meerkats and squirrels
    Self-service lantern riddles
    Music performances by youth groups

    February 11 

    Youth Night: Chinese instrumentals, harmonica music, a lion dance, dances and music performances by young local artists and youth organisations
    Inclusive dance and music performances
    Lantern riddles
    “Diverse Guizhou” intangible cultural heritage market and “Secret Views” of Guizhou photo exhibition

    February 12

    Gala Night: ethnic songs, dances and a variety show by the Guizhou Performance and Arts Group, and a cappella and break dance performances by local groups
    Lantern riddles
    “Diverse Guizhou” intangible cultural heritage market and “Secret Views” of Guizhou photo exhibition

    Chinese New Year Lantern Display (running until February 16)

    A 6-metre ornate palace lantern adorned with peonies and magpies, and surrounded by sky lanterns, carp fish and lotus flower lanterns and an exquisite “Glittering Fish・Lanterns with Abundant Blessings” lantern display made by local paper-crafting master Mo Cheuk Kei based on the style of traditional Chinese New Year paintings

          Both the Chinese New Year Lantern Display and the Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival are part of the activities of the Spring Festival Gala 2025. For details about stage performances and activities, please refer to the event webpage at: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/cpo/lanterncarnival.html or call 2591 1340.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 16:35

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for re-opening of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on February 13

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender for re-opening of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on February 13
    Tender for re-opening of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on February 13
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (February 7) that a tender of 10-year RMB Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 10-year Government Bond issue 10GB3411001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, for settlement on Monday, February 17, 2025.           An additional amount of RMB1.0 billion of the outstanding 10-year Bonds (issue no. 10GB3411001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on November 20, 2034 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.46 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on February 7, 2025 are 100.47 with a semi-annualised yield of 2.406 per cent.           Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.           Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3.00pm on the tender day. HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information     Tender information of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 

    Issue Number
    :
    10GB3411001

    Stock Code
    :
    84586 (HKGB2.46 3411-R)

    Tender Date and Time
    :
    Thursday, February 13, 20259.30am to 10.30am

    Issue and Settlement Date
    :
    Monday, February 17, 2025

    Amount on Offer
    :
    RMB1.0 billion

    Maturity
    :
    10 years

    Remaining maturity
    :
    Approximately 9.76 years

    Maturity Date
    :
    Monday, November 20, 2034

    Interest Rate
    :
    2.46 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear

    Interest Payment Dates
    :
    May 18 and November 18 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    Method of Tender
    :
    Competitive tender

    Tender Amount
    :
    Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (February 17, 2025) for the tender amount is RMB306.66 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000.(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).

    Other Details
    :
    Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.

    Expected commencement date of dealing onthe Stock Exchangeof Hong Kong Limited
    :
    The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 10GB3411001 (Stock code: 84586) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

    Use of Proceeds
    :
    The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 22 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    22 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements
    22 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements
    ******************************************************************************************

         Twenty-two landlords of subdivided units (SDUs), who contravened Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7) (the Ordinance), pleaded guilty and were fined a total of $42,000 today (February 7) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Since the Ordinance came into force, the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) has successfully prosecuted 552 cases involving a total of 473 SDU landlords, with fines ranging from $400 to $34,800, amounting to a total of $1,307,010.      The offences of these 22 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; (2) failing to produce copies of the bills and provide an account in writing when requiring the tenant to pay for the reimbursement of the apportioned water and/or electricity charges; (3) failing to provide the tenant with a rent receipt; and (4) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). Two joint landlords each committed five offences under (4) and were each fined $4,500.     The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.      A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded SDU tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether the landlords concerned have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance.      To help curb illegal acts as soon as possible, members of the public should report to the RVD promptly any suspected cases of contravening the relevant requirements. Reporting can be made through the telephone hotline (2150 8303), by email (enquiries@rvd.gov.hk), by fax (2116 4920), by post (15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon), or in person (visiting the Tenancy Services Section office of the RVD at Room 3816-22, 38/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and please call 2150 8303 to make an appointment). Furthermore, the RVD has provided a form (Form AR4) (www.rvd.gov.hk/doc/en/forms/ar4.pdf) on its website to facilitate SDU tenants’ reporting to the RVD.      The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. Since the first batch of regulated tenancies has already approached their second-term tenancies, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work in order to assist SDU landlords and tenants to understand the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy. In addition, the RVD has started issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to remind them about their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html) for the relevant information, including a concise guide, brochures, tutorial videos and frequently asked questions. SDU landlords and tenants are also advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant statutory requirements and maintain close communication regarding the second-term tenancy for handling the matters properly and in a timely manner according to the Ordinance.      For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.html) for the relevant information.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Update on Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts

    More than 73.90 Crore ABHA IDs have been created

    A comprehensive media and outreach strategy has been adopted to spread awareness and to empower the beneficiaries about their entitlements and rights under the scheme

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 2:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India has launched Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with a vision to create national digital health ecosystem, wherein to ensure participation of citizen, Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) numbers that is a 14-digit Unique Health Identifier (erstwhile known as Health IDs) are created. As on 03.02.2025, 73,90,93,095 number of ABHA IDs have been created.

    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has undertaken various steps to raise awareness about the scheme among eligible beneficiaries across country. A comprehensive media and outreach strategy to spread awareness and to empower the beneficiaries about their entitlements and rights under the scheme has been followed. IEC (Information, Education & communication) activities to disseminate information about the scheme include outdoor media, digital display at ticket counters across various railway stations, announcements at major bus stations, passenger train, branding, national and regional press coverage, op-eds and advertorials in print media, radio campaign, telecast of beneficiary testimonials via Doordarshan, mass messaging through SMS, traditional media etc.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken to Strengthen Public Healthcare Facilities

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Measures taken to Strengthen Public Healthcare Facilities

    Union Health Ministry provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system in the form of Programme Implementation Plans under National Health Mission

    Indian Public Health Standards benchmarks ensure the delivery of minimum essential services through public healthcare facilities

    Web-based dashboard of IPHS launched in 2024 offers real-time updates, enabling oversight and data-driven decision-making to identify gaps and facilitate timely interventions

    93% of healthcare facilities have been assessed for IPHS, among which 55% facilities have scored more than 50%

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 2:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the National Health Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system including recruitment of health care professionals in rural areas and to bridge the infrastructure gaps in rural healthcare facilities based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission. Government of India provides financial approval for the proposal in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources.             

    The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) are essential benchmarks that ensure the delivery of minimum essential services through public healthcare facilities, including District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centers, Primary Health Centers, and Sub Health Centre. Developed in 2007 and revised in 2012 and 2022, these standards align with recent public health initiatives and are fundamental to our healthcare system. The IPHS guidelines help states plan and meet crucial standards, leading to better health outcomes and increased public trust in the healthcare system.

    The Union Health Ministry has developed an open-source toolkit and a web-based dashboard (www.iphs.mohfw.gov.in) launched under IPHS on 28th June 2024 to facilitate self- assessment by all levels of facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The IPHS Dashboard is designed to monitor public health facilities’ compliance with the IPHS 2022 standards and offers real-time updates, enabling oversight and data-driven decision-making to identify gaps and facilitate timely interventions.

    As on 22nd January, 2025 – 93% of healthcare facilities have been assessed for IPHS. Among total assessed facilities, 55% facilities have scored more than 50%.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on Status of Healthcare Infrastructure under NHM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Update on Status of Healthcare Infrastructure under NHM

    Extension of National Health Mission has been given by the Union Cabinet for the period of FY 2021-26

    Various incentives and honorarium are provided to medical professionals for encouraging better service delivery in rural and remote areas

    NHM strengthens the urban health system through initiatives like Ayushman Arogya Mandir, National Ambulance Services, Mobile Medical Units, ASHAs, 24/7 services, First Referral Facilities, Prime Minister’s National Dialysis Programme etc

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Health Dynamics of India (HDI) (Infrastructure & Human Resources), 2022-23 is an annual publication, based on healthcare administrative data reported by States/UTs. Details of Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and sub-centers constructed or upgraded in rural & urban areas in the country, State/UT-wise, may be seen at the following link of HDI 2022-23:

    https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health%20Dynamics%20of%20India%20%28Infrastructure%20%26%20Human%20Resources%29%202022-23_RE%20%281%29.pdf

