Centre frames draft rules for Gas Meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 Rules mandates gas meters to undergo testing, verification and stamping prior use in trade and commerce
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:40PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has taken a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection, promoting fair trade practices and ensuring accurate measurement in gas usage by framing draft rules for Gas Meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules make it mandatory for all gas meters used for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes, to undergo testing, verification and stamping prior to their use in trade and commerce. The re-verification of these gas meters is also prescribed under the rules to ensure their correctness when these are in use.
The primary objective of these new rules is to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability in the measurement of gas. Verified and stamped gas meters will prevent overcharging or under-measurement, reduce disputes and provide guaranteed protection to consumers against faulty or manipulated devices. Consumers stand to benefit directly through fair billing, improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs arising from standardized and compliant equipment.
In addition to consumer benefits, the rules provide a structured compliance framework for manufacturers and gas distribution companies, aligned with international best practices and OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) standards. This alignment strengthens India’s commitment to global standards, boosts credibility in international trade and encourages innovation and quality assurance within the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
The Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, entrusted with ensuring the accuracy of all weighments and measurements has followed a thorough and inclusive consultative process to draft these rules. A technical committee consisting of representatives from the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), industry experts and Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs) was constituted to frame the draft. Simultaneously, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was engaged to examine the draft and provide scientific and technical inputs.
Draft rules were widely circulated among stakeholders, including manufacturers, testing laboratories, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies and State Legal Metrology Departments. Their feedback was carefully analysed and incorporated into the final draft, wherever required. Multiple rounds of stakeholder meetings and inter-departmental consultations were held to ensure every aspect was comprehensively addressed, balancing regulatory requirements with ease of implementation.
Following deliberations, the rules were finalized with a provision for a transitional period to allow industry and implementing authorities to prepare for compliance. This measured approach ensures a smooth implementation across the country without disrupting gas supply or burdening consumers or businesses.
This initiative underscores the Department’s commitment to modernizing India’s measurement ecosystem in line with global benchmarks, enhancing consumer confidence and promoting efficiency and integrity in the market. With these rules, India moves closer to a transparent and accountable system of gas measurement, aligned with its vision of consumer-centric governance and international standardization.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, says the Modi govt is rooting out drug networks ruthlessly In the ceaseless pursuit of building a drug-free Bharat, a monumental feat was achieved by seizing 300 kg of narcotics worth ₹1800 crore near the international maritime border
This operation, in the seas, is a shining example of the success of the Modi govt’s whole-of-the-government approach to rooting out the evil of narcotics
Home Minister applaud Gujarat Police ATS and Indian Coast Guard for the grand success
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:35PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has said that the Modi government is rooting out drug networks ruthlessly.
In a post on ‘X’, Union Home Minister said, “In the ceaseless pursuit of building a drug-free Bharat, a monumental feat was achieved by seizing 300 kg of narcotics worth ₹1800 crore near the international maritime border. This operation, in the seas, is a shining example of the success of the Modi govt’s whole-of-the-government approach to rooting out the evil of narcotics. Applaud Gujarat Police ATS and Indian Coast Guard for the grand success”.
The Modi govt is rooting out drug networks ruthlessly.
In the ceaseless pursuit of building a drug-free Bharat, a monumental feat was achieved by seizing 300 kg of narcotics worth ₹1800 crore near the international maritime border. This operation, in the seas, is a shining…
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today called upon citizens to reaffirm their commitment to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideals in building a Viksit Bharat. Responding to a post by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on X, Shri Modi said:
“Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh writes that Babasaheb was one of modern India’s greatest thinkers and institution-builders. He recalls Dr. Ambedkar’s role in establishing key institutions and calls upon citizens to reaffirm their commitment to his ideals in building a Viksit Bharat.”
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh writes that Babasaheb was one of modern India’s greatest thinkers and institution-builders. He recalls Dr. Ambedkar’s role in establishing key institutions and calls upon citizens to reaffirm their commitment to his ideals in building a Viksit… https://t.co/VpgWVchCcR
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of new terminal building of Hisar airport worth over Rs 410 crore Today, being the birth anniversary of the architect of our Constitution, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, is a very important day for all of us, for the entire country: PM
Today flights have started from Haryana to Ayodhya Dham, meaning now the holy land of Shri Krishna, Haryana, is directly connected to the city of Lord Ram: PM
On one hand, our government is emphasizing on connectivity and on the other hand, we are also ensuring welfare of the poor and social justice: PM
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi
In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport in Hisar, Haryana worth over Rs 410 crore today. Addressing the gathering, he extended his greetings to the people of Haryana, acknowledging their strength, sportsmanship, and brotherhood as the defining traits of the state. He expressed his gratitude to the large gathering for their blessings during this busy harvest season.
The Prime Minister paid respectful homage to Guru Jambheshwar, Maharaja Agrasen, and the sacred Agroha Dham. He shared his fond memories of Haryana, particularly Hisar, recalling his time working closely with many colleagues when he was entrusted with the responsibility of the state by his party. He highlighted the dedication and efforts of these colleagues in strengthening the party’s foundation in Haryana. He expressed pride in his party’s commitment to the goal of a developed Haryana and a developed India, working with utmost seriousness toward this vision.
“Today is a significant day for the entire nation as it marks the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar”, said Shri Modi, highlighting that Babasaheb’s life, struggles, and message have been the cornerstone of the government’s 11-year journey. He emphasized that every decision, every policy, and every day of the government has been dedicated to Babasaheb’s vision. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the lives and fulfilling the dreams of the underprivileged, oppressed, exploited, poor, tribal communities, and women. He stated that continuous and rapid development has been the mantra of their government to achieve these goals.
Underlining the launch of flights connecting Haryana to Ayodhya Dham, symbolizing the direct link between the sacred land of Shri Krishna and the city of Lord Ram, the Prime Minister announced that flights to other cities will commence soon. He highlighted the foundation stone laying of the new terminal building at Hisar Airport, describing it as a step toward elevating Haryana’s aspirations to new heights. He extended his congratulations to the people of Haryana for this significant milestone.
Reiterating his promise that even those wearing slippers would fly in airplanes, a vision now being realized across the country, Shri Modi highlighted that in the past 10 years, millions of Indians have experienced air travel for the first time. He noted that new airports have been built even in areas that previously lacked proper railway stations, sharing that before 2014, India had 74 airports, a number achieved in 70 years while today, the number of airports has surpassed 150. He emphasized that nearly 90 aerodromes have been connected under the UDAN scheme, with over 600 routes operational, enabling affordable air travel for many. He remarked that this has led to record-breaking numbers of annual air travelers. He further highlighted that various airlines have placed record orders to the tune of 2,000 new aircraft, which will create numerous jobs for pilots, air hostesses, and other services. He also pointed out that the aircraft maintenance sector will generate significant employment opportunities. “Hisar Airport will elevate the aspirations of Haryana’s youth, providing them with new opportunities and dreams”, he added.
“Our government is focusing on connectivity while ensuring welfare for the poor and social justice, fulfilling the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the aspirations of the Constitution’s framers”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He criticized the Congress party for its treatment of Babasaheb Ambedkar, stating that while he was alive, they insulted him, orchestrated his electoral defeats twice, and conspired to exclude him from the system. He remarked that after Babasaheb’s passing, the party also attempted to erase his legacy and suppress his ideas. He highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar was the protector of the Constitution, whereas they became its destroyer. He stated that while Dr. Ambedkar aimed to bring equality, Congress spread the virus of vote-bank politics in the country.
Shri Modi remarked that Babasaheb Ambedkar envisioned a life of dignity for every poor and marginalized individual, enabling them to dream and fulfill their aspirations. He criticized the previous government for treating SC, ST, and OBC communities as second-class citizens during its long tenure. He highlighted the disparity under its rule, where water reached the swimming pools of some leaders but failed to reach villages. He noted that even after 70 years of independence, only 16% of rural households had tap water connections, disproportionately affecting SC, ST, and OBC communities. He shared that in the past 6-7 years, their government has provided tap water connections to over 12 crore rural households, raising the coverage to 80% of rural homes. He expressed confidence that, with Babasaheb’s blessings, tap water will reach every household. He also addressed the lack of toilets, which severely impacted SC, ST, and OBC communities. He highlighted the government’s efforts in constructing over 11 crore toilets, ensuring a life of dignity for the underprivileged.
Criticising the previous dispensation’s rule, during which the SC, ST, and OBC communities faced significant barriers, with even access to banks being a distant dream, the Prime Minister said that insurance, loans, and financial assistance were mere aspirations for them. He highlighted that under their government, the largest beneficiaries of Jan Dhan accounts are from SC, ST, and OBC communities. He proudly noted that today, these individuals confidently showcase their RuPay cards, symbolizing their financial inclusion and empowerment.
Shri Modi further criticised the Congress party for turning the sacred Constitution into a mere tool for gaining power. He remarked that whenever they faced a crisis of power, it crushed the Constitution. He highlighted the Emergency period, during which the then Government undermined the spirit of the Constitution to retain power. He emphasized that the essence of the Constitution is to ensure a uniform civil code for all, but the then Government never implemented it. He pointed out the opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, despite its alignment with the Constitution’s principles.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that the Constitution provided for reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities, but Congress turned it into a tool for appeasement. He highlighted recent reports of the present government in Karnataka granting reservations in government tenders based on religion, despite the Constitution not allowing such provisions. He stated that appeasement policies have significantly harmed the Muslim community, benefiting only a few extremists while leaving the rest of the society neglected, uneducated, and impoverished. He pointed to the Waqf Act as the biggest evidence of the previous Government’s flawed policies. He noted that in 2013, just months before elections, Congress amended the Waqf Act to appease its vote bank, elevating it above several constitutional provisions.
Criticising the Congress for claiming to work for the welfare of Muslims while failing to take meaningful actions, Shri Modi remarked that if the party truly cared for the Muslim community, they would have appointed a Muslim as their party president or allocated 50% of their tickets to Muslim candidates, stating that their intentions were never aligned with the genuine welfare of Muslims, exposing their true nature. Highlighting the vast tracts of land under Waqf, meant to benefit the poor, destitute women and children, were instead exploited by a handful of land mafias, Shri Modi pointed out that these mafias were encroaching on lands belonging to Dalits, backward classes, and tribals, leaving the Pasmanda Muslim community without any benefits. He mentioned that amendments to the Waqf Act will put an end to such exploitation, emphasizing a significant new provision in the amended law, ensuring that tribal lands cannot be touched by Waqf boards. He described this as a major step in protecting tribal interests. He stated that the new provisions will honor the sanctity of Waqf, ensuring that the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslim families, women, and children are upheld. He affirmed that this reflects the true spirit of the Constitution and genuine social justice.
