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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Migrant deaths in Asia hit record high in 2024, UN data reveals

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Migrants and Refugees

    The year 2024 marked the deadliest on record for migrants in Asia, with at least 2,514 lives lost along the region’s perilous migration routes, according to new data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    This represents a staggering 59 per cent increase from the 1,584 deaths recorded in 2023, highlighting the worsening dangers faced by people on the move.

    “No one should lose their life in pursuit of safety or a better future,” said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

    “Every life lost on migration routes in Asia, or anywhere else, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for safe and regular migration pathways – these are preventable tragedies.”

    Source: IOM

    Migrant deaths in Asia since 2014; data for 2025 as of 15 March.

    Rohingya, Afghans most at risk

    The spike in migrant deaths was primarily linked to two of the region’s most vulnerable populations: the minority Muslim Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and Afghans escaping conflict and instability.

    “The increase in deaths across Asia of people fleeing conflict and persecution in the region is of grave concern,” Mr. Kato said.

    In 2024, at least 1,517 Afghan migrants lost their lives while in transit – up 39 per cent from 2023.

    Deaths among Rohingya migrants more than doubled, reaching 889 compared to 436 the previous year.

    On 5 August 2024 alone, over 150 people were reportedly killed by artillery fire while attempting to cross the Naf River from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

    IOM also highlighted that the risks facing migrants extended beyond conflict-related violence. Many are vulnerable to perilous conditions en route, including overcrowded and unsafe boats, abuse by smugglers and extreme weather conditions.

    Crisis of missing migrants

    Lack of identification of migrants was also a major concern, with over 1,000 of those who died in 2024 unidentified. Among the documented deaths, 1,086 were men, 205 were women, and 217 children.

    “A lack of official reporting of data on missing migrants means we know our data do not fully capture the true number of lives lost during migration in Asia,” Mr. Kato said.

    “And even within the records we have, so few identifying details are known, meaning there are immeasurable effects on families searching for lost relatives,” he added.

    UNICEF/Patrick Brown

    A man helps a woman to the shore as a boat arrives with Rohingya refugees in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. (file)

    Asia’s deadly migration routes

    Migration in Asia is complex, driven by economic inequality, conflict and environmental factors, worsened by climate change. However, limited legal pathways have forced many to rely on irregular and highly dangerous routes.

    One of the deadliest corridors remains the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, where stateless Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants embark on treacherous sea journeys in search of refuge. Many pay smugglers for passage, only to find themselves trapped on overcrowded boats with insufficient food and water, facing violence from crew members and the risk of being turned away at their destination.

    Meanwhile, overland migration routes across South and Southeast Asia – such as those from Nepal to India, or from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Iran and Turkey – also pose serious risks. Migrants frequently endure extreme environmental conditions, exploitation by traffickers, and border violence.

    Sea crossings to Australia, once a significant migration route, have sharply declined in recent years due to strict border controls, according to IOM.

    While official data on boat interceptions remains scarce, the closure of this route has left many stranded in transit countries with little access to healthcare, education or legal protection, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woodbury Man Pleads Guilty in Child Sextortion Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Timothy Lennard Gebhart, a Woodbury man, has pleaded guilty to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and for coercing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on multiple occasions between approximately July 10, 2021, and March 11, 2022, Timothy Lennard Gebhart, 38, coerced a 16-year-old child, Minor A, and a 14-year-old, Minor B, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pornographic videos. After obtaining the images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, Gebhart distributed the videos via computer and cellular phone. Gebhart then used the pornographic videos to extort money and other items of value from Minor A, threatening to damage the victim’s reputation by sending nude photos and videos to their family and friends.

    Gebhart pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell to two counts of child pornography production, one count of child pornography distribution, and one count of interstate communication with the intent to extort. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date.  Gebhart faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence.

    “Sextortion—threatening to share explicit images of a victim unless they comply with a predator’s demands—is abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “All too often, our children become victims of these monstrous schemes.  My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Woodbury Police Department, Greene County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, and the FBI, with assistance from the Owatonna Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Classen is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 03/25/2025 Blackburn, Schatz, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost U.s. Cultural Trade Amid Competition From China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Cultural Trade Promotion Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s creative industries and expand cultural exports. By bolstering the creative economy, this legislation will help U.S. businesses—including Native-owned, small, and rural enterprises—reach new global markets, create jobs, and strengthen America’s influence abroad amidst increasing competition from China.
    “We cannot allow China to continue to outpace the United States in overall cultural exports, and Tennessee is home to countless creative entrepreneurs who need support to export their products and grow their businesses,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Cultural Trade Promotion Act would improve access to international shipping services for these small businesses to strengthen our economy and promote high-quality American goods.” 
    “America’s creative industries are a powerful force, driving jobs at home and shaping perceptions of our country abroad. Recently, China has doubled down on promoting its cultural exports, and we’ve been falling behind,” said Senator Schatz. “This bipartisan bill will help us level the playing field by expanding export opportunities for American businesses everywhere from Maui to Memphis so that our creative economy remains the global leader.”
    Over the past decade, China has aggressively expanded its cultural trade through coordinated government investments and programs. In 2014, China surpassed the United States in overall cultural exports, and it continues to leverage cultural promotion as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, America’s cultural trade surplus has declined, dropping from $31.5 billion in 2019 to $17.8 billion in 2021 before rebounding slightly to $21 billion in 2022, according to the National Endowment for the Arts.
    The Cultural Trade Promotion Act would direct the Foreign Commercial Service to promote U.S. creative economy goods abroad and require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee to include the creative economy in its annual governmentwide strategic plan. The bill would also improve access to international shipping services for small businesses by facilitating collaboration between the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, it would promote products from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses and include a representative of the creative industries on the Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

    A warship is seen docked in the port of the Black Sea city of Sochi. Mikhail Mordasov/AFP via Getty Images

    Away from the grueling land battles and devastating airstrikes, the Ukraine war has from its outset had a naval element. Soon after the February 2022 invasion, Russia imposed a de facto naval blockade on Ukraine, only to see its fleet stunningly defeated during a contest for control of the Black Sea.

    But that war on the waves looks like it could be ending.

    Under the terms of a deal announced on March 25, 2025, by the U.S. and agreed upon in Saudi Arabia, both sides of the conflict committed to ensuring “safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” according to a White House statement.

    The naval aspect of the Ukraine war has gotten less attention than events on land and in the skies. But it is, I believe, a vital aspect with potentially far-reaching consequences.

    Not only have Russia’s Black Sea losses constrained Moscow’s ability to project power across the globe through naval means, it has also resulted in Russia’s growing cooperation with China, where Moscow is emerging as a junior party to Beijing on the high seas.

    Battle over the Black Sea

    The tradition of geopolitical theory has tended to paint an oversimplification of global politics. Theories harkening back to the late 19th century categorized countries as either land powers or maritime powers.

    Thinkers such as the British geopolitician Sir Halford Mackinder or the U.S. theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan characterized maritime powers as countries that possessed traits of democratic liberalism and free trade. In contrast, land powers were often portrayed as despotic and militaristic.

    While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. An accompanying view that naval and army warfare is somewhat separate has continued.

    And this division gives us a false impression of Russia’s progress in the war with Ukraine. While Moscow has certainly seen some successes on land and in the air, that should not draw attention away from Russia’s stunning defeat in the Black Sea that has seen Russia have to retreat from the Ukrainian shoreline and keep its ships far away from the battlefront.

    As I describe in my recent book, “Near and Far Waters: The Geopolitics of Seapower,” maritime countries have two concerns: They must attempt to control the parts of the sea relatively close to their coastlines, or their “near waters”; meanwhile, those with the ability and desire to do so try to project power and influence into “far waters” across oceans, which are the near waters of other countries.

    The Black Sea is a tightly enclosed and relatively small sea comprising the near waters of the countries that surround it: Turkey to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the west, Georgia to the east, and Ukraine and Russia to the north.

    Control of the Black Sea’s near waters has been contested throughout the centuries and has played a role in the current Russian-Ukraine war.

    Russia’s seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 allowed it to control the naval port of Sevastopol. What were near waters of Ukraine became de facto near waters for Russia.

    Controlling these near waters allowed Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s trade, especially the export of grain to African far waters.

    But Russia’s actions were thwarted through the collaboration of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey to allow passage of cargo ships through their near waters, then through the Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ukraine’s use of these other countries’ near waters allowed it to export between 5.2 million and 5.8 million tons of grain per month in the first quarter of 2024. To be sure, this was a decline from Ukraine’s exports of about 6.5 million tons per month prior to the war, which then dropped to just 2 million tons in the summer of 2023 because of Russian attacks and threats. Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had forecasted a decline in Ukrainian grain exports for 2025.

    But efforts to constrain Russia’s control of Ukraine’s near waters in the Black Sea, and Russia’s unwillingness to face the consequences of attacking ships in NATO countries’ near waters, meant Ukraine was still able to access far waters for economic gain and keep the Ukrainian economy afloat.

    For Putin, that sinking feeling

    Alongside being thwarted in its ability to disrupt Ukrainian exports, Russia has also come under direct naval attack from Ukraine. Since February 2022, using unmanned attack drones, Ukraine has successfully sunk or damaged Russian ships and whittled away at Russia’s Black sea fleet, sinking about 15 of its prewar fleet of about 36 warships and damaging many others.

    Russia has been forced to limit its use of Sevastopol and station its ships in the eastern part of the Black Sea. It cannot effectively function in the near waters it gained through the seizure of Crimea.

    Russia’s naval setbacks against Ukraine are only the latest in its historical difficulties in projecting sea power and its resulting tendency to mainly focus on the defense of near waters.

    In 1905, Russia was shocked by a dramatic naval loss to Japan. Yet even in cases where it was not outright defeated, Russian sea power has been continually constrained historically. In World War I, Russia cooperated with the British Royal Navy to limit German merchant activity in the Baltic Sea and Turkish trade and military reach in the Black Sea.

    In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports. Many ships were brought close to home or stripped of their guns as artillery or offshore support for the territorial struggle with Germany.

    During the Cold War, meanwhile, though the Soviet Union built fast-moving missile boats and some aircraft carriers, its reach into far waters relied on submarines. The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea.

    And now, Russia has lost control of the Black Sea. It cannot operate in these once secure near waters. These losses reduce its ability to project naval power from the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ceding captaincy to China

    Faced with a glaring loss in its backyard and put in a weak position in its near waters, Russia as a result can project power to far waters only through cooperation with a China that is itself investing heavily in a far-water naval capacity.

    Joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in July 2024 are evidence of this cooperation. Wang Guangzheng of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Southern Theater said of the drill that “the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields.” And looking forward, he claimed the exercise “effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats.”

    Warships of the Chinese and Russian navies take part in a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
    Li Yun/Xinhua via Getty Images

    This cooperation makes sense in purely military terms for Russia, a mutually beneficial project of sea power projection. But it is largely to China’s benefit.

    Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. But Russia remains very much the junior partner.

    Moscow’s strategic interests will be supported only if they match Chinese interests. More to the point, sea power is about power projection for economic gain. China will likely use Russia to help protect its ongoing economic reach into African, Pacific, European and South American far waters. But it is unlikely to jeopardize these interests for Russian goals.

    To be sure, Russia has far-water economic interests, especially in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa. And securing Russian interests in Africa complements China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean to secure its own, and greater, global economic interests. But cooperation will still be at China’s behest.

    For much of the Ukraine war, Russia has been bottled up in its Black Sea near waters, with the only avenue for projecting its naval power coming through access to Africa and Indian Ocean far waters – and only then as a junior partner with China, which dictates the terms and conditions.

    A maritime deal with Ukraine now, even if it holds, will not compensate for Russia’s ongoing inability to project power across the oceans on its own.

    Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published by The Conversation U.S. on Oct. 3, 2024.

    Colin Flint does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions – https://theconversation.com/maritime-truce-would-end-a-sorry-war-on-the-waves-for-russia-that-set-back-its-naval-power-ambitions-253089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: 

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing.  India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.  In tabulating votes, Germany and Canada require use of paper ballots, counted in public by local officials, which substantially reduces the number of disputes as compared to the American patchwork of voting methods that can lead to basic chain-of-custody problems.  Further, while countries like Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and do not count late-arriving votes regardless of the date of postmark, many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day. 

    Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic.  The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.
    Under the Constitution, State governments must safeguard American elections in compliance with Federal laws that protect Americans’ voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error.  Yet the United States has not adequately enforced Federal election requirements that, for example, prohibit States from counting ballots received after Election Day or prohibit non-citizens from registering to vote.

    Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the Nation for Federal elections, 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1.  It is the policy of my Administration to enforce those statutes and require that votes be cast and received by the election date established in law.  As the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently held in Republican National Committee v. Wetzel (2024), those statutes set “the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials.”  Yet numerous States fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.  This is like allowing persons who arrive 3 days after Election Day, perhaps after a winner has been declared, to vote in person at a former voting precinct, which would be absurd.  

    Several Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 1015 and 611, prohibit foreign nationals from registering to vote or voting in Federal elections.  Yet States fail adequately to vet voters’ citizenship, and, in recent years, the Department of Justice has failed to prioritize and devote sufficient resources for enforcement of these provisions.  Even worse, the prior administration actively prevented States from removing aliens from their voter lists.  

    Additionally, Federal laws, such as the National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act (Public Law 107-252), require States to maintain an accurate and current Statewide list of every legally registered voter in the State.  And the Department of Homeland Security is required to share database information with States upon request so they can fulfill this duty.  See 8 U.S.C. 1373(c).  Maintaining accurate voter registration lists is a fundamental requirement in protecting voters from having their ballots voided or diluted by fraudulent votes. 
    Federal law, 52 U.S.C. 30121, prohibits foreign nationals from participating in Federal, State, or local elections by making any contributions or expenditures.  But foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law’s interpretation, spending millions of dollars through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures.  This type of foreign interference in our election process undermines the franchise and the right of American citizens to govern their Republic.  

    Above all, elections must be honest and worthy of the public trust.  That requires voting methods that produce a voter-verifiable paper record allowing voters to efficiently check their votes to protect against fraud or mistake.  Election-integrity standards must be modified accordingly.
    It is the policy of my Administration to enforce Federal law and to protect the integrity of our election process.

    Sec. 2.  Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections.  To enforce the Federal prohibition on foreign nationals voting in Federal elections:

    (a)(i) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to require, in its national mail voter registration form issued under 52 U.S.C. 20508:

    (A)  documentary proof of United States citizenship, consistent with 52 U.S.C. 20508(b)(3); and

    (B)  a State or local official to record on the form the type of document that the applicant presented as documentary proof of United States citizenship, including the date of the document’s issuance, the date of the document’s expiration (if any), the office that issued the document, and any unique identification number associated with the document as required by the criteria in 52 U.S.C. 21083(a)(5)(A), while taking appropriate measures to ensure information security.

    (ii)  For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, “documentary proof of United States citizenship” shall include a copy of: 

    (A)  a United States passport; 

    (B)  an identification document compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-13, Div. B) that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; 

    (C)  an official military identification card that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; or 

    (D)  a valid Federal or State government-issued photo identification if such identification indicates that the applicant is a United States citizen or if such identification is otherwise accompanied by proof of United States citizenship.

    (b)  To identify unqualified voters registered in the States:

    (i)    the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, ensure that State and local officials have, without the requirement of the payment of a fee, access to appropriate systems for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered;

    (ii)   the Secretary of State shall take all lawful and appropriate action to make available information from relevant databases to State and local election officials engaged in verifying the citizenship of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered; and 

    (iii)  the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the DOGE Administrator, shall review each State’s publicly available voter registration list and available records concerning voter list maintenance activities as required by 52 U.S.C. 20507, alongside Federal immigration databases and State records requested, including through subpoena where necessary and authorized by law, for consistency with Federal requirements. 

    (c)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, provide to the Attorney General complete information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.

    (d)  The head of each Federal voter registration executive department or agency (agency) under the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. 20506(a), shall assess citizenship prior to providing a Federal voter registration form to enrollees of public assistance programs.   

    (e)  The Attorney General shall prioritize enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 611 and 1015(f) and similar laws that restrict non-citizens from registering to vote or voting, including through use of:

    (i)    databases or information maintained by the Department of Homeland Security; 

    (ii)   State-issued identification records and driver license databases; and

    (iii)  similar records relating to citizenship.

    (f)  The Attorney General shall, consistent with applicable laws, coordinate with State attorneys general to assist with State-level review and prosecution of aliens unlawfully registered to vote or casting votes.

    Sec. 3.  Providing Other Assistance to States Verifying Eligibility.  To assist States in determining whether individuals are eligible to register and vote:

    (a)  The Commissioner of Social Security shall take all appropriate action to make available the Social Security Number Verification Service, the Death Master File, and any other Federal databases containing relevant information to all State and local election officials engaged in verifying the eligibility of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered.  In determining and taking such action, the Commissioner of Social Security shall ensure compliance with applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations. 

    (b)  The Attorney General shall ensure compliance with the requirements of 52 U.S.C. 20507(g).  

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take appropriate action with respect to States that fail to comply with the list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America     Vote Act contained in 52 U.S.C. 20507 and 52 U.S.C. 21083.

    (d)  The Secretary of Defense shall update the Federal Post Card Application, pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. 20301, to require:

    (i)   documentary proof of United States citizenship, as defined by section 2(a)(ii) of this order; and

    (ii)  proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the State in which the voter is attempting to vote.

    Sec. 4.  Improving the Election Assistance Commission.  
    (a)  The Election Assistance Commission shall, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21003(b)(3)and 21142(c) and consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate action to cease providing Federal funds to States that do not comply with the Federal laws set forth in 52 U.S.C. 21145, including the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 20505(a)(1) that States accept and use the national mail voter registration form issued pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 20508(a)(1), including any requirement for documentary proof of United States citizenship adopted pursuant to section 2(a)(ii) of this order.

    (b)(i) The Election Assistance Commission shall initiate appropriate action to amend the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and issue other appropriate guidance establishing standards for voting systems to protect election integrity.  The amended guidelines and other guidance shall provide that voting systems should not use a ballot in which a vote is contained within a barcode or quick-response code in the vote counting process except where necessary to accommodate individuals with disabilities and should provide a voter-verifiable paper record to prevent fraud or mistake. 

    (ii)  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to review and, if appropriate, re-certify voting systems under the new standards established under subsection (b)(i) of this section, and to rescind all previous certifications of voting equipment based on prior standards.  

    (c)  Following an audit of Help America Vote Act fund expenditures conducted pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21142, the Election Assistance Commission shall report any discrepancies or issues with an audited State’s certifications of compliance with Federal law to the Department of Justice for appropriate enforcement action.

    (d) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consistent with applicable law, shall in considering the provision of funding for State or local election offices or administrators through the Homeland Security Grant Programs, 6 U.S.C. 603 et seq., heavily prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 developed by the Election Assistance Commission and completion of testing through the Voting System Test Labs accreditation process.

    Sec. 5.  Prosecuting Election Crimes.  To protect the franchise of American citizens and their right to participate in fair and honest elections:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to enter into information-sharing agreements, to the maximum extent possible, with the chief State election official or multi-member agency of each State.  These agreements shall aim to provide the Department of Justice with detailed information on all suspected violations of State and Federal election laws discovered by State officials, including information on individuals who: 

    (i)    registered or voted despite being ineligible or who registered multiple times; 

    (ii)   committed election fraud;

    (iii)  provided false information on voter registration or other election forms;

    (iv)   intimidated or threatened voters or election officials; or 

    (v)    otherwise engaged in unlawful conduct to interfere in the election process.

    (b)  To the extent that any States are unwilling to enter into such an information sharing agreement or refuse to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions of election crimes, the Attorney General shall: 

    (i)   prioritize enforcement of Federal election integrity laws in such States to ensure election integrity given the State’s demonstrated unwillingness to enter into an information-sharing agreement or to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions; and

    (ii)  review for potential withholding of grants and other funds that the Department awards and distributes, in the Department’s discretion, to State and local governments for law enforcement and other purposes, as consistent with applicable law.

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to align the Department of Justice’s litigation positions with the purpose and policy of this order.

    Sec. 6.  Improving Security of Voting Systems.  To improve the security of all voting equipment and systems used to cast ballots, tabulate votes, and report results:

    (a)  The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions to the extent permitted by 42 U.S.C. 5195c and all other applicable law, so long as the Department of Homeland Security maintains the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), to prevent all non-citizens from being involved in the administration of any Federal election, including by accessing election equipment, ballots, or any other relevant materials used in the conduct of any Federal election.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission and to the maximum extent possible, review and report on the security of all electronic systems used in the voter registration and voting process.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, as the head of the designated Sector Risk Management Agency under 6 U.S.C. 652a, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, shall assess the security of all such systems to the extent they are connected to, or integrated into, the Internet and report on the risk of such systems being compromised through malicious software and unauthorized intrusions into the system.  

    Sec. 7.  Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day.  To achieve full compliance with the Federal laws that set the uniform day for appointing Presidential electors and electing members of Congress:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all necessary action to enforce 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1 against States that violate these provisions by including absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day in the final tabulation of votes for the appointment of Presidential electors and the election of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

    (b)  Consistent with 52 U.S.C. 21001(b) and other applicable law, the Election Assistance Commission shall condition any available funding to a State on that State’s compliance with the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 21081(a)(6) that each State adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards within that State that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote, including that, as prescribed in 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1, there be a uniform and nondiscriminatory ballot receipt deadline of Election Day for all methods of voting, excluding ballots cast in accordance with 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., after which no additional votes may be cast.  

    Sec. 8.  Preventing Foreign Interference and Unlawful Use of Federal Funds.  The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prioritize enforcement of 52 U.S.C. 30121 and other appropriate laws to prevent foreign nationals from contributing or donating in United States elections.  The Attorney General shall likewise prioritize enforcement of 31 U.S.C. 1352, which prohibits lobbying by organizations or entities that have received any Federal funds.   

    Sec. 9.  Federal Actions to Address Executive Order 14019.  The heads of all agencies, and the Election Assistance Commission, shall cease all agency actions implementing Executive Order 14019 of March 7, 2021 (Promoting Access to Voting), which was revoked by Executive Order 14148 of on January 20, 2025 (Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions), and, within 90 days of the date of this order, submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a report describing compliance with this order.

    Sec. 10.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        March 25, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects the Integrity of American Elections

    Source: The White House

    RESTORING TRUST IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to protect the integrity of American elections.

    • This Order strengthens voter citizenship verification and bans foreign nationals from interfering in U.S. elections.
      • The Election Assistance Commission will require documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on its voter registration forms.
      • Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Social Security Administration and Department of State must provide states with access to Federal databases to verify eligibility and citizenship of individuals registering to vote.
      • The Attorney General will prioritize prosecuting non-citizen voting and related crimes, including through use of DHS records and coordination with state attorneys general.
    • Federal election-related funds will be conditioned on states complying with the integrity measures set forth by Federal law, including the requirement that states use the national mail voter registration form that will now require proof of citizenship.
    • The Order improves the integrity of elections by directing the updating of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and security standards for voting equipment and prioritizing federal grant funds accordingly.
      • This includes requiring a voter-verifiable paper ballot record and not using ballots in which the counted vote is contained within a barcode or QR code.
    • It directs the Attorney General to enter into information-sharing agreements with state election officials to identify cases of election fraud or other election law violations.
      • Non-compliant states may face prioritized Federal enforcement of election integrity laws and loss of funding given their unwillingness to police fraud.
    • The Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security shall prevent non-citizens from any involvement in administering elections.
    • The Attorney General will fully enforce the voter-list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
    • Given clear Federal law setting a single Election Day deadline, the Attorney General shall take appropriate action against states that count ballots received after Election Day in Federal elections. Federal election funding will be conditioned on compliance.
    • The Attorney General will prioritize enforcement of laws prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to or donating in U.S. elections.
    • All agencies must report on compliance with undoing Biden Executive Order 14019, which turned Federal agencies into Democratic voter turnout centers.

    SAFEGUARDING THE VOTE: President Trump recognizes that free, fair, and honest elections—unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion—are essential to our Constitutional Republic.

