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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) celebrates 7th Foundation Day, Strengthening its Commitment to Tribal Education

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) proudly commemorated its 7th Foundation Day celebrating its unwavering dedication to the education and empowerment of tribal students across India. Established in year 2019 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, NESTS has been instrumental in transforming the educational landscape for tribal communities through the administration of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

    The event, held at Akashwani Bhavan, was graced by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs along with Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairman, National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST)and dignitaries from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, educationists, and key stakeholders of EMRS. The celebrations featured inspiring addresses, vibrant cultural performances, and a short film showcasing the remarkable impact of EMRS over the last year in advancing quality education for tribal children.

    Lighting of lamp

     

    Key Highlights of the Event:

    The momentous occasion address was delivered by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, while the keynote speech was given by Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening tribal education and outlining the vision for the future,the Chairman, (NCST) highlighted the crucial role of education in driving tribal development, emphasizing how EMRS has been instrumental and crucial to it. Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements of EMRS students were recognized and celebrated, with twelve students felicitated in the morning session. Further, the staff of NESTS who excelled in the Sports meet, received awards in the program. Tribal students from various EMRS institutions captivated the audience with performances showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

    A dedicated segment highlighted the achievements of EMRS over the past year, demonstrating its impact on fostering quality education, holistic development, and promising futures for tribal youth across the country.

    Shri Jual Oram                                                                         Shri Durgadas Uikey

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS stated,“NESTS has played a pivotal role in ensuring quality education for tribal students. With the expansion of EMRS and new initiatives, we aim to empower the next generation with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.”

    EMRS students & teachers with dignitaries.

    Transforming Education for Tribal Communities

    NESTS has made significant strides, expanding to 477 functional schools with an enrolment of over 1,38,000 students. Additionally, successful recruitment efforts have resulted in the appointment of a total 9075 teaching and non-teaching staff, further strengthening the educational eco system. NESTS aims to enhance infrastructure, digital learning and skill development programs, ensuring that quality education reaches every tribal student across India.

    Various capacity-building programs, including specialized training initiatives, have fortified the foundation of EMRS schools, equipping educators with the necessary tools to foster excellence and shape a promising future for tribal children.

    About NESTS

    The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) was established in 2019 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide high-quality education to tribal students through Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). These schools offer holistic learning, combining academics with sports, arts and life skills, ensuring inclusive and equitable education for tribal communities.

    *****

    RN/PIB

    (Release ID: 2117667) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF PM MITRA SCHEME

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:05PM by PIB Delhi

    With a view to develop integrated large scale and modern industrial infrastructure facility for the entire value-chain of the textile industry, the Government has approved setting up of 7 (Seven) PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks in Greenfield/Brownfield sites with a scheme outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2027-28. The Government has finalised 7 sites viz. Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Telangana (Warangal), Gujarat (Navsari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) and Maharashtra (Amravati) for setting up PM MITRA Parks. Once completed, it is expected that each PM MITRA Park will generate 3 lakh (direct/indirect) employment opportunities. 

    Post approval of sites received by the Government, the selected States/SPVs have started a series of activities on ground including provision of road, water and power, infrastructure till the park gate, preparation of sites and other related infrastructure. Environmental Clearance have been obtained for PM MITRA sites in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Telangana. In respect of PM MITRA Park at Amravati Maharashtra, tender of infrastructure development for Rs. 111 crore has been finalized and work order issued. The foundation stone of the PM MITRA Park Amravati Maharashtra was laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in September 2024. In-principle approval has been accorded to the proposal of the Government of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh for implementation of PM MITRA Parks by the Government of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh through their implementing agencies.

    The scheme envisages a Development Capital Support (DCS) of 30% of total project cost upto Rs. 500 crore for Greenfield Park and Rs. 200 crore for  Brownfield Park subject to scheme guidelines. The scheme also envisages a Competitive Incentive Support (CIS) of upto Rs. 300 crore per park as an incentive to manufacturing units to set up early in the park. The incentive is subject to fulfilment of conditions as outlined in detailed scheme guidelines.     

    In order to effectively implement the PM MITRA Scheme, MoUs as well as JV agreements have been signed between Government of India and PM MITRA States. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) have been incorporated in all Greenfield PM MITRA Parks with State Governments’ holding 51% stake in the SPV and remaining 49% being held by the Government of India.

    To encourage private sector participation in the scheme, a Master Developer (MD) led model for developing PM MITRA Park on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis has been envisaged in addition to other models of development.

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

    *****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4990)

    (Release ID: 2117663) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SERICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Textiles

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SERICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:04PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has been implementing the Silk Samagra scheme for the overall development of silk sector in the country. Based on the proposals received from the States, support is provided through central assistance, for the development of necessary infrastructure through beneficiary oriented components including setting up of silkworm seed production units, rearing houses, Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs), silk reeling & weaving units, Common Facility Centres, State-wise, Centres of Excellence.