     

    Extension of National Health Mission (NHM) has been given by the Union Cabinet for the period of FY 2021-26. The details of target set and achieved under NHM are listed below:

    Targets

    (as per NHM extension for 2021-26)

    Status

    Reduce MMR to 87 per 1 lakh

    97 per 1 lakh live births

    (SRS 2018-20)

    Reduce IMR to 22 per thousand

    28 per thousand (SRS 2020)

    Sustain TFR to 2.0 at national level

    2.0 (NFHS 5)

    Achieve the operationalization of 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (erstwhile AB-HWC)

    1,76,325 (as on 31.1.2025)

    Achieve and sustain more than 90% Full Immunization coverage of all children by one year of age

    93.6%

    (as on 31.10.2024)

    Malaria: No. of districts with Annual Parasite Incidence (API)<1/1000 population-710

    699 (2023)

    Dengue: Sustain Case fatality rate at <1%

    0.09%

    (as on 31.10.2024)

    Lymphatic Filariasis: No. of districts observing mass drug administration (MDA) in eligible population- 40

    159 (2024)

    Kala Azar: Achieve ‘zero’ no. of endemic blocks reporting >1 KA case/10000 population at block level by 2023-24 and sustain elimination status till 2025-26

    Achieved ‘zero’ blocks till 2023-24. Status sustained till Oct, 2024.

    Status of Human Resource is available in HDI 2022-23 which may be seen at the following link:

     

    https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health%20Dynamics%20of%20India%20%28Infrastructure%20%26%20Human%20Resources%29%202022-23_RE%20%281%29.pdf

    The Government of India has taken number of initiatives in the form of incentives and honorarium to the medical professionals for encouraging better service delivery in rural and remote areas in the country, which include:

     

    1. Hard area allowance to specialist doctors for serving in rural and remote areas so that they find it attractive to serve in public health facilities in such areas.
    2. Honorarium to Gynecologists/ Emergency Obstetric Care (EmoC) trained, Pediatricians & Anesthetist/ Life Saving Anaesthesia Skills (LSAS) trained doctors to increase availability of specialists for conducting Cesarean Sections in rural & remote area.
    3. Special incentives for doctors, incentive for ANM for ensuring timely ANC checkup and recording, incentives for conducting Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health activities.
    4. States are also allowed to offer negotiable salary to attract specialist including flexibility in strategies such as “You Quote We Pay”.
    5. Non-monetary incentives such as preferential admission in postgraduate courses for staff serving in difficult areas and improving accommodation arrangement in rural areas have also been introduced under NHM.
    6. Multi-skilling of doctors is supported under NHM to overcome the shortage of specialists. Skill upgradation of existing HR is another major strategy under NRHM for achieving improvement in health outcomes.

     

    To strengthen urban health system, National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched in 2013 as a sub-mission of NHM. Various initiatives carried out under NHM by the Government of India in the country including in urban areas are operationalisation of Ayushman Arogya Mandir, National Ambulance Services, Mobile Medical Units, ASHAs, 24 x 7 Services and First Referral Facilities, Prime Minister’s National Dialysis Programme, Free Diagnostics Service Initiative and Free Drugs Service Initiative, various activities under Reproductive & Child Health, Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy, Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) and Universal Immunization programme.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken to control the spread of HMPV

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Steps taken to control the spread of HMPV

    Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Activated to Track HMPV Situation

    Robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness for Influenza in place in India through ICMR and IDSP networks

    States Urged to Enhance Awareness and Surveillance for Respiratory Illnesses Amid HMPV Concerns

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 1:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been present globally since 2001. The data from Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) does not indicate any unusual rise in Influenza Like Illness (ILI)/Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases anywhere in the country which has also been corroborated by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data. Since January 6th, 2025 till 29th January 2025 a total of 59 cases have been reported by 11 States/UTs in India.

    The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken several specific measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases and to create public awareness through campaigns regarding HMPV symptoms and prevention strategies. The steps taken by Government of India are as under:

     

    • Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) since 6th January, 2025 for regular monitoring of HMPV situation. Daily Situational Report (SitRep) is shared to the concerned stakeholders.