    • The United States lags behind other nations in enforcing basic and necessary election protections.
      • India and Brazil tie voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.
      • Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the United States has a patchwork of methods that often lack basic chain-of-custody protections.
      • Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person—and late arrivals do not count—while American elections now feature mass voting by mail, even after Election Day.
    • Without proper enforcement of Federal laws, illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error dilute the votes of lawful American citizens.
    • Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the nation for Federal elections, but numerous states fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.
    • The Biden Administration blocked states from removing aliens from voter rolls, while foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exploited loopholes to pour millions into influencing U.S. elections.

    MAKING ELECTIONS SECURE AGAIN: Voters deserve elections they can trust, and that confidence is being restored thanks to President Trump. 

    • President Trump is following through on his promise to secure our elections.
      • President Trump: “We’re going to fix our elections so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted. We are going to have free and fair elections. And ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting, proof of citizenship, very big, and voter ID, very simple.”
      • President Trump: “We will secure our elections, and they will be secure once and for all.”
    • Unlike the Biden Administration, which prioritized political agendas over fair elections, President Trump is putting the American people back in charge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Under Modi ji’s leadership, India became a global leader in disaster management

    Modi government is managing disasters by adopting a proactive approach instead of a reactive one and by aiming for zero casualties instead of minimising casualties

    Compared to the previous regime, Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central fund

    In the previous regime, funds were given to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from PMNRF

    This bill will further increase the capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response

    Earlier, thousands of people used to die in cyclones, but Modi government is moving towards zero casualty

    The aim of this bill is to increase transparency, accountability, efficiency and cooperation in disaster management

    India’s disaster management prowess has been established globally through CDRI

    To deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods, systems and make institutions accountable as well as give them powers

    India has had the most successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the entire world

    Earlier, it used to take two generations for getting vaccines, but under the Modi government, India has made the COVID vaccine and also delivered it to every citizen

    The Modi government has given more money than the prescribed amount to the states for disaster managementna

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today replied to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.  After the discussion, with the passage of the bill from the upper house the amendment bill was passed by the Parliament.

    Speaking in the upper house during the discussion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through this amendment bill, the Narendra Modi government intends to connect Centre, State governments, Panchayat and all our citizens with the cause of disaster management and there is no question of centralization of power. He said that this disaster management amendment bill is an attempt to take the fight against disasters from a reactive approach to a proactive one and also beyond to an innovative and a participatory approach.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji presented a ten-point agenda to the world for disaster risk reduction which has been accepted by more than 40 countries of the world. He said that this bill envisages participation not only from state governments and local units but also from the society. He said that the amendment bill keeps scope of minute planning at local levels too along with the national level and gives clarity on the powers and duties of institutions involved. Shri Shah said that the fight against disasters cannot be accomplished without enabling the institutions and making them better and more accountable, and both of these things have been taken care of in the bill. He said that disasters are directly related to climate change and to mitigate them, we should take steps against global warming. He said that India has been moving in this direction for thousands of years and the Modi government is working to take this tradition forward.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Disaster Management Act was brought for the first time in the year 2005 and under this NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) and DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority) were formed. He said that in this bill, the biggest responsibility in the aftermath of disasters have been given to DDMAs which is under the state government, thus there is no question of any damage to our federal system. He said that for financial assistance, National Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund were created. Shri Amit Shah said that the Finance Commission has made a scientific arrangement for disaster relief and the Modi government has not given a single penny less than the prescribed amount to any state, rather it has given more.

    He said that due to global disasters like Covid-19, increasing urbanization, irregular rain-related disasters and climate change, both the size and scale of disasters have changed. Shri Shah said that to deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods and systems and also make the institutions accountable and give them powers. He said that with this objective, this bill has been brought for an effective and comprehensive solution to the disaster management problem. He said that suggestions have been incorporated from stakeholders, ministries and departments of the Central Government, all state governments, Union Territories, international organizations and national and international non-governmental organizations and this bill has been prepared comprehensively by accepting 89 percent of their suggestions.

    Union Home Minister said that through this bill, Modi government wants to move from reactive response to proactive risk reduction, from manual monitoring to AI-based real-time monitoring, from radio warnings to social media, apps and mobile warnings, and from government-led response to a multi-dimensional response involving society and citizens. He said that this entire bill has been made to incorporate capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response. Shri Shah said that in the last 10 years, there has been a change in disaster management in our country due to which we have emerged as a regional and global power recognized by the world. He said that this bill is necessary to maintain this success story of India for a longer time in future.

    Shri Amit Shah said that this Bill will make both NDMA and SDMA effective, disaster database will be created at national and state level. It envisages creation of Urban Disaster Management Authority which will be completely under the state governments. Apart from this, this Bill will also give statutory power to NDMA and SDMA in creating a blueprint for 100% implementation of the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. He said that transparency, trust, credibility and accountability have been given place in it. Shri Shah also said that well-defined roles have been fixed in it and moral responsibilities have also been given place. The Home Minister said that we have also fixed responsibility for the best use of resources. He said that through this Bill, an attempt has been made to fight against disaster with synergy, between preparation, good management and coordination. Many reforms have been made on these four pillars and not a single one of these reforms is for centralization of power.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last ten years, on one hand, Prime Minister Modi Ji has done many things for environmental protection and on the other hand, he has also taken disaster management a long way forward. He said that on one hand Modi Ji talked about Mission Life in front of the world and on the other hand he also announced a ten-point disaster risk reduction agenda. He said that on one hand, a definite concrete program was given to become a pro-planet people and on the other hand, the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) was presented to the world, which has 43 countries as members. Shri Shah said that Modi Ji started the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance and also formed a task force on Disaster Risk Reduction by hosting the G20 conference in India. He said that on both these fronts, Prime Minister Modi and the government led by him have worked in a meticulous manner with great foresight. The Home Minister said that on the one hand efforts should be made to prevent disasters by protecting the environment and on the other hand, in case of a disaster, Modi ji has made complete arrangements to fight the disaster in a scientific manner from villages to Delhi.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat in 2001 shook not only Gujarat but the entire country and the world. He said that at that time Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he had established the Climate Change Department for the first time in India. He said that at that time Modi ji created the Climate Change Fund in Gujarat and in 2003 brought the State Disaster Management Act in Gujarat. Shri Shah said that in 2013, the country’s first city level action plan for heat wave was made in Ahmedabad and Modi ji also worked on making a detailed plan for reconstruction, community preparedness and rehabilitation after the earthquake.

    Union Home Minister said that after Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, a holistic and integrated approach was introduced in the country instead of a relief-centric approach. He said that a proactive approach was adopted instead of a reactive one and disaster management was done by keeping the target of zero casualty instead of the usual target of minimum casualty of the previous regime. He said that today governments are not only focus on relief and rescue after a disaster but also make many preparations to tackle them. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has done a very good job in early warning system, prevention to the extent possible, mitigation, timely preparedness and disaster risk reduction. He said that when the Odisha Super Cyclone hit in 1999, 10 thousand people died, but when Cyclone Fani hit in 2019, only one person died, this was the result of our changed approach. He said that when Cyclone Biparjoy hit Gujarat in 2023, not a single person or animal died and we achieved the target of zero casualties in 2023. He said that there has been a 98 percent reduction in loss of life and property due to cyclones and we have also succeeded in reducing heat-related mortality significantly.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the budget of SDRF was Rs 38 thousand crores during the year 2004 to 2014, which was increased to Rs 1 lakh 24 thousand crores by the Modi government during 2014 to 2024. Rs 28 thousand crores were given to NDRF during 2004 to 2014, while Rs 80 thousand crores were given during 2014 to 2024. Shri Shah said that the government has increased the total amount from Rs 66 thousand crores to more than Rs 2 lakh crores. He said that the Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central funds. Shri Shah said that apart from this, a National Disaster Response Reserve of 250 crores was created, the first National Disaster Management Plan was released in 2016 which is completely in line with the Sendai framework, the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award was established in 2018-19 and the first phase of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation was done in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in 2018. He said that in 2020-21, the Home Ministry decided that the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Team (IMCT) will first go and do an immediate review and the Modi government made a provision to provide immediate assistance by sending 97 IMCTs within 10 days in 5 years.

    Union Home Minister said that currently 16 battalions of NDRF are operational and seeing the NDRF personnel, people feel assured that they are safe now. He said that apart from this, programs have also been made for landslide risk management, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and civil security and training capacity building.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, conducted ‘Operation Maitri’ during the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, ‘Operation Samudra Maitri’ in Indonesia in 2018, ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria in 2023, ‘Operation Karuna’ in Myanmar and ‘Operation Sadbhav’ in Vietnam, due to which the governments and people of these countries praised NDRF and Modi ji. He said that NDRF has worked to get our disaster management system firmed up at a national level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Government of India has signed agreements with Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Italy, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Uzbekistan to strengthen disaster management and disaster risk reduction. The geographical conditions of these countries make them prone to similar disasters which are possible in India. He said that we have tried to ensure that these countries benefit from our best practices and we benefit from their best practices. Apart from the MoUs, international seminars were also held in the years 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, in which disaster management experts from member countries of organizations like SAARC, BRICS, SCO also participated.

    Union Home Minister said that the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an example of India’s global leadership in the field of disaster management. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi put forward this idea in the UN Climate Summit held in New York on 23 September 2019 and it was established in India itself. He said that so far 42 countries and 7 international organizations have become members of CDRI and through CDRI, work has been done to establish India’s leadership in this field at the global level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, a force of one lakh community volunteers has been created in 350 disaster prone districts at a cost of Rs 370 crore and the volunteers have been registered on the India Disaster Resource Network portal. The District Collectors have their complete details. When a disaster strikes, these volunteers reach for the help on their own. The Home Minister said that 20 percent of the one lakh ‘Aapada Mitra’ volunteers are women. Our women power is working shoulder to shoulder in the work of disaster management. He said that as a result of the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, 78 thousand people were rescued from disasters and taken to safe places and 129 lives were saved by providing them timely treatment at the hospitals.

    Union Home Minister said that the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme is being expanded. To involve the youth, more than 1300 trained ‘Aapada Mitras’ have been employed as master trainers with a budget of Rs 470 crore. In this, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Bharat Scouts and Guides will train two lakh 37 thousand ‘Aapada Mitras’, which will increase the total number of community volunteers to three lakh 37 thousand.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we have created many apps for weather related information. These include ‘Mausam’, ‘Meghdoot’, ‘Flood Watch’, ‘Damini’, ‘Pocket Bhuvan’, ‘Sachet’, ‘Van Agni’ and ‘Samudra’. Also, a nodal agency has been created for the study of landslides. India Quake app has been created for automated broadcasting of earthquake parameters. He said that due to the efforts of Modi ji, today all these apps have reached almost every citizen of the country. This has benefited farmers, fishermen, people living on the seashore and people living in landslide prone areas on time.

    Union Home Minister said that the entire world has accepted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the world in the field of environment, therefore the United Nations has honoured him with the award of Champions of the Earth. Modi ji has almost completed the task of making India free from single-use plastic. Many countries have joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) formed on his initiative. Modi ji has worked to popularise the ‘One Sun, One Earth, One Grid’ project worldwide. The construction of Inter-Regional Energy Grid has begun for sharing solar energy across the world. Crores of people have planted trees with devotion in reverence of Mother Earth and their own mothers through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

    Shri Amit Shah said that India has set the target of Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year 2070. He said that we have already achieved the targets of International Solar Alliance, Global Bio-fuel Alliance and 20 percent Ethanol Blending by the year 2025. Today all our vehicles have 20 percent eco-friendly fuel. Shri Shah said that by providing 10 crore gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, we have stopped the smoke of cow dung cakes and coal. We have increased the Swachhata Abhiyan from 39 percent to 100 percent sanitation coverage. Along with this, the Green Hydrogen Mission has started the implementation of a new type of scheme in the entire world.

    Union Home Minister said that, if the best COVID management has happened anywhere in the world, it has happened in India. Every Indian should be proud of this and the whole world praises our efforts immensely. He said that as soon as Corona arrived, we started making the vaccine. He said that during the previous regime, it used to take two generations to administer vaccines but under Modi Government India not only got the vaccine made but also ensured that it reached every citizen of the country. Shri Shah said that there is no parallel to such a precise use of technology for public welfare anywhere in the world. Due to the use of technology, the certificate was made available on the mobile as soon as the vaccine was administered and a reminder message would also come up with the time for the second vaccine.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through video conference in the state’s civil hospitals and AIIMS, doctors treating minor diseases in small villages were guided about telemedicine, which saved the lives of lakhs of people. He said that the Prime Minister talked to the Chief Ministers of the states 40 times during COVID-19 and inquired about the situation. Not only the Prime Minister, the entire cabinet was involved in this work.