    The State-wise central funds allocated/ released and utilized during the last five are given below.

    Presently, there are no proposals for new sericulture infrastructure projects pending approval. The Financial assistance for infrastructure development under Silk Samagra & Silk Samagra-2 scheme has been provided to states for implementation with the defined sharing pattern. The pattern of assistance under the ongoing Silk Samagra-2 scheme for individual farmers, cooperatives (SPV/FPO/SHG/NGO), and private entities is given below:

    #

    Particulars

    GOI (CSB)

    %

    State

    %

    Beneficiary

    %

    A

    All states other than NE states

    1

    General States- General Category

    50

    25

    25

    2

    General States – For SC & ST

    65

    25

    10

    3

    Special Status States

    80

    10

    10

    B

    Seri Business Enterprise / Entrepreneurs

    1

    General- New/ existing

    30/20

    20

    50/60

    2

    SC & ST and Special status & NE states- New/ existing

    40/30

    30

    30/40

    C

    North East states

    1

    Group activity/ Community based programmes

    100

    –

    –

    2

    Common Facility/ State infrastructure

    90

    10

    –

    3

    Individual Beneficiary

    90

    –

    10

     

    Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) at State Level, Apex Approval & Monitoring Committee at Central Silk Board level and Joint verification of the benefits/ assets at field ensure the effective implementation and utilization of funds under Silk Samagra-2 scheme.

     

     

     

    State-wise Central funds allocated/ released & utilised  during the last 5 years under Silk Samagra & Silk Samagra-2 scheme

    		  
                       

              (Rs. in Lakh)