     

    • States/UTs have been advised to be vigilant and send respiratory samples of hospitalized SARI cases to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing of positive samples.

     

    • A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks.

     

    • The states have been advised to enhance Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus through simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.

     

    • Government conducted a preparedness drill across the country and it is ascertained that the health system is adequately prepared to deal with the seasonal increase in respiratory illness.
    • Several meetings were held at the level of Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Director General of Health Services, Joint Monitoring Group with various stakeholders and reviewed the situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases. The stakeholders include Department of Health Research, DGHS, Health Secretaries and officials of States, experts from Integrated Disease Surveillance Platform (IDSP), NCDC, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and State Surveillance Units of IDSP.
    • States have been advised to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance.

     

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken to Improve Mental Healthcare

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Measures taken to Improve Mental Healthcare

    Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” in October, 2022, that would function as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme

    36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells whose services are available in 20 languages

    Government has launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application in October, 2024 to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders

    Tele-MANAS Cell established at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents

    Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at more than 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase the intake of students in Post Graduate departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities

    42,488 mental healthcare professionals trained under Digital Academies, established since 2018 at three Central Mental Health Institutes

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 1:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) on 10th October, 2022, that would function as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24 x 7 tele-mental health counselling services. For this, a toll-free number (14416) has been set up across the country.

    Specific objectives of the Programme are:

    • To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India, any time, by setting up a 24×7 tele-mental health facility in each of the States and UTs of the country.
    • To implement a full-fledged mental health service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions.
    • To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations.

     

    As on 03.02.2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 18,13,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

    Rs. 120.98 crore, Rs. 133.73 crore and Rs. 90.00 crore has been allocated for National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) for the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 respectively.

    The Government has launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on World Mental Health Day, i.e. 10th October, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders.

    The Government has established a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents, further enhancing the mental health care services available to them.

    In addition to the above, the Government is also taking steps to integrate mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

    The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals. Facilities are also made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels and include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.

    Under the Tertiary care component of NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase the intake of students in Post Graduate (PG) departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities. The Government has also provided support to establish / strengthen 47 PG Departments in mental health specialties in 19 Government Medical Colleges/ institutions.

    For increasing the number of psychiatrists in the Country, Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued the Minimum Standard of Requirements for Post-Graduate Courses – 2023 (PGMSR-2023) on 15.1.2024. For starting/ increase of seats in MD (Psychiatry), the number of OPD has been brought down to 30 per day for annual intake of maximum 2 PG students with 20% increase for each additional seat. Similarly, the minimum beds required per unit for starting MD (Psychiatry) course with 2 seats, 3 seats and 5 seats in a medical college is 8 beds, 12 beds and 20 beds respectively.

    The Government is also augmenting the availability of manpower to deliver mental healthcare services in the underserved areas of the country by providing online training courses to various categories of general healthcare medical and para medical professionals through the Digital Academies, established since 2018, at the three Central Mental Health Institutes namely National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. The total number of professionals trained under Digital Academies are 42,488.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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    MV

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving ocean-going vessel with goods worth about $30 million seized (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs on January 23 detected a suspected case of using an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods to Malaysia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. A batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods and parts with an estimated market value of about $30 million was seized.

         Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods and thus formulated strategies to combat related activities.

         On January 23, Customs officers identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for Malaysia for inspection and seized a batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods and parts, including computer main units, central processing units and printed circuit boards, inside a container that was declared as containing aluminium materials.

         An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

         Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.

         Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Odisha implements “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan”, “Swarna Kalika” and “Veerangana Yojana” under BBBP Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Odisha implements “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan”, “Swarna Kalika” and “Veerangana Yojana” under BBBP Scheme

    Schemes launched for adolescent girls to prevent child marriages, to combat sex selection and female foeticide, and to boost Self-Esteem and Confidence

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 1:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) scheme was launched on 22nd January, 2015 to address the alarming gender imbalance and declining child sex ratio in India. Various initiatives have been implemented by Odisha Government to achieve the aims and goals of BBBP scheme. Major scheme of Odisha Governments under BBBP are “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter) in Ganjam , “Kalpana Avijan” in Dhenkanal, “Swarna Kalika” in Keonjhar and “Veerangana Yojana” in Deogarh district. These schemes are launched for adolescent girls to make them say “no to child marriage”, to combat sex selection and female foeticide, to continue their study with higher education and to boost Self-Esteem and Confidence through martial arts and self-defence techniques.