    Union Home Minister said that due to our leadership we were able to fight the best battle against Corona in the whole world. Governments were fighting against Corona all over the world, but here the Central Government, State Government and 130 crore people were fighting together. He said that there is not a single example in independent India when an appeal by a leader has had the seriousness of a government order and the whole country followed the appeal of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Janta curfew with full seriousness. No leader’s appeal had ever received such a great respect.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was created during the previous regime. He said fund from PMNRF used to be given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Shri Shah said that during Modi ji’s regime PM Cares fund was created. We spent its funds for tackling the corona epidemic, disaster relief, oxygen plants, ventilators, assistance to the poor and vaccination. Shri Shah said that under PM Cares, along with relief work, we have also provided many types of innovative assistance. There is no political interference in this.

    Union Home Minister said that for Karnataka, an estimate of Rs 5,909 crore was given by a high-level committee, out of which Rs 5,800 crore was transferred. For Kerala, an estimate of Rs 3,743 crore was made, out of which Rs 2438 crore was given. For Tamil Nadu, Rs 4600 crore was given out of Rs 4817 crore. West Bengal was given Rs 5000 crore out of Rs 6837 crore. Himachal Pradesh was given Rs 1766 crore out of Rs 2339 crore. The committee has given more or less the same amount to Telangana as well.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Rs 111 crore was given to Jharkhand, Rs 121 crore to Kerala, Rs 460 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 256 crore to Bihar and Rs 254 crore to Gujarat for fire-fighting measures, which was never given before. He said that other states will be given funds for fire-fighting measures next year. Shri Shah said that Rs 228 crore has been given to Tamil Nadu between the years 2019 to 2024 and a lot of assistance has been provided.

    Union Home Minister said that we declared the disaster in Wayanad, Kerala as a disaster of severe nature. Rs 215 crore was immediately released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Rs 36 crore was sent for debris removal, which has not been spent yet. Apart from this, assistance of Rs 153 crore was given on the basis of the IMCT report. The state government has estimated the need for Rs 2219 crore for normalizing the situation and reconstruction, out of which Rs 530 crore has been given. Along with this, other measures have been suggested to get additional assistance from a special window.

    Shri Amit Shah said that for the Central Government, citizens of all states including Kerala, Ladakh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh are equal and we do not discriminate against anyone. He said that in the Disaster Management Bill, we have paid attention to increasing human resources along with the provision of increasing technical capacity. Along with the government’s effort, provision has also been made for community effort and along with disaster-resistant construction, care has also been taken for the conservation of nature.

    ********

     

    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2115092) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with Senior Minister Dr Amy Khor Attends the Signing Ceremony

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held Bilateral Meeting with Vice Minister Brigit Gijsbers of The Netharlands on Further Deepening Maritime Cooperation between the two countries

    “Fruitful discussion on using Dutch Global expertise to enable Cargo Movement in low draft rivers of Brahmaputra & Barak”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    Sarbananda Sonowal joined Dr Amy Khor to inaugurate India Pavillion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 

    Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ‘’ Pavillion, Presides over India Business Roundtable

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping) here today. Shri Sonowal was joined by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Enviornment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was inked by Shri R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

    Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

    India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels.

    Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions. 

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral

    collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India

    Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s ‘Viksit Bharat’. With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”

    Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India’s waterways rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands’ expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.” 

    The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ along with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore.

    Shri Sonowal also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.”

    During the day, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also visited Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism destination. India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations like Goa, Mumbai and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise tourism. Sonowal also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from maritime sector of the Netherlands.

    ***

    GDH

    (Release ID: 2115049) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Declare wheat stock position w.e.f. 1st April, 2025 and then on, every Friday: Centre

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 8:10PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India has decided that Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors in all States and Union Territories have to declare their Stock position of wheat on the portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) w.e.f. 01.04.2025 and then, on every Friday till further orders. All the respective legal entities to ensure that stock are regularly and correctly disclosed on the portal.
     
    Wheat Stock Limit is expiring on 31.03.2025 for all categories of entities in States and UTs. Thereafter, the entities have to disclose the wheat stock on portal. Any entity which is not registered on the Portal, may register themselves and start disclosing the wheat stock on every Friday.
     
    The Department of Food and Public Distribution is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of wheat to prevent speculation, control prices and ensure easy availability in the country

    ****

    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2115042) Visitor Counter : 301

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.

    The Proposed Combination envisages:

    1. acquisition of 100% shareholding of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited (ADTPL) by Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd. (Cube V); and
    2. acquisition of 100% shareholding of (i) Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited (AJUHPL), and (ii) Quazigund Expressway Private Limited (QEPL) by Cube Highways Trust (Cube Trust).

    (Hereinafter ADTPL, AJUHPL and QEPL are collectively referred to as the ‘Targets’)

    The Cube Trust is an infrastructure investment trust registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014 (as amended). The road assets/ SPVs of Cube Trust are engaged, inter alia, in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of various road and highway projects in India.

    Cube V is registered as a foreign portfolio investor with the SEBI and acquires, operates and manages road assets in India.

    The Targets have been incorporated in India as special purpose vehicles and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed combination involving, inter alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia); Maple Highways Pte. Ltd.; 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving, inter alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia); Maple Highways Pte. Ltd.; 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group.

    The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition by MIT, acting through Maple Infra Invit Investment Manager Private Limited (Maple IM) of Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited (ADKTL); Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited (ASBTL); Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited (ABDTL); Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited (AHBL); and Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited (AHDL) (Proposed SPV Acquisitions) and certain inter-connected transactions.

    MIT is a private trust settled under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and was registered as an infrastructure investment trust under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014, on 24thFebruary 2020. MIT is, through its special purpose vehicles, engaged in the business of owning and operating road assets in India. Maple IM is the investment manager of MIT.

    CPDQ Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec (CDPQ). CDPQ is a global investment group that manages the funds of its depositors, primarily comprised of public and para-public pension and insurance plans from Québec.

    Maple Sponsor is the sponsor of MIT for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

    360 ONE Private Equity Fund is registered with the SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The 360 ONE Private Equity Fund is managed by its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited.

    ADKTL, ASBTL, ABDTL, AHBL and AHDL are engaged by the National Highway Authority of India Limited (NHAI) to provide infrastructure concession services.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Ashoka Buildcon Limited by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Ashoka Buildcon Limited by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited.

    The Proposed Combination envisages acquisition of 100% equity shareholding by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited (EC2PL) in road 11 special purpose vehicles (Target SPVs) owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) (Proposed Equity Transaction).

    EC2PL is a private limited company engaged in owning and operating infrastructure projects. It is owned by Infrastructure Yield Plus II (IYP II) & Infrastructure Yield Plus IIA (IYP IIA) (collectively IYP), which are both schemes of the Infrastructure Yield Trust, an irrevocable and determinate contributory investment trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and registered with the SEBI as a Category I – Infrastructure Alternative Investment Fund, under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. The investment manager of IYP II and IYP IIA is EAAA India Alternatives Limited (EIAL) which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EFSL, the parent entity of EC2PL.

    The Target SPVs are eleven road SPVs have been incorporated in India and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) discontinued w.e.f. 26th March, 2025, based on performance of GMS and evolving market conditions

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was announced on 15th September, 2015 with the objective to reduce country’s reliance on the import of gold in the long run and mobilise gold held by households and institutions in the country to facilitate its use for productive purposes.

    The GMS comprised of 3 components:

    1. Short Term Bank Deposit (1-3 years)
    2. Medium Term Government Deposit (5-7 years), and
    3. Long-Term Government Deposit (12 – 15 years)

    Based on the examination of the performance of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) and evolving market conditions, it has been decided to discontinue the Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of the GMS w.e.f. March 26, 2025.

    Accordingly, any gold deposits tendered at the designated Collection and Purity Testing Centre (CPTC) or GMS Mobilisation, Collection & Testing Agent (GMCTA) or the designated bank branches under the said components of GMS shall not be accepted with effect from March 26, 2025. However, the existing deposits under MLTGD shall continue till redemption as per extant guidelines of GMS issued vide Reserve Bank Master Direction No. DBR.IBD.No.45/23.67.003/2015-16 dated October 22, 2015 (as updated).

    Further, the Short-Term Bank Deposits (STBD) offered by the banks under GMS shall continue at the discretion of the individual banks based on the commercial viability as assessed by them. The detailed guidelines of Reserve Bank in this regard shall follow.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Public Service Commission (Upsc) announces Final Results of Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The following are the lists, in order of merit of 349 (223 + 89 + 37) candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in  September, 2024 and SSB interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 159th (DE) Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course i.e. No. 218 F(P) Course.

    2.         There are some common candidates in the three lists for various courses.

    3.         The number of vacancies, as intimated by the Government is 100 for Indian Military Academy [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificates (Army Wing) holders], 32 for Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro[including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders] and 32 for Air Force Academy, Hyderabad [03 vacancies are reserved for NCC ’C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Spl. Entry].

    4.         The Commission had recommended 2534, 900, and 613 as qualified in the written test for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy, respectively.  The number of candidates finally qualified are those after SSB test conducted by Army Head Quarters.

    5.         The results of Medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.

    6.         Verification of date of birth and educational qualifications of these candidates is still under process by the Army Headquarters.  The candidature of all these candidates is, therefore, Provisional on this score.  Candidates are requested to forward their certificates, in original, in support of Date of Birth/Educational qualification etc. claimed by them, along with Photostat attested copies thereof to Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.

    7.         In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters.

    8.         These results will also be available on the UPSC website at http://www.upsc.gov.in.  However, marks of the candidates will be available on the website after declaration of final result of Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Course for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024.

    9.         For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day.

    Click here for see the result

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country

    For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established; It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme, a total of 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country, the State- and Union-territory-wise numbers of which are at Annexure.

    Lack of availability of medicines to JAKs is not a systemic issue. For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established. It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat. Further, 36 distributors have been appointed across the country to strengthen the supply chain system. Availability of 400 fast-moving products is monitored regularly to ensure their availability. Further, a minimum stocking mandate has been implemented for 200 medicines consisting of the 100 top-selling medicines in the scheme product basket and 100 fast-selling medicines in the market. Under the stocking mandate, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners become eligible for claiming incentive based on stocks of the said 200 medicines maintained by them. Thus, supply of medicines to JAKs is ensured through the system of warehouses and distributors and monitoring system and incentives are in place to encourage JAKs to stock the products that are more in demand. JAKs being run on an entrepreneurship model, the actual stocking of products is done by entrepreneurs based on demand for the same.

    To safeguard against complaints about the quality of medicines sold from JAKs, stringent measures as specified below are in place to ensure that the medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras meet standards:

    1. Medicines are procured only from suppliers certified for World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP).

    2. Each batch of drugs supplied under the scheme is tested at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and only after passing quality tests, medicines are dispatched to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

    3. Quality audit of the facilities of vendors is routinely done by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India.

    Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) opened till 28.2.2025

    S. No.

    State / Union Territory

    JAKs opened

    1

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    9

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    275

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    34

    4

    Assam

    170

    5

    Bihar

    812

    6

    Chandigarh

    11

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    278

    8

    Delhi

    492

    9

    Goa

    15

    10

    Gujarat

    760

    11

    Haryana

    408

    12

    Himachal Pradesh

    71

    13

    Jammu and Kashmir

    318

    14

    Jharkhand

    148

    15

    Karnataka

    1,425

    16

    Kerala

    1,528

    17

    Ladakh

    2

    18

    Lakshadweep

    1

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    545

    20

    Maharashtra

    708

    21

    Manipur

    54

    22

    Meghalaya

    25

    23

    Mizoram

    15

    24

    Nagaland

    22

    25

    Odisha

    682

    26

    Puducherry

    33

    27

    Punjab

    489

    28

    Rajasthan

    486

    29

    Sikkim

    11

    30

    Tamil Nadu

    1,363

    31

    Telangana

    199

    32

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    39

    33

    Tripura

    28

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    2,658

    35

    Uttarakhand

    313

    36

    West Bengal

    630

    Total

    15,057

     

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment and making India Self-Sufficient in the urea sector

    Source: Government of India (2)

    New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment and making India Self-Sufficient in the urea sector

    Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 including 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government had announced New Investment Policy (NIP) – 2012 on 2nd January, 2013 and its amendment on 7th October, 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 which includes 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies. The units set up through JVC are Ramagundam Urea unit of Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) in Telangana and 3 Urea units namely Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, respectively. The units set up by private companies are Panagarh Urea unit of Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (Matix) in West Bengal; and Gadepan-III Urea unit of Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (CFCL) in Rajasthan. Each of these units has installed capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonne per annum (LMTPA). These units are highly energy efficient as they are based on latest technology.  Therefore, these units have together added urea production of 76.2 LMTPA thereby total production urea production capacity (RAC) has increased from 207.54 LMTPA during 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA in 2023-24.