    #

    State

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    SILK SAMAGRA

    SILK SAMAGRA-2

    Allocated/ Released

    Utilised

    Allocated/ Released

    Utilised

    Allocated/ Released

    Utilised

    Allocated/ Released

    Utilised

    Allocated/ Released

    Utilised

    1

    Karnataka

    5,507.29

    5,507.29

    5,756.07

    5,756.07

    1,0140.19

    10,140.19

    1,538.38

    895.25

    8,585.08

    8,585.08

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    2,748.01

    2,587.52

    2,251.10

    1,997.26

    2,496.27

    2,026.64

    0.00

    0.00

    1,280.51

    0.00

    3

    Telangana

    1,021.66

    1,021.66

    1,391.71

    1,391.71

    567.79

    265.51

    3,421.71

    1,158.48

    77.14

    0.00

    4

    Tamilnadu

    1,452.21

    1,276.55

    1,432.52

    1,069.93

    1,968.09

    1,711.35

    3,335.46

    3,128.80

    4,565.32

    1,219.25

    5

    Maharashtra

    475.55

    475.55

    0.00

    0.00

    106.68

    105.25

    284.94

    248.38

    2,267.46

    0.00

    6

    Kerala

    305.35

    200.12

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    7

    Uttar pradesh

    455.77

    441.47

    357.00

    357.00

    2,529.74

    2,180.27

    0.00

    0.00

    2,304.468

    1,190.575

    8

    Madhya Pradesh

    0.00

    0.00

    8.26

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    293.18

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    9

    Chattisgarh

    218.32

    218.32

    84.75

    84.75

    1,478.19

    1,194.41

    2,895.83

    1,497.27

    0.00

    0.00

    10

    West Bengal 

    447.80

    447.80

    5.51

    5.51

    0.00

    0.00

    721.12

    658.41

    749.49

    0.00

    11

    Bihar 

    0.00

    0.00

    364.63

    364.63

    1,177.44

    965.92

    1,031.48

    38.48

    0.00

    0.00

    12

    Jharkhand

    44.65

    0.00

    54.24

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    273.94

    100.18

    39.68

    0.00

    13

    Orissa

    261.93

    70.64

    226.97

    149.93

    76.63

    0.00

    355.92

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    546.65

    518.03

    0.00

    0.00

    399.29

    0.00

    15

    Himachal Pradesh

    213.79

    213.79

    772.86

    772.86

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    16

    Uttarakhand

    928.98

    917.16

    269.74

    269.74

    511.82

    473.43

    784.09

    239.95

    148.27

    0.00

    17

    Haryana

    217.76

    0.00

    26.56

    0.00

    241.24

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    18

    Punjab

    107.90

    107.90

    117.72

    117.72

    241.73

    239.73

    81.76

    75.06

    446.38

    0.00

    19

    Assam

    74.14

    74.14

    97.68

    57.68

    672.42

    435.51

    2,150.14

    545.47

    11.70

    0.00

    20

    BTC

    0.00

    0.00

    758.50

    758.50

    909.13

    909.13

    1,936.03

    1,809.11

    0.00

    0.00

    21

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    2,364.26

    2,343.69

    2,619.15

    2,203.93

    851.70

    640.16

    22

    Manipur

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    3,248.96

    228.99

    0.00

    0.00

    23

    Meghalaya 

    0.00

    0.00

    62.46

    0.00

    1,039.11

    797.87

    632.08

    115.20

    0.00

    0.00

    24

    Mizoram

    0.00

    0.00

    470.13

    470.13

    967.63

    945.86

    2,006.90

    1,777.12

    706.15

    561.51

    25

    Nagaland

    0.00

    0.00

    237.35

    237.35

    2,249.35

    2,248.94

    1,521.04

    1,382.80

    2,304.49

    2,170.81

    26

    Sikkim

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    119.00

    0.00

    629.57

    168.06

    0.00

    0.00

    27

    Tripura

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    152.00

    152.00

    1448.23

    0.00

    Total

    14,481.08

    13,559.90

    14,745.75

    13,860.76

    30,403.37

    27,501.72

    29,913.70

    16,422.93

    26,185.35

    14,367.38
                               

     

     

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

    *****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4958)

    (Release ID: 2117662)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM hails NEP 2020 as India’s intellectual renaissance, paving the way for a self-reliant, globally competitive nation through education and innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Highlighting the historic transformation of India’s education sector in the past decade, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today hailed the NEP 2020 as India’s intellectual renaissance, paving the way for a self-reliant, globally competitive nation through education and innovation.

    Responding to a post by Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on X, he stated:

    “Union Education Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp highlights how India’s education sector has undergone a historic transformation in the last decade. NEP 2020 is more than a reform; it is India’s intellectual renaissance, paving the way for a self-reliant, globally competitive nation through education and innovation.”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2117649) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF FTAS AND PTAS ON EXPORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk and Technical Textiles during the last three years is attached at below.

    India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners to give boost to India’s exports.

    The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles sector and enhance its competitiveness. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program.

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

    Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country by implementing following schemes:

    1. National Handloom Development Programme;
    2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;

     

    • Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.
    • Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.
    • Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.
    • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

    Around 2,600 handicrafts exporters registered with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) were supported through participation in International trade fairs and Buyer Seller Meets organized in India and abroad under MAI Scheme of Department of Commerce. Around 582 member exporters of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) were provided marketing support during 2024-25 (upto February 2025) under various schemes of the ministries.

    Ministry of Textiles promotes the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom & handicrafts products of pan India under the scheme, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) respectively. Under the above scheme, financial assistance is provided for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, imparting training to personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of G.I. registration. So far, a total no. of 214 handicrafts products and 104 handloom products, out of a total no. of 658 GI tagged products have been registered under the GI Act.

    To increase more marketing opportunities, the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implementing various domestic & international marketing events under National Handicraft Development Programmes (NHDP) across the country wherein artisans are being provided a platform to sell their products. Further, an e-commerce portal (www.Indiahandmade.com) has been launched specifically for artisans & weavers where they can sell their products to buyers from all over the country. Artisans are being also onboarded on GeM portal where they can sell their products to government offices/PSU etc. 

     

    India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk during the last three years:

    Value in USD Million

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Cotton Yarn

    5,498

    2,752

    3,780

    Other textile yarn, fabrics, madeups etc

    650

    730

    731

    Cotton Raw Incld. Waste

    2,816

    781

    1,117

    Cotton Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    8,201

    6,821

    6,630

    Cotton Textiles

    17,166

    11,085

    12,258

    Manmade Staple Fibre

    680

    463

    402

    Manmade Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups

    5,615

    4,949

    4,679

    Man-made textiles

    6,294

    5,412

    5,081

    Wool Raw

    0

    1

    1

    Wollen Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    166

    204

    192

    Wool & Woolen textiles

    166

    205

    192

    Natural Silk Yarn, Fabrics, Madeup

    79

    72

    79

    Silk Raw

    2

    0

    2

    Silk Waste

    28

    22

    38

    Silk Products

    109

    95

    119

         Source: DGCIS provisional data

      

       India’s export of Technical Textiles during the last three years:

                                                                                                  Value in Rs. crore

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Technical Textiles

    21,194.62

    20,095.52

    21,407.38

              Source: Ministry of Commerce

     

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

    ******

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4961)

    (Release ID: 2117660) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 1 Million Resources Hired Through GeM in FY 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Over 1 Million Resources Hired Through GeM in FY 2024-25

    GeM Revolutionises Government’s Manpower Outsourcing Service

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 12:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Digital procurement platform, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating the hiring of over 1 million manpower resources by government organizations in the current fiscal year (2024-25). This milestone underscores GeM’s commitment to transforming public procurement through transparency, compliance, and efficiency.