Underlining the numerous steps taken by the government since 2014 to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and inspire future generations, the Prime Minister pointed out that places associated with Babasaheb, both in India and abroad, were neglected for years. He noted that even for constructing Babasaheb’s memorial at Indu Mill in Mumbai, people had to protest. He emphasized that their government has developed all key sites, including Babasaheb’s birthplace in Mhow, his educational site in London, his Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and his Diksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, transforming them into the “Panchteerth.” He shared his privilege of recently visiting Diksha Bhoomi to pay homage to Babasaheb. The Prime Minister criticized Congress for making lofty claims about social justice while failing to honor Babasaheb and Chaudhary Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna during their tenure. He proudly stated that Babasaheb was awarded the Bharat Ratna only when a BJP-supported government was in power at the center, and it was also their party when in power honored Chaudhary Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna.
Lauding the Haryana government for consistently strengthening the path of social justice and welfare for the poor, the Prime Minister highlighted the dire state of government jobs in Haryana under previous administrations, where individuals had to rely on political connections or sell family assets to secure employment. He expressed satisfaction with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s government, which has eradicated these corrupt practices. He praised Haryana’s remarkable track record of providing jobs without bribes or recommendations. He noted that previous governments had made every effort to prevent 25,000 youth in Haryana from receiving government jobs. However, as soon as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini took office, thousands of appointment letters were issued to deserving candidates. He described this as an example of their good governance and commended the government’s roadmap for creating thousands of new jobs in the coming years.
Highlighting Haryana’s significant contribution to the nation, with a large number of youth serving in the armed forces, Shri Modi criticized previous dispensations for decades of deception regarding the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and emphasized that it was his government that implemented OROP. He shared that ₹13,500 crore has been disbursed to Haryana’s ex-servicemen under OROP. He pointed out that the previous Government had allocated only ₹500 crore for the scheme while misleading the nation’s soldiers. He remarked that the previous government has never truly supported Dalits, backward classes, or soldiers.
Expressing confidence in Haryana’s role in strengthening the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister praised the state’s global impact, whether in sports or agriculture. He conveyed his trust in Haryana’s youth and described the new airport and flights as inspirations for fulfilling Haryana’s aspirations and concluded by extending his congratulations to the people of Haryana for this new milestone.
The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. With scheduled flights from Hisar to Ayodhya (twice weekly), three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, this development will mark a significant leap in Haryana’s aviation connectivity.
The inauguration of Hisar Airport marks a significant milestone in Haryana’s development journey. It will boost regional connectivity and catalyse economic growth across the state. https://t.co/8DtkTWUEXD
In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in a joint overnight operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on April 12-13, 2025, seized over 300 kg of narcotics (methamphetamine) worth approximately Rs1,800 crore.
Based on a corroborated input from Gujarat ATS, an ICG ship from the Coast Guard Region (West), which was on multi-mission deployment off North Maharashtra/ South Gujarat area, diverted and intercepted an attempted transshipment in proximity of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). On realising the approaching ICG ship, the suspect boat dumped its narcotics consignment in sea before it started fleeing towards the IMBL. The alert ICG ship deployed its sea boat immediately for recovery of the jettisoned consignment whilst commencing a hot chase of the suspect boat.
The proximity of IMBL and the initial separation between the ICG ship and the boat at the time of its detection helped the perpetrator to evade interception before it crossed over the IMBL within a short time. The cross over resulted in termination of the hot chase and precluded the ICG ship to apprehend the suspect boat. Meanwhile the ICG team in a sea-boat, after thorough search in the tough night conditions, recovered the sizable amount of narcotics that was dumped into the sea.
The seized narcotics have been brought to Porbandar by the ICG ship for further investigations. The jointness of ICG and Gujarat ATS, which has led to 13 such successful law enforcement operations in recent years reaffirms the synergy for national objectives.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India today released the first edition of International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum, marking a significant step toward articulating India’s outward-facing strategy in Quantum Science, Technology and Innovation (QSTI), with the intent to accelerate discovery, foster innovation, and catalyse adoption across critical sectors.
The report was officially unveiled by PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood during the Office of PSA’s podcast on the occasion of World Quantum Day 2025, celebrated every year on April 14. This report comes with a special significance because of 2025 being the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST) designated by the United Nations and member states.
The strategy report provides a foundational landscape analysis to enable domestic and foreign stakeholders in government, academia, and industry to formulate context-specific action points aligned with their engagement goals complementing the ambitions of India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and other ongoing efforts by various agencies and stakeholders in the ecosystem.
Talking about the importance of Quantum Tech, Prof. Sood highlighted it is an area where no country wants to be left behind because it is important for strategic autonomy and there cannot be strategic autonomy without being quantum safe. Further speaking about gaps and potential in the sector for India, he stated, “India has to invest in Quantum hardware, we have to reduce our dependencies on imports, and advancements in all areas of quantum computing can help with that. We need to bring much more funds for startups, and de-risk the investment — which means we need to create markets for the products. And this is where all the players, be it government, private sectors, academia, or startups, play a role to create this ecosystem,” he added. “We need to be an active player in defining the global standards for Quantum Tech. This is a gap we need to fill. Because once we have that, we will also play a role in standardisation efforts, and that is what leads to strategic autonomy. We have to do that very proactively and ensure that we have these global standards because our market is not only the Indian market but global.“
While talking about NQM, Prof. Sood mentioned that the mission being very efficiently rolled out by the Department of Science and Technology ( DST ) under the leadership of Secretary DST looks at the complete life cycle of this frontier technology – the R&D needed, what does it take to translate that R&D to technology and how to make a product from that for the market scale up. He also explained the key features of the hub-and-spoke model that is being implemented by NQM at the national scale involving 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 states and 2 UTs .
This inaugural edition of ITES-Q provides a comprehensive overview of both global and national quantum ecosystems, covering analysis of investments, talent development, institutional strengths, research publications, intellectual property, startups, supply chains, and industrial activity. The ITES-Q is thought out to facilitate impactful partnerships and particularly add value to the efforts of Indian missions abroad in strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagements for QSTI.
The ITES is an initiative of the Office of the PSA to GoI, designed to strengthen and elevate India’s Technology Diplomacy efforts across critical and emerging domains.
The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was inaugurated on 13 Apr 25 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African nations. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania, Shri Sanjay Seth, India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event also saw the attendance of distinguished military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Force of the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).
Tanzania’s Defence Minister, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, whilst inaugurating the exercise, stressed the “significance of going along” to tackle maritime threats like piracy and trafficking. She called for “collaborative effort towards Maritime security by like-minded partners” and highlighted the aim of building an “enduring framework of maritime security, including innovation and information sharing.” She also reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to hosting future AIKEYME editions and their broader belief in “collaborative regional cooperation” beyond military affairs.
In his address, RRM Shri Sanjay Seth emphasised the spirit of collaboration by quoting the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, If you want to go far, go together.” He expressed hope for a “life-long partnership”, invoked India’s maritime vision Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and thanked Tanzania for co-hosting AIKEYME 25 alongside India.
For AIKEYME, the Indian Navy is represented by INS Chennai and INS Kesari. Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR was also present for the inaugural ceremony. The chief guests interacted with the multinational crew from Friendly Foreign Countries(FFCs) from IOS Sagar.
AIKEYME 25, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, will be conducted over six days with participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside India and Tanzania. The exercise will include a harbour phase with joint training and exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase to enhance maritime security cooperation. This initiative aims to develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the friendly relations between India and African nations.
The celebrations of the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti were organized on April 14, 2025, by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), on behalf of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, near the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Parliament House Campus.
The event began with floral tributes by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment (SJ&E) and Chairman (DAF), Dr. Virendra Kumar, along with other dignitaries including Ministers, Parliamentarians and other invited guests in the morning.
Thereafter the event was opened for the public, where a huge number of people paid their tributes at the feet of the life-size statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Lawns. During the event, Buddhist chants were performed by Buddhist monks, while artists from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting performed songs dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti is annually celebrated by the DAF to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of the visionary social reformer, jurist, economist and politician, who was the chief architect of the Constitution of India. Dr. Ambedkar championed the cause of marginalized communities. His thoughts on social justice, equality, and democracy still continue to inspire generations.
The event was also graced by MoS (SJ&E), Shri B.L. Verma, Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav, and other senior officers of the Ministry and DAF.
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was constituted to disseminate the message and ideologies of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In 1991, a Centenary Celebration Committee of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was constituted and was headed by the then Prime Minister of India. This committee decided to set up Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF). On March 24, 1992, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), an autonomous body was established under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to disperse programmes and activities for furthering the visions and thoughts of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar on a pan-Indian scale.
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM)
The Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life, work, and contributions of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a renowned social reformer, orator, prolific writer, historian, jurist, anthropologist, and politician. The DANM museum houses a collection of personal belongings, photographs, letters, and documents related to Dr. Ambedkar’s life, including his education, social reform movements, and political career. There are also audio-visual exhibits to showcase his speeches and interviews.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary today. He remarked that Babasaheb’s principles and ideals will give strength and momentum for creation of a self-reliant and developed India.
PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER AND LOK SABHA SPEAKER PAY FLORAL TRIBUTE TO BABASAHEB DR. BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR AT HIS STATUE AT PRERNA STHAL IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMPLEX ON HIS BIRTH ANNIVERSARY UNION MINISTERS, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, FORMER MEMBERS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES ALSO PAY TRIBUTES TO BABASAHEB DR. BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 3:17PM by PIB Delhi
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu; Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar; Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla paid floral tributes at the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Complex on the occasion of his birth anniversary, today.
‘भारत रत्न’ बाबासाहेब डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी के 135वें जयंती दिवस पर संसद परिसर स्थित प्रेरणा स्थल पर उन्हें भावपूर्ण नमन कर श्रद्धासुमन अर्पित किए। बाबासाहेब का जीवन सदैव राह दिखाता रहेगा।#AmbedkarJayanti#BabaSahebAmbedkarpic.twitter.com/TppA5mvXsg
Several Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge; Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Chief Minister, Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament and other dignitaries also paid tributes on this occasion.