    The Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under the policy, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on notified P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content. The P&K sector is decontrolled, fertilizer companies are allowed to fix MRP at reasonable levels.The fertilizer companies manufacture/import fertilizers and do investment as per the market dynamics.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

    National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) provide training in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken steps to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in the pharmaceutical sector through the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector. Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the aegis of DoP have introduced topics related to AI and block chain technology in their courses and they provide training to students in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology also supports AI-based research activities in the biotech sector, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture areas, in order to leverage emerging technologies for these sectors. Further, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the assistance of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, has undertaken a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a block-chain-based track-and-trace system for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Pharmaceuticals hosts Industry Dialogue on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme at Bengaluru

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department of Pharmaceuticals hosts Industry Dialogue on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme at Bengaluru

    Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world: Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted an Industry Dialogue on the scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) at Bangalore on 25th March 2025. The event served as a significant platform for representatives from industry, startups, and research institutes, including representatives from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and innovation hubs like C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), to engage in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors.

    The session provided detailed insights into the PRIP Scheme, along with other government initiatives promoting and enabling research innovation in the sector. Notable initiatives such as ICMR’s Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, and Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT) programme were discussed, with an emphasis on support for patent filing, facilitating the innovation journey, clinical trials, and commercialization of R&D outcomes. The CSIR’s Innovation Complex and C-CAMP’s incubation facilities were also highlighted as key enablers for translational research and industry collaboration.

    Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, underscored India’s comparative advantage in enhancing the resilience of global supply chains, a goal further supported by the PRIP Scheme. He advocated progression from “Make in India” also Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world.

    In the breakout sessions, representatives from startups, Industry, academia and other stakeholders gave in-depth feedback regarding research and innovation opportunities, emerging R&D trends, strategies to enhance industry-academia collaboration. Useful suggestions were made regarding maximising funding opportunities and scaling up innovative research initiatives to drive the sector’s growth.

    The stakeholders were encouraged to submit their feedback and project details through the Expression of Interest (EoI) hosted on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, which will be open till April 7, 2025. This process will help refine the implementation strategy of the PRIP Scheme, ensuring it aligns with industry need and drives sectoral growth.

    The Industry Dialogue in Bangalore was an insightful and productive event, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven ecosystem in the Pharma-MedTech sector.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Education launches “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 emphasizes the critical importance of universal and high-quality Early Childhood Education along with the power of multilingualism and the importance of including children’s languages in primary education. To fulfil the vision of NEP 2020, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education has launched “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children” for preparing a compendium of nursery rhymes/poems in all Bhartiya Bhasha and also in English, focusing on content relevant to the Indian context. The purpose of this initiative is that the young children can have better learning at the Foundational stage by becoming familiar with the world around them through easily understandable and joyful poems and rhymes, in their mother tongue.

    To further this initiative, the DoSE&L in collaboration with MyGov is inviting contribution to the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children”. The participants of the contest can send existing poems/rhymes popular in folklore (mentioning the name of the author) or newly composed joyful poems/rhymes under three categories:

    • Pre-primary (ages 3-6)
    • Grade 1 (ages 6-7)
    • Grade 2 (ages 7-8)

    Entries are invited in all Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha), also in English, and can include regional rhymes/poems that hold cultural significance in Indian context. The competition is starting from 26.03.2025 till 22.04.2025, on the MyGov website (https://www.mygov.in/). There is no entry fee for participation. Other details of the competition can be seen on MyGov website.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences actively involved in strengthening clinical research infrastructure in Ayush

    Source: Government of India (2)

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    Clinical Research Projects

    1.

    A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first

    serological relapse collaborative project.

    The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer & CARI, Mumbai

    2.

    Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis  on  ATT  –  A  double  blind

    randomized control clinical study

    K.L.E. Academy        of        Higher Education & Research, Belagavi

    3.

    Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru

    4.

    Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

    NIMHANS, Bengaluru

    5.

    Ayurveda therapeutic regimen as on Add-on to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

    NIMHANS, Bengaluru

    6.

    Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

    All    India   Institute   of   Medical Sciences (AIIMS) , Bhubaneswar

    7.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

    Indian               Institute               of Technology (IIT) , Mandi

    8.

    Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis

    – An exploratory randomized controlled trial

    Institute of Communicative and cognitive                   Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerala

    9.

    Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

    AIIMS, Bhopal

    10.

    A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya,                  Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda

    College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research,                                        Bengaluru;

    Adichunchanagiri            Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

    11.

    Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

    National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH-ICMR), Mumbai

    12.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

    13.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    14.

    A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

    Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

    15.

    Efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia among non- pregnant women of reproductive age group: a community-based three arm multicentre randomized controlled trial.

    Ayush-ICMR

    16.

    Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    17.

    Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission -Utkarsh

    All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)’s Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi (IIPH-D)

    18.

    An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community-based study.

    AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

    Source: Government of India (2)

    AYUSH

    Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine including Ayurveda with Allopathic system:

    1. The Ayush Vertical under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), established by the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), serves as a dedicated institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring, and supervising Ayush-specific public health programs. This vertical provides technical support to both Ministries in developing strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training.
    2. The Ministry of Ayush and MoH&FW have jointly established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare. As part of this initiative, Department of Integrative Medicine has been set up and is operational at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi through All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi and Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi respectively. No separate funding is allocated for establishing these centres.
    3. An Advisory committee was constituted under the chairpersonship of Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog to study the existing knowledge and efficacy of different models of Integrative Medicine and its benefits at large and to propose a framework of comprehensive Integrative Health Policy.
    4. Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling the choice to the patients for different systems of medicines under a single window. The engagement of AYUSH doctors/ paramedics and their training is supported by the MoH&FW under National Health Mission (NHM), while the support for AYUSH infrastructure, equipment/ furniture and medicines are provided by the Ministry of Ayush under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as shared responsibilities.
    5. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken research studies such as Operational study to explore the feasibility of integrating Ayurveda with modern system of medicine in a tertiary care hospital (Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi) for the management of Osteoarthritis (Knee), Feasibility of introducing the Indian System of Medicine (Ayurveda) in the National Reproductive and Child Health services at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in Himachal Pradesh and Integration of AYUSH systems in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) and Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda Intervention in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in PHCs of the Selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study). Details of the collaborative projects by the Council in the last five years are given in Annexure I.

     

    Further, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and CCRAS has taken an initiative to set up Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR), at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to conduct research on identified areas focusing on integrative healthcare under Extra Mural research Scheme of ICMR. Under this program, four research areas in four AIIMS have been identified, which are as follows:

     

    1. AIIMS Delhi:
      1. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Gastro-intestinal Disorders
      2. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Women and Child Health
    2. AIIMS Jodhpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health
    3. AIIMS Nagpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Cancer Care
    4. AIIMS Rishikesh: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health.

     

    1. In All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, integrative medical services are available under, Centre for Integrative Cancer Therapy, Centre for Integrative Dentistry, Centre for Integrative Critical Care & Emergency Medicine, Centre for Integrative Orthopedics, Centre for Integrative Dietetics and Nutrition and Causality OPD Section. Integrated services are also provided through Satellite Clinical Services Units established at Integrative Medical Services Unit at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Integrative Medical Services Unit AIIMS Jhajjar and Centre for Integrative Oncology at National Cancer Institute – AIIMS, Jhajjar.
    2. Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), conducts integrated research and also has visiting allopathic doctors for consultation.
    3. The Ministry of Ayush has been implementing the Central Sector Scheme namely Ayurswasthya Yojana since 2021-22. The Scheme has 02 components viz. (i) Ayush & public health (PHI) component and (ii) Upgradation of facilities to the centre of excellence. Under the Centre of Excellence, financial assistance is provided to support creative and innovative proposals of prestigious organizations with well-established buildings and infrastructure and wish to work for Ayush systems to the level of Centre of Excellence. Nine organizations of National repute have been funded under the Centre of Excellence component of Ayurswasthya Yojana under the activity-based/research-based Centre of Excellence for research and development to integrate the knowledge of Ayurveda with the modern system of medicine. Details of organizations are given at Annexure II.

    Annexure I

    LIST OF COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS OF LAST FIVE YEARS 2020-21 TO 2024-25

    1. COMPLETED PROJECTS

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    1.

    Evaluation of Add on Efficacy & Safety of an Ayurvedic coded Formulation in the management of Dengue Fever & Prevention of its complications – A Double Blind Clinical Study

    National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, KLE University’s Department of Integrative Medicine, Kolar.

    2.

    A Randomized Placebo Controlled Prospective Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ on Glycemic control in Pre- Diabetic Subjects

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai

    KLEU’s        Shri       BMK                      Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi

    3.

    A Randomized Placebo Controlled Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as add on Therapy to Metformin

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai

    Rajiv      Gandhi    PG    Govt               Ayurveda College, Paprola

    4.

    Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration

    Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine (CSTM) in collaboration with CARI, Kolkata

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bhubaneswar

    Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Vijayawada

    5.

    Feasibility          of        introducing                          Ayurveda intervention in Reproductive and Child Health

    30 PHCs of Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra

    (RCH) in PHCs of selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study)

    6.

    Randomized control study to evaluate the efficacy of Ayush CCT and Rajyoga Meditation versus conventional treatment on clinical recovery and post-operative outcomes following elective adult cardiothoracic surgeries

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    7.

    Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of “Ayush- SS Granules” in exclusively breast feeding mothers with Insufficient Lactation (Stanyalpata)-A Randomized double blind placebo control Trial”

    Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi

    8.

    A comparative clinical study of Ayush LND a coded Ayurvedic formulation in the management of Asrigdara (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding)

    Regional Ayurveda Research Institute,, Nagpur

    Govt. Medical College, Nagpur

    9.

    A Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of Marma therapy in Lumbar disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.

    Uttrakhand         Ayurved                            University, Dehradun

    10.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda nutritional supplements and Yoga protocol in the prevention and reduction of the severity of Acute Mountain Sickness: an open-label randomized controlled study

    2118 field hospitals, Nimu/Leh under the AFMS, Northern Command of Indian Army

    11.

    A pilot study to assess the effect of intranasal oil instillation (Pratimarsha Nasya) on nasal barrier function among healthy individuals

    Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    12.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Sarpagandha Mishran) vs. Amlodipine in the management of stage-I Primary Hypertension

    AIIMS Delhi

    13.

    Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical study Ayurvedic coded drug AYUSH-A in the management of Bronchial Asthma (Tamaka Shwasa)

    AIIMS Delhi

    14.

    Study the physiological basis and gut bacterial modulation induced by Virechana Purgation therapy in the healthy adults: A prospective longitudinal study.

    Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi

    15.

    Morbidity and Healthcare-seeking behaviour of

    Directorate       General     Armed                         Force

    the patients visiting the Ayurveda healthcare facilities of the DGAFMS Hospitals: A multicentre cross-sectional survey study

    Medical Services- facilities

    16.

    A Randomized Controlled Study to Assess the Effect of Marsha Nasya Karma in Motor, Sensory, Memory and Cognitive Parameters elicited through f – MRI in Apparently Healthy Individuals.

    Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala

    17.

    Evaluation of Ayush-GMH in the subjects of mild to moderate Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-A double blind randomized control clinical study

    KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi ICMR – National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belegavi

    18.

    A randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of multimodal Ayurveda interventions in Jannu Sandhigatavata (Primary Knee – osteoarthritis)

    AIIMS Delhi

    19.

    Clinical evaluation of Ayurvedic management in Allergic Rhinitis- A Randomized controlled Trial

    Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi

     

    1. ONGOING PROJECTS

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    1.

    A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first serological relapse collaborative project.