    Manpower outsourcing of GeM provides government buyers with a seamless solution to hire outsourced resources. Over 33,000 service providers on the platform enable buyers to engage manpower based on diverse criteria, including minimum wages and fixed remuneration. Various skilled and unskilled roles such as Security Personnel, Horticulture Staff, Multi-Tasking Staff, Data Entry Operators, and Facility Management Professionals can be hired through the portal.

    Speaking on this achievement, CEO of GeM, Shri Ajay Bhadoo, stated, “GeM has harnessed digital capabilities and has emerged as a one-stop-shop for procurement of all possible services required by government buyers at various levels of administration. Our manpower outsourcing service not only simplifies the hiring process for government organizations but also ensures strict labour compliance through our comprehensive Service Level Agreement.”

    Key features of GeM’s manpower outsourcing service include:

    • Flexibility to select resources based on skills, profiles, educational qualifications, and experience
    • Specialized role categories addressing specific government needs
    • Transparent pricing models, including minimum wage and fixed remuneration options
    • Comprehensive Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework ensuring legal compliance and clear obligations for all parties

    GeM’s adherence with labour laws and regulations ensures that all transactions meet statutory requirements, providing government buyers with peace of mind while engaging outsourced resources.

    The milestone of 1 million manpower resources hired through GeM in FY 2024-25 demonstrates the growing trust and adoption of the platform across government sectors.

    Established in 2016, GeM provides government buyers with an end-to-end digital platform to carry out public procurement at cost-effective rates. In FY 2019-20, the platform expanded to include services as a separate segment, initially offering basic services like manpower hiring, cab hiring, security services, and cleaning & sanitation services. Over the last five years, GeM has expanded its portfolio to more than 330 services, including complex offerings like drone services, AR/VR services, cloud services, and cybersecurity services.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2117636) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BHARAT TEX 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry has supported Export Promotion Councils/Associations in organizing a Global Mega Textile Event i.e. Bharat TEX  2025 to showcase the strength of the Indian textiles value chain, highlighting the latest progress/ innovations in textile & fashion Industry and positioning India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in textile sector.

    The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from more than 100 countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

    Bharat TEX 2025 served as a premier platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, and innovators, bringing together key stakeholders from across the textile sector. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, exporters, and importers, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their expertise, cutting-edge innovations, and latest collections to a global audience. It brought together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products including accessories under one single roof.

    The government’s focus on increasing textile manufacturing, modernizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and upgrading technology has strengthened India’s position as a global textile hub. Bharat Tex 2025 provided a platform to showcase these advancements while promoting sustainable and high-value textile production.

    Bharat TEX 2025 also featured a Global scale conference, Roundtables, Panel Discussions, and master classes. It included exhibitions that featured Special Innovation and Start up Pavilions. It also included hackathons based Startup Pitch Fest and innovation fests, Tech tanks and design challenges providing funding opportunities for startups through leading investors.

    Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country including Rajasthan by implementing following scheme:

    1. National Handloom Development Programme;
    2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;
    • Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.
    • Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.
    • Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.
    • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

    Similarly for handicrafts sector, the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implements two schemes namely National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for overall development and promotion of handicrafts sector across the country. Under these schemes, need based financial assistance is provided for end-to-end support to the artisans through marketing events, skill development, cluster development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, research and development support, digitization, branding and marketing of handicraft products in domestic & international markets etc. which benefit the traditional crafts and artisans throughout the country including Rajasthan.

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

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4891)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ROADMAP FOR TEXTILE SECTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Government in order to achieve Textile 2030 vision has been focusing on high-tech & high-growth product segments, leveraging inherent strengths, developing large scale plug and play infrastructure, keeping sustainability at the core, while ensuring large-scale livelihood opportunities, providing impetus to traditional sectors including handloom and handicrafts and becoming Atma-nirbhar in raw material value chain by implementing various schemes/initiatives across the country. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated , world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre (MMF) Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicraft artisans. Under these schemes, support is provided for marketing, skill development, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support etc.

    The textile industry is one of the largest sources of employment generation in the country, employing over 45 million people directly. A total of 35,874 USD million exports of Textiles & Apparel including Handicrafts were reported during 2023-24.

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

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

    For upliftment of handloom weavers in Assam, the following support has been provided during last ten years and current year:

    • 88 Small Handloom Clusters and 2 Mega Handloom Clusters have been taken up for financial assistance of Rs.89.45 crore benefitting to 68,652 handloom workers. Out of these, one Small handloom cluster at Harangajao in DimaHasao district has been taken up for financial assistance of Rs.94.23 lakh benefiting 626 handloom workers.
    • To integrate Craft promotion with tourism, Craft Handloom Village has been set up at Mohpara (Assam).
    • More than 1.09 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
    • Total 15.10 lakh kg of yarn supplied under Transport Subsidy & Price Subsidy benefitting more than 39,000 handloom organisations/weavers.    