Later, Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla; Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, Chief Minister, Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament paid floral tributes at the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh and Shri P.C. Mody, respectively, also paid floral tributes to Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had a profound impact on India’s social and political landscape, leaving an enduring legacy. Renowned as a champion of social justice, he is revered for his substantial and diverse contributions to Indian society. Dr. Ambedkar’s significant achievement lies in his role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, where he played a pivotal role during the debates in the Constituent Assembly. He is respected as the driving force behind the Constitution of India, ensuring its principles of inclusivity and justice.
The portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was unveiled in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (erstwhile Parliament House) by the then Prime Minister, Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh on 12 April, 1990.
भारत के संविधान के शिल्पकार, देश के प्रथम विधि मंत्री बाबासाहेब डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी की जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। बाबासाहेब आजीवन समानता, स्वतंत्रता, न्याय और बंधुता के लिए समर्पित रहे। कमज़ोर परिवेश से निकलकर उन्होंने अभूतपूर्व उपलब्धियां हासिल की, तथा समाज में वांछित परिवर्तन… pic.twitter.com/jg7I9bLCIy
Earlier, paying rich tributes to Dr. Ambedkar, Shri Birla in a post on social media platform X said, “Tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, the country’s first Law Minister, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on his birth anniversary. Babasaheb remained dedicated to equality, freedom, justice and fraternity throughout his life. Coming from a humble background, he used education as a medium to bring the desired changes in the society. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly, he drafted the world’s best legislative document ‘Constitution of India’. As we celebrate 75th years of the adoption of the Constitution, Babasaheb’s philosophy becomes even more relevant. His ideas inspire us to remain united against all forms of injustice, exploitation and oppression. Dr. Ambedkar’s life, dedicated to the upliftment of the underprivileged class and the empowerment of the Nation, will continue to inspire millions of countrymen for ages.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of development projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM
Our effort is to increase the production of electricity in the country, lack of electricity should not become an obstacle in nation building: PM
PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana started by us can reduce electricity bill to zero by installation of solar panels : PM
Our effort is to increase the potential of the farmers of Haryana: PM
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana today. Extending his greetings to the people of Haryana, he paid homage to the sacred land of Haryana, acknowledging it as the origin of Maa Saraswati, the abode of Mantra Devi, the site of Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji, and the blessed Kapalmochan Sahib. “Haryana is a confluence of culture, devotion, and dedication”, he described. He also conveyed his heartfelt wishes to all citizens on the 135th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, highlighting Babasaheb’s vision and inspiration, which continue to guide India’s journey toward development.
“Yamunanagar is not just a city but a vital part of India’s industrial landscape, contributing significantly to the economy with its industries ranging from plywood to brass and steel”, said Shri Modi, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the region, mentioning the Kapal Mochan Mela, the sacred land of Rishi Ved Vyas, and the site of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s weaponry. He shared his personal connection with Yamunanagar, recalling his frequent visits from Panchkula during his tenure as Haryana’s in-charge. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated workers he collaborated with and acknowledged the enduring tradition of hard work and commitment in the region.
Underlining that Haryana is witnessing the double speed of development under the Union and State governments for the third consecutive term, the Prime Minister emphasized the commitment to a developed Haryana as part of the vision for a developed India. He highlighted the government’s dedication to serving the people of Haryana and fulfilling the aspirations of its youth by working at greater speed and scale. He pointed to the development projects launched today as a testament to this commitment and extended his congratulations to the people of Haryana for these new development initiatives.
Expressing pride in his government’s commitment to advancing the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shri Modi highlighted Babasaheb’s belief that industrial development was a pathway to social justice. He noted that Babasaheb identified the issue of small landholdings in India and emphasized that Dalits, lacking sufficient agricultural land, would benefit the most from industrialization. He shared Babasaheb’s vision that industries would provide greater employment opportunities for Dalits, improving their standard of living. He also acknowledged Babasaheb’s significant role in India’s industrialization efforts, working alongside the country’s first Industry Minister, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, to drive progress in this direction.
Remarking that the synergy between industrialization and manufacturing was also recognized by Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Ji as the foundation for rural prosperity, the Prime Minister highlighted Chhotu Ram Ji’s belief that true prosperity in villages would come when farmers enhance their income through small industries alongside agriculture. He further noted that Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, who dedicated his life to the welfare of villages and farmers, shared a similar vision, emphasizing Charan Singh Ji’s perspective that industrial development should complement agriculture, as both are pillars of the economy.
Emphasising that the essence of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ lies in fostering manufacturing, Shri Modi underscored the government’s focus on manufacturing, as reflected in this year’s budget announcement of ‘Mission Manufacturing’. “The mission aims to create maximum employment opportunities for Dalit, backward, underprivileged, and marginalized youth, provide them with essential training, reduce business costs, strengthen the MSME sector, equip industries with modern technology, and ensure Indian products are world-class”, he stated. Underscoring the importance of uninterrupted power supply to achieve these goals and highlighting the significance of today’s event, he announced the commencement of work on the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, which will benefit Yamunanagar and Haryana. The Prime Minister noted that Yamunanagar produces half of India’s plywood and is a hub for manufacturing aluminum, copper, and brass utensils. He added that petrochemical plant equipment from Yamunanagar is exported to several countries. He emphasized that increased power production will benefit these industries and support ‘Mission Manufacturing’.
Underlining the critical role of electricity in building a developed India, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s multifaceted efforts to enhance power availability, including initiatives like One Nation-One Grid, new coal power plants, solar energy projects, and the expansion of the nuclear sector. “Increasing electricity production is essential to ensure that power shortages do not hinder nation-building”, he stressed recalling the frequent blackouts before 2014 under previous dispensation’s rule, stating that such crises would have persisted if Congress had remained in power. He noted that during those times, factories, railways, and irrigation systems were severely affected. He shared that over the past decade, India has nearly doubled its electricity production capacity and now exports power to neighboring countries. He highlighted the benefits of their government’s focus on electricity production for Haryana, which currently generates 16,000 MW of power. He also announced the goal of increasing this capacity to 24,000 MW in the coming years.
Highlighting the government’s dual approach of investing in thermal power plants while empowering citizens to become power generators themselves, Shri Modi mentioned the launch of the PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana, enabling individuals to install solar panels on their rooftops, eliminate electricity bills, and even earn by selling surplus power. He noted that over 1.25 crore people across the country have registered under this scheme, with lakhs from Haryana applying to join. He expressed satisfaction with the scheme’s expansion, which is fostering a growing service ecosystem. He emphasized that the solar sector is creating new skills, generating opportunities for MSMEs, and opening numerous avenues for youth employment.
Prime Minister underscored the government’s focus on ensuring adequate electricity and financial resources for small industries in smaller towns. He mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided financial assistance worth lakhs of crores to support MSMEs. He further said that the definition of MSMEs has been revised to allow small industries to expand without fear of losing government support as they grow, while mentioning the introduction of special credit cards for small industries and an increase in credit guarantee coverage. He noted the recent 10-year milestone of the Mudra Yojana, under which ₹33 lakh crore in collateral-free loans have been disbursed. He emphasized that over 50% of the beneficiaries of this scheme are from SC, ST, and OBC families. He expressed the government’s commitment to enabling small industries to fulfill the big dreams of India’s youth.
Lauding the hard work of Haryana’s farmers, which contributes to every Indian’s plate, the Prime Minister emphasized that the governments at Center and state stands as a steadfast partner in the joys and challenges of farmers. He highlighted efforts to empower Haryana’s farmers, noting that the state government now procures 24 crops at MSP. He shared that lakhs of farmers in Haryana have benefited from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, with claims exceeding ₹9,000 crore under the scheme. Additionally, he mentioned that ₹6,500 crore has been disbursed to Haryana’s farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, further supporting their livelihoods and growth.
Underlining the Haryana government’s decision to abolish the colonial-era water tax, relieving farmers from paying taxes on canal water, Shri Modi noted that over ₹130 crore in outstanding dues under this tax have also been waived. He emphasized the efforts of the Union and state government in providing new income opportunities for farmers and livestock owners. He mentioned the Gobardhan Yojana, which enables farmers to manage waste and generate income by producing biogas from cow dung, agricultural residues, and other organic waste. He shared that this year’s budget includes the announcement of 500 Gobardhan plants across the country. He highlighted the foundation stone laying of a new Gobardhan plant in Yamunanagar, which will save ₹3 crore annually for the municipal corporation. “Gobardhan Yojana is also contributing to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, furthering the mission of cleanliness and sustainability”, he further said.
Prime Minister underlined Haryana’s rapid progress on the path of development, mentioning his earlier visit to Hisar, where direct flight services to Ayodhya Dham were inaugurated. He also announced the new bypass for Rewari, which will ease traffic congestion in markets, intersections, and railway crossings, allowing vehicles to bypass the city smoothly. He noted that the four-lane bypass will reduce travel time between Delhi and Narnaul by an hour and congratulated the people on this achievement.
Emphasising that for them, politics is a medium of service—service to the people and the nation, Shri Modi stated, “our party delivers on its promises, as evident in Haryana”, where the government is fulfilling commitments made after being elected for the third term. He contrasted this with opposition-ruled states, citing betrayal of public trust. He pointed to the struggles faced by people in Himachal Pradesh, where development and welfare projects have stalled. In Karnataka, he highlighted rising costs of essentials like electricity, milk, bus fares, and seeds under current dispensation’s rule. He mentioned public dissatisfaction with the incumbent government in Karnataka, as seen on social media, and noted allegations of corruption, with even close associates of the Chief Minister acknowledging Karnataka’s ranking as number one in corruption.
Shri Modi criticized the current government in Telangana for neglecting its promises to the people and focusing on bulldozing forests, causing harm to nature and wildlife. He contrasted two models of governance and described his party’s model as genuine and dedicated to building a developed India, while the opposition’s as deceitful and focused solely on power. He highlighted the ongoing efforts in Yamunanagar as an example of his party’s commitment to progress.
Reflecting on the significance of Baisakhi and the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Prime Minister honored the memory of the patriots who sacrificed their lives and highlighted the cruelty of the British regime. He emphasized another aspect of the massacre—the unwavering spirit of standing for humanity and the nation, exemplified by Shri Shankaran Nair. He further shared that Shankaran Nair, a renowned lawyer and high-ranking official in the British government, chose to resign and raise his voice against the atrocities of foreign rule. He fought the Jallianwala Bagh case single-handedly, shaking the foundations of the British Empire and holding it accountable in court. He described Shankaran Nair’s actions as a remarkable example of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” showcasing how a man from Kerala stood against British power for a massacre in Punjab. He remarked that this spirit of unity and resistance was the true inspiration behind India’s freedom struggle and remains a driving force in the journey toward a developed India.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging everyone to learn about Shankaran Nair’s contributions and emphasized the Union and state governments continuous efforts to empower the pillars of society—poor, farmers, youth, and women. He expressed confidence that collective efforts will lead Haryana toward development.