    Tata Memorial Hospital ACTREC Mumbai & Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Mumbai

    2.

    Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis on ATT – A double blind randomized control clinical study

    KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi

    3.

    Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    4.

    Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    5.

    Ayurveda therapeutic regiman as on Add-on

    to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

    6.

    Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

    AIIMS, Bhubaneswar

    7.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

    IIT, Mandi

    8.

    Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis – An exploratory randomized controlled trial

    Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences(ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerela

    9.

    Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

    AIIMS, Bhopal

    10.

    A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru; Adichunchanagiri Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

    11.

    Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

    ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai

    12.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

    13.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    14.

    A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

    Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

    15.

    Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    16.

    Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh

    All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi;

    National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Public Health Foundation India’s IIPH- Delhi

    17.

    An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community based study.

    AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

    ANNEXURE II

     

    NINE ORGANIZATIONS OF NATIONAL REPUTE FUNDED UNDER CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE COMPONENT OF AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME TO INTEGRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA WITH MODERN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME:

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of the Organization

    State

    Project Name

    Fund Released (Amount in Crore)

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    1.

    Tata Memorial Centre, (TMC) Mumbai

    Maharashtra

    Centre                          of

    Excellence   for

    Discovery and Development of AYUSH

    Medicine for Cancer Care

    –

    2.00

    1.62

    2.

    Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI),

    Lucknow

    Uttar Pradesh

    Center                          of

    Excellence                         for Fundamental and Translation Research            in

    Ayurveda          at Central Drug Research Institute

    –

    2.00

    1.99

    3.

    Jawaharlal Nehru University, (JNU) New Delhi

    Delhi

    Functional-based CoE on Ayurveda

    and                Systems Medicine

    –

    1.01

    2.44

    4.

    Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

    Delhi

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in Sustainable Ayush             for Advanced technological solutions, startup support and net zero            sustainable solutions    for

    Rasausadhies

    –

    2.00

    1.14

    5.

    Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru

    Karnataka

    Centre                          of

    Excellence                          in

    Diabetes                        and Metabolic Disorders

    –

    2.00

    1.82

    6.

    Centre for

    Delhi

    Centre                          of

    2.05

    2.04

    –

    Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), AIIMS

    New Delhi

    Excellence                         for

    Yoga                          &

    Ayurveda

    7.

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS),

    Bangalore

    Karnataka

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in Ayush Research

    0.85

    0.37

    –

    8.

    Institute of Liver and                  Biliary Sciences (ILBS)

    Delhi

    Effects of Indian Foods                        and Ayurvedic  drugs

    on healthy and diseases Liver

    2.61

    –

    –

    9.

    Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Jodhpur

    Rajasthan

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in AYURTech                   for Integrative Precision                   Health and Medicine

    –

    4.00

    –

    Total

    5.51

    15.42

    9.01

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2114965)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

    Ministry of Ayush approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals for establishment during the last five years

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) through State/UT Governments. Under NAM, as per the proposals received from State/UT Governments through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) during the last five years, a consolidated amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs has been released as financial assistance to them for different activities and overall promotion of Ayush systems as per the provision of NAM guidelines.

    Under NAM, as per the proposals submitted by State/UT Governments through their SAAPs, the Ministry of Ayush has approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) for establishment during the last five years. The State and district-wise status of approved IAHs is furnished at Annexure-I. Further, existing Ayush Hospitals and Dispensaries have also been supported under the activities of supply of medicines & upgradation of Ayush hospitals/dispensaries during the last five years as per the proposals received from States/UTs through SAAPs.

    Ayush Gram is a concept wherein villages will be selected for adoption of principles and practice of Ayush way of life and interventions of health care. As per NAM guideline, there is a provision of financial assistance of Rs. 3.0 lakhs per unit covering 2000-3000 population in 2-3 villages in a block. As per the proposals received by the States/UTs through SAAPs, 699 number of Ayush Gram units have been supported under Ayush Gram in the country during the last five years but district-wise data is not being maintained in the Ministry. The State/UT-wise status of approved Ayush grams is furnished at Annexure -II.

    Annexure-I State and district-wise status of approved Integrated Ayush Hospitals during last five

    years under NAM

    S.No.

    State/UT

    District

    Bedded

    1.

    Andaman & Nicobar

    Island

    South Andaman

    50

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    Kakinada

    50

    Visakhapatnam

    50

     

    3.

     

    Arunachal Pradesh

    West Kameng

    50

    Lower Siang

    50

    Upper Siang

    10

    East Kameng

    10

    Lower Subansiri

    10

     

    4.

     

    Assam

    Goalpara

    50

    Majuli

    50

    Kokrajhar

    50

    Baksa

    50

    Morigaon

    50

    Nagaon

    50

    KarbiAnglong

    30

    Bajali

    10

    5.

    Bihar

    Patna

    50

    6.

    Chandigarh

    Chandigarh

    50

     

    7.

     

    Chhattisgarh

    Janjgir-Champa

    10

    Mahasamund

    10

    Korea

    10

    Korba

    10

    Uttar BastarKanker

    10

    Narayanpur

    10

    Bijapur

    10

    DakshinBastarDantewada

    10

    Balod

    30

    8.

    Dadra Nagar Haveli and

    Daman & Diu

    Dadra and Nagar Havel

    50

    9.

    Goa

    North Goa

    50

    South Goa

    50

    10.

    Gujarat

    Surat

    50

    11.

    Haryana

    Hisar

    50

    12.

    Himachal Pradesh

    Kullu

    50

     

    13.

     

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Kishtwar

    50

    Kupwara

    50

    Kathua

    50

    Kulgam

    50

    Samba

    50

    Baramulla

    10

    14.

    Jharkhand

    Ranchi

    50

    Gumla

    10

    Bokaro

    10

    Deoghar

    10

    Palamu

    10

    Dumka

    10

    East Singhbum

    50

     

    15.

     

    Karnataka

    Gadag

    50

    Dakshina Kannada

    50

    Shivamogga

    10

     

    16.

     

    Kerala

    Thrissur

    50

    Kannur

    50

    Pathanamthitta

    10

    Palakkad

    50

    Kollam

    30

    Wayanad

    30

    Idukki

    30

    Pathanamthitta

    30

    Thiruvanthapuram

    50

    Thiruvanthapuram

    50

    17.

    Lakshadweep

    Lakshadweep

    30

     

    18.

     

    Maharashtra

    Nandurbar

    30

    Sindhudurg

    30

    Pune

    30

    Osmanabad

    50

    Ahmednagar

    30

    Jalgaon

    30

    Jalna

    50

    Thane

    50

    Nagpur

    50

     

    19.

     

    Manipur

    Tengnoupal

    50

    Churachandpur

    50

    Imphal East

    50

    Chandel

    10

    Jiribam

    10

    Kangpokpi

    10

    Bishnupur

    10

    Noney

    10

    Thoubal

    10

    Senapati

    10

     

    20.

     

    Madhya Pradesh

    Bhopal

    50

    Indore

    50

    Narsinghpur

    50

    Anuppur

    50

    Khargone

    50

    Balaghat

    50

    Sehore

    50

    Guna

    50

    Panna

    50

    Bhind

    50

    Barwani

    30

     

    21.

     

    Meghalaya

    East Khasi Hills

    50

    RiBhoi

    50

    West Jaintia Hills

    30

    22.

    Mizoram

    Aizwal

    50

    Saitual

    10

     

    23.

     

    Nagaland

    Noklak

    30

    Kohima

    50

    Mokokchung

    50

    Longleng

    30

    Kiphire

    30

    Mon

    30

    Zunheboto

    30

    24.

    Odisha

    Dhenkanal

    50

    Balasore

    50

    25.

    Puducherry

    Puducherry

    50

    Yanam

    50

     

    26.

     

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    50

    Sawaimadhopur

    50

    Bharatpur

    50

    27.

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    50

    Gangtok

    30

    28.

    Tamil Nadu

    Namakkal

    50

    Chennai

    50

     

    29.

     

    Telangana

    Siddipet

    50

    Vikarabad

    50

    JayashankarBhupalapally

    50

    30.

    Tripura

    West Tripura

    50

    South Tripura

    50

     

    31.

     

    Uttar Pradesh

    Jaunpur

    30

    Kaushambi

    50

    Sonbhadra

    50

    Jalaun

    50

    SantKabir Nagar

    50

    Saharanpur

    50

    Deoria

    50

    Lalitpur

    50

    Amethi

    50

    Kanpur Dehat

    50

    Ballia

    50

    Raebareli

    50

    Baghpat

    50

    Fatehpur

    50

    Shrawasti

    50

    Unnao

    50

    Hardoi

    50

    Gorakhpur

    50

    Sambhal

    50

    Mirzapur

    50

     

    32.

     

    Uttarakhand

    TehriGarhwal

    50

    Champawat

    50

    PauriGarhwal

    50

    Haridwar

    10

    Nainatal

    10

    Haridwar

    50

    33.

    West Bengal

    PaschimMedinipur

    50

    Annexure II

    State/UT- wise status of supported villages under Ayush Gram concept during the last five years

    Sr.No.

    States/UTs

    Total

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    7

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    13

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    2

    4

    Assam

    4

    5

    Bihar

    10

    6

    Chandigarh

    0

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    8

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu

    13

    9

    Delhi

    0

    10

    Goa

    10

    11

    Gujarat

    110

    12

    Haryana

    22

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    0

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    20

    15

    Jharkhand

    97

    16

    Karnataka

    0

    17

    Kerala

    64

    18

    Lakshadweep

    6

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    201

    20

    Maharashtra

    9

    21

    Manipur

    2

    22

    Meghalaya

    35

    23

    Mizoram

    7

    24

    Nagaland

    2

    25

    Odisha

    7

    26

    Puducherry

    0

    27

    Punjab

    0

    28

    Rajasthan

    5

    29

    Sikkim

    0

    30

    Tamil nadu

    0

    31

    Telangana

    10

    32

    Tripura

    1

    33

    Uttar Pradesh

    25

    34

    Uttrakhand

    0

    35

    West Bengal

    8

    36

    Ladakh

    9

    Total

    699

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today’

    ****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Blue Economy

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has taken note of the imminent threat to the Blue Economy posed by climate change, which may affect the livelihoods of fishermen and other coastal communities. In this regard, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in consultation with the coastal State Governments, has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to the coastline as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The activities promoted in the identified coastal fishermen villages under PMMSY are need-based facilities, including development of common facilities like fish drying yards, fish processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, cold storages, and emergency rescue facilities. The Government is also promoting the climate-resilient livelihoods like aquaculture, especially the mariculture of seaweed, food and ornamental fishes, bivalves etc. through the schemes of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. Further, for livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fisher’s families during fish ban/lean period and insurance cover to fishers are also provided under the PMMSY scheme. Additionally, the ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes have been contributing to promote inland and marine aquaculture activities through ongoing research, technology development, and capacity-building programs with funding support of the Government of India.

    The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has not received any assistance from the  Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in this regard. However, to combat marine plastic pollution, particularly from fishing and maritime sectors, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has been actively engaged in the global and regional efforts like Glolitter Partnership Project and Reglitter Project both of which are jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Food, and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO). These projects focus on preventing and reducing Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) from sea-based sources, with an emphasis on addressing abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and wastes from ships. The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and NORAD with co-financing from member countries and being implemented by the FAO in partnership with regional organizations viz. Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) in its member countries, including India. The BOBLME Project is promoting the concept of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) that aims to integrate ecological health, social equity, and economic sustainability, ensuring that fisheries management addresses broader ecosystem and community needs. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India hosted the FAO Workshop on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthen of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region, organized by BOBP-IGO and NFDB during 16th -19th  October, 2023. Over 15 Regional Fisheries Bodies from the region participated in the event and identified potential areas for collaboration and the capacity development needs in mainstreaming climate change in fisheries management.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Control Aquatic Animal Diseases

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has established a robust framework for early detection, reporting and control of aquatic animal diseases. Under the central sector component of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Department of Fisheries is implementing the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) through ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow with total outlay of ₹ 33.78 crore. NSPAAD involves systematic surveillance across all the States/UTs in the country to identify disease risk, improve disease management and promote healthy aquatic ecosystem. This is a pan-India program, being implemented in collaboration with 54 partner institutions, includes ICAR fisheries research institutes, namely ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai; ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai; ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore; ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar; ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi; ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal; ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin;  fisheries colleges /universities and state governments. The programme supports fish farmers by generating awareness, issuing advisories and capacity building campaigns. Under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), the Department of Fisheries has also launched an android-based mobile app known as “Report Fish Disease”. The app provide a central platform for connecting and integrating fish farmers, field-level officers and fish health experts seamlessly. In addition, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) under the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India promotes biosecurity and disease prevention through farm management guidelines.