    For the upliftment of artisans need based assistance is provided under National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for end-to-end support through marketing events, skill development, cluster development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, research and development support etc. which benefit the traditional crafts and artisans throughout the country including of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts in Assam.

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

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q5011)

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Finalists for WAVES Comics Creator Championship & WAVES Awards of Excellence Announced

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai/Bhopal, 1 April 2025

     

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, in collaboration with Indian Comics Association (ICA) and ASIFA India, has announced the finalists for two prestigious competitions under the WAVES Create in India Challenge—the WAVES Comics Creator Championship and the WAVES Awards of Excellence.

    The competitions have attracted participation from across India and internationally, highlighting the country’s potential as a global hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. The winners will be announced at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.

    Additional Director General, PIB, Bhopal, Shri Prashant Pathrabe said that, WAVES is an important event that provides a global platform for professional entrepreneurs, investors, producers and innovators to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute in the entertainment sector.

       

    Photo caption : Shri Prashant Pathrabe, Additional Director General, PIB Bhopal addressing the ceremony of announcement of finalists of Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence

     

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship:

    Indian Comics Association (ICA) President Ajitesh Sharma stated that ICA has selected 10 teams for the final round and that the candidates for the final round were selected based on their creative story, artistic skills and overall impact.

    Photo caption: Shri Ajitesh Sharma, President, Indian Comics Association addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    The finalists for the Comics Creator Championship are as follows:

    Finalists – Professional Category:

    1. Mohit Sharma (Meerut) – Ayush Kumar (Delhi)

    2. Aparna Chaurasia (Chhatarpur)

    3. Bijoy Raveendran (Delhi) – Tadam Gyadu (Delhi)

    4. Puneet Shukla (Gorakhpur) – Piyush Kumar (Ranchi)

    5. Tejas Janardhan Kamble (Mumbai)

    Finalists – Amateur Category:

    1. Suvojit Pal (Howrah) – Vivek Pradhan (Raipur)

    2. Vindhyarsh Mishra (Bareilly)

    3. Rohit Shukla (Chennai) – Shivangi Shaily (Indore)

    4. Ritesh Patra (Kolkata)

    5. Randeep Singh (Kendrapara)

    Jury Panel for Comics Creator Championship

    The five-member jury to evaluate the competition entries included: Dilip Kadam – Renowned comic artist and illustrator; Nikhil Pran – Acclaimed comic creator and son of Pran Kumar Sharma; Jajil Homaveer – Creator of the web manga The Beast Legion; Sanjay Gupta – Founder of Raj Comics; Preeti Vyas – President & CEO of Amar Chitra Katha. The jury panel will now select the winners by evaluating the Semi-Finalists’ entries. The selected 10 Finalists will then compete at the Mumbai Waves Event from 1-4 May 2025.The final competition will take place at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, where the best talents in Indian comics will be recognized on an international stage.

    ASIFA announces Waves’ Awards of Excellence

    The WAVES Awards of Excellence, organized by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) India under the Create in India Challenge, has received 1,331 entries from 28 Indian states and 13 countries.

    Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    Jury for WAVES Awards of Excellence

    The evaluation process for the WAVES Awards of Excellence was led by an esteemed five-member international jury, ensuring global standards in selection: Dr. Anastasia Dimitra (Greece) – VP, ASIFA International & Animation Educator; Briana Yarhouse (USA) – Director, Awards of Excellence & Professor; Pramita Mukherjee (USA) – Sr. Creature FX Developer, DreamWorks; Dhimant Vyas (India) – Professor of Practice, IDC School of Design; B.N. Vichar (India) – Art Director, Technicolor Games

    The winning entries will receive mentorship, global exposure, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

     

    Final Nominations-Professionals

    1

    Patrick

    Smith

    ASIFA24102

    Onward Ye Costumed Souls

    USA

    2

    Fabian

    Driehorst

    ASIFA24142

    Little Fan

    Germany

    3

    Yingyan Chen

    Linxiao Zhou, Zehao Chen

    ASIFA24205

    Online interview

    China

    4

    Long Qin

    CHINA

    ASIFA24207

    IN BEWTEEN

    China

    5

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24298

    The Seed

    Mumbai, India

    6

    Adithi

    Krishnadas

    ASIFA24299

    The Legend of Arana

    Mumbai, India

    7

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24302

    Pune Design Festival Versus Ident Film

    Mumbai, India

    8

    Swati

    Agarwal

    ASIFA24654

    Chalisa’