The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Lal, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, will significantly boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the 14.4 km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.
हरियाणा लगातार तीसरी बार, डबल इंजन सरकार के विकास की डबल रफ्तार देख रहा है। आज यमुनानगर में विभिन्न विकास परियोजनाओं का लोकार्पण और शिलान्यास कर बेहद प्रसन्न हूं। https://t.co/hpFWZRiVa4
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has launched its Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) tool, a next-generation remote diagnosis and troubleshooting solution that significantly reduces service wait times and enhances customer experience.
By harnessing the power of AI-powered remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, Samsung technicians can now resolve issues faster, reducing the need for cumbersome in-home visits. This innovative technology not only enhances customer experience with rapid resolutions and reduced downtime but also sets a new benchmark for the industry, redefining the future of customer care and reimagining the relationship between consumers and their smart home appliances.
“Samsung Service is at the forefront of home appliance diagnostics, leveraging advanced tools to identify issues with pinpoint accuracy. Through its smart diagnostics service, customers can get proactive solutions by troubleshooting and resolving problems remotely, minimizing the need for a technician visit. This breakthrough significantly reduces wait times, ensures faster resolutions, and provides timely updates on product maintenance, ultimately enhancing the customer experience,” said Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India.
HRM enables real-time issue resolution with remote counselling, monitoring, and control features for Samsung smart appliances registered on the SmartThings app. SmartThings is a customer-facing app, which works as an appliance operating tool and captures usage patterns. With this innovation, Samsung continues to lead the way in smart device management, making home appliance maintenance more efficient and hassle-free for consumers worldwide. When a customer contacts Samsung’s support team regarding an issue with their home appliance, the HRM system automatically detects the registered device’s model and serial number through Samsung’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management system). Upon activation, contact center advisors can remotely diagnose, monitor, and even control certain appliance functions post customer consent, providing immediate troubleshooting guidance.
How HRM Resolved an AC Cooling Issue
With summer arriving early in Chennai and temperature rising above 35⁰C, Rohan Luthra’s air conditioner was cooling less efficiently. Fortunately, since Rohan had the SmartThings app installed on his smartphone and the AC was already registered in the app, he received an error notification. Immediately, Rohan requested support through Home Care service in SmartThings and got connected to the contact center advisor. Upon consultation, the advisor diagnosed the issue through HRM’s remote diagnostics, and informed the customer that its microfilter required cleaning and provided a step-by-step guide to Rohan over the phone call, restoring the AC’s cooling efficiency within minutes without the need for an on-site visit.
This real-world example underscores how Samsung’s HRM tool is transforming customer support, making smart appliance maintenance more efficient, proactive, and hassle-free.
Ageas reaches agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure and establish a top-3 UK personal lines platform
Ageas and Bain Capital agree GBP 1.295 billion (EUR 1.510 billion) cash transaction for esure Combination creates multi-channel motor and home insurer with broad customer appeal across the UK
Ageas announces today that it has reached an agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure 1, a leading digital personal lines insurer with strong positioning on price comparison websites (PCW) in the UK. The proposed transaction is fully aligned with Ageas’s strategic priorities for M&A in Europe under Elevate27. It increases Ageas’s European markets presence through the acquisition of a controlled entity, reinforces its positioning in the UK, generates shareholder value from the realisation of synergies and enhances the cash generation of the Group.
The combination of Ageas UK and esure will create the third largest UK personal lines platform with a balanced and diversified distribution spanning Direct, PCW, brokers and partnerships. The acquisition of esure will enable Ageas UK to accelerate the diversification of its distribution strategy into the important PCW channel in the UK market. Its underwriting footprint will widen Ageas UK’s target customer demographics and enable growth to a top-line of GBP 3.25 billion (EUR 3.8 billion) by 2028.
Ageas UK has established itself as an accomplished insurer over the past four years by focusing on profitable growth solely in the personal lines business with a specialism in broker distribution, outstanding technical insurance skills and technology, and successfully delivering insurance solutions for its distribution partners and over 4 million customers.
esure is a leading UK personal lines insurer with a fully digital distribution model through the PCW channel and three popular brands – esure, Sheilas’ Wheels and First Alternative. In 2024, esure had more than 2.1 million policies and GWP of GBP1 billion (EUR 1.2 billion).
The acquisition of esure creates significant potential for operational synergies and capital benefits to be realised in the medium term. We expect economies of scale in our UK personal lines portfolio and the accelerated implementation of the EIS IT platform, including esure’s complementary claims module, to drive operational efficiencies and cost avoidance for Ageas UK. Continued focus on technology, data and AI is expected to create further competitive advantages. In addition, capital benefits from enhanced diversification and the inclusion of esure in Ageas’s partial internal model are expected to emerge over time.
Under the terms of the transaction, Ageas will pay Bain Capital a cash consideration of GBP 1.295 billion (EUR 1.510 billion) for esure, respecting a Solvency II target ratio of 150% as at year-end 2024. The Group’s capital position will remain robust with Solvency II ratio expected to decrease by approximately only 10pp thanks to the inclusion of around EUR 1 billion of Own Funds instruments in the financing mix.
The transaction will be financed through a combination of surplus cash and newly issued senior and hybrid debt and/or equity within the existing authorisations and subject to market conditions. A fully underwritten 2-year bridge facility is provided by BofA Securities and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A..
The integration of Ageas UK and esure is anticipated to be completed, in all material respects, during the Elevate27 strategic cycle. Entering the next strategic period, we project that the transaction will generate a full cost saving potential in excess of GBP 100 million (c. EUR 115 million) per annum, before tax. On a run-rate basis, this transaction is expected to generate an unlevered return on investment of over 12% for Ageas and an uplift in the Return on Equity of more than 1pp. It will become Holding Free Cash Flow accretive per share of c. 10% as from 2028.
The completion of the transaction is expected to occur in 2H 2025 and remains subject to regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the agreement, Hans De Cuyper, Ageas Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement to acquire esure. In recent years, Ageas has experienced significant growth in the UK, making it an increasingly important part of the Group. This transaction will allow us to offer competitive value propositions to a wider customer profile via a multi-channel distribution model, positioning Ageas UK as one of the top three personal lines insurers. Acquiring esure also supports our strategic ambitions of re-balancing our Group profile towards businesses with high cash conversion. We remain, of course, committed to our Elevate27 financial objectives, including our commitment to a progressive dividend policy, and will observe the full synergies of this transaction in the forthcoming strategic period.”
Ant Middle, Ageas UK CEO, said: “esure is a significant addition to the Ageas UK business and aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. As demand for motor and home insurance grows, Ageas will be perfectly positioned to gain market share and become the insurer of choice for our existing and new customers. The combined Ageas and esure franchise will benefit from an outstanding customer offering, through market leading technology and prominent brands, that will drive our expansion into new customer demographics. Under Elevate27, we want to continue to grow our broker and partnerships personal lines business in the UK, and esure will help us to rapidly expand our direct distribution, our customer reach, and our scale overall. esure’s technical capabilities will match Ageas UK’s and will enable us to develop our well-balanced business at greater pace and serve a wider range of customers. We’re really excited for the potential this brings our UK business and wider Group.”
David McMillan, esure Group CEO, said: “This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses and creates an even stronger platform for continued innovation, growth and excellent delivery for our customers. Combining Ageas’s scale, financial strength and excellent broker relationships with esure’s strong retail brands, market-leading data capabilities and strength on PCWs, alongside a shared technology platform, will enhance our combined ability to invest in our customer proposition and open up new opportunities for growth. I am deeply proud of what the esure team has achieved to date. We look forward to working alongside the Ageas team to build the UK’s leading personal lines insurer.”
Luca Bassi, Partner at Bain Capital, said: “We are pleased to have supported esure through its transformation and growth journey. During our ownership, esure has built the leading tech platform in UK insurance and their highly efficient operations have set a new standard for the industry. This transaction is a testament to esure’s strong market position and the state-of-the-art technology platform built under Bain Capital’s tenure, with the business now at record levels of profitability. We are confident that Ageas is the right partner to continue this legacy of success and innovation.”
BofA Securities is acting as financial adviser and Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP is acting as legal counsel to Ageas in relation to the transaction.
Fenchurch Advisory Partners LLP and Goldman Sachs International served as financial advisers to Bain Capital and esure. Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP served as legal adviser and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP served as regulatory adviser to Bain Capital and esure.
Chris Sibbald / James Leviton, FGS Global, ageas-uk@fgsglobal.com, +447855955531
For Bain Capital
Sean Palmer, Camarco, baincapital@camarco.co.uk, +447591760844
For esure group
esure@teneo.com
For analysts:
An analyst meeting regarding this transaction will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am CET (9:00 to 10:00 am UKT). The Teams call can be accessed using the following link: https://ageas.com/en/esure-2025
Note to editors:
To support its expansion, in 2024 Ageas UK announced a partnership with Saga, growing its offering to the over-50s segment, which is strategically in line with Ageas’s focus on an ageing population.
Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning of 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.
esure Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Motor and Home insurance products through the esure, Sheilas’ Wheels and First Alternative brands. Founded in 2000, esure Group has the scale, heritage and expertise capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of their 2.1m customers, combined with the entrepreneurial mindset and agility of an insurtech. esure Group is focused on using their market-leading technology platform, insights and data, alongside fantastic customer service, to deliver more personalised experiences that meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers.
Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. The firm has a significant history in Europe, starting with the establishment of a London office in 2000 and expanding to include other European locations, with a focus on private equity, credit and special situations investments. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
Bank of America Europe DAC (“BofA Securities”) is acting as financial adviser exclusively for Ageas and for no one else in connection with the transaction and will not be responsible to anyone other than Ageas for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the transaction or any other matters referred to in this announcement.
1 Under the terms of the transaction, Ageas will acquire 100% of the issued and to be issued share capital of Blue (BC) Topco Limited, a holding company for esure Group plc and its subsidiaries.