    To strengthen aquatic health and disease management across the country, the Department of Fisheries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampda Yojana (PMMSY) has developed a network of 19 disease diagnostic centre and quality testing labs, 31 mobile centres and testing labs and 6 Aquatic referral labs. Additionally, the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India is actively engaged with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Paris, France and Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), Bangkok, Thailand to improve aquatic animal health in India.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fisheries Cluster Zone

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, recognizing the potential of fisheries sector, since 2015, has substantially stepped-up investments in fisheries sector through schemes worth Rs. 38,572 crore for holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture and welfare of fishermen in the country including in West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The schemes include, (i) Blue Revolution Scheme implemented from FY2015-16 to 2019-20 with central outlay of Rs 3,000 crore helped in mobilizing of a total investment of Rs. 5,000 crore,  (ii) Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund implemented from FY2018-19 with a fund size of Rs. 7,522.48 crore, (iii) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented from FY2020-21 to 2024-25 with an investment of Rs. 20,050 crore, (iv) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) implemented from the FY2023-24 to 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore an. In addition, the Government of India has also extended the facility of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to the fishers and fish farmers to meet their working capital requirements.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying during the  last four years (2020-21 to 2023-24) and current year(2024-25) has accorded approvals to the fisheries developmental proposals of various State Governments, Union Territories and other implementation agencies amounting to Rs.20,990.79 crore with central share of Rs.8926.28 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for development of fisheries and aquaculture in the country.   This includes (i) proposals of Government of West Bengal approved at a cost of Rs.544.39 crore with central share of Rs.225.55 crore and (ii) proposals of Andaman & Nicobar Administration approved at a cost of Rs.58.67 crore with central share of Rs.31.23 crore under PMMSY. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampadha Yojana (PMMSY) inter-alia provides adoption of a cluster-based approach to enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries sector, facilitate economies of scale, generate higher incomes, accelerate the growth, expansion of fisheries and aquaculture in an organized manner in cluster based approach. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has issued the “Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Production and Processing Clusters in Fisheries Sector” to all the State Governments and Union Territories for implementation of clusters in various field of fisheries and aquaculture under PMMSY. The States and UTs have been advised to implement the clusters based approach for development of fisheries and aquaculture. Based on the request received from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, development of Tuna fisheries cluster in Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been notified under PMMSY.

    The ‘National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017 notified by the Government of India, provides guiding principles of conservation and optimum utilization of fisheries resources for ensuring sustainability. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as a conservation measure, has been implementing fishing ban in India’s EEZ along the east and west coasts annually during the major breeding season of the commercial fish species. On the east coast, including the coasts of West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar, the fishing ban is implemented annually from 15th April to 15th June. The States and UTs, through their Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, also regulates fishing activities in the state’s and UT’s territorial waters to support the sustainable management of fisheries. In addition, the Government of India has prohibited harmful fishing practices, such as pair or bull trawling, and the use of LED or artificial lights for fishing within the EEZ.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RRBs achieve a record ₹7,571 crore profit in FY 2023-24; key financial indicators like CRAR, deposits, NPAs CD Ratio show steady improvement

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Government is reviewing the financial performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) at national and regional levels. The agenda items for the review meetings, inter-alia, include:

    1. Review of the performance of RRBs on Financial Parameters and technology upgradation.
    2. Thrust on Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) portfolio.
    3. Importance on loan diversification towards Agri-allied, MSME and Retail Sectors. 

     Financial health of RRBs has improved in the recent years as they have posted highest ever consolidated net profit of ₹ 7,571 crore during FY 2023-24. Also, the RRBs have shown consistent improvement in key financial parameters like CRAR, deposits, advances, NPA, CD ratio etc. The Key Financial Parameters of RRBs have improved consistently in past years. The Total Balance sheet Size of RRBs have increased from Rs. 7,04,556 Crore in FY 2021- 22 to Rs. 8,40,080 Crore in FY 2023-24. Further the Net NPA has declined from 4.7% in FY 2021- 22 to 2.4%  in FY 2023-24. Also the Credit to Deposit Ratio has increased from 64.5% to 71.4% from FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24.

    Government has also reviewed the progress made by RRBs in deepening financial inclusion in rural and remote areas by reviewing performance on various financial inclusion schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana etc.

    This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government has Launched Multiple Digital Initiatives for Transparency and Efficiency, Reducing compliance burden in corporate filings

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government has Launched Multiple Digital Initiatives for Transparency and Efficiency, Reducing compliance burden in corporate filings

    MCA21 V3 gives Enhanced Security with Web-Based Forms and Multifactor Authentication

    MCA Portal Mobile App provides stakeholders with easy access to various services available on MCA21 website

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    To prevent fraudulent filings, web-based online forms have been introduced in MCA21 V3, incorporating field-level validations and auto-prefill functionalities across forms. Furthermore, multifactor authentication has been implemented to verify the identity of users accessing the system. Additionally, measures such as masking private information from public view have been adopted to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

    The Ministry has introduced several digital initiatives to enhance transparency, efficiency, quickness in service delivery for reducing compliance burden and enhancing user experience, a few are listed below: 

    1. The Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (CPACE) for centralized processing of voluntary closure of Companies/LLPs.
    2. The Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) streamlines the verification process for various Non-STP forms by consolidating operations at a single location, replacing multiple RoC locations. 
    3. The MCA Portal Mobile App offers stakeholders seamless access to various services available on the MCA21 website. 
    4. The Chatbot serves as a unified communication channel, allowing stakeholders to interact via chat or call for query resolution. 
    5. The E-Adjudication system provides an end-to-end online platform for the processing of adjudication cases, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
    6. Stakeholders can also raise tickets on the MCA21 portal to provide feedback and report grievances if any, regarding challenges faced.

    The total number of corporate filings, processed through MCA21, have steadily increased from 67,02,788 in 2020-21 to 80,77,210 in 2023-24, reaching 84,30,731 by February 2025.

    This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra in Rajya Sabha today

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development of Fisheries Infrastructure

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:49PM 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 to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying based on the techno-financial proposals, so far, has approved a total 141 proposals at a cost of Rs. 5915.54 crore with restricting the project’s cost for interest subvention at Rs. 3947.54 crore to various State Governments, Union Territories and other End Implementing Agencies. The state-wise details of these projects approved under FIDF are furnished at Annexure-I.

    The key projects approved primarily include 28 Fishing Harbours, 24 Fish Landing Centers, 8 Fisheries Training Centres and 5 Fish Processing Units. This includes the four fishing harbours at a total investment of Rs 1291.40 crore approved for Andhra Pradesh. The state-wise and project-wise details of these key projects indicating the project-wise status, timeline, loans sanctioned and disbursed are furnished at Annexure-II.

    Annexure-I

    State-wise details of projects approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

    (Rs in crores)

    Sl No

    Name of State

    No. of projects approved

    Total Project Cost

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    10

    1396.82

    653.05

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    0.68

    0.54

    3

    Assam

    1

    0.41

    0.18

    5

    Goa

    1

    6.42

    5.00

    6

    Gujarat

    5

    1354.92

    750.00

    7

    Haryana

    1

    1.17

    0.64

    8

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    5.17

    5.00

    9

    Jammu and Kashmir

    2

    120.70

    93.17

    10

    Karnataka

    2

    1.44

    0.79

    11

    Kerala

    3

    162.82

    151.20

    12

    Maharashtra

    17

    1069.17

    799.12

    13

    Manipur

    4

    1.15

    0.90

    14

    Mizoram

    1

    8.57

    6.85

    15

    Odisha

    4

    60.18

    33.83

    16

    Puducherry

    1

    2.46

    1.97

    17

    Tamil Nadu

    67

    1577.70

    1338.30

    18

    Telangana

    1

    4.70

    2.31

    19

    Uttar Pradesh

    2

    75.22

    60.09

    20

    West Bengal

    17

    65.85

    44.60

    Total

    141

    5915.54

    3947.54

     

    Annexure-II

    Status of fisheries infrastructure projects approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

    Fishing Harbours

    Sl No.

    State

    Name of the Project With Districts

    Financial Year

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    Loan Sanctioned

    Loan Disbursed

    Status

    Physical Status

    Financial Status

    (i)

    (ii)

    (iii)

    (iv)

    (v)

    (vi)

    (vii)

    (viii)

    (ix)

    (x)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Fishing Harbour at  Uppada in East Godavari

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    63.14%

    40.87%

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    Fishing Harbour at  Machilipattinam in Krishna District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    58.35%

    59.95%

    3

    Andhra Pradesh

    Fishing Harbour at Nizampattinam in Guntur District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    61.10%

    38.26%

    4

    Andhra Pradesh

    Fishing Harbour at Vodarevu in Prakasham District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    5

    Gujarat

    Fishing Harbour at Porbandar-Phase: 2

    2019-2020

    150.00

    Nil

    Nil

    To take up

    NR

    NR

    6

    Gujarat

    Fishing Harbour at Navabandar

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    41.44

    Project Ongoing

    95%

    90.00%

    7

    Gujarat

    Fishing Harbour at Madhwad in Junagad District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    4.02

    Project Ongoing

    14.19%

    10.27%

    8

    Gujarat

    Establishment of Fishing Harbour at Veraval – Phase: 2 in Gir Somnath District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    1.66

    Project Ongoing

    47.59%

    42.46%

    9

    Gujarat

    Establishment of Fishing Harbour at Sutrapada

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    1.48

    Project Ongoing

    33.61%

    19.82%

    10

    Kerala

    Development of Arthunkal Fishing Harbour

    2020-2021

    150.00

    150.00

    0.50

    Project Ongoing

    NR

    NR

    11

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at  Tharangampadi in Nagapattinam District

    2018-2019

    120.00

    108.00

    107.94

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    12

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at  ThiruvottriyurKuppam in Tiruvallur District

    2018-2019

    150.00

    150.00

    135.655

    Project Completed

    100%

    60%

    13

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at Mudhunagar in Cuddalore

    2018-2019

    100.00

    90.00

    83.6281

    Project Completed

    100%

    82%

    14

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at  Vellapallam in Nagapattinam

    2018-2019

    100.00

    100.00

    42.6123

    Project Ongoing

    79%

    76%

    15

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at Azhagankuppam in Villupuram District

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    2%

    1%

    16

    Tamil Nadu

    Fishing Harbour at  Arcottuthurai in NagapattinamDisrtict

    2019-2020

    150.00

    150.00

    116.98

    Project Ongoing

    91%

    89%

    17

    Tamil Nadu

    Export Infrastructures in Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour in Ramanathapuram District

    2020-2021

    20.00

    20.00

    11.90

    Project Completed

    100%

    90%

    18

    Tamil Nadu

    Additional berthing facilities in Fishing Harbour at Thoothukudi

    2020-2021

    25.00

    25.00

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    19

    Tamil Nadu

    Additional arrangements and Dredging the Fishing Harbour in Nagapattinam

    2020-2021

    6.00

    6.00

    5.79

    Project Completed

    100%

    89%

    20

    Tamil Nadu

    Extension of Fishing harbour in Kanyakumari

    2020-2021

    150.00

    150.00

    30.00

    Project Ongoing

    66%

    54%

    21

    West Bengal

    Infrastructural development at Deshpran Fishing HarbourPetuaghat.

    2019-2020

    3.25

    0.00

    Nil

    Project Dropped

    NR

    NR

    22

    Maharashtra

    Post Harvesting Facilities in Fisheries Habour at Ratnagiri

    2022-2023

    146.90

    146.90

    Nil

    project ongoing

    5%

    0%

    23

    Maharashtra

    Infrastructural Facilities in Fisheries Harbour at  Raigad.