    1. “Nirbhay Kadhi” (The Fearless Bud) and “Mo Gelha Jhia” (My Lovely Daughter) of Ganjam district.

    “Nirbhay Kadhi (The Fearless Bud)”, l.e., the fearless adolescents is the special initiative of the Ganjam District Administration under BBBP to attain a just order fit for girl child. 183,933 adolescent girls of nearly 3,309 villages in Ganjam district in the age group of 11-18 years are covered under Nirbhaya Kadhi Scheme through awareness meetings.

    Another satellite programme of BBBP launched in the district is Mo Gelha Jhia (My Lovely Daughter) to combat sex selection and female foeticide in Ganjam district.

    As an outcome on 3rd January 2022, the administration declared Ganjam district as child marriage free. From 2019 to October 2024, almost 20 out of 953 child marriages were successfully prevented with the help of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), District Child Protection Units (DCPU), Child line and Police. Mostly 450,000 students from 3,614 government schools made a public declaration to say ‘No’ to child marriage. An award of 5,000 is given to those who provided first information about child marriage.

    On its 9th Foundation Day, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) felicitated Collector, Ganjam district for taking proactive measures in prevention of child marriage and ensuring their rights.

     

    2. “Kalpana Avijan” scheme of Dhenkanal district

     

    This scheme was launched in Dhenkanal district of Odisha to track and monitor adolescent girls (10-19 years) and prevent child marriage through committees at various levels. This scheme prevented 343 child marriages between year 2019-2024.  About 1,13,515 adolescent girls identified and enrolled under the scheme. Around 4,45,000 students from 3,425 schools declared saying ‘NO’ to child marriage in the form of oath taking in a public place. Awareness programme were organized in 1,211 villages and strategic forums formed for engagement with youth and traditional leaders.

    On the Observation of International Girl Child Week 2024, felicitated by ADM, Dhenkanal for taking proactive measures in the prevention of child marriage and ensuring their rights of childcare and protection. Women Ambassador, WCD and Mission Shakti, Odisha felicitated District social welfare officer, Dhenkanal for taking proactive measures in the prevention of child marriage.  Ms Barsha Priyadarshini Sahoo of Odapada Block in Dhenkanal District awarded by the District Administration for raising voice against her early marriage and take the initiative to stop Child Marriage in their Block. The administration felicitated the Mountaineer who said no to her child marriage and was rescued by the District Administration with help from other functionaries was declared as the brand ambassador of Kalpana Abhiijan programme.

     

    3. “Swarna Kalika” scheme of Keonjhar district

     

    Through “Swarna Kalika” scheme awareness raised in villages on the harmful effects of child marriage. Over 2,000 stakeholders involved in the campaign Promoted ADVIKA app for awareness and intervention in Keonjhar district of Odisha.

    Successful district-level campaign involving adolescents and community leaders and strengthened community systems to protect children resulted in  reduction in child marriages by 50% by 2024 through awareness campaigns and community mobilization.

     

     

    4. “Veerangana” scheme of Deogarh district

    With the growing crimes against women and girls, it is important to know more than just the use of pepper spray, Different forms of Martial Arts can help a lot to defend girls in the time of need. Under BBBP scheme, the “VEERANGANA” is one such innovative and scaled-up approach of District Administration, Deogarh, with an objective to Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence in the adolescent girls through martial arts and self-defence techniques to keep protected girls from cheap comments, eve-teasing, harassment, being followed, groping, molestation, etc., facing in day-to-day affair through defending skills.

    A 30-Day Training Camp on Self-Defence and Martial Art under title VEERANGANA was organized in the Indoor Stadium; Deogarh with the technical support from State KUDO Association of Odisha, Cuttack, Apart from this, in the Training Camp Awareness and Counselling sessions by the experts was also conducted for Adolescent and their parents on legal rights and entitlements of Girls.