Headline: New Initiative Uses Behavioural Science to Encourage Bengaluru Metro Adoption
Bengaluru, April 11, 2025: The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) and the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI India today launched the “STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour” – a pioneering initiative that leverages behavioural science and technology to encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to public transport.
Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of five new Young Leaders to Generation17, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports young changemakers driving progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the ‘Global Goals.’
Since launching Generation17 in 2020, Samsung and UNDP have supported Young Leaders from across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America, addressing critical issues that span all 17 Global Goals. The partnership has provided these Young Leaders with the latest Samsung Galaxy technology, along with networking and mentorship opportunities, to amplify their stories and advance their work. The newest cohort, focused on advancing solutions in marine conservation, environmental sustainability, gender equality and quality education, reflects Samsung’s continued commitment to a more equitable future for all.
“As we accelerate efforts to achieve the Global Goals, we are proud to welcome the next cohort of Young Leaders to Generation17,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. “Their passion, creativity and commitment to addressing global challenges embody the spirit of innovation that fuels meaningful change. We look forward to seeing how these five new Young Leaders will leverage technology for good to inspire action, mobilize communities and create lasting impact for a more sustainable and equitable world.”
Five Global Changemakers
The newest Generation17 Young Leaders were selected from hundreds of applicants and bring new areas of expertise to the initiative, expanding the reach of Generation17. As members of the Generation17 community, they will leverage technology and global platforms to advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
Brigitta Gunawan (Indonesia) — An ocean-climate advocate who has engaged with over 15,000 people in 100+ locations with environmental education and marine conservation opportunities through her organizations 30×30 Indonesia and Diverseas.
“At 17, it struck me that we were nothing but a small speck in a big world that remains largely unexplored — that if we continued as bystanders, we would see this fragile ecosystem cripple within our lifetime — so there I was, ready to co-create a future where people and planet prosper.”
José Francisco Ochoa (Ecuador) — A biologist and co-founder of Academia del Océano, an edtech platform promoting marine conservation, digital tools and sustainability in Spanish-speaking communities, equipping thousands with the tools to protect marine ecosystems.
“The ocean sustains life, yet many don’t realize how deeply connected we are to it. We must embrace innovation, education and collective action to protect our blue planet before it’s too late.”
Renata Koch Alvarenga (Brazil) — Founder and Executive Director of EmpoderaClima, a youth-led organization advocating for climate justice by addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and promoting girls’ climate action.
“Climate disasters are exacerbating gender inequality, but through the Global Goals, we can raise awareness of the need for women’s leadership in climate decision-making and ensure no one is left behind.”
Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh (Jordan) — A climate activist, sustainable technology advocate and founder of IBTKRGO, which develops eco-friendly educational kits using recyclable materials, including e-waste, to empower youth with digital skills.
“Green technology is key to a sustainable future, and young innovators have the power to lead this transformation. Through IBTKRGO, I strive to bridge the gap between technology and sustainability, ensuring solutions that serve both people and the planet.”
Soumya Dabriwal (India) — Co-founder of Project Baala, a social enterprise addressing menstrual hygiene and reproductive health access through innovative solutions, including the sustainable distribution of reusable sanitary products and educational initiatives to de-stigmatize women’s health while generating employment for women.
“Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a fundamental human right. Through collective advocacy and innovation, we can break barriers, challenge stigmas and build a world where everyone has the freedom and resources to make informed choices about their own bodies and futures.”
Elevating Youth Voices for Global Action
Since the launch of Generation17 in 2020, Samsung and UNDP have partnered to empower Young Leaders — helping them amplify their stories and accelerate their efforts to drive meaningful change in communities across the world. Additionally, the initiative provides opportunities for Young Leaders to showcase their impact on a global scale.
In the coming months, these Young Leaders will attend various major global events, where they will engage with policymakers, innovators and fellow changemakers. Through these platforms, they will contribute to international conversations on sustainable development and drive tangible progress toward the Global Goals, ensuring that youth voices play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.
This year, Generation17 alum Tamara Gondo took the stage at Samsung’s Galaxy Tech Forum, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and the power of collaboration with like-minded partners to tackle worldwide challenges. She also shared how the initiative has helped scale her organization’s impact since she joined in 2022.
“Young people are the future of global development, and with fewer than five years left to achieve the Global Goals, the time to act is now,” said Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP. “Through our long-standing partnership with Samsung, we are empowering youth to advance solutions that address climate and human rights challenges and to inspire a new generation to join the fight for a more sustainable and just future.”
Generation17 reflects the shared commitment of Samsung and UNDP to harness technology for positive impact. Their collaboration began in 2019 with the launch of the Samsung Global Goals App — a mobile platform that educates users about the Goals while enabling them to contribute through everyday use of their Galaxy devices. As detailed in Samsung’s Global Goals Report, as of September 2024, the app has been installed on nearly 300 million Samsung Galaxy devices worldwide — including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches — and has helped generate more than $20 million USD to support UNDP’s global environmental and social initiatives.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.undp.org.
About Generation17
Generation17 is an initiative from Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that elevates the voices of Young Leaders who are changing the world and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or ‘Global Goals.’ Samsung and UNDP are providing mentorship, technology and networking opportunities for the Young Leaders as they advance their work. Learn more at www.undp.org/generation17.
A major drive boosting New Zealand as an international travel destination will kick off with a $13.5 million turbocharge for global marketing activity, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.
“We’re a Government relentlessly focused on growing the economy so Kiwis can get ahead. All the stats show tourism will play a leading role as that growth continues,” Louise Upston says.
“Today I’m delighted to announce a $13.5 million investment for Tourism New Zealand to encourage more international visitors across multiple markets.
“Encouraging more visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
“The initial investment will include a focus on encouraging visitors from China, Australia, the United States, India, Germany and South Korea. In these countries and beyond there are millions of people actively considering coming here and experiencing all New Zealand has to offer.
“We know international marketing works, with around 14 per cent of international holiday visitors already being directly influenced by Tourism NZ’s marketing activity.
“We want to grow that influence. Our international visitor spending and visitor numbers have been rebuilding strongly, and we must make the most of that momentum.
“The $13.5 million announced today is estimated to result in more than 23,000 additional international visitors and spending an extra $100 million across the country.
“That will be a major boost, not just for tourism and hospitality providers, but in regions and communities throughout the country.
“We have encouraging signs coming through from our ‘Everyone Must Go!’ campaign focused on Australia, but we won’t stop there.
“2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism and show what our humming, vibrant country has on show. New Zealand tourism is open for business.
“We already know our country has so much going for it. Now we need the global marketing to push that story even wider,” Louise Upston says.
Specific campaigns will be announced as they continue to be developed during 2025.
Notes for Editors
Tourism’s key numbers
Tourism now contributes 7.5 per cent of GDP and continues to be our second highest export.
The Tourism Satellite Account shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of $44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of $5.6 billion or 14.6 per cent compared to March 2023.
Overseas visitor expenditure increased by $6.3 billion (59.9 per cent) to $16.9 billion
International expenditure grew almost 60 per cent in the year ending March 2024.
Tourism initiatives, funded through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, in 2025 include:
$500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
$9 million for New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to enhance the Great Rides
$3 million for a Regional Tourism Boost
$3 million to secure more business events for New Zealand
$2.45 million for the second round of the Regional Events Promotion Fund
And an additional $30 million to support conservation visitor related experiences
The Total accounts column represents the number of Financial Accounts held by foreign tax residents; it does not represent the number of foreign tax residents holding accounts. An account holder may be a tax resident of multiple jurisdictions, so accounts may be reported more than once.
The Balance ($A) column represents the total balance or value of the Financial Assets held in the accounts. The figure includes:
cash
securities
bonds
commodities
partnership interests
debt interests and equity interests.
Where an account is held by more than one account holder, the balance or value is attributed in full to each account holder. Where an account is held by a passive non-financial entity, such as a trust, the value of the equity interest is attributed in full to each controlling person. These accounts will be reported in the Total accounts and Balance ($A) columns more than once.