    Mumbai, India

    9

    Swathy

    Pushpalochanan

    ASIFA24678

    Anpu

    Kollam, Kerala

    10

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24693

    IPL opening graphics

    Mumbai, India

    11

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24694

    Home season opening graphics/Legend

    Mumbai, India

    12

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24696

    RADHA

    Mumbai, India

    13

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24697

    13th Portal

    Mumbai, India

    14

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24698

    More kaka

    Mumbai, India

    15

    Prateek

    Sethi

    ASIFA24726

    Informa Markets In India – Milan

    Mumbai, India

    16

    Ujwal

    Nair

    ASIFA24740

    Lucky Dog

    Chennai, India

    17

    Gary

    Schwartz

    ASIFA2492

    FLINTMATION ll

    USA

    18

    David

    Ehrlich

    ASIFA2494

    A New World

    USA

    19

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA251377

    Desi Oon

    Mumbai, India

    20

    Amit

    Sonawane

    ASIFA251402

    What’s Your Story

    Mumbai, India

    Top 26 Nominated works includes Showreels/Shorts from students from across India including states/UT’s of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Gujarat, New Delhi.

    Final Nominations- Students

    S.No

    First Name

    Last Name

    Tracking Number

    Project Title

    Location

    1

    Varun

    Choudhry

    ASIFA24942

    Varun Choudhry | Modeling Reel 2024

    Mumbai

    2

    Hussain

    Bohra

    ASIFA24744

    IRAN 600 BC

    Udaipur

    3

    Shavikant

    Chauhan

    ASIFA24474

    texturing showreel

    Surat

    4

    Karan

    Meghlan

    ASIFA24930

    Karan_Malghan_Modeling_Texturing_Reel_Wave

    Pune

    5

    Rajat

    Aingh

    ASIFA241036

    CG Lighting Showreel_Rajat Singh

    Chandigarh

    6

    Ajit Tanaji

    Kinare

    ASIFA24881

    CG Lighting

    Mumbai

    7

    Ankan

    Samanta

    ASIFA24850

    Rigging Showreel By Ankan Samanta

    Hooghly, WB

    8

    Sumedha

    Paul

    ASIFA24814

    Rigging Showreel

    Kolkata

    9

    Arjun

    kumar

    ASIFA24157

    Animation Showreel

    Chandigarh

    10

    Arpit

    Thakur

    ASIFA24948

    Animation Showreel By ARPIT THAKUR

    Chandigarh

    11

    Kumkum

    Gupta

    ASIFA24966

    Digital_Painting_Kumkum Gupta

    Mumbai

    12

    Ishwari

    Tarkar

    ASIFA24969

    Digital_Painting_Ishwari_Tarkar

    Mumbai

    13

    Tarun

    None

    ASIFA24800

    Digital Matte Painting

    Bengaluru

    14

    Arena

    Andheri

    ASIFA241073

    Matte Paint-Sameer Parab

    Mumbai

    15

    ElangoM

    Elango

    ASIFA241306

    Digital matte painting

    Bengaluru

    16

    Prajval

    Nanote

    ASIFA241005

    Motion graphic

    sausar
    Chhindwara,MP

    17

    Sk

    Nur Islam

    ASIFA241121

    Motion Graphics Showreel

    Malda, WB

    18

    Sourav

    Bishwakarma

    ASIFA241202

    Compositing Showreel

    Kanchrapara,WB

    19

    Varun

    Sapkal

    ASIFA24565

    Showreel Varun Sapkal VFX

    Mumbai

    20

    Vijay

    Bangar

    ASIFA24922

    Kothrud_Vijay_Bangar

    Kothrud, Pune

    21

    Shaikh

    Sahil

    ASIFA241176

    Avengers: Infinity War movie Shots

    Mankhurd, Mumbai

    22

    Aditi

    Dixit

    ASIFA251357

    Showreel

    Delhi

    23

    Rutvik

    Dhole

    ASIFA24736

    Arwick 2d Animated explainer Video Ad

    Not specified

    24

    Debopom

    Chakraborty

    ASIFA24661

    Rasmalai

    Gurgaon, Haryana

    25

    Kartik

    Mahajan

    ASIFA24731

    Phool Dei

    Dehradun, Utta

    26

    Harshita

    Nehlani

    ASIFA251352

    Adhoori Pehchaan [Incomplete Identity]

    GLS, A’bad

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

     

    * * *

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Prashant/ Ajay/ Samir/ Prem/ Dhanalakshmi/ Darshana | 84

     

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2500 KG NARCOTICS SEIZED BY INDIAN NAVY’S MISSION DEPLOYED WARSHIP INS TARKASH

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 11:49AM by PIB Delhi

    INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy operating under the Western Naval Command, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. This operation underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating maritime crime and bolstering regional security.

    Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since Jan 2025 for Maritime Security Operations, INS Tarkash is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and is based in Bahrain. The ship is participating in the multi-national forces joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger.