    2022-2023

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    project ongoing

    45%

    32%

    24

    Maharashtra

    Infrastructure Facilities Fisheries Habour at Dapoli, Ratnagiri District

    2022-2023

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    project ongoing

    10%

    7%

    25

    Maharashtra

    Fisheries Harbour at Shrivardhan, Raigad

    2022-2023

    119.64

    119.64

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    26

    Tamil Nadu

    Modernisation of Fishing Harbour in Nagapattinam

    2022-2023

    81.00

    81.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    79%

    76%

    27

    Tamil Nadu

    Additional Infrastructure facilities in Fishing Harbour at Thoothukudi

    2022-2023

    10.00

    10.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    94%

    84%

    28

    Maharashtra

    Fisheries Harbour at Satpati, Palghar

    2022-2023

    150.00

    150.00

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

     

    Fish Landing Centres

    Sl

    No.

    State

    Name of the Project With Districts

    FY

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    Loan Sanctioned

    Loan Disbursed

    Status

    Physical Status

    Financial Status

    (i)

    (ii)

    (iii)

    (iv)

    (v)

    (vi)

    (vii)

    (viii)

    (ix)

    (x)

    1

    Odisha

    Fish Landing Centre at Khordha

    2020-2021

    9.29

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Dropped

    NR

    NR

    2

    Odisha

    Fish Landing Centre at Khordha

    2020-2021

    7.56

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Dropped

    NR

    NR

    3

    Odisha

    Fish Landing Center at Bhadruk

    2020-2021

    7.85

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Dropped

    NR

    NR

    4

    Tamil Nadu

    additional facilities to Fish Landing Centre at Portonovo-Annankovil in Cuddalore

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    3.85

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    5

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Keelamunthal in Ramanathapuram

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    8.50

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    6

    Tamil Nadu

    Additional Infrastructure facilities to Fish Landing Centre at Mudasalodai Village in Cuddalore

    2020-2021

    9.50

    9.50

    6.05

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    7

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Chandrapadi village in Nagapattinum

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    8

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Vanagiri Village in Nagapattinam

    2020-2021

    8.00

    8.00

    4.85

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    9

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Keezhathottam Village in Thanjavur

    2020-2021

    8.00

    8.00

    7.89

    Project Completed

    100%

    94%

    10

    Tamil Nadu

    T-Jetty at Tharuvaikulam in Thoothukudi

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    10.00

    Project Completed

    100%

    94%

    11

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Mandapam (North) in Ramanathapuram

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    9.98

    Project Completed

    100%

    95%

    12

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Mandapam (South) in Ramanathapuram

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    9.98

    Project Completed

    100%

    95%

    13

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Aruvikarai Village in Tirunelveli

    2020-2021

    10.00

    10.00

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    14

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Kottaipattinam, Village in Pudukottai

    2020-2021

    3.05

    3.05

    2.36

    Project Completed

    100%

    94%

    15

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Vadakkamapattinam, Village at Pudukottai

    2020-2021

    1.55

    1.55

    1.25

    Project Completed

    100%

    97%

    16

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Puthukudi, Village at Pudukottai

    2020-2021

    1.40

    1.40

    1.20

    Project Completed

    100%

    99%

    17

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Sattankuppam at Thiruvallur

    2022-2023

    8.00

    8.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    25%

    13%

    18

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Sunnambukulam at Thiruvallur

    2022-2023

    8.00

    8.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    92%

    38%

    19

    Tamil Nadu

    fish landing centre at Tsunami Nagar and Akkaraigori village in Cuddalore

    2022-2023

    4.50

    4.50

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    20

    Tamil Nadu

    fish landing centre at Sonankuppam village in Cuddalore

    2022-2023

    5.50

    5.50

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    96%

    21

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish landing centre at Chithiraipettai and Nanjalingampettai villages in Cuddalore

    2022-2023

    7.50

    7.50

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    91%

    47%

    22

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Pudhukuppam and Anichankuppam Villages in Villupuram

    2022-2023

    7.00

    7.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    77%

    21%

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish Landing Centre at Mudhaliyarkuppam and Chettynagar Villages in Villupuram

    2022-2023

    7.00

    7.00

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    95%

    39%

    24

    Tamil Nadu

    Fish landing centre at Sothikuppam and Rasapettai village in Cuddalore District

    2022-2023

    8.50

    8.50

    Nil

    Project Ongoing

    77%

    53%

     

     

     

     

    182.20

    157.50

    65.90

     

     

     

    Fisheries Training Centres

    Sl No.

    State

    Name of the Project

    FY

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    Loan Sanctioned

    Loan Disbursed

    Status

    Physical Status

    Financial Status

    (i)

    (ii)

    (iii)

    (iv)

    (v)

    (vi)

    (vii)

    (viii)

    (ix)

    (x)

    1

    Himachal Pradesh

    Establishment of State of art of Fisheries Training Centres, Gagret Dist. Una

    2020-2021

    5.00

    5.00

    0.54

    Project Ongoing

    25.25%

    20.91%

    2

    Tamil Nadu

    Construction of Integrated office building for Training Centre to the Fishermen at Trichy in Trichy

    2020-2021

    4.00

    4.00

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    94%

    3

    Tamil Nadu

    Construction of Integrated Training Centre and Offices at Cuddalore

    2020-2021

    5.00

    5.00

    3.92

    Project Completed

    100%

    98%

    4

    Tamil Nadu

    Construction of Training Centre at Radhapuram in Tirunelveli District.

    2020-2021

    1.60

    1.60

    1.56

    Project Completed

    100%

    95%

    5

    Tamil Nadu

    Establishment of Training Centre

    2022-2023

    5.00

    5.00

    Nil

    Project Completed

    100%

    NR

    6

    Tamil Nadu

    Establishment of Training Centre at Mettur Dam in Salem District.

    2022-2023

    3.00

    3.00

    0.03

     

    Project Ongoing

    NR

    NR

    7

    West Bengal

    Capacity Expansion and modernisation of Govt. Freshwater Fisheries Research & Training Center, Kulia, Kalyani, Nadia

    2024-2025

    5.00

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    Processing Plants

    Sl No.

    State

    Name of the Project

    FY

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    Loan Sanctioned

    Loan Disbursed

    Status

    Physical Status

    Financial Status

    (i)

    (ii)

    (iii)

    (iv)

    (v)

    (vi)

    (vii)

    (viii)

    (ix)

    (x)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Expansion of Processing Plant, M/s Ananda Foods, Ramayanapuram village, Bhimavaram, West Godavari District

    2020-2021

    8.82

    8.82

    8.82

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    2

    Karnataka

    Establishing Fish Processing Unit at Bangalore, by M/s Sashimi Foods Pvt.Ltd.,

    2020-2021

    0.68

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    3

    Odisha

    EXPANSION OF SHRIMP PROCESSING UNIT OF “HIGHLAND AGRO”

    2022-2023

    9.13

    25.00

    25.00

    Project Completed

    100%

    100%

    4

    Andhra Pradesh

    Proposal of M/s Agro products, Andhra pradesh for setting up of a state-of-the -art shrimp processing unit in Nellore,Andhra Pradesh

    2024-2025

    37.39

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    5

    Maharashtra

    A greenfield fish &Shrimp processing project proposed by M/s Pushpai Marine Exports Private Limited

    2024-2025

    22.51

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    6

    Maharashtra

    Fish Processing Unit

    2024-2025

    5.07

    Nil

    Nil

    Project Yet to Start

    NR

    NR

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Global Head of IBM Corporation, an American multinational Technology Company headquartered in New York with presence in over 175 countries, Shri. Arvind Krishna called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to explore potential joint collaborations in Quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geospatial AI solutions

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Global Head of IBM Corporation, an American multinational Technology Company headquartered in New York with presence in over 175 countries, Shri. Arvind Krishna called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to explore potential joint collaborations in Quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geospatial AI solutions

    Both sides acknowledge the transformation of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has placed this country as a frontline nation in AI and next-generation technologies

    Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirms government’s pro-technology and forthcoming stance on innovation ecosystem with synergistic collaboration and partnership with the Private sector

    S&T Minister reiterates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unwavering support for a deep tech enabled India with indigenous solutions

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards elevating India’s global position in emerging technologies, Global Head of IBM Corporation, an American multinational Technology Company headquartered in New York with presence in over 175 countries, Arvind Krishna called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to explore potential joint collaboration in Quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geospatial AI solutions.

    The meeting between the two delegations took place in the backdrop of India’s recently launched National Quantum Mission, positioning the country as a global leader in quantum technologies.

    During the discussion, both sides acknowledged the transformation of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has placed this country as a frontline nation in AI and next-generation technologies.

    They deliberated on possibilities of integrating geospatial AI solutions to drive innovation and technological advancements across various sectors.

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, reaffirmed the Government of India’s pro-technology stance and its commitment to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the government’s proactive approach in welcoming private sector participation, citing recent breakthroughs in the space sector following its unlocking for private investment. He also referenced the Union Budget announcement allowing non-government sectors to participate in nuclear energy development as a testament to India’s commitment to deep-tech innovation.

    Emphasizing the need for global collaboration, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India is now more open than ever to partnerships with private sector players to scale up technological advancements at a global level. He highlighted the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in creating a strong research ecosystem and expressed confidence in the potential of Indian youth to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

    The Union Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering support for a deep-tech enabled India, emphasizing indigenous solutions and self-reliance in critical technologies. He also asserted that India is at par, if not ahead, of other nations in the field of emerging technologies.

    Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, actively participated in the discussions, assuring full support from government institutions to facilitate technological collaborations.

    From the IBM delegation, Sandip Patel, Country General Manager and MD; Kishore Balaji, Executive Director – GRA; and Amith Singhee, Director, IBM Research India & CTO, were also present, expressing their commitment to deepening IBM’s engagement with India’s technology ecosystem.

    The meeting marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in quantum computing, AI, and deep-tech innovations, with synergistic collaboration between the government and private sector driving the nation toward a technologically advanced future.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Strengthens financial assistance for Loan Schemes for Entrepreneurs, Farmers, Small Businesses and startups

    Source: Government of India

    Government Strengthens financial assistance for Loan Schemes for Entrepreneurs, Farmers, Small Businesses and startups

    PMMY Offers Collateral-Free Loans for Small Businesses across Four Categories

    New Loan Scheme for first-Time Entrepreneurs announced in Union Budget 2025-26

    In Union Budget 2025-26, the government raised MISS loan limit for KCC borrowers from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh

    Jan Samarth Portal: One-Stop Digital Platform for Easy access to 15 Government Loan Schemes

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government runs many credit Schemes for small traders, farmers and startups. The details of few of these schemes are mentioned below.

    It provides collateral-free institutional credit through Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) i.e. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

    Any individual, who is otherwise eligible to take a loan and has a business plan can avail loan under the Scheme. The loan is available for income generating activities in the manufacturing, trading, services sector and also for activities allied to agriculture across four loan products, viz. Shishu (loans up to Rs. 50,000), Kishore (loans above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 5 lakh) and Tarun (loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh).  Loans upto Rs. 20 lakh under Tarun Plus category are given to those entrepreneurs who have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.

    The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate loans from Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) of value between Rs. 10 lakh and    Rs. 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one Woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services or trading sector, including activities allied to agriculture.

    Under both the Schemes, the prospective borrowers may avail the loan for trading, activities allied to agriculture and for new business.

    As per para 32 of Union Budget 2025-26 “A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first- time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans upto Rs.2.00 crore during next 5 years.  The Scheme will incorporate lessons from successful Stand Up India Scheme.  Online capacity building for entrepreneurship and managerial skills will also be organized.”

    Kisan Credit Card (KCC), introduced in 1998, is a banking product that provides farmers with timely and affordable credit for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as for meeting cash requirements related to crop production and allied activities.  In 2019, the KCC scheme was extended to cover the working capital requirements of allied activities, viz. Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries.

    Government of India under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme provides Interest Subvention of 1.5% to banks for providing short-term working capital loans upto Rs. 3 lakh at 7% p.a. Further, a Prompt Repayment Incentive of 3% is also provided to farmers on timely repayment of loans. Therefore, effective interest rate for farmers is 4%. In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government has announced to enhance loan limit under the MISS from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

    The Jan Samarth portal is a one-stop digital platform for linking fifteen Government-sponsored loans and subsidies Schemes. It provides a quick and efficient way to apply for loans and obtain approvals based on a digital evaluation of the applicant’s data. Further, many Banks and financial institutions have developed online platforms and mobile apps for end to end digital processing of loan applications, reducing the need for physical paperwork and in-person visits.   

    This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

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