Table: CRS statistics tabled by the Minister
Jurisdiction
Total Accounts
Balance (AUD)
Afghanistan
11070
$95,581,415
Aland Islands
693
$3,871,473
Albania
728
$10,764,088
Algeria
515
$10,363,535
American Samoa
555
$7,413,499
Andorra
1355
$101,244,778
Angola
296
$10,861,848
Anguilla
166
$1,170,312
Antigua and Barbuda
234
$3,613,577
Argentina
43207
$239,451,920
Armenia
725
$5,711,104
Aruba
510
$18,999,978
Austria
16740
$394,878,370
Azerbaijan
893
$29,236,263
Bahamas
1044
$232,452,443
Bahrain
1944
$70,119,634
Bangladesh
29473
$229,111,457
Barbados
378
$15,992,240
Belarus
564
$6,673,642
Belgium
11622
$328,051,334
Belize
141
$1,882,633
Benin
147
$4,016,713
Bermuda
802
$1,003,121,189
Bhutan
33564
$129,472,928
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
644
$4,267,066
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
65
$320,289
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1015
$18,562,691
Botswana
1551
$74,047,155
Brazil
115912
$665,938,179
Brunei Darussalam
4830
$175,136,606
Bulgaria
1168
$30,359,474
Burkina Faso
209
$6,083,998
Burundi
359
$1,251,294
Cabo Verde
57
$801,533
Cambodia
13543
$310,460,409
Cameroon
286
$12,837,192
Canada
131945
$4,655,911,312
Cayman Islands
1261
$2,287,140,562
Central African Republic (The)
65
$1,886,237
Chad
47
$1,931,612
Chile
34790
$184,569,286
China
1168312
$35,846,564,031
Colombia
117549
$329,328,309
Comoros
202
$1,192,041
Congo (Democratic Republic of The)
955
$15,603,703
Congo (The)
592
$5,826,658
Cook Islands
966
$15,755,625
Costa Rica
737
$9,190,245
Cote d’Ivoire
154
$12,847,535
Croatia
2570
$91,851,975
Cuba
270
$3,587,708
Curacao
63
$489,577
Cyprus
2728
$174,738,630
Czech Republic
5737
$138,163,643
Denmark
13370
$711,421,080
Djibouti
56
$94,469
Dominica
118
$20,557,976
Dominican Republic
6717
$219,006,335
Ecuador
4375
$24,093,968
Egypt
7828
$130,461,587
El Salvador
549
$4,583,826
Equatorial Guinea
43
$5,787,039
Eritrea
574
$3,235,597
Estonia
5283
$19,768,874
Ethiopia
2203
$22,578,132
Falkland Islands [Malvinas]
100
$662,808
Faroe Islands (The)
45
$320,055
Fiji
33661
$418,588,501
Finland
7518
$243,196,353
France
88770
$1,312,556,582
French Guiana
63
$1,169,649
French Polynesia
1466
$144,692,251
Gabon
95
$254,579
Gambia
98
$1,040,902
Georgia
519
$14,078,846
Germany
97566
$2,136,961,996
Ghana
3662
$45,920,708
Gibraltar
271
$98,559,288
Greece
18433
$874,732,119
Greenland
34
$1,090,263
Grenada
45
$860,469
Guadeloupe
59
$1,397,246
Guam
567
$22,049,141
Guatemala
609
$4,477,478
Guernsey
709
$188,289,280
Guinea
467
$16,333,658
Guinea-Bissau
22
$52,235
Guyana
145
$5,865,208
Haiti
79
$3,315,500
Holy See (The)
31
$223,543
Honduras
284
$3,912,750
Hong Kong
417259
$19,652,979,316
Hungary
4166
$89,013,732
Iceland
706
$9,559,465
India
541071
$3,337,392,017
Indonesia
141551
$2,447,310,574
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
25484
$220,602,656
Iraq
5657
$47,263,403
Ireland
99386
$1,184,004,246
Isle of man
755
$77,412,757
Israel
14404
$870,500,826
Italy
61111
$1,042,858,008
Jamaica
502
$10,346,693
Japan
122031
$2,930,986,700
Jersey
1191
$1,500,635,721
Jordan
3192
$51,114,032
Kazakhstan
2762
$76,557,742
Kenya
19121
$167,004,133
Kiribati
1728
$27,628,158
Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of)
1300
$11,985,623
Korea (The Republic of)
120329
$692,796,653
Kuwait
2278
$59,151,943
Kyrgyzstan
253
$10,798,328
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
3950
$56,663,831
Latvia
662
$19,990,384
Lebanon
4658
$77,228,058
Lesotho
76
$1,552,742
Liberia
331
$7,577,445
Libya
321
$5,848,095
Liechtenstein
115
$2,373,413
Lithuania
1572
$17,114,640
Luxembourg
1269
$1,281,207,061
Macao
8485
$557,432,905
Madagascar
302
$4,468,823
Malawi
602
$7,546,068
Malaysia
207495
$9,736,791,971
Maldives
1145
$9,633,668
Mali
204
$6,447,711
Malta
3940
$266,412,830
Marshall Islands (The)
142
$267,119,933
Martinique
54
$348,133
Mauritania
107
$2,254,652
Mauritius
7436
$190,515,176
Mayotte
43
$89,402
Mexico
12583
$107,075,070
Micronesia (Federated States of)
147
$15,869,862
Moldova (The Republic of)
251
$2,923,446
Monaco
655
$148,818,123
Mongolia
18288
$90,339,348
Montenegro
244
$25,032,609
Montserrat
5287
$264,020,964
Morocco
919
$34,620,243
Mozambique
551
$16,987,061
Myanmar
10713
$94,691,582
Namibia
852
$28,134,752
Nauru
1258
$71,353,711
Nepal
151948
$530,415,177
Netherlands (The)
38960
$5,741,717,769
New Caledonia
14843
$946,289,722
New Zealand
593810
$13,924,735,966
Nicaragua
212
$1,863,857
Niger (The)
118
$4,131,203
Nigeria
8518
$59,998,862
Niue
63
$457,441
Northern Mariana Islands (The)
86
$1,940,793
Norway
12085
$116,151,200
Oman
2919
$53,732,678
Pakistan
40606
$233,873,735
Palau
90
$2,489,305
Palestine, State of
490
$4,307,127
Panama
817
$22,319,621
Papua New Guinea
20645
$1,000,357,988
Paraguay
611
$4,606,315
Peru
8102
$93,464,956
Philippines
149788
$1,081,032,048
Pitcairn
42
$2,255,280
Poland
10216
$183,398,727
Portugal
8340
$364,367,730
Puerto Rico
111
$1,240,149
Qatar
5561
$199,292,806
Republic of North Macedonia
2098
$48,970,081
Reunion
198
$5,016,186
Romania
2257
$33,817,593
Russian Federation
13479
$311,237,493
Rwanda
349
$2,900,073
Saint Barthelemy
43
$132,991
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
19
$53,689
Saint Kitts and Nevis
164
$65,704,365
Saint Lucia
99
$11,339,027
Saint Martin (French part)
24
$1,272,193
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
54
$648,955
Samoa
5642
$12,252,804
San Marino
22
$225,736
Sao Tome and Principe
16
$47,212
Saudi Arabia
17461
$290,408,054
Senegal
246
$17,019,253
Serbia
2765
$61,671,117
Seychelles
747
$66,081,694
Sierra Leone
518
$59,985,702
Singapore
216492
$16,932,866,043
Sint Maarten (Dutch)
44
$2,030,457
Slovakia
2683
$34,211,553
Slovenia
1143
$31,256,112
Solomon Islands
5670
$107,624,274
Somalia
419
$883,615
South Africa
85705
$3,036,112,507
South Sudan
409
$1,439,169
Spain
34964
$615,458,859
Sri Lanka
59417
$496,470,828
Sudan
1369
$9,428,890
Suriname
99
$808,495
Swaziland
491
$11,837,248
Sweden
24838
$395,550,321
Switzerland
27602
$2,522,289,323
Syrian Arab Republic
3146
$16,259,175
Taiwan (Province of China)
215091
$5,182,123,415
Tajikistan
150
$6,070,527
Tanzania, United Republic of
1483
$28,785,672
Thailand
115526
$1,671,533,990
Timor-Leste
5625
$103,220,105
Togo
50
$392,068
Tokelau
34
$94,511
Tonga
10335
$27,905,071
Trinidad and Tobago
429
$10,964,301
Tunisia
505
$42,954,529
Turkey
12815
$123,250,809
Turkmenistan
80
$269,557
Turks and Caicos Islands (The)
62
$12,992,454
Tuvalu
332
$24,161,951
Uganda
1469
$26,010,162
Ukraine
6358
$57,835,515
United Arab Emirates
34016
$1,525,677,609
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (The)
The number and proportion of Chinese students studying in the United States continue to decline as rising geopolitical tensions and safety concerns weigh heavily on families’ decisions, according to official reports and education experts. The 2024 Blue Paper for Chinese Overseas Students Returning to China for Employment, recently released by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education, shows that while the U.S. remains a key destination for Chinese students, its dominance is fading. In 2023, only 14.54 percent of Chinese returnees with doctoral degrees studied in the U.S., down from 25 percent in 2020 — a decline of more than 10 percentage points over four years, according to the blue paper. Among returnees from the top three study destinations — the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Australia — 51.5 percent had studied in those countries, marking a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from the previous year, driven primarily by the drop in the number of U.S.-based graduates, it added. The decline comes as more Chinese families are rethinking their higher education plans in light of worsening bilateral relations and growing concerns over safety abroad. The Ministry of Education last week warned Chinese students to make security assessments if choosing to study in certain U.S. states, citing a bill passed in the U.S. state of Ohio that contains negative provisions related to China. It imposes restrictions on education exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. higher education institutions. “Geopolitical tensions inevitably affect the international flow of students,” said Chen Zhiwen, a member of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy. “The U.S. has increasingly restricted China in areas such as trade, technology and talent, making the study environment more hostile. Over the past four years, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has dropped by 100,000,” Chen said, urging Chinese parents to carefully evaluate study-abroad destinations. According to data from the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, produced in part by the U.S. Department of State, China was surpassed by India as the largest source of international students in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year. There were 277,398 students from the Chinese mainland enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during that period, a figure that has been dropping annually since peaking at 372,532 in the 2019-20 academic year. Chinese parents are increasingly factoring in national relations and domestic stability when considering where to send their children. Kendy Jia, the mother of a secondary school student in Beijing, said she had been planning to send her child abroad for high school just a few years ago. “Now, that plan is on hold,” she said at the 2025 China International Education Exhibition Tour in Beijing on Friday. “With the current international situation, we’re leaning toward waiting until after high school,” Jia said. “We might still consider sending him abroad for university, but not necessarily to the U.S. As parents, we first consider the country’s relationship with China, because political stability is very important and affects our child’s personal safety overseas,” she said, adding that worsening international relations might also add to the cost of overseas study. A survey by consultancy EIC Education released last month found that safety and financial support have become top concerns for prospective Chinese students during the 2024-25 academic year. The local security environment ranks fourth among factors influencing study-abroad decisions, it said. Hannah Song, secretary-general of the America-China Education Foundation Greater China, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, said many Chinese parents have expressed concerns about whether bilateral relations might pose safety risks for students studying in the country. “Parents don’t need to be overly worried,” she said. “Most U.S. states and universities focused on educational exchange rather than politics. For the majority of American institutions, the impact is minimal,” she said. Despite current geopolitical tensions, Song said the U.S. remains a top choice for many Chinese families in terms of undergraduate education. According to the blue paper, the U.S. kept attracting Chinese students in certain academic fields. Economics and mathematics remain the top choices for undergraduates from 2022 to 2024, while computer science and finance dominate among graduate applicants in 2024.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The economic and trade ties between China and Vietnam are expected to rise to a new level, driven by the two countries’ highly complementary trade structures, Vietnam’s modernization drive and the growing influence of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, according to market watchers and exporters.
Amid rising protectionism and unilateral challenges, China and Vietnam are pressing ahead with industrial upgrading and digital transformation, positioning themselves to tap into new growth opportunities across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy, smart logistics, e-commerce and regional supply chain integration, they said.
United by common aspirations for sustainable growth and economic resilience, the two countries are on track to forge even deeper and more dynamic economic ties in the years to come, said Wan Zhe, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Beijing Normal University.
Bilateral business relations have witnessed remarkable progress, especially in recent years, with Vietnam introducing key national strategies such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, vision towards 2050; the National Strategy on R&D and Application of Artificial Intelligence; and the National Strategy for 4th Industrial Revolution.
Wan said that these forward-looking initiatives have significantly enhanced Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for investment and innovation, attracting a substantial influx of Chinese and foreign capital and technologies over the past several years.
“This growing synergy has laid a strong foundation for deeper economic and technological collaboration between the two countries,” she added.