    More than 500 adolescents from various schools and colleges, in the age group of 14-19 years participated in the 30-day long training camp on Martial Art. About 300 guardians and teachers were also involved and imparted orientation on the legal rights and entitlements of the girts, As a way forward, 50 female master trainers as developed from this initiative, imparted short training session on the basics of martial arts in 300 schools of rural pockets extending the training to around 6,000 girl students.

    This Special Drive-VEERANGANA, won the appreciation of mass media and were institutionalized in many schools and colleges. The District Administration in the District Festival awarded VEERANGANA.

    VEERANGANA also begged the Prestigious SKOCH Award as the Semi Finalist, 50 female master trainers developed from this initiative, imparted short training session on the basics of martial arts in 300 schools of rural pockets extending the training to around 6,000 girl students.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 32nd Session of the Indian Art History Congress to be organized from 8th to 10th February 2025 at Indian Institute of Heritage Noida

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 12:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Art History Congress is an all-India body of the study of the Indian Art Heritage, its headquarters being situated in Guwahati. This year, the 32nd Session of the Indian Art History Congress is being hosted by the Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida, deemed to be university, under the Ministry of Culture from 8th to 10th February 2025. The conference is being held on the theme “Rendering of Indian Epics in Art and Culture,” which aims to highlight the diverse forms of artistic expressions based on the epics. A variety of oral, textual and visual mediums became a conduit through which these narratives were transmitted. In this context, the conference aims to be a platform that brings together conversations on the various forms of artistic and performative representations of the epics. It highlights the multiplicity and plurality of the epics in terms of its diverse artistic manifestations tracing their influence as well as their representation from ancient to contemporary times.

    The conference will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism and Chancellor, Indian Institute of Heritage. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Member of Parliament, Former Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture and Former Chancellor, National Museum Institute will grace the Inaugural Programme as the Guest of Honour.

    The Rāmāyana and the Mahābhārata, two of India’s most ancient epics, continue to shape the cultural ethos of the nation. Over time, different renditions of the epics were produced in different languages that reflected the unique manifestations of different cultures and regions, reforming the epics with local variations. Prof. (Dr.) B. R. Mani, the Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Heritage mentioned that, “the ideals of the epics and its universal themes of Dharma, comprising deliberations on duty, righteousness and justice, became a guiding way of life for a diverse section of people not only in India but finding resonance across cultures even beyond our country.” The contribution and significance of the Indian Art History Congress is elaborated by Prof. (Dr.) Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, Chairman, IAHC and Prof. D. S. Somashekhar, General Secretary, IAHC. They said, “Art is both an inward and outward journey for sensitive beings to attain the Supreme bliss. The experience of Art transcends age. The Indian Art History Congress-Guwahati devoted to promoting interest for Art, its preservation and protection, has involved both veteran and young scholars alike to reach the goal. The great scholars like Prof. K. D. Bajpai, Dr. R. D. Choudhury and others made our organisation a medium through which they tried to orient generations of young scholars for protecting our rich cultural heritage- both tangible and intangible. We are into their shoes carrying their dreams further for posterity.”

    The conference has already seen a phenomenal response wherein more than 200 abstract submissions were received for evaluation. This attests to the fact that the Indian epics not only shaped the moral, spiritual, and artistic ethos of our ancient civilization but continue to resonate in the present times with similar fervour. Abstract submissions reflect the diversity of thematic discourses that look into the aspects of mythology, history, aesthetics, statehood, identity, cultural exchanges, diplomacy, international legacies, modernist reinterpretations, and regional influences, among others. Furthermore, the diverse backgrounds of the scholars – from disciplines such as art history, archaeology, ancient Indian history, epigraphy, numismatics, and others – and their varied research interests will bring about unique intersections of thought and interdisciplinary dialogues, fostering new and enriched outlook on the epics. Thus, the conference aims to be a space where these various intersections and interpretations by senior and emerging scholars will come together to create a profoundly engaging scholarly endeavour.

    The Indian Institute of Heritage is pleased to collaborate with the Indian Art History Congress to host this conference on such a timely and profound theme.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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