    On 31 Apr 25, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft, regarding suspicious vessels operating in the area. These vessels were believed to be involved in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking. In response, the ship altered its course to intercept the suspicious vessels. After systematically interrogating all suspicious vessels in the vicinity, INS Tarkash intercepted and boarded a suspect Dhow, owing to the coordinated efforts with the P8I and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai. Additionally, the ship launched its integral helicopter to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessel and identify other vessels likely operating in the area.

    A specialist boarding team, along with Marine Commandos, boarded the suspect vessel and conducted a thorough search, leading to the discovery of various sealed packets. Further search and interrogation revealed over 2,500 kg of narcotic substances (including 2386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin) stored in different cargo holds and compartments onboard the vessel. The suspicious Dhow was subsequently brought under the control of INS Tarkash, and the crew underwent comprehensive questioning regarding their modus operandi and the presence of other similar vessels in the area.

    This seizure underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the Indian Navy in deterring and disrupting illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking at sea. The Indian Navy’s participation in multinational exercises aims to promote security, stability, and prosperity across international waters in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    *****

    VM/SPS                                                                                                        72/25

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

    Source: Thales Group

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

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

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

    EGNOS © Thales Alenia Space 

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

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

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

    About EGNOS

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

    Global Impact: EGNOS leading the way

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

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

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

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

    About EUSPA

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

    About THALES ALENIA SPACE

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

     

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

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

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

     ***

    SR/Savvy

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The UO has launched the following services:

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

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

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

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

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

     

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Annexure – I

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

     

    Category of Infrastructure

    S No

    District

    Approved Projects

    Animal Feed Plant

    Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication farm

    Dairy Processing & Value Addition

    Meat Processing & Value Addition

    Project Cost (In Cr.)

    Term Loan (In Cr.)

    Interest Subvention Released (In Cr.)

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    6

    –

    –

    –

    104.31

    64.77

    3.38

    2

    Dharmapuri

    1

    –

    –

    1

    –

    75.13

    24.82

    2.74

    3

    Dindigul

    5

    –

    2

    2

    1

    114.32

    55

    2.89

    4

    Erode

    4

    1

    –

    3

    –

    1310.52

    935.52

    20.38

    5

    Karur

    1

    –

    1

    –

    –

    7.11

    5

    1.71

    6

    Krishnagiri

    3

    1

    1

    –

    1

    15.45

    9.74

    0.57

    7

    Namakkal

    3

    2

    –

    1

    –

    102.09

    73

    0.32

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    1

    –

    –

    –

    0.34

    0.3

    0.01

    9

    Salem

    1

    –

    –

    1

    –

    140.14

    112.11

    1.33

    10

    Tiruppur

    6

    3

    2

    1

    –

    177.69

    129.32

    6.95

    Grand Total

    31

    14

    6

    9

    2

    2047.1

    1409.58

    40.27

                   Annexure – II

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

    S No

    District

    Approved Projects

    Cooperatives

    Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

    Individual Entrepreneur

    Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise

    Private Company

    Project Cost (In Cr.)

    Term Loan (In Cr.)

    Interest Subvention Released (In Cr.)

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    –

    –

    –

    6

    –

    104.31

    64.77

    3.38

    2

    Dharmapuri

    1

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    75.13

    24.82

    2.74

    3

    Dindigul

    5

    –

    –

    –

    3

    2

    114.32

    55.00

    2.89

    4

    Erode

    4

    –

    –

    –

    2

    2

    1310.52

    935.52

    20.38

    5

    Karur

    1

    –

    –

    –

    1

    –

    7.11

    5.00

    1.71

    6

    Krishnagiri

    3

    –

    –

    1

    1

    1

    15.45

    9.74

    0.57

    7

    Namakkal

    3

    1

    –

    –

    2

    –

    102.09

    73.00

    0.32

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    –

    1

    –

    –

    –

    0.34

    0.30

    0.01

    9

    Salem

    1

    1

    –

    –

    –

    –

    140.14

    112.11

    1.33

    10

    Tiruppur

    6

    –

    –

    –

    2

    4

    177.69

    129.32

    6.95

    Grand Total

    31

    2

    1

    1

    17

    10

    2047.10

    1409.58

    40.27

     

    ANNEXURE-III

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

    S No

    District

    Animal Feed Plant

    Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication farm

    Dairy Processing & Value Addition

    Meat Processing & Value Addition

    Total Approved Projects in Tamil Nadu

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Lakh MTPA)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

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

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Lakh LPD)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    Capacity (Metric Tonnes per annum)

    Projects

    Employment

    Farmers Benefitted

    1

    Coimbatore

    6

    961

    36281

    4.84

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    6

    961

    36281

    2

    Dharmapuri

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    65

    2100

    42000

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    65

    2100

    3

    Dindigul

    –

    –

    –

    –

    2

    80

    450

    124 (E)