Vietnam has become a key overseas investment destination for China. In 2024, from January to August, Chinese companies invested $1.97 billion in the Southeast Asian country, maintaining a rapid rate of growth, according to the latest data released by China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Benefiting from a booming intermediate goods trade, the rising freight volume on the China-Vietnam Railway and substantial gains resulting from the RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Vietnam trade surged 14.6 percent year-on-year to 1.85 trillion yuan ($254.05 billion) in 2024, statistics from China’s General Administration of Customs showed.
This momentum continued in the first two months of this year, with the value of bilateral trade rising 8.2 percent on an annual basis to 270.96 billion yuan, customs data showed.
China’s exports to Vietnam include machinery, telecommunication equipment, electronic components, industrial raw materials, trains, ships, trucks, household appliances and construction materials.
In addition to agricultural and aquatic products such as seafood, fruits, coffee and rice, Vietnam’s exports to China include smartphones, computers, rubber, footwear, garments and furniture.
In the medium to long term, China and Vietnam are more likely to deepen industrial complementarity and division of labor rather than engage in direct competition, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.
“This is because both countries are at different stages of development and have distinct strengths,” said Gao, adding China leads in high-end manufacturing and technological capabilities, while Vietnam offers advantages in assembly industries and young and high-quality workers.
On top of this, free trade deals with various economies, such as the EU (European Union)-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, have opened up opportunities, he added.
Echoing that sentiment, Lan Qingxin, a professor specializing in cross-border investment studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that compared with other Southeast Asian countries as well as India and Mexico, Vietnam holds a competitive edge and market potential due to its proximity to China and its friendly foreign investment policies.
This complementary dynamic fosters a win-win partnership, reinforcing the depth and resilience of China-Vietnam economic ties, said Lan.
Ningbo Dafa Chemical Fiber Co, a textile and chemical raw materials manufacturer in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has been actively exploring new possibilities in the Vietnamese market.
“Vietnam has a well-developed furniture manufacturing industry, which drives strong demand for textile yarns and synthetic fiber materials. Our products are mainly used for furniture padding and bedding production,” said Wang Ling, the company’s sales director.
Ningbo Dafa’s exports to Vietnam grew by 10.3 percent year-on-year to 20.64 million yuan in the first two months of this year, according to Ningbo Customs.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla sets a heartfelt example, fulfils a 6-year-old promise, participates in marriage rituals of Pulwama martyr CRPF Jawan Hemraj Meena’s daughter in Sangod, Kota Six years after CRPF soldier Hemraj’s martyrdom in Pulwama, his home witnesses joy again during his daughter’s wedding ceremony
Lok Sabha Speaker participates in traditional Bhaat (मायरा/भात) ceremony and fulfils a promise he made to a sister six years ago
Lok Sabha Speaker gets emotional, recalls Hemraj Meena’s supreme sacrifice and steadfast patriotism
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 12:30PM by PIB Delhi
Kota/New Delhi, 12 April 2025:Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has set a heartfelt example as he fulfilled his promise made years ago and participated in the wedding rituals of Late CRPF jawan Shri Hemraj Meena and Veerangana Madhubala in Sangod/Kota on Friday.
Six years after the martyrdom of Shri Hemraj Meena who made supreme sacrifice for the nation during Pulwama attack, there was an atmosphere of celebration in his courtyard for the first time on Friday as the family and relatives gathered for the wedding of his daughter Reena. It was a moment of sheer joy for the whole family, including Veerangana Madhubala – wife of Late CRPF Jawan Shri Hemraj Meena. Since Shri Meena’s martyrdom in 2019, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla stood tall with the martyr’s family during the tough time as a ‘Rakhi-brother’ of Veerangana Madhubala.
Since then, the “brother” not only supported the family but also kept his promise. yesterday, when the time came for Madhubala’s daughter’s wedding, this “brother” reached his sister’s house with mayra/bhaat (मायरा/भात)and performed this unique ritual. Seeing this emotional connection between ‘sister’ Madhubala and her ‘brother’, everyone present was overwhelmed. After all, it was none other than Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who had arrived withमायराat the wedding of the daughter of Pulwama martyr Hemraj Meena.
संसदीय क्षेत्र के सांगोद (कोटा) में शहीद हेमराज मीणा जी व बहन वीरांगना मधुबाला जी की सुपुत्री रीना के विवाह के शुभ अवसर पर मायरा भरने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ। मन गर्व और आनंद से अभिभूत है कि हमारी बिटिया रीना अब अपने नए जीवन की शुरुआत करने जा रही है। यह अवसर न केवल परिवार के लिए… pic.twitter.com/PM8gihNb8b
The Pulwama attack had left an indelible mark on the family of martyr Hemraj, plunging them into immense grief. However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s timely support helped alleviate some of their pain. He formed a strong bond with Veerangana Madhubala, promising to stand by the family through life’s joys and sorrows. Over the past six years, on Rakhi and Bhai Dooj, Veerangana Madhubala tied Rakhi to him and did tilak. Lok Sabha Speaker once again stood with the martyr’s family when the occasion of the marriage of martyr Hemraj and Veerangana Madhubala’s daughter came.
BHAI NE UDHAI CHUNRI, BEHAN NE KIYA TILAK(भाई ने ओढ़ाई चुनरी,बहन ने किया तिलक)
Lok Sabha Speaker along with Sangod MLA and Rajasthan Energy Minister Shri Hiralal Nagar paid respect to Veerangana Madhubala at the event. According to the custom, the Speaker put a chunari on Veerangana Madhubala, while the sister did the tilak and aarti of Shri Birla. Shri Birla paid floral tributes at the statue of Shaheed Shri Hemraj Meena.
Emotions ran high as Veerangana Madhubala, Shri Birla and all the family members present there remembered Pulwama martyr Shri Hemraj Meena. Shri Birla said that martyr Shri Meena’s supreme sacrifice and patriotism remains a source of inspiration for entire nation.
Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations being made for Haj 2025.
Dr. Kumar expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities being ensured for a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable #Haj2025 – Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review arrangements for Indian #HajPilgrims. He expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities… pic.twitter.com/uLelSz4QyB
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 11, 2025
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh hosts International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 11 Buyers from 3 countries, 17 Indian exporters from 7 States and Union Territories (UTs) and over 200 farmers participate
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh to promote agricultural and processed food products exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu committed to developing the agricultural & allied sectors, enhancing farmer’s livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups and encouraged women led development. He envisions enhancing agri-exports of GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice (known as Khamti Rice), Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, Yak Cheese (Churpi), amongst others to South East Asian and ASEAN Countries. He encouraged domestic and international buyers to be a boon for the state and invest in the state’s untapped potential.
The Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasized on the need to generate awareness and build capacity of the farmers of the state in order to ensure fair price for their agriculture products in domestic and international markets. He appreciated the farmers of the region for their unwavering commitment in producing the state’s finest Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, walnuts and Value-Added Products like wines, amongst others.
The International Conclave cum Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) was also graced by Chief Secretary (CS), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Manish Gupta, Former Union Secretary, Government of India, Shri Siraj Hussain and Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, amongst several officers of the Central and State Government of India.
The Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh for participation in key national and international Trade Fairs for market access, promotion and outreach. He assured that APEDA and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh are committed to working together closely for the identification and development of focused agriculture products from Arunachal Pradesh for exports to international markets, infrastructure development, training and capacity building of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), Start-ups and Exporters from the region as well as branding and international promotions of agriculture produce and Value Added Products from the state.
The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet enabled direct interactions between 11 international Buyers from 3 countries including UAE, Nepal and Bhutan with 17 Indian exporters from 7 states and Union Territories (UTs) including Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Gujarat and West Bengal. The exporters from across the country also interacted with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh who participated in the event to understand the agri produce quality, availability and production quantities.
APEDA facilitated meaningful trade discussions amongst Policymakers, Buyers, Exporters, Exhibitors, industry leaders and experts from key sectors such as Organic produce, Millets, Honey, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Food, Spices and Tea aimed at unlocking the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agri-business and processed food export sectors.
To realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North East,” the Government of India through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and APEDA are working in close coordination.
Background:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA works to develop, facilitate and promote the export of agricultural and processed food products products, providing invaluable support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies and Indian exporters in navigating international markets.
Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 6:54PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office handle in post on X said:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.
In a significant late-night operation on April 11, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a 12-wheeler truck and seized 52.67 kg methamphetamine tablets, valued at Rs. 52.67 crore in the international drug market, on the outskirts of Aizawl, Mizoram.
The operation uncovered a novel method of concealing and transporting smuggled drugs — 53 meticulously packed, brick-sized packets were found hidden within the folds of the truck’s tarpaulin cover.
The packets bore inscriptions such as “3030 Export Only” and “999”, alongside diamond symbols, and contained orange-pink tablets. Tests conducted using the NDPS Field Test Kit confirmed the tablets contained methamphetamine.
The truck, registered in Nagaland, had originated from Zokhawthar—a sensitive border town near the Indo-Myanmar frontier—and was enroute to Tripura. DRI intercepted the vehicle before it left Mizoram. Notably, the truck carried no declared goods at the time. Earlier, it had transported cement from Meghalaya to Champhai before continuing to Zokhawthar, where the contraband was loaded.
The truck’s driver and his assistant were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Preliminary investigations indicate that the drugs had been smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar via the Zokhawthar sector.
The DRI has The DRI has seized 148.50 kg methamphetamine tablets in the North Eastern Region since January 2025 till today, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating drug smuggling.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Undertakes ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar Over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers Joins Padyatra Honouring Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy
Youth are the torchbearers of Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy – Dr. Mandaviya
MY Bharat Youth Volunteers Organises Jai Bhim Padyatras in Every State Capital and Over 5000 Locations Nationwide
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 2:05PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a historic Jai Bhim Padyatra in Patna, Bihar today. The padyatra was flagged off by the Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav and over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers participated in the padyatra. The padyatra stood as a vibrant tribute to Babasaheb’s life and legacy, placing a strong emphasis on youth engagement and the enduring values of the Constitution.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the strength of India’s youthandcalled upon them to become torchbearers of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy for building a new India. “As the sun rose over Patna, it illuminated not only a statue but a spirit, a renewed commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals and a Viksit Bharat led by its most powerful force, its youth”, he said.
Union Minister urged the youth of the nation to draw inspiration from the vision, legacy, and exemplary works of Babasaheb Ambedkar and other great leaders in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the pioneering contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar in ensuring equal rights for women as early as 1947, a time when gender equality was not recognized in many parts of the world.
बाबा साहेब भीमराव अंबेडकर जी की जयंती के पूर्व आज पटना, बिहार में MY भारत के 6 हज़ार से अधिक युवा साथियों ने #JaiBhimPadyatra का आयोजन किया। बाबा साहेब संविधान के सूत्रधार थे, उन्होंने भारत के मजबूत लोकतंत्र की नींव रखी।
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 13, 2025
Calling upon the younger generation to take a solemn sankalp (pledge) to follow the ideals of these national icons, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the importance of youth-led national development. He lauded the decisive leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and called upon the youth to align themselves with the PanchPran envisioned by the Prime Minister for building a strong, self-reliant, and inclusive Viksit Bharat.
Across the nation, Jai Bhim Padyatras were held in every state capital and across 5000 locations, where MY Bharat volunteers cleaned the statues of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and paid tribute to Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring vision, renewing a collective commitment to build an inclusive, empowered, and youth-led India. Notably, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse participated in Jai Bhim Padyatra in Mumbai, further amplifying the message of unity and national participation.
संविधान निर्माता बाबा साहेब के मूल्यों और उनके सिद्धांतों को दर्शाती ‘जय भीम पदयात्रा’
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 13, 2025
A collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution by young achievers and MY Bharat volunteers reaffirmed the commitment to constitutional values. MY Bharat Youth Volunteers actively participated in the Padyatra, echoing the spirit of social harmony, democratic values, and inclusive progress through energetic and heartfelt slogans.
At several points along the route, cultural performances took place, with MY Bharat volunteers singing songs dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, adding vibrancy and emotion to the Padyatra. Water and refreshments were distributed to participants on route, ensuring their comfort and well-being. In a strong display of civic responsibility, MY Bharat volunteers were also seen actively cleaning the path and picking up litter, embodying the spirit of service throughout the Padyatra.
At the culmination of the Padyatra near the Patna High Court, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with other leaders, participated in a cleanliness drive around the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Following this, they garlanded Babasaheb’s photo and paid heartfelt tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution. All dignitaries present joined in offering floral tributes, marking a moment of collective respect and remembrance.
Joining Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were several distinguished dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Shri SamratChoudhary and Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Former Union Minister and Patna MP, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, State Ministers, Shri Nitin Nabin and Shri SurendraMehata, Member of Parliament, Smt. ShambhaviChoudhary, MLA, Smt. Shreyasi Singh and MLC, Shri Sanjay Mayukh.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has greeted fellow-citizens on the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
In a message, the President has said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.
In his inspiring life, Babasaheb created a distinct identity of his own despite facing extreme difficulties and earned respect around the world with his extraordinary achievements.
A man of prodigious abilities and multifaceted personality, Babasaheb was an economist, educationist, jurist and a great social reformer. He was an ardent advocate of an egalitarian society and he waged a lifelong struggle for economic and social rights of women and deprived classes. He considered education as an important tool for social change and empowerment of the downtrodden. His contributions in various fields will continue to inspire future generations to work with commitment for nation-building.
On this occasion, let us pledge to adopt the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar in our lives and work to build a nation that embodies the spirit of social harmony and equality”.
Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Söder called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences; reiterates strong collaboration between the two nations Long – standing Indo-German cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), underlines the potential for bilateral cooperation, says Dr Jitendra Singh
India and Germany to Deepen Cooperation in AI, Quantum Tech, Clean Energy, and Biotechnology
Dr. Jitendra Singh Hails Indo-German 2+2 University and Industry Collaboration
Highlights India emergence in Space, Nuclear and Biotech and next generation technologies such as AI, Quantum technologies
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant diplomatic and scientific engagement, Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Söder called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, and reiterated strong collaboration between the two nations.
One to one bilateral between the two leaders, was followed by high-level delegation level meeting led by the two Ministers
Welcoming the high-level German delegation, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the long-standing Indo-German cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), underlining the potential for bilateral cooperation in priority areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, Clean Energy, Electric Mobility, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Green Hydrogen.
“India has embarked on mission-mode programs under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We seek economic and sustainable solutions through scientific and technological interventions, and Germany is a natural partner in this endeavor,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Dr. Jitendra Singh applauded the Indo-German 2+2 collaboration model involving joint efforts between academia and industry from both countries, calling it a landmark step toward creating future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystems.“The 2+2 collaboration is a futuristic model. It brings together universities and industries from both countries to solve global challenges through innovation, co-development, and commercialization,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the Golden Jubilee of Indo-German S&T Partnership celebrated last year, adding that the recent Indo-German S&T Governing Body Meeting in Germany further reinforced the commitment to deepen scientific engagement. He highlighted the shared cultural and intellectual legacy between the two nations, mentioning Max Mueller’s pioneering translation of the Upanishads and the Rigveda, which laid the foundation for Indo-European scholarly ties.
Dr. Jitendra Singh spotlighted India’s remarkable progress in the biotech sector, boasting over 3000 startups and leading globally as the largest vaccine manufacturer. He noted the significance of the recently approved BIOe3 policy, which focuses on Energy, Economy, and Employment to drive the next wave of biotech innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined India’s emergence as a biotech powerhouse with over 3000 startups and the recent launch of the BIOe3 policy, aimed at driving Energy, Economy, and Employment through biotech innovation.
The Science and Technology Minister states that India’s Space-Tech and Nuclear sectors, now open to private players, offer tremendous collaborative opportunities. He further stated that India ranks 3rd globally in startups and unicorns, making it a vibrant destination for tech partnerships.
“India’s academic outreach to Germany continues to deepen, with over 50,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities—mostly in STEM disciplines—a number that has tripled in the last seven years”, says Dr. Singh
Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a reciprocal increase in German students studying in India, particularly in the areas of Oriental Studies, Indian Culture, and Traditional Knowledge Systems.
“Germany has emerged as a favoured academic destination for Indian youth. Now we hope to see more German students exploring India’s intellectual heritage and scientific capabilities,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh fondly recalled his recent visit to Berlin, observing the growing popularity of Indian cuisine and culture, with locals enthusiastically embracing Indian flavours in more than a dozen Indian food outlets.
The German side was represented by Dr. Markus Söder, along with Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, and other senior delegates. From the Indian side, Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST); Dr. Praveen Somasundaram, Head of International Cooperation, and Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor,Department of Biotechnology, also participated in the deliberations.
State of art totally Indigenously developed Resource adequacy model (STELLAR) launched by Central Electricity Authority A Useful tool for all Discoms and load Despatchers
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi
An indigenously developed Integrated Generation, Transmission and Storage Expansion Planning Model with Demand Response – a vital Resource Adequacy Tool, has been launched on 11.04.2025 by Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in the presence of Sh. Alok Kumar, Ex-Secretary (Power) and partner TLG and various representatives from the State Power Utilities. It is planned to distribute this software model to all the States/ Discoms free of cost.
The indigenously developed tool is specifically designed to assist the states in carrying out a comprehensive Resource Adequacy plan in line with the resource adequacy guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023.
After the issuance of Resource Adequacy Guidelines, CEA has been carrying out the Resource Adequacy (RA) plans for all the Discoms. To begin with, CEA completed the exercise for all Discoms up to 2032, and now all of them have been updated to 2034-35. CEA has also finished the national level exercise up to 2034-35. Since the plan is dynamic and is mandated to be revised every year, it was thought to develop a common tool for all and share it with them free of cost to play with it. It will also help integrate the studies easily and bring out the optimum solutions for the country.
The model explicitly considers:
Chronological operation of the power system
All unit commitment constraints, including technical minimum, minimum up and down times, and ramp-up/ramp-down rates.
Endogenous demand response
Ancillary services, and many more.
The benefits of the tool include:
Ensuring adequate resource adequacy (neither less nor more) in the electricity grid. Zero load shedding, No stressed capacity and least cost solutions.
Optimisation of the cost of power system generation expansion and system operation while considering the benefit of demand response.
Optimisation of energy and ancillary services.
Optimisation of size and location of storage.
The software has been developed entirely in India with the active guidance of CEA, ensuring complete transparency. CEA will update and upgrade this tool based on further suggestions from the users (Discoms/ load despatchers) of this software.
The launch event highlighted the collaboration between CEA, The Lantau Group (TLG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Technical Assistance program.
Harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative ‘Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise’ inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania & Raksha Rajya Mantri onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam Oneness & unity of purpose key to overcome maritime challenges and ensure a peaceful & prosperous future: Shri Sanjay Seth
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 9:26PM by PIB Delhi
The harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise (AIKEYME) was inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam on April 13, 2025. AIKEYME, co-hosted by India and Tanzania, involves participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa.
Raksha Rajya Mantri also joined the digital inauguration of Weapons Training Simulator facility established at Arusha and inauguration of Defence Expo. In the Defence Expo, 22 companies from India are participating with their key products on display.
In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri emphasised on oneness, and unity of purpose to overcome the vast maritime challenges and to ensure a peaceful & prosperous future. He recalled the age-old relations between India & Africa and reiterated the principle of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region) for further strengthening the bond with our friends in Africa.
Shri Sanjay Seth stressed on the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” highlighting the need for enduring partnerships in maritime security. He expressed gratitude to Tanzania for hosting AIKEYME 25, marking a significant step towards long-term collaboration.
Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania thanked India for co-hosting the Exercise and she termed the Exercise a strategic initiative to build strong maritime partnership. She underscored the necessity of a collective approach to address challenges such as piracy and trafficking.
Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to hosting future editions of AIKEYME and detailed the collaborative framework for regional maritime security, emphasizing innovation and information sharing. Her remarks firmly established that the relationship extends beyond military affairs, advocating for a broader regional cooperation.
Dignitaries present included the Chief of Defence Force, Tanzania People’s Defence Force, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, and the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, reinforcing the importance of bilateral defence relationships. The event was punctuated by a parade of a 50-man guard and the stirring performance of the Indian Navy Band, embodying the spirit of maritime cooperation.
Raksha Rajya Mantri also briefly interacted with the crew of participating countries of the Exercise and IOS SAGAR ship. He did a walkaround of INS Chennai. He gifted 15 sets of Parachutes, books for NDC and a Tri-Services War Gaming Simulator to Tanzania as a token of strong bonds and friendship between the two countries.
The exercise represents commitment of the participating countries to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean. A new chapter has been added today to the growing relations between India and Africa. AIKEYME 25 and IOS SAGAR symbolize a transformative journey towards enhanced multinational collaboration in securing the seas, forging connections that transcend borders.