    2

    85

    7000

    1.40

    1

    50

    2318

    21000

    5

    215

    9768

    4

    Erode

    1

    200

    4535

    0.60

    –

    –

    –

    –

    3

    943

    39702

    10.62

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    4

    1143

    44237

    5

    Karur

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    200

    1228

    3.36 (E)

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    200

    1228

    6

    Krishnagiri

    1

    15

    907

    0.12

    1

    9

    28

    0.97 (B)

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    120

    52

    468

    3

    144

    987

    7

    Namakkal

    2

    55

    19048

    2.52

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    125

    0

    2.00

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    3

    180

    19048

    8

    Perambalur

    1

    18

    454

    0.60

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    18

    454

    9

    Salem

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    428

    228000

    7.00

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    1

    428

    228000

    10

    Tiruppur

    3

    171

    9615

    1.27

    2

    69

    9479

    3.31 (B)

    1

    107

    6000

    1.20

    –

    –

    –

    		  

    6

    347

    25094

     

    Grand Total

    14

    1420

    70839

    		  

    6

    358

    11185

    		  

    9

    1753

    282802

    		  

    2

    170

    2370

    21468

    31

    3701

    367196

     

    Note: B represents Birds and E represents Eggs

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

    Educational Infrastructure:

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

         3.    Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ******

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

    ****

    RN/PIB

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

    ***

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

    Promotion of tribal art and culture in Madhya Pradesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ***

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ***

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

    1. Educational Empowerment Schemes

    i. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme

    ii. Post Matric Scholarship Scheme

    iii. Merit-cum-Mean based Scholarship Scheme

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

    2. Employment and Economic Empowerment Schemes

    1. Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ***

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

    The measures and advisories are outlined as follows:

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

    *****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Newly registered PACS

    1.

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    1

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    12

    4.

    Assam

    59

    5.

    Bihar

    25

    6.

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    7.

    Goa

    12

    8.

    Gujarat

    291

    9.

    Haryana

    2

    10.

    Himachal Pradesh

    57

    11.

    Jammu And Kashmir

    84

    12.

    Jharkhand

    44

    13.

    Karnataka

    128

    14.

    Ladakh

    0

    15.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    16.

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    17.

    Maharashtra

    148

    18.

    Manipur

    68

    19.

    Meghalaya

    193

    20.

    Mizoram

    25

    21.

    Nagaland

    12

    22.

    Odisha

    1,535

    23.

    Puducherry

    2

    24.

    Punjab

    0

    25.

    Rajasthan

    760

    26.

    Sikkim

    23

    27.

    Tamil Nadu

    21

    28.

    Telangana

    0

    29.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu

    4

    30.

    Tripura

    38

    31.

    Uttar Pradesh

    94

    32.

    Uttarakhand

    0

    33.

    West Bengal

    13

     

    Total

    3,667

     

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

    ****

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

    Annexure

    State/ UT- wise details of newly registered Cooperative Societies

     

     

    Sr. No.

     

    State/UT

    Total no. of newly

    registered M-PACS, DCS and FCS

    No. of associated farmer members

    1.

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    9

    104

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    897

    18,018

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    33

    1,337

    4.

    Assam

    321

    17,546

    5.

    Bihar

    308

    80,873

    6.

    Chhattisgarh

    331

    6,050

    7.

    Goa

    12

    247

    8.

    Gujarat

    733

    98,031

    9.

    Haryana

    50

    4,389

    10.

    Himachal Pradesh

    411

    8,556

    11.

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1,118

    22,840

    12.

    Jharkhand

    248

    9,858

    13.

    Karnataka

    598

    82,035

    14.

    Ladakh

    4

    371

    15.

    Lakshadweep

    7

    508

    16.

    Madhya Pradesh

    613

    27,350

    17.

    Maharashtra

    889

    65,008

    18.

    Manipur

    95

    11,216

    19.

    Meghalaya

    206

    11,994

    20.

    Mizoram

    29

    1,093

    21.

    Nagaland

    14

    657

    22.

    Odisha

    1,535

    6,87,126

    23.

    Puducherry

    7

    507

    24.

    Punjab

    80

    1,851

    25.

    Rajasthan

    1,995

    3,22,255

    26.

    Sikkim

    57

    1,192

    27.

    Tamil Nadu

    520

    36,271

    28.

    Telangana

    82

    2,345

    29.

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman &

    Diu

    5

    298

    30.

    Tripura

    40

    961

    31.

    Uttar Pradesh

    1,464

    1,79,926

    32.

    Uttarakhand

    147

    3,612

    33.

    West Bengal

    99

    5,799

    Total

    12,957

    17,10,224

     

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

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117761) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ***

    SS/ISA

    (Release ID: 2117762) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117818) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –