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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEPENDENCY ON PRIVATE TANKERS IN MARATHWADA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India, in partnership with States/UTs including Maharashtra is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission, since August, 2019, to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household in the country.

    Drinking water is a state subject and the power to plan, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes/projects is vested in the State Government. As per the operational guidelines of JJM, the State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) and District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) is responsible for the overall implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission at the state and district level respectively.

    Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation provides financial, policy guidance and technical assistance to the States and Union Territories for implementing their drinking water supply schemes. The details of villages being provided drinking water through water tankers are not maintained at Government of India level.

    (c)   As reported by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the impact of excessive groundwater extraction for sugarcane farming on water availability has not been assessed. However, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Governments, is conducting an annual assessment of Dynamic Ground Water Resources across the country since 2022, including Marathwada region of the State of Maharashtra.

    As per the latest (2024) assessment, the Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource for Marathwada region is 7.676 BCM (Billion Cubic Metre). The Annual Ground Water Extraction for all uses is 3.891 BCM, out of which, about 3.669 BCM (94.3%) has been utilised for irrigation activities. The Stage of Ground Water Extraction, which is a measure of Annual Ground Water Extraction for all uses (irrigation, industrial and domestic uses) over Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource is 50.70% for the Marathwada region as a whole.

    (d)  Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. Under JJM, provisions have been made for drinking water source development/ strengthening/ augmentation; and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources, apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure.

    To achieve drinking water security, every village has to prepare a 5-year Village Action Plan under Jal Jeevan Mission which inter alia includes augmentation and strengthening of drinking water sources to be taken up in convergence with other schemes at village level viz. MGNREGS, 15thFinance Commission tied grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)/ PRIs, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), State schemes, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR funds, community contribution, etc.

    The important steps taken by the Central Government for sustainable ground water management and addressing water scarcity in the country including Marathwada region may be seen at

    https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3a70dc40477bc2adceef4d2c90f47eb82/uploads/2024/07/20240716706354487.pdf.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q2626)

    (Release ID: 2114773) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SWACHH BHARAT MISSION-GRAMEEN

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Information, Education & Communication (IEC) funds allocated and utilized at Centre level under SBM (G) from 2014-15 to 2022-23 are as under :-

       

    Rs. In lakh

    Year

    Allocated

    Utilized

    2014-15

    9732.83

    9732.55

    2015-16

    16050.00

    16050.00

    2016-17

    23485.58

    23485.57

    2017-18

    32016.18

    32016.18

    2018-19

    12000.00

    11404.23

    2019-20

    12873.00

    3800.79

    2020-21

    3000.00

    1613.65

    2021-22

    2055.00

    1604.46

    2022-23

    4516.00

    4485.10

    Sanitation, being a State subject, component-wise funds are not released to the State/UTs. The States/UTs have the flexibility to allocate and utilize their funds for various components including IEC. However, as per SBM(G) Phase II guidelines, the States/UTs can utilize only upto 3% of the total Expenditure for IEC purposes. Accordingly, as reported by the States, the utilization of funds for IEC from 2014-15 to 2022-23 State-wise and Year-wise are at below.

    Under SBM(G) Phase II guidelines, the Gram Panchayats are to actively involve in the planning and implementation of all software and hardware components of SBM(G) Phase II programme. The Gram Panchayats, along with ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, SHG members, NGOs etc. are considered for active involvement in the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities including in Triggering leading to demand generation and sustained use of the facilities, in Capacity building, assistance in construction and ensuring sustained use of sanitation facilities. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) are constituted as a sub-committee of the GPs for preparation of Village Action Plan for mobilization, implementation, and supervision of the programme. However, the composition and function of the VWSC is to be determined by the State Government. Training are provided to the VWSC members, PRI members, and other field functionaries as per the plan prepared by at the State/District level.

    Greywater management is done through soak pits, wherever possible, or through other technologies such as Waste Stabilization Ponds, Constructed Wetlands, Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), etc, to ensure that untreated wastewater is not mixed with water bodies. States/UTs have been advised to make arrangement for Solid Waste Management i.e.-Bio-degradable and non-biodegradable system for Household and for all public Places (including the primary schools, Panchayat Ghar and Anganwadi canter). SWM system includes Collection, Transportation, Segregation, Storage, and management of SWM. Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), wherever needed, through co-treatment in existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)/Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) facilities in nearby urban/rural areas or trenching or setting up of FSM Plant as required. There is provision of Rs. 16 lakh per block for setting up of Plastic Waste Management Unit(PWMU) at block/district level.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q2642)

    (Release ID: 2114772) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025 
         Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
     
         Taking January and February of 2025 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 6.5% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 5.7%. A visible trade deficit of $34.6 billion, equivalent to 4.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first two months of 2025.
     
         In February 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.4% over a year earlier to $327.9 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 0.1% in January 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.8% over a year earlier to $364.2 billion in February 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 0.5% in January 2025. A visible trade deficit of $36.3 billion, equivalent to 10.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in February 2025.
     
         Comparing the three-month period ending February 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 8.6%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 3.4%.
     
    Analysis by country/territory
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 25.0%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+114.2%), Taiwan (+73.0%), the Philippines (+32.3%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+29.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to India (-29.8%).
     
         Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-44.7%) and the USA (-18.5%). On the other hand, an increase was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Kingdom (+61.0%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+77.9%), the United Kingdom (+77.6%), Vietnam (+52.4%), Taiwan (+42.6%), Malaysia (+41.7%) and the Mainland (+18.1%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-31.4%).
     
         For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+89.9%), Taiwan (+29.2%), Singapore (+18.3%) and the Mainland (+10.9%). On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the values of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-38.2%) and India (-25.6%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+106.7%), the United Kingdom (+58.7%), Vietnam (+50.4%), Malaysia (+48.1%), Taiwan (+39.9%) and the Mainland (+2.0%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-25.3%).
     
    Analysis by major commodity
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $27.3 billion or +20.8%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $20.5 billion or +68.9%). 
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.2 billion or +16.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $16.6 billion or +76.3%).
     
         For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $35.5 billion or +53.2%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.0 billion or +7.3%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $30.5 billion or +63.3%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $30.2 billion or +10.1%).
     
    Commentary
     
         A Government spokesman said that Hong Kong’s merchandise exports continued to see solid increase in general in early 2025. Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove the effect of the earlier arrival of the Chinese New Year this year, the value of merchandise exports grew by 6.5% over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland increased visibly, and those to many other Asian markets also increased. Exports to the United States rose marginally, while those to the European Union declined.
     
         Looking ahead, the tariff measures introduced so far by the United States and the uncertainties surrounding protectionist policies would continue to pose challenges to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance. Nevertheless, the sustained growth in global economy in particular the Mainland economy, should render support to Hong Kong’s exports. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
     
    Further information
     
         Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for February 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to February 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
     
         The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for February 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
     
         Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for February 2025.
     
         All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for February 2025 will be released in mid-April 2025.
     
         The February 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in February 2025 and will be available in early April 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
         Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken to reduce healthcare costs

    Source: Government of India

    Measures taken to reduce healthcare costs

    Out-of-Pocket Expenditure as percentage of Total Health Expenditure has declined from 62.6% in 2014-15 to 39.4% in 2021-22

    Government Health Expenditure as percentage of Total Health Expenditure has increased from 29.0% in 2014-15 to 48.0% in 2021-22

    National Free Drugs Service initiative and Free diagnostic Service has been rolled out to ensure availability of essential drugs and diagnostic facilities

    1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established and operationalized which deliver expanded range of comprehensive primary healthcare services

    AB-PMJAY aims to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting the economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population

    Quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices to all under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:51PM by PIB Delhi

    As per National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates, the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) has been declining continuously, 62.6% (2014-15) to 39.4% (2021-22). The Government is making efforts to reduce the OOPE as % of THE. There has been significant increase in Government Health Expenditure (GHE) as percentage of THE, which was 29.0% in 2014-15 and 48.0% in 2021-22.

    Further, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has rolled out and implemented various national schemes and programs to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to all, including those in rural areas. These key schemes/programs have contributed to reducing out-of-pocket expenditures in availing of health services, some are given as under: 

    National Health Mission (NHM): Under the National Health Mission, the Government has taken many steps towards universal health coverage, by supporting the State Governments in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to people. The National Health Mission provides support for improvement in health infrastructure, availability of adequate human resources to man health facilities, to improve availability and accessibility to quality health care especially for the underserved and marginalized groups in rural areas. National Free Drugs Service initiative and Free diagnostic Service has been rolled out to ensure availability of essential drugs and diagnostic facilities and reduce out of pocket expenditure of the patients visiting public health facilities.

    Ayushman Arogya Mandir: A total of 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) have been established and operationalized by transforming existing Sub-Health Centres (SHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHC) in rural and urban areas. The purpose of AAMs are to deliver the expanded range of comprehensive primary healthcare services that includes preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services encompassing Reproductive and Child care services, Communicable diseases, Non-communicable diseases and all health issues, which are universal, free and closer to the community.       

    Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched as a mission to develop the capacities of primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems; strengthen existing national institutions and create new institutions to cater to detection and cure of new and emerging diseases. PM-ABHIM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with some Central Sector components. The total outlay of the scheme is Rs 64,180 crore.

    Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) aims to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting the economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population. States/UTs implementing AB PM-JAY have further expanded the beneficiary base, at their own cost. Recently, the scheme has been expanded to cover 6 crore senior citizens of age 70 years and above belonging to 4.5 crore families irrespective of their socio-economic status under AB PM-JAY with Vay Vandana Card.

    Besides, quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices to all under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in collaboration with the State Governments. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy stores have been set up in some hospitals/institutions.

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

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    HFW/ Measures taken to reduce healthcare costs/25 March 2025/2

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROVIDING TAP WATER CONNECTION UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India is committed to the provision of safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with States/ UTs, in August 2019. The Government of India supports the states by providing technical and financial assistance.

    Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of JJM, towards enhancing access to tap water for rural households. At the start of JJM in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by State/UTs as on 20.03.2025, around 12.30 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 20.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, approximately 15.53 Crore (80.22%) households are reported to have tap water supply. The year-wise and State-wise including the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh details of the progress made under the JJM in providing tap water connections since its inception are available on JJM IMIS Dashboard at https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx.

    The government of India is building strategic international partnerships to enhance international cooperation in specific areas of water supply, water distribution, wastewater and solid waste treatment, sewerage systems, re-use of treated wastewater, water management, and energy optimization.

    At present, India and Denmark have entered into a Green Strategic Partnership on 28th September, 2020. Joint Work Plan (2021-2024) has subsequently been formulated between the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, New Delhi and Danish Environment Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment, Denmark (DEPA) to support Government of India’s objective of providing drinking water supply to all rural households. The objective of the work plan is to enhance cooperation in the specific areas of water supply, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewerage systems, re-use of treated wastewater, water management and energy optimization in the water sector.

    The cooperation is working to support a range of priorities of the JJM and co-create solutions in the fields of policy, planning, regulation and implementation as well as technology, research & development and skilling that combine Danish and Indian expertise.

    As on date, 11 States/ UTs have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ States/ UT i.e. 100% households are having tap water supply and the remaining States/ UTs are at various stages of achieving the objectives of the mission.

    Government of India has taken a number of steps to ensure coordinated planning between infrastructure development projects, like road construction and water supply system, like pipelines installations which inter alia includes (i) nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies viz. M/o EF&CC, M/o RTH, NHAI, M/o Railways etc. to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances; (ii) regular review meetings with central agencies and State level officers; (iii) State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) and District Programme Management Units (DPMUs) have been set up to bridge the gap in availability of technical skill sets and of HR for programme management; (iv) A network of Civil Society Organizations working in the water sector, the Rural WASH Partner Forum, has been set up to extend support to states for time bound implementation.

    Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. BIS specifies ‘acceptable limit’ and ‘permissible limit in the absence of alternate source’ for various physio-chemical and bacteriological parameters for drinking water quality.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q2632)

    (Release ID: 2114775) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on Ayushman Arogya Mandir

    Source: Government of India

    Update on Ayushman Arogya Mandir

    1,76,573 AAMs have been operationalized across the country till February 2025

    107.10 crore screenings for hypertension and 94.56 crore screenings for diabetes have been conducted at AAMs

    A total of 5.06 crore wellness sessions including Yoga have been conducted at AAMs

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    As reported by States/UTs on the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) portal, a total of 1,76,573 AAMs have been operationalised across the country till February, 2025. As per portal, 107.10 crore screenings for hypertension and 94.56 crore screenings for diabetes have been conducted at AAMs.

    Wellness-related activities like Yoga, cycling, and meditation are conducted in AAMs. As on 28.02.2025, a total of 5.06 crore wellness sessions including Yoga have been conducted at AAMs.

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

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken on Mental Health

    Source: Government of India

    Steps taken on Mental Health

    AB PM-JAY provides cashless healthcare services related to 1961 procedures across 27 medical specialties including 22 procedures under Mental Disorder Speciality

    District Mental Health Programme component of the National Mental Health Programme has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission

    Under the tertiary care component of NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase the intake of students in PG departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities

    47 Government run mental hospitals are functional in the country, including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions

    36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services. More than 19,67,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number

    Government has also launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024 to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued Master Circular on Health Insurance Business dated 29.05.2024, vide which insurers are required to provide wider choice to policyholders by offering products catering to all types of existing medical conditions; pre-existing diseases and chronic conditions. Insurers are also mandated to make available products in compliance with the provisions of Mental Health Care Act, 2017. In line with the above provisions, products are available in the market providing coverage for mental illness as per the respective product designs of the insurers.

    Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the latest national master of the Health Benefit Package (HBP) provides cashless healthcare services related to 1961 procedures across 27 medical specialties including 22 procedures under Mental Disorder Speciality such as Intellectual Disability, Schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional disorders, autism spectrum disorder etc, to eligible beneficiaries. Further, States have been provided flexibility to further customize the Health Benefit Packages to local context.

    As per centrally available data at National health Authority (NHA), as on 21.03.2025, 77,634 hospital admission worth Rs 87 Crore have been authorized under the scheme.

    For providing affordable and accessible mental healthcare facilities in the country, the Government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission.  Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc. In addition to above services there is a provision of 10 bedded in-patient facility at the district level.

    The Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental, Neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS) have been added in the packages of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

    Under the tertiary care component of NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase the intake of students in PG departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities.  Further, the Government has also supported 19 Government medical colleges/institutions to strengthen 47 PG Departments in mental health specialties.

    There are 47 Government run mental hospitals in the country, including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. Mental Health Services are also provisioned in all AIIMS.

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

    Besides the above, the Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on 10th October, 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 19.03.2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services.  More than 19,67,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

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

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

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken to expand healthcare professionals in rural areas

    Source: Government of India

    Steps taken to expand healthcare professionals in rural areas

    Hard area allowance is provided to specialist doctors for serving in rural and remote areas

    Honorarium is provided to Gynecologists/ Emergency Obstetric Care trained, Pediatricians & Anesthetist/ Life Saving Anaesthesia Skills trained doctors to increase availability of specialists for conducting Cesarean Sections in rural & remote area

    Non-Monetary incentives such as preferential admission in post graduate courses for staff serving in difficult areas and improving accommodation arrangement in rural areas have been introduced under NHM

    Multi-skilling of doctors is supported under NHM to overcome the shortage of specialists

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of healthcare professionals in urban and rural areas are available at website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Uniform Resources Locator (URL) as under: https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/.pdf

    Under the National Health Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system including to take measures to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas to support and retain medical professionals based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission. Government of India provides financial approval for the proposal in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources. The details are available in public domain at: https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php

    Under NHM, following types of incentives and honorarium are provided for encouraging healthcare professionals including females to practice in rural and remote areas of the country:

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

    In addition to the National Health Mission, Government of India has implemented the following to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural and urban areas of the country:

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) envisages increased investments in public health and other health reforms to provide better access to health in rural areas by i) Strengthening of Health and Wellness Centres in villages and cities for early detection of diseases; ii) Addition of new critical care-related beds at district level hospitals; iii) Support for Block Public Health Units (BPHU) in 11 high focus States; and iv) Integrated district public health laboratories in all districts.
    • The Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC-XV) has recommended grants through local governments for specific components of the health sector and spread over the five-year period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 to facilitate strengthening of health system at the grass-root level.

    Further, as per the ‘Guidelines for Human Resources for Health, National Health Mission (NHM)’, States/ UTs should make sure that living quarters/lodging facilities are provided to the HRH, especially in rural and difficult areas, close to the health facilities. The State may also explore the option of providing crèche facilities for women working with the NHM in the Block/District/ State offices.

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

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPACT OF AVALANCHES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government is aware of the hazard of avalanches in the Himalayan regions, which poses significant risks to human lives and property. Avalanches are a recurring natural phenomenon/disaster in high-altitude areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.

    The Government effectively deploys technologies for improved early warning and forecasting of Avalanches in the hazardous zones. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is a national level agency for avalanche forecasting and is involved in the daily Operational Avalanche Forecasting for Defence users. Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh under DRDO is also the nodal agency for studying and developing avalanche mitigation technologies. The methodologies include aerial reconnaissance/ ground surveys, which are further used as an input to prepare avalanche hazard maps. Regular operational avalanche warning is issued by DGRE to the Army and civilian population in the snow bound regions of north-west Himalayas.  Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) supplies six-hourly weather updates to enhance situational awareness.

    Automated weather stations and Doppler radars have been installed in vulnerable regions to improve forecasting capabilities.

    DGRE has installed 72 Snow Meteorological Observatories. Further, 45 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) are operational, 100 (AWS)  are under testing and 203 (AWS) are under installation. The data is regularly received from snow observatories at 3 hour intervals and at 1 hour interval from AWS at DGRE. This output and the expert opinion is used to draw avalanche forecast for different areas at least 24 hour in advance. DGRE has also developed its own Avalanche map indicating locations of potential avalanche sites located all over the Himalayas and is being used by Troops for their safe mobility in snow bound area. Engineering solutions are also being provided as per the user’s requirements. 

    DGRE has developed following technologies for accurate avalanche predictions to safeguard lives in snow bound regions of Himalaya:

    1. AI and ML (Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning) based avalanche forecast.
    2. Increased Automatic Weather Station (AWS) network and surface observatories for snow bound areas.
    3. Avalanche Engineering Control structures.
    4. Avalanche Early Warning Radars.
    5. Common Alert Protocol (CAP) compliant online APP for avalanche warning dissemination.
    6. Forecast dissemination using satellite based communication for last mile.
    7. Multi scale material properties simulation.
    8. Process based 3D – Snowpack Modelling for stability of slope.
    9. Light weight rigid structure for avalanche defence.
    10. InSAR based landslide warning technology.

    As informed by DGRE, in a first in India, Avalanche monitoring radar has been installed in North Sikkim. The system can detect avalanches within three seconds of trigger.

    National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), under the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) provides the high resolution weather forecasts from their global, regional and ensemble prediction systems to DGRE on daily basis. DGRE uses NCMRWF model output to drive their mountain weather model and Avalanche forecast model. In addition during the winter season, NCMRWF shares the coupled model’s snow forecasts with DGRE. These snow and total precipitation forecasts are very useful for possible Avalanche forecasting at DGRE’s end.

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released guidelines on Management of Landslides & Snow Avalanches in June 2009 to advise states on its response, preparedness and mitigation strategies. These guidelines have measures to reduce the impact of snow avalanches and early warning.

    Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) based Integrated Alert System’ has been initiated with an outlay of Rs. 454.65 Crore, for dissemination of geo targeted early warnings/alerts related to disasters to the citizens of India for all 36 States/UTs using various disseminating medium like SMS, Costal Sirens, Cell broadcast, Internet (RSS feed & Browser Notification), Satellite Receiver of GAGAN & NavIC etc., through integration of all alerting agencies, [IMD, Central Water Commission (CWC), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), DGRE, Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Forest Survey of India (FSI)].

    Besides early warning and preparedness, the Government deploy advanced technologies for rescue operations in avalanche-affected areas. These technologies such as Drone-Based Intelligent Buried Object Detection  System  and  timely  deployment  of  Helicopters  enable  rapid

    response and efficient evacuation during emergencies. Similarly, the establishment of Disaster Management Control Rooms at the state and district levels ensures round-the-clock monitoring and coordination during rescue operations during Avalanche.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN LWE-AFFECTED AREAS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Home Affairs

    PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN LWE-AFFECTED AREAS

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:42PM by PIB Delhi

    As per Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, subjects of Police and Public Order are with the State Governments. However, the Government of India (GoI) has been supplementing the efforts of States affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc. On security front, the GoI assists the LWE affected State Government by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, training, funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc;

    • The Policy envisages rapid infrastructural development in LWE-affected areas to boost economic development. In the endeavour, Government of India (GoI) has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected areas, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, education, skill development and financial inclusion. A few of these are enumerated below:
    • For expansion of road network, 17,589 Km have been sanctioned under 02 LWE specific schemes namely Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA). Of these, 14,618 Km have been constructed.
    • For improving telecom connectivity in LWE affected areas, 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned.
    • For Skill Development, 48 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been approved. Of these, 46 ITI and 49 SDCs are functional.
    • For quality education in tribal areas 255 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are sanctioned, of which 178 EMRS are functional.
    • For Financial Inclusion, Department of Posts has opened 5731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE affected districts. 1007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • For further impetus to development, under Special Central Assistance (SCA), funds are provided for filling critical gaps in public infrastructure in Most LWE affected Districts. Till now, Rs 3,563 Crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
    • Apart from the specific schemes for LWE affected areas, Ministry of Home Affairs works in close coordination with other Ministries for optimum implementation of various flagship schemes of GoI in LWE affected areas.
    • For engaging with the local community, several measures are taken. A few are enumerated below: 
    • Distribution of title deeds to Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, under Forest Rights Act 2006. Till now 21,15,936 title deeds have been distributed (20,15,337 – Individual and 1,00,599 – Community).
    • To wean away the local population from the influence of the Left Wing Extremists, Civic Action Programme, is being conducted by, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in LWE affected areas, undertaking various civic activities for welfare of the local people like organising Medical Camps, Skill Development. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
    • Tribal Youth Exchange Programs (TYEPs) are being organized for outreaching to the tribal youth of LWE affected districts. Through TYEP tribal youth are exposed to development activities and technological/ industrial advancement in other parts of the country and to enable them to develop emotional linkage with the people in other parts of the country and to make them aspirational. The program also aims to counter the false propaganda of left-wing extremists. 32500 youth have participated in these programmes since 2014-15.
    • To encourage Left Wing Extremists to join the mainstream, States have their own Surrender cum Rehabilitation policies. GoI also support the States in the endeavour through ‘Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation’ Policy and reimburses the expenditure incurred by the LWE affected States on rehabilitation of surrendered cadre. The rehabilitation package inter-alia, includes an immediate grant of Rs. 5 lakhs for higher ranked LWE cadres and Rs.2.5 lakhs for other LWE cadres. In addition, incentives for surrender of weapons/ ammunition are also provided under the Scheme. In addition, provision also exists for imparting training in trade/ vocation of their liking with monthly stipend of Rs. 10000/- for three years.
    • The resolute implementation of the policy has resulted in consistent decline in violence and constriction of geographical spread. The LWE related violence incidents and resultant deaths of civilians & Security Forces, have come down from high of 2010 by 81% and 85% respectively in 2024. The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024.
    • Improved law & order and security situation, accompanied by investment in infrastructure has created an enabling environment for enhanced economic development including increase in Public/Private investment.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INCIDENTS OF DIGITAL ARREST

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:41PM by PIB Delhi

    ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and digital arrest scams through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.

    The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. Specific data regarding digital arrest scams is not maintained separately by NCRB.

    To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes including digital arrest scams in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:

    1. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
    2. The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
    3. The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024  and apprised  the citizens  of India.
    • iv. I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP). The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
    1. I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
    • vi. The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
    1. The Central Government and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers appear to be originating within India. Directions have been issued to the TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls.
    2. Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
    3. The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
    4. The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
    5. To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through  SMS,  I4C  social  media  account  i.e.  X  (formerly  Twitter)

    (@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: USE OF DRUGS AMONG STUDENTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:40PM by PIB Delhi

    As a part of the National Survey on Extent and pattern for Substance Use in India, in order to understand the pattern and profile of substance use among school and college students across the country, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) conducted a multi-site   survey   in   2018-2019  as  a   Focused  Thematic  Study,  “Substance  Use among Students”. In this focused thematic study, ten different locations from across the country were selected as survey sites.

    Rates of Substance use in the sample of school students (Sample size- 5920)

    Class of substance

    Number (and percentage) of sample reported using in past 12 months

    Cannabis

    120 (2.0)

    Sedatives

    38 (0.6)

    Opioids

    163 (2.8)

     

    Rates of Substance use in the sample of college students (N-2533)

    Substance

    Number (and percentage) of sample reported using in past 12 months

    Charas, Ganja

    159 (6.3)

    Opioids: Opium

    9 (0.4)

    Opioids: heroin

    6 (0.2)

    Ph. Opioids

    40 (1.6)

    Sedatives

    37 (1.5)

    Cocaine

    12 (0.5)

    Amphetamine

    4 (0.2)

    Hallucinogen

    9 (0.4)

     

    The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Department for drug demand reduction in the country. To tackle the issue of substance use, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing National Action Plan for Drug Demand reduction (NAPDDR), a Centrally sponsored scheme under which following actions have been undertaken for rehabilitation and awareness of school children and minor youth:

    1. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified vulnerable district and has now been extended to all districts across the country. The initiative aims to raise awareness about substance abuse, with a special focus on higher educational institutions, university campuses and schools. It also emphasizes identifying dependent individuals, providing counseling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers and conducting capacity-building programs for service providers.
    2. So far, various on-ground activities under NMBA have sensitized over 14.79 crore people, including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women. The campaign has engaged over 4.16 lakh educational institutions, ensuring that its message reaches children and young people across the country. Additionally, more-than 10,000 dedicated Master Volunteers (MVs) have been identified and trained to further strengthen the movement.
    3. Developed Navchetna Modules (A New Consciousness on Life Skills and Drug Education for School Children)- teacher training modules. The Navchetna module aims to increase awareness against drugs and promote education on life skills among students in schools.
    4. 46 Community based Peer Led intervention (CPLI) centres are supported by MoSJ&E. These CPLIs focus on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents to create awareness against drugs and teach life skills.
    5. A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is being maintained for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to the persons seeking help through this helpline.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Multipurpose Primary Cooperative Societies

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:39PM by PIB Delhi

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

    As per National Cooperative Database, a total of 12,957 (as on 27.01.2025) new PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperative Societies have been registered across the country since the approval of the plan on 15.2.2023. The State-wise status is attached at Annexure-I.

    In order to diversify the business activities of PACS, the Government, in consultation with all stakeholders, including States/ UTs, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), etc., prepared and circulated Model Bye-laws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable them to undertake more than 25 economic activities, including dairy, fishery, floriculture, setting up godowns, procurement of foodgrains, fertilizers, seeds, LPG/CNG/Petrol/Diesel distributorship, short-term & long-term credit, custom hiring centers, Common Service Centers (CSCs), Fair Price Shops (FPS), community irrigation, Business Correspondent activities, etc. So far, 32 States/ UTs have adopted Model Bye-laws or their existing bye-laws are in line with Model Bye-laws.

    So far, 42,080 PACS are functioning as CSC; 36,193 PACS are functioning as PMKSK and 22,311 PACS are operating FPS. State-wise details of the same are enclosed at Annexure-II.

    Annexure-I

    Newly Registered Cooperatives

    State/UT

    PACS

    Dairy

    Fishery

    Total

    (PACS/DCS/FCS)

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    1

    1

    7

    9

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    896

    1

    897

    Arunachal Pradesh

    12

    9

    12

    33

    Assam

    59

    233

    29

    321

    Bihar

    25

    283

    0

    308

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    136

    195

    331

    Goa

    12

    0

    0

    12

    Gujarat

    291

    435

    7

    733

    Haryana

    2

    43

    5

    50

    Himachal Pradesh

    57

    350

    4

    411

    Jammu And Kashmir

    84

    1005

    29

    1118

    Jharkhand

    44

    131

    73

    248

    Karnataka

    128

    453

    17

    598

    Ladakh

    0

    3

    1

    4

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    7

    7

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    443

    154

    613

    Maharashtra

    148

    668

    73

    889

    Manipur

    68

    17

    10

    95

    Meghalaya

    193

    12

    1

    206

    Mizoram

    25

    2

    2

    29

    Nagaland

    12

    0

    2

    14

    Odisha

    1535

    0

    0

    1535

    Puducherry

    2

    2

    3

    7

    Punjab

    0

    80

    0

    80

    Rajasthan

    760

    1232

    3

    1995

    Sikkim

    23

    34

    0

    57

    Tamil Nadu

    21

    478

    21

    520

    Telangana

    0

    15

    67

    82

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and

    Daman & Diu

    4

    0

    1

    5

    Tripura

    38

    0

    2

    40

    Uttar Pradesh

    94

    1181

    189

    1464

    Uttarakhand

    0

    66

    81

    147

    West Bengal

    13

    86

    0

    99

    Total

    3,667

    8,294

    996

    12,957

    Annexure-II

    S. NO.

    States/UTs

    PACS as PMKSKs

    PACS as CSCs

    PACS as FPS

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    Islands

    0

    3

    0

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    1246

    1866

    70

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    8

    23

    4

    Assam

    0

    620

    402

    5

    Bihar

    1483

    3115

    2774

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    2058

    1897

    1180

    7

    DNH &DD

    0

    8

    7

    8

    Goa

    2

    34

    64

    9

    Gujarat

    3328

    1979

    798

    10

    Haryana

    743

    241

    35

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    763

    797

    1948

    12

    Jammu and Kashmir

    144

    481

    30

    13

    Jharkhand

    363

    1217

    581

    14

    Karnataka

    1797

    1273

    2661

    15

    Kerala

    976

    12

    230

    16

    Ladakh

    0

    7

    0

    17

    Madhya Pradesh

    4517

    3793

    3833

    18

    Maharashtra

    842

    6055

    1559

    19

    Manipur

    39

    77

    1

    20

    Meghalaya

    0

    75

    4

    21

    Mizoram

    0

    14

    0

    22

    Nagaland

    0

    7

    1

    23

    Odisha

    1636

    628

    77

    24

    Puducherry

    6

    27

    1

    25

    Punjab

    1590

    1770

    103

    26

    Rajasthan

    4030

    5096

    1366

    27

    Sikkim

    0

    53

    56

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    3183

    4453

    3949

    29

    Telangana

    679

    536

    24

    30

    Tripura

    7

    155

    84

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    6,295

    5126

    196

    32

    Uttarakhand

    466

    625

    23

    33

    West Bengal

    0

    32

    231

     

    TOTAL

    36,193

    42,080

    22,311

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICMR Pioneers Drone-Based Cornea Transport to Revolutionize Eye Care

    Source: Government of India

    ICMR Pioneers Drone-Based Cornea Transport to Revolutionize Eye Care

    Successful Pilot Demonstrates the Potential of Aerial Medical Logistics for Timely and Efficient Cornea Transplants under ICMR’s i-DRONE Initiative

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India self-reliant and technologically empowered, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a pioneering study on the aerial transport of human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts.

    ICMR in collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital and with the support from Ministry of Civil Aviation has conducted a feasibility study to assess the potential of using drones to transport sensitive ophthalmic biomaterials such as human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts from peripheral collection centres to tertiary hospitals for transplantation procedures, in Sonipat and Jhajjar, Haryana. The drone successfully transported corneal tissue from Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital (Sonipat centre) to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), AIIMS Jhajjar, and subsequently to AIIMS New Delhi. The distance between the two cities was covered in around 40 minutes via drones which usually takes around 2-2.5 hours to cover via road. The drone maintained optimal conditions for specimen integrity and upon arrival, the cornea was evaluated, leading to a successful transplant surgery.

    Drones are emerging as game changers in healthcare logistics, offering rapid delivery of life-saving medical supplies to remote and hard-to-reach areas. The timely transportation of corneal tissues is critical, as the viability of donated corneas is time-sensitive. Delays in transportation can compromise tissue quality and reduce the chances of successful transplantation. Drone-based transport offers a swift, temperature-stable, and efficient alternative to traditional road networks, which are often slow or unpredictable—especially in semi-urban or rural areas. This can help bridge the gap between donor sites and recipients, ensuring that no viable tissue goes unused and that more patients regain sight in time.

    Over the past few years, ICMR’s i-DRONE initiative has demonstrated the successful use of drones to deliver essential medical supplies in states such as North East India (Covid-19 and UIP vaccines, medications, and surgical), Himachal Pradesh (medications and samples in high altitude and sub-zero temperatures), Karnataka (intraoperative oncosurgical samples), Telangana (TB sputum samples) and the NCR (blood bags and its components). These efforts highlight the growing capability and promise of drones in bridging the last-mile healthcare gap.

    Commenting on the development, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, ICMR, stated:

    “The i-DRONE platform was originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines to remote regions. Since then, we’ve scaled our efforts to include low-temperature delivery of blood products and essential medicines to high-altitude and sub-zero locations. This cornea transport study marks another step forward—enhancing patient access, ensuring timely transplants, and reducing pressure on overburdened tertiary hospitals. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India powered by innovation. Drone-based healthcare logistics are the future, and India is taking the lead by applying this to areas where it matters most—saving lives and restoring sight.”

    Shri Piyush Srivastava, Additional Secretary and Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation, added:

    “This collaboration between health and aviation sectors is an inspiring example of tech-enabled social impact. The use of drones for cornea delivery showcases India’s growing capability to solve real-world healthcare challenges using homegrown solutions. Drones offer a scalable solution for timely medical delivery in geographically challenging areas. As India strengthens its drone ecosystem, such studies are critical to building resilient and responsive healthcare infrastructure.”

    Prof. (Dr.) M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, remarked:

    “Corneal blindness affects millions in India, and timely availability of donor tissue is often a limiting factor. This drone-based transport model could be a transformative step toward ensuring equitable access to vision-restoring surgeries, especially in underserved areas. The success of this pilot project opens the door to deploying precision drone logistics for a wide range of critical medical applications.”

    Through this study, researchers aim to document operational workflows, identify technical bottlenecks, and generate evidence to support the integration of drone logistics in routine medical practice—especially for time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive biological materials like human corneas. The findings will help shape future protocols, policies, and best practices for aerial transport in healthcare. The event was attended by many dignitaries including Dr Anil Kumar, Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, MoHFW.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Schemes by NCDC for Women Cooperatives

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:37PM by PIB Delhi

    National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), is implementing the following two schemes exclusively for women cooperatives:

    1. Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna – The objectives of this scheme are to facilitate access to the affordable, cost-effective and reliable financial services to the poor, to facilitate women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to access adequate bank credit to undertake the common/collective socio-economic activities and to promote sustainable livelihood. Under this scheme, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and SHGs Federated Cooperatives/Cooperative Federations are eligible for NCDC assistance.
      1. Nandini Sahakar- Nandini Sahakar scheme of NCDC is a women focused framework of financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding and capacity development aimed at assisting women cooperatives take up business model-based activities in any sector, except urban housing. The objectives of this scheme are aligned with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This initiative supports women cooperatives by fostering entrepreneurial dynamism through inputs like enterprise development, business planning, capacity building, and financial support via credit and interest subvention.

    NCDC has disbursed total financial assistance of Rs.3099.33 crore to women cooperatives during the last three years as under:

    (Rs. in crore)

    Year

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25 (till 18.03.2025)

    Total

    Amount

    1437.24

    711.55

    950.54

    3099.33

     

    Details of the financial assistance disbursed by NCDC to the women cooperatives for infrastructure projects are as under:

    (Rs. in Crore)

    S.No.

    Financial Year

    Amount

    1.

    2022-23

    1.101

    2.

    2023-24

    1.179

    3.

    2024-25 (till 18.03.2025)

    0.089

    4.

    Total

    2.369

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Cooperative Societies

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government on 15.2.2023, has approved the plan to establish and strengthen 2 lakh multipurpose PACS, Dairy, and Fishery Cooperative Societies, covering all the Panchayats and villages across the country over a period of five years, which is being implemented with the support of NABARD, NDDB, NFDB and State Governments.

    The Government has undertaken several measures to strengthen both Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks across the country, including in State of Chhattisgarh ensuring their expansion and enhancing financial accessibility, which are enclosed at Annexure.

    The Ministry of Cooperation has launched a Cooperative-led “White Revolution 2.0” initiative which aims at expanding the share of dairy cooperative societies in organized dairy sector, provide market access to small dairy farmers and contribute to employment generation & women empowerment. The objective of this initiative is to increase the milk procurement of dairy cooperatives by 50% from the present level over next five years. In this regard, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has also been launched on 19.11.2024. As on 27.1.2025, 8,294 new Dairy Cooperative Societies have been registered in the country.

    In order to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among women & youth through cooperatives, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory corporation of Ministry of Cooperation, is implementing the following schemes:

    • SWAYAM SHAKTI SAHAKAR YOJNA: The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to Agricultural Credit Cooperatives for providing loan/ advances to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
    • NANDINI SAHAKAR: The scheme aims to improve the socio-economic status of women and supports the entrepreneurial dynamism of women through women’s cooperatives. It converges critical inputs of women’s enterprise, business plan formulation, capacity development, credit and subsidy, and/ or interest subvention of other schemes.
    • YUVA SAHAKAR- Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme: The scheme aims at encouraging newly formed cooperative societies with new and/ or innovative ideas.

    In addition to the above, NCDC- Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC) along with Regional Training Centres has conducted a total of 1,370 training programs in the last five years (i.e. from 2020-21 to 2024-25) on subjects like Business Development and Assets Management, General Management in PACS, Role of Women Directors in Governance and Business Development in Cooperatives/SHGs, Accounts and Book Keeping and various programmes through which around 1,90,894 participants including 38,179 women participants have benefitted.

    NCDC is also an implementation agency of various Centrally sponsored/ Central sector Schemes of Government of India, under which financial assistance is provided to promote agro- based industries (such as food processing) through cooperative model, such as Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)- a sub-scheme of Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing (ISAM), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), National Beekeeping Honey Mission (NBHM) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO). In FY 2024-25, NCDC has released an amount of Rs. 89,750 crores for the development of cooperative societies, including processing sector.

    ANNEXURE

    Measures taken by Ministry of Cooperation, GoI to strengthen the Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks

    1. Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) have been allowed to open new branches to expand their business: UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the existing number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI.
    1. UCBs have been allowed by RBI to offer doorstep services to their customers: Door step banking facility can now be provided by UCBs. Account holders of these banks can now avail various banking facilities at home such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, KYC, demand draft and life certificate for pensioners, etc.
    1. Cooperative banks have been allowed to make one-time settlement of outstanding loans, like Commercial Banks: Co-operative banks, through board-approved policies, can now provide the process for settlement with borrowers, along with technical write-off.
    1. Time limit increased to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets given to UCBs: RBI has extended the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e., up to March 31, 2026.
    1. A Nodal Officer designated in RBI for regular interaction with UCBs: In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has notified a nodal officer.

    6. Individual housing loan limit more than doubled by RBI for Rural and Urban Cooperative Banks:

    1. Housing loan limit of Urban Cooperative Banks has now been doubled from Rs. 30 lakhs to Rs.60 lakhs.
    2. Housing loan limit of Rural Cooperative Banks has been increased to two and a half times to Rs.75 lakhs.
    1. Rural Cooperative Banks will now be able to lend to commercial real estate/ residential housing sector, thereby diversifying their business: This will not only help Rural Cooperative Banks to diversify their business, but will benefit Housing cooperative societies also.
    1. License fee reduced for Cooperative Banks: License fee for onboarding Cooperative Banks to ‘Aadhaar Enabled Payment System’ (AePS) has been reduced by linking it to the number of transactions. Cooperative financial institutions will also be able to get the facility free of cost for the first three months of the pre-production phase. With this, farmers will now be able to get the facility of banking at their home with through biometrics.
    2. Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs and DCCBs notified as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) in CGTMSE Scheme to increase the share of cooperatives in lending: Cooperative banks will now be able to take advantage of risk coverage up to 85 percent on the loans given. Also, cooperative sector enterprises will also be able to get collateral free loans from cooperative banks now.
    1. Notification of Scheduling norms for including Urban Cooperative Banks: UCBs that meet the ‘Financially Sound and Well Managed’ (FSWM) criteria and have maintained the minimum deposits required for classification as Tier 3 for the last two years are now eligible to be included in Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and get ‘Scheduled’ status.
    1. Monetary ceiling doubled by RBI for Gold Loan: RBI has doubled monetary ceiling from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs.4 lakhs, for those UCBs that meet the PSL targets.
    1. Umbrella Organization for Urban Cooperative Banks: RBI has accorded approval to the National Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB) for the formation of an Umbrella Organization (UO) for the UCB sector, which will provide necessary IT infrastructure and operational support to around 1,500 UCBs.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat Beej Brand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Cooperation has set up Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. The BBSSL will undertake production, procurement & distribution of quality seeds under single brand name ‘Bharat Beej’ through cooperative network to improve crop yield. So far, 19,674 cooperative societies have become members of BBSSL, out of which 334 member cooperatives are from Jharkhand. BBSSL has obtained seed license from the Government of Jharkhand. The efficient logistics arrangement of BBSSL will ensure the timely availability of high-quality seeds under the Bharat Beej brand to farmers including remote and rural areas of Jharkhand.

    State Departments of Agriculture through their Agricultural extension services etc. organizes training sessions, workshops, and Front-Line Demonstration (FLD), Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLD), and other demonstration programs, farmers’ training, Farmers’ field schools under various schemes for increasing awareness in farmers about use of quality seeds. Besides, BBSSL has also decided to increase awareness about the use of Bharat Beej brand quality seeds and adoption among small and marginal farmers by following methods:

    1. Awareness campaign through social media and the BBSSL website.
    2. Organizing farmers’ meets at various levels.
    3. Conducting regional workshops, seminars, and conferences.
    4. Showcasing demonstrations and participating in promotional events at national, state, and regional levels.

    Sufficient provisions are available under the Seeds Act, 1966, the Seed Rules, 1968 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 and amendments thereon to regulate the quality of seeds sold in the market. The above-said seed legislation empowers the State Governments to check the quality of seeds and curb the sale of sub-standard/spurious seeds.

    Department of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare allocates breeder Seeds of various crops to the State and private Seeds companies also against their breeder indents received one year in advance for the production of foundation and certified Seeds for distribution to the farmers.

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of India has already launched Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal – Seed Traceability for effective monitoring, efficiency and transparency covering Seed chain from Nucleus-Breeder-Foundation- Certified Seed on 19th April, 2023. The private agencies are also involved including Seed dealers’ and distributors and whole supply chain has been planned to be tracked through the SATHI portal.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore and India signs Letter of Intent to Cooperate on Maritime Digitalisation and Decarbonisation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Singapore and India have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to cooperate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation. The LOl was inked by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Shri R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports. Shipping and Waterways ( (MOPSW) of India, and witnessed by Dri Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport Singapore, and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways of India.

    Under the LOl, 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 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LIVESTOCK CENSUS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Livestock Census is a regular quinquennial exercise of Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD). The first Livestock Census was conducted in the year 1919 and last census i.e. 20th Livestock Census was conducted in 2019. The 21st Livestock Census exercise has been launched across the country on 25th October, 2024 and is likely to be completed by 31st March, 2025. It includes enumeration of 15 species of domesticated animals namely, cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, yak, mithun, dog, rabbit, pig, horse, pony, donkey, mules, camel, elephant and poultry birds. Assessing trends in livestock and breeds for better policymaking, collating data on indigenous and exotic breeds for their conservation and breeding programs, providing valuable inputs for various government planning and initiatives for development and welfare in the livestock sector are some aims and objectives of this exercise.

    The enumeration work of 21st Livestock census is ongoing. However, as per the 20th Livestock Census, the details of livestock count of State of Rajasthan as well as in Districts of Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh are as follows –

    Districts/ State

    Livestock

    Cattle

    Buffalo

    Goat

    Sheep

    Others

    Total

    Sriganganagar

    6,36,702

    2,00,125

    303487

    233917

    9081

    13,83,312

    Hanumangarh

    5,44,264

    3,02,203

    180537

    170021

    20143

    12,17,168

    Total: Rajasthan

    1,39,37,630

    1,36,93,316

    20840203

    7903857

    425939

    5,68,00,945

    Note: Others include horse, pony, mule, donkey, camel & pigs.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN ANIMAL WELFARE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:49PM by PIB Delhi

    One of the key functions of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), under Section 9(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is to impart education on the humane treatment of animals and promote public awareness against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. This is achieved through various means, including lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions, and more. Various steps taken to enhance public awareness and participation in animal welfare initiatives, particularly among school children are placed at Annexure-1.

    AWBI is publishing various guidelines, regulations and booklets so as to sensitize the law enforcement authorities on the issues related to animal welfare laws. AWBI also organized the training programmes for the Law enforcement authorities to sensitize them on the issues related to animal welfare laws.

    During this financial year, a One-day training programme was conducted for the Police Officials on 19.10.2024 at Police Training School, Thanisandra, Bengaluru on Animal Welfare Laws. During this training, sessions on Importance on Animal Welfare, PCA Act, 1960, Regulations on Slaughter and Transportation of Animals, ABC Rules and Practical Training and case studies were covered. The subject experts in the field of animal welfare laws and rules delivered their lectures to sensitize the officials of the Police Department. The Superintendent of Police and Principal, Police Training School and his team coordinated in successful conducting of the training programme.

    AWBI has published four books to create awareness amongst the State Governments and UTs including Law enforcement authorities as per the details given below:

    1. Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws
    2. Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local bodies
    3. Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws
    4. Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module for Street Dogs Population management, rabies eradication and reducing man-dog conflict.

    AWBI, on receipt of complaints regarding cruelty to animals from various parts of the country, is taking up the matters with the concerned State Governments and District Collectors / Magistrates / District Superintendent of police sensitizing them about the existing animal welfare laws for conducting an enquiry to the cruelty matters. The State Authorities are empowered to initiate appropriate action against the offenders meting out cruelty to animals and to take action as per the law.

    The details of letters issued for awareness for Amroha, Uttar Pradesh are given in Annexure-2.

    As per Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it shall be the duty of every person having the care or charge of any animal to take all reasonable measures to ensure the well-being of such animal and to prevent the infliction upon such animal of unnecessary pain or suffering.

    Also, as per Section 11(1)(i) of the PCA Act, 1960, If any person, without reasonable cause, abandons any animal in circumstances which render it likely that it will suffer pain by reason of starvation or thirst; he shall be punishable, in the case of a first offence, with fine which shall not be less than ten rupees but which may extend to fifty rupees and in the case of a second or subsequent offence committed within three years of the previous offence, with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five rupees but which may extend to one hundred rupees or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with both

    As per the Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India in List II of Seventh Schedule the Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases; veterinary training and practice is under State list on which the State has exclusive power to make laws for such State or any part thereof with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II in the Seventh Schedule. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the local bodies to take care of the stray animals and to regularize the process of registration of the Pet Ownership in their respective municipal areas, which will help in monitoring the number of pet animals.

    Details of rules notified and advisories issued by the Central Government are placed at Annexure – 3.

    Annexure-1

    Steps taken to enhance public awareness and participation in animal welfare initiatives, particularly among school children

    1. AWBI has been consistently encouraging animal welfare organizations and individuals by nominating them as Honorary Animal Welfare Representative (HAWR) to extend educational programs to schools by organizing activities such as poster competitions, painting contests, and essay writing competitions. These programs aim to foster compassion towards animals and help shape better, more responsible citizens.
    2. To support these efforts, AWBI has developed educational modules for school children in two age groups: Class V-VIII and Class IX-XII. These modules cover various topics aimed at raising awareness and sensitizing students about animal welfare. For Classes V-VII, the subjects include Compassion for Animals, Animal Behavior, Animal Cruelty, Responsible Pet Ownership, and Animal Superstition. For Classes IX-XII, the modules cover more advanced topics like Veterinary Help for Pet and Street Animals, Conflict Mitigation, Achievements in Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare and Sustainability, Human Health, and Ahimsa (Culture and Heritage in India). These modules have been circulated to the Department of Education in all State Governments and UTs to ensure wide dissemination.
    3. AWBI has also initiated training programs in schools to ensure that its message reaches young children effectively. In addition, regular seminars, workshops, and awareness programs conducted by State Governments and animal welfare organizations play a crucial role in sensitizing the public, particularly animal lovers.
    4. The AWBI regularly issues advisories and circulars to raise public awareness about animal welfare. These advisories are issued during key events such as Animal Welfare Fortnight (January 14 to 30), World Animal Day, World Rabies Day, humane celebrations of Deepavali, and during the summer and winter seasons to emphasize animal welfare concerns.
    5. Moreover, AWBI conducts training programs for Honorary Animal Welfare Representatives and issues Colony Animal CareTaker authorization letters to compassionate individuals who care for community animals in their local areas. These efforts help in promoting the well-being of animals and fostering a compassionate society.

    Annexure-2

    Letters issued for awareness for Amroha, Uttar Pradesh

    S.No.

    Date of Complaint

    Subject of Complaint

    Letter to whom

    1

    31.05.2022

    Request to take necessary action to save life of stray animals in Amroha

    Letter dated 31.05.2022 was issued to the District Magistrate, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh

    2

    13.04.2024

    Requested to implementation the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and AWBI Module to control the population of the street dogs effectively in District Amroha

    Letter dated 24.04.2024 was issued to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Animal Welfare Board & The Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Gokarnnath Rd, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow and The Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation of Amroha

    3

    07.02.2025

    Complaint against the owner of the Pit Bull for attacking and killing a Community Dog in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh

    Letter dated 04.03.2025 was issued to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Animal Welfare Board & The Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Gokarnnath Rd, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow

    Annexure-3

    Details of rules notified and advisories issued by the Central Government

    1. The Central Government has also notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018 to regulate the illegal breeding of animals and to regulate the sale or trade in pet animals respectively. These Rules are being implemented by the respective State Governments and UTs.
    2. The AWBI had issued several advisories in relation to stray dogs and pet animals:
      1. Pet Dogs and Street Dogs Circular dated 26.02.2015.
      2. Circular to all DGPs of all States/UTs regarding harassment to Citizens showing compassion to animals dated 25-08-2015 and 28.10.2015.
      3. Advisory to initiate necessary action for rescue and rehabilitation of stray animals dated 12-07-2018.
      4. Advisory to identify sufficient number of feeding spots for stray dogs in every district and to properly implement the (AWBI Revised Guidelines on Pet dogs and street dogs) dated 03.03.2021.
      5. Request to properly implement and circulate the standard protocol for the adoption of community animals dated 17.05.2022.
      6. Guidelines for use of Muzzle on Dogs and care of community dogs dated 17.08.2022.
      7. Request to Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Animal Husbandry as well as to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of ABC Rules, 2023 dated 31.03.2023.
      8. Request to all District Magistrate of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of ABC Rules, 2023 dated 30.05.2023.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi

    For disease surveillance, prevention and control along with efforts for responsible antibiotic use of the Government are as follows: –

    1. Active disease surveillance on diseases such as Avian influenza, PPR, CSF, FMD etc. are taken up by various ICAR Animal Science institutes. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Institute on Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru provides disease risk forewarnings using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning models (AI &ML) for 15 economically important diseases on monthly basis to every state including displaying on ICAR-NIVEDI’s NADRES V2 portal as well as DAHD portal.
    2. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has a network of laboratories which includes diagnostic laboratories in the States, one Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL) at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly and five Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs) one each at Bengaluru, Pune, Jalandhar, Kolkata and Guwahati for disease surveillance, early detection and swift response to disease threats.
    3. ICAR has strengthened the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by initiating All India Network Programme on AMR (AINP-AMR) involving 31 centres across different states of the country. Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) is conducting AMR surveillance to track trends in food animals and aquaculture to understand AMR risk factors in animals and fisheries to devise control strategies.
    4. Department has formulated the National Action Plan on Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) in consultation with MoH&FW and other stake holders for judicious use, surveillance and monitoring of antibiotics in animal health sector. MoA&FW is also one of the stakeholder in respect to use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture sector keeping in view the One Health Initiative and provisions under NAP-AMR. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has issued advisories to all State/UTs for judicious use of antibiotics in treatment of food producing animals, for stopping the use of antibiotics in animal feed and for general awareness.
    5. Under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) scheme, 100% central assistance is provided to States/UTs for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, Black Quarter, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia etc including disease surveillance, monitoring and capacity building. Vaccination reduces the use of antibiotics, hence reduce the AMR.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MILK ADULTERATION

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India enacted Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act- 2006 to unify food related laws and establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI sets science-based standards for food articles and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.  The implementation and enforcement of FSS Act are carried out by FSSAI through Food Safety Commissioners of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. FSSAI, via its regional offices for centrally regulated food businesses and in collaboration with States/UTs, conducts regular monitoring activities such as inspections, audits, surveillance, and random sampling to ensure compliance with the Act and its regulations. In FY 2023-24, FSSAI introduced the “National Annual Surveillance Plan”. Additionally, States /UTs conduct independent surveillance and enforcement measures tailored to their local needs, food trends, consumption patterns, and issues like adulteration. FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance, focussing on staple foods and other commodities susceptible to adulteration.

    According to FSSAI, Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL), also known as “Food Safety on wheels” (FSW), play a crucial role in expanding food testing, training, and awareness programs, particularly in villages, towns, and remote areas. At present, 285 FSWs are operational across 35 States and Union Territories. These Units are equipped with essential infrastructure, including “Milk-o-Screen” equipment, for on spot testing of key quality parameters viz., Fat, SNF, protein, and adulterants like added water, urea, sucrose, maltodextrin and ammonium sulphate. Additionally, FSWs are capable of performing basic adulteration tests for other food products as well.

    Under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are primarily responsible for ensuring full traceability of food products, from raw material procurement to the delivery of finished goods to consumers. They must maintain proper records and documentation throughout the supply chain to uphold transparency, accountability, and safety. Compliance with these requirements is verified during inspections and audits, and appropriate regulatory action are taken in case of violations.

    Additionally, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying implements the national Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), which focuses on establishing and enhancing infrastructure for quality milk testing equipment and primary chilling facilities.  The NPDD also provides financial support to cooperatives and milk producer institutions for purchasing Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCU) and Data Processing Milk Collection Units (DPMCU), ensuring transparency in milk collection at the village level.

    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established standards for milk and milk products under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. These standards apply uniformly to all Food Business Operations (FBOs), including dairy cooperatives, across the country to ensure compliance. When developing new standards or amending existing ones, FSSAI releases draft notifications to solicit feedback and suggestions from the general public and stakeholders. The feedback received, including input from dairy cooperatives, is thoroughly reviewed and considered during the standard-setting process.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2114718) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Boilers Bill, 2024 introduced in Lok Sabha

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    New Bill to replace a century old law

    Boilers Bill to improve trust by decriminalising offences

    3 out of 7 offences decriminalised, speedy redressal for all non-criminal offences

    Obsolete provisions removed to enhance Ease of Doing Business

    New Act to prioritise safety of workers

    The Boilers Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha today by the  Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal. It repeals the Boilers Act, 1923 (5 of 1923). The Bill had earlier been passed by the  Rajya Sabha on 4th December, 2024 and shall be sent  for assent of the President of India after it is passed by the Lok Sabha.

    The re-enacted legislation meets the current requirements of stakeholders including industry, personnel working on/with boilers and implementers in the country and is as per need in the current times. The salient features of the Bill are as under:

    It has been drafted as per modern drafting practices to give more clarity to the provisions of the Bill. The similar provisions which are at different places in the Boilers Act,1923 have been grouped together in six chapters for easier reading and understanding of the Act. All the functions/powers of the Central Government, State Governments and Central Boilers Board have been enumerated in detail to avoid any confusion. 

    For Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), the Bill will benefit boiler users including those in the MSME sector as provisions related to the decriminalisation have been incorporated in the Bill. Out of the seven offences, to ensure safety of boilers and personnel dealing with boilers, in four major offences which may result in loss of life and property, criminal penalties are retained. For other offences, provision is being made for fiscal penalty. Moreover, for all non-criminal offences ‘fine’ has been converted into ‘penalty’ to be levied through executive mechanism instead of courts as existed earlier.

    The proposed bill will enhance safety as specific provisions have been made in the Bill to ensure the safety of persons working inside a boiler and that repair of boiler is undertaken by qualified and competent persons.

    The Government of India is examining all the pre- constitution Acts from the point of view of their suitability and relevance in the current times.

    The Boilers Act, 1923 was comprehensively amended in the year 2007 by the Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act, 2007 wherein inspection and certification by independent third party inspecting authorities was introduced. However, on further examination of the existing Act, a need has been felt for review of the Act and also to incorporate the decriminalised provisions in consonance with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.

    The existing Act has, accordingly, been reviewed wherein redundant /obsolete provisions have been omitted and certain substantive enabling provisions have been made for the rules and regulations which were not earlier provided. Certain new definitions have also been incorporated and few existing definitions have been amended so as to give more clarity to the provisions of the Bill. (details given in enclosed Annexure)

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2114855) Visitor Counter : 13

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of OMO Purchase auction held on March 25, 2025 and Settlement on March 26, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    I. Summary OMO Purchase Results

    Aggregate Amount (Face value) notified by RBI : ₹50,000 crore
    Total amount offered (Face value) by participants : ₹67,540 crore
    Total amount accepted (Face value) by RBI : ₹44,541 crore

    II. Details of Omo Purchase Issue

    Security 7.04% GS 2029 7.17% GS 2030 7.26% GS 2032 7.26% GS 2033 7.50% GS 2034 7.18% GS 2037
    No. of offers received 20 33 31 32 35 45
    Total amount (face value) offered (₹ in crore) 6,793 11,019 5,773 20,774 6,854 16,327
    No. of offers accepted 12 15 29 23 32 30
    Total offer amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore) 1,795 5,000 4,499 13,635 5,646 13,966
    Cut off yield (%) 6.5160 6.5819 6.6353 6.6672 6.6902 6.7732
    Cut off price (₹) 101.88 102.49 103.60 103.57 105.56 103.35
    Weighted average yield (%) 6.5735 6.5935 6.6692 6.7093 6.7310 6.8207
    Weighted average price (₹) 101.67 102.44 103.40 103.31 105.27 102.95
    Partial allotment % of competitive offers at cut off price NA 56.29 NA NA NA NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2456

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Open Market Operation (OMO) – Purchase of Government of India Securities held on March 25, 2025: Cut-Offs

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Security 7.04% GS 2029 7.17% GS 2030 7.26% GS 2032 7.26% GS 2033 7.50% GS 2034 7.18% GS 2037
    Total amount notified Aggregate amount of ₹50,000 crore
    (no security-wise notified amount)
    Total amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore) 1,795 5,000 4,499 13,635 5,646 13,966
    Cut off yield (%) 6.5160 6.5819 6.6353 6.6672 6.6902 6.7732
    Cut off price (₹) 101.88 102.49 103.60 103.57 105.56 103.35
    Detailed results will be issued shortly.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2454

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Financial cyberthreats in 2024

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Financial cyberthreats in 2024

    As more and more financial transactions are conducted in digital form each year, financial threats comprise a large piece of the global cyberthreat landscape. That’s why Kaspersky researchers analyze the trends related to these threats and share an annual report highlighting the main dangers to corporate and consumer finances. This report contains key trends and statistics on financial phishing, mobile and PC banking malware, as well as offers actionable recommendations to bolster security measures and effectively mitigate emerging threats

    Methodology

    In this report, we present an analysis of financial cyberthreats in 2024, focusing on banking Trojans and phishing pages that target online banking, shopping accounts, cryptocurrency wallets and other financial assets. To gain an understanding of the financial threat landscape, we analyzed anonymized data on malicious activities detected on the devices of Kaspersky security product users and consensually provided to us through the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). Note that for mobile banking malware, we retrospectively revised the 2023 numbers to provide more accurate statistics. We also changed the methodology for PC banking malware by removing obsolete families that no longer use Trojan banker functionality, hence the sharp drop in numbers against 2023.

    Key findings

    Phishing

    • Banks were the most popular lure in 2024, accounting for 42.58% of financial phishing attempts.
    • Amazon Online Shopping was mimicked by 33.19% of all phishing and scam pages targeting online store users in 2024.
    • Cryptocurrency phishing saw an 83.37% year-over-year increase in 2024, with 10.7 million detections compared to 5.84 million in 2023.

    PC malware

    • The number of users affected by financial malware for PCs dropped from 312,000 in 2023 to 199,000 in 2024.
    • ClipBanker, Grandoreiro and CliptoShuffler were the prevalent malware families, together targeting over 89% of affected users.
    • Consumers remained the primary target of financial cyberthreats, accounting for 73.69% of attacks.

    Mobile malware

    • Nearly 248,000 users encountered mobile banking malware in 2024 – almost 3.6 times more than in 2023 when 69,000 users were affected.
    • Mamont was the most active Android malware family, accounting for 36.7% of all mobile banker attacks.
    • Users in Turkey were the most targeted.

    Financial phishing

    In 2024, online fraudsters continued to lure users to phishing and scam pages that mimicked the websites of popular brands and financial organizations. The attackers employed social engineering techniques to trick victims into sharing their financial data or making a payment on a fake page.

    We analyzed phishing detections separately for users of our home and business products. Pages mimicking web services accounted for the largest slice of the business pie at 26.56%. The percentage was lower for home users (10.34%), but home users were more likely to be targeted by pages using banks and global internet portals, social media and IMs, payment systems, and online games as a lure. Delivery company scams accounted for 15.17% of attacks targeting businesses, but did not register in the top ten for home users.

    TOP 10 organizations mimicked by phishing and scam pages that were blocked on business users’ devices, 2024 (download)

    TOP 10 organizations mimicked by phishing and scam pages that were blocked on home users’ devices, 2024 (download)

    Overall, among the three major financial phishing categories, bank users were targeted most in 2024 (42.58%), rising a little over 4 p.p. on the previous year. Online stores were of relatively less interest to the fraudsters at 38.15% dropping from 41.65% in 2023. Payment systems accounted for the remaining 19.27%.

    Distribution of financial phishing pages by category, 2024 (download)

    Online shopping scams

    The most popular online brand target for fraudsters was Amazon (33.19%). This should not come as a surprise given Amazon is one of the world’s largest online retailers. With 2.41 billion average monthly visitors and $447.5 billion in annual web sales, up 8.6% in 2024, there is every chance Amazon will retain its dubious honor into 2025.

    Apple’s share of attacks dropped nearly 3 p.p. from last year’s figure to 15.68%, while Netflix scams grew slightly to 15.99%. Meanwhile, fraudsters’ interest in Alibaba increased, its share going up from 3.17% in 2023 to 7.95% in 2024.

    Examples of phishing sites that mimic Amazon, Netflix, Apple and Alibaba

    Last year, Louis Vuitton accounted for a whopping 5.52% of all attacks. However, the luxury brand completely slipped out of the top ten in 2024, along with Italian eyewear company Luxottica. Instead, sportswear giant Adidas and Russian e-commerce platform Ozon entered the list with 1.39% and 2.75% respectively. eBay (4.35%), Shopify (3.82%), Spotify (2.84%) and Mercado Libre (1.86%) all stayed in the top ten, with marginal differences from the previous year.

    TOP 10 online shopping brands mimicked by phishing and scam pages, 2024 (download)

    When looking at fake website content, free prizes and offers that were a little too good to be true once again proved a popular tactic used by scammers. However tempting they may be, most likely, the victim will be the one who pays. Often scammers require “commissions” to get the prize or ask user to pay for delivery. After receiving the money, they disappear.

    Examples of scam pages offering free prizes

    In other cases, precious gifts are used by phishers to trick the user into giving out their credentials. The scheme below offers the victim an Amazon gift card to obtain which they should enter an OTP code on a phishing website. Although such codes are temporary, the scammers may use them to log in to victim’s account or perform a fraudulent transaction as soon as it is entered into the fake form.

    A phishing scheme aimed at getting OTP codes

    Fraudsters often trick users into “verifying” their accounts by sending fake security alerts or urgent messages claiming suspicious activity. Victims are directed to a counterfeit page resembling platforms like eBay, where entering data (for example, credentials, payment data or documents) hands them over to scammers.

    An example of a phishing site that mimics eBay

    Another common tactic involves creating fake storefronts or seller profiles on marketplaces, listing numerous products at seemingly irresistible prices. Shoppers drawn in by the deals unknowingly provide payment details, only to receive nothing in return.

    An example of a scam site that mimics an online marketplace

    While many pages mimicking online stores target shoppers, there are others that are designed to collect business account credentials. For example, below you can see a phishing page targeting users registered on the Amazon Brand Registry platform, which provides businesses with a range of brand-building and intellectual property protection tools.

    An example of a phishing page targeting Amazon brand accounts

    Payment system phishing

    Payment systems were mimicked in 19.27% of financial phishing attacks detected and blocked by Kaspersky products in 2024 – almost the same percentage as in 2023. Once again, PayPal was the most targeted, but its share of attacks fell from 54.73% to 37.53%. Attacks targeting Mastercard went in the opposite direction, nearly doubling from 16.58% in 2023 to 30.54%. American Express, Qiwi and Cielo are all new entrants into the top five, replacing Visa, Interac and PayPay.

    TOP 5 payment systems mimicked by phishing and scam pages, 2024 (download)

    Cryptocurrency scams

    In 2024, the number of phishing and scam attacks relating to cryptocurrencies continued to grow. Kaspersky anti-phishing technologies prevented 10,706,340 attempts to follow a cryptocurrency-themed phishing link, which was approximately 83.37% higher than the 2023 figure of 5,838,499 (which itself was 16% bigger than the previous year’s). As cryptocurrencies continue to grow, this number is only ever going to get larger.

    Financial PC malware

    In 2024, the decline in users affected by financial PC malware continued. On the one hand, people continue to rely on mobile devices to manage their finances. On the other hand, some of the most prominent malware families that were initially designed as bankers had not used this functionality for years, so we excluded them from these statistics. As a result, the number of affected users dropped significantly from 312,453 in 2023 to 199,204 in 2024.

    Changes in the number of unique users attacked by banking malware in 2024 (download)

    Key financial malware actors

    The notable strains of banking Trojans in 2024 included ClipBanker (62.9%), Grandoreiro (17.1%), CliptoShuffler (9.5%) and BitStealer (1.3%). Most of these Trojans specifically target crypto assets. However, Grandoreiro is a full-fledged banking Trojan that targeted 1700 banks and 276 crypto wallets in 45 countries and territories around the globe in 2024.

    Name %*
    ClipBanker 62.9
    Grandoreiro 17.1
    CliptoShuffler 9.5
    BitStealer 1.3

    * Unique users who encountered this malware family as a percentage of all users attacked by financial malware

    Geography of PC banking malware attacks

    To highlight the countries where financial malware was most prevalent in 2024, we calculated the share of users who encountered banking Trojans in the total number attacked by any type of malware in the country. The following statistics indicate where users are most likely to encounter financial malware.

    As in 2023, the highest share of banking Trojans was registered in Afghanistan, where it rose from 6% to 9% in 2024. Turkmenistan was next (as in 2023), where the figure rose from 5.2% to 8.8%, and Tajikistan was in third place (again), where the figure rose from 3.7% to 6.2%.

    TOP 20 countries by share of attacked users

    Country* %**
    Afghanistan 9.2
    Turkmenistan 8.8
    Tajikistan 6.2
    Syria 2.9
    Yemen 2.6
    Kazakhstan 2.5
    Switzerland 2.3
    Kyrgyzstan 2.2
    Uzbekistan 2.1
    Mexico 1.6
    Angola 1.5
    Mauritania 1.5
    Nicaragua 1.5
    Guatemala 1.3
    Argentina 1.1
    Paraguay 1.1
    Burundi 1.1
    Bolivia 1
    Uruguay 1
    Belarus 0.9

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky users.
    ** Unique users whose computers were targeted by financial malware as a percentage of all Kaspersky users who encountered malware in the country.

    Types of attacked users

    Attacks on consumers accounted for 73.69% of all financial malware attacks in 2024, up from 61.2% in 2023.

    Financial malware attack distribution by type (corporate vs consumer), 2022–2023 (download)

    Mobile banking malware

    The statistics for 2023 provided in this section were retrospectively revised and may not coincide with the data from the previous year’s report.

    In 2024, the number of users who encountered mobile banking Trojans grew 3.6 times compared to 2023: from 69,200 to 247,949. As can be seen in the graph below, the malicious activity increased dramatically in the second half of the year.

    Number of Android users attacked by banking malware by month, 2022–2023 (download)

    The most active Trojan-Banker family in 2024 was Mamont (36.70%). This malware first appeared at the end of 2023 and is distributed mostly in Russia and the CIS. Its distribution schemes are ranging from ages-old “Is that you in the picture?” scams to complex social engineering plots with fake stores and delivery tracking apps.

    Verdict %* 2023 %* 2024 Difference in p.p. Change in ranking
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.bc 0.00 36.70 +36.70
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rj 0.00 11.14 +11.14
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.da 0.00 4.36 +4.36
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.a 0.51 3.58 +3.07 +30
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.UdangaSteal.b 0.00 3.17 +3.17
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.eq 21.79 3.10 -18.69 -4
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.cb 0.00 3.05 +3.05
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Bian.h 23.13 3.02 -20.11 -7
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Faketoken.z 0.68 2.96 +2.29 +18
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.c 0.00 2.84 +2.84

    * Share of unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all users of Kaspersky mobile security solutions who encountered banking threats

    The Bian.h variant (3.02%) that prevailed in 2023 dropped to eighth place, losing over 20 p.p., and several more new samples entered the ranking: Agent.rj (11.14%) at the second place, UdangaSteal.b (3.17%) and Coper.c (2.84%).

    Geography of the attacked mobile users

    Same as 2023, Turkey was the number one country targeted by mobile banking malware. The share of users encountering financial threats there grew by 2.7 p.p., reaching 5.68%. Malicious activity also increased in Indonesia (2.71%), India (2.42%), Azerbaijan (0.88%), Uzbekistan (0.63%) and Malaysia (0.29%). In Spain (0.73%), Saudi Arabia (0.63%), South Korea (0.30%) and Italy (0.24%), it decreased.

    Country* %**
    Turkey 5.68
    Indonesia 2.71
    India 2.42
    Azerbaijan 0.88
    Spain 0.73
    Saudi Arabia 0.63
    Uzbekistan 0.63
    South Korea 0.30
    Malaysia 0.29
    Italy 0.24

    * Countries and territories with relatively few (under 25,000) Kaspersky mobile security users have been excluded from the rankings.
    ** Unique users attacked by mobile banking Trojans as a percentage of all Kaspersky mobile security users in the country.

    Conclusion

    In 2024, financial cyberthreats continued to evolve, with cybercriminals deploying phishing, malware and social engineering techniques to exploit individuals and businesses alike. The rise in cryptocurrency-related scams and mobile financial malware highlights the need for continuous vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures, including multi-factor authentication, user awareness training and advanced threat detection solutions. As the digital finance landscape expands, staying ahead of emerging threats remains critical.

    To protect your devices and finance-related accounts:

    • Use multifactor authentication, strong unique passwords and other secure authentication tools.
    • Do not follow links in suspicious messages, and double-check web pages before entering your secrets, be it credentials or banking card details.
    • Download apps only form trusted sources, such as official app marketplaces.
    • Use reliable security solutions capable of detecting and stopping both malware and phishing attacks.

    To protect your business:

    • Update your software in a timely manner. Pay particular attention to security patches.
    • Improve your employees’ security awareness on a regular basis, and encourage safe practices, such as proper account protection.
    • Implement robust monitoring and endpoint security.
    • Implement strict security policies for users with access to financial assets, such as default deny policies and network segmentation.
    • Use threat intelligence services from trusted sources to stay aware of the latest threats and cybercrime trends.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU plans to open a preparatory department in medical and biological profile in Egypt

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Novosibirsk State University is discussing the possibility of opening a full-time preparatory department in the medical and biological profile in Cairo or Alexandria by the end of 2025 in partnership with Rossotrudnichestvo and one of the Egyptian recruiting companies. The goal is to ensure a stable flow of foreign students and increase the number of students studying in the medical field. A preliminary agreement on opening the department was reached during the Open Day of Universities of the Novosibirsk Region, which was held at NSU in mid-March.

    The University also intends to increase the number of students in the English-language program offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology of NSU, and by attracting students from India.

    — In 2024, we had about 30 international students enrolled in the medical program, mostly from Iran. This year, our goal is to double this number by attracting students from India and Egypt. Thus, the opening of a preparatory department in Egypt and the expansion of programs for international students continue NSU’s strategic goal of internationalizing education and strengthening the university’s position in the global educational arena, — commented Evgeniy Sagaydak, Head of the NSU Education Export Department.

    The selection of international students for the medical program will include the following stages: registration in the applicant’s personal account with the submission of the necessary documents for admission to the university, an online chemistry exam and an interview to check knowledge of English. In addition, it is planned to organize additional information sessions and webinars for applicants to explain in detail the requirements for applicants, as well as introduce them to the curriculum and life at the university.

    The medical direction will be actively developing at the university in the coming years. In 2024, the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) of NSU was created, a new Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Cybernetics appeared. Also within the framework of the project construction of the NSU campus A new building for the educational and scientific center of the NSU Institute of Medical Technologies is being constructed, where a modern infrastructure will be created for training students in the medical field, including equipped laboratories, practical classes, and simulation training centers.

    The Open Day of Universities of the Novosibirsk Region is a traditional event that has been held for several years now. The initiator is Novosibirsk State University with the support of the regional Ministry of Education. This year, the event was held in person, unlike in 2024. The number of companies that took part also doubled — 12 in total. In addition, the geography expanded: this year there were representatives from North African countries, Arab countries, including Egypt, as well as Southeast Asian countries — India, Pakistan, China.

    — Universities of the Novosibirsk Region are quite willing to take part in the Open Day, and we also see great interest from recruiting companies, who have the opportunity to get to know and negotiate with all Novosibirsk universities in two days, — emphasized Evgeny Sagaydak.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Asia a potential global leader in emerging green technologies: report

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BOAO, Hainan, March 25 — Asia is rapidly advancing in emerging green technologies, positioning itself as a potential leader in advanced battery materials, biodegradable plastics, among others, boosted by strong industrial capabilities and policy support, according to a report by the Boao Forum for Asia released on Tuesday.

    Titled “Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 — Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green,” the report highlights the region’s progress in renewable energy.

    The report notes that China now sources 85 percent of its new energy capacity from renewables, while Indonesia and Singapore are leading efforts in carbon capture and storage, per the report.

    China, Japan and the Republic of Korea dominate the global supply chain for lithium battery technology, a crucial driver of transport electrification, the report highlights.

    Meanwhile, China is at the forefront of Asia’s expanding green hydrogen industry, with the region accounting for nearly 70 percent of the world’s hydrogen electrolyzer capacity.

    Asia’s largest emitters, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan and Saudi Arabia, have set ambitious climate targets, according to the report.

    For instance, most of ASEAN economies have developed comprehensive national climate action strategies and action plans to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans.

    Despite significant progress, the report points out that while some countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, others still have a long way to go.

    Asia’s role in mitigating climate change is critical as it is home to over half of the world’s population, generates about half of the global GDP and accounts for more than half of global CO2 emissions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A budget splash to conserve 30% of Australia’s lands will save species – if we choose the right 30%

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Watson, Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

    Hans Wismeijer/Shutterstock

    In 2022, Australia and many other nations agreed to protect 30% of their lands and waters by 2030 to arrest the rapid decline in biodiversity.

    Since then, the Albanese government has protected large new areas of ocean, taking the total up to 52% of territorial waters. In tonight’s federal budget, the government is expected to announce A$250 million in funding to protect an additional 30 million hectares of land over the next five years. At present, Australia protects 22% of its lands through its National Reserve System. This would take the total to 30%.

    You might expect conservationists to be ecstatic. But we’re not. Large new areas of desert and arid areas are likely to be protected under this scheme, because these areas have minimal population and are not sought after by farming. But these ecosystems are already well protected.

    We have to come back to the point of the 30 by 30 agreement: protect biodiversity. That means the government has to protect representative samples of all ecosystems – including in areas sought for farming or other human uses.

    This cropped map shows Australia’s protected lands and waters as of 2022. Subantarctic islands are not included.
    Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, CC BY

    Buying land is only a fraction of the task

    For years, Australia’s National Reserve System of national parks, state parks and Indigenous Protected Areas has languished. The last big infusion of funding and political interest came between 2007 and 2010 under a previous Labor government, when Peter Garrett was environment minister. Then, the government expanded the reserve system, grew Indigenous Protected Areas and ensured new reserves would preserve a representative sample of Australia’s ecosystems.

    Since then, conservation efforts have largely not been up to scratch. Funding has stagnated. National parks are riddled with invasive species and other environmental problems.

    On funding grounds alone, the $250m announced by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is welcome. It is, however, just a fraction of what’s needed to properly protect the right areas.

    In 2023, environmental organisations called for a $5 billion fund to buy and protect important habitat – and to pay for maintenance.

    The purchase of land represents perhaps 10% of the overall cost of conservation. If you buy land and do nothing, it can be overrun by invasive species. Australia’s ever-larger number of threatened species are often threatened because of these species, as well as the growing threat of land clearing in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Fire management is another cost.

    Feral pigs and other invasive species place pressure on many ecosystems.
    Russ Jenkins/Shutterstock

    Which lands actually need protection?

    As successive governments have backed away from conservation, non-government organisations such as the Australian Land Conservation Alliance, Bush Heritage Australia and Australian Wildlife Conservancy have stepped up. These organisations are doing fine work in protecting land and doing the necessary on-ground land management to safeguard threatened species and ecosystems, but they do not have access to resources at a government scale.

    So how will this government funding be used? It’s likely we will see further growth in Indigenous Protected Areas – areas managed by Traditional Owners alongside authorities to protect biodiversity.

    These areas are often located where low rainfall often means they are not viable for farming. This means there’s less conflict over what to do with the land. If our government is determined to meet the 30% target as quickly and cheaply as possible, we may well see more arid lands and desert protected.

    When you set a target of 30% protected land by 2030, governments often see the top-line figure and aim for that alone. But the text of the international agreement stresses the need to prioritise “areas of particular importance for biodiversity”.

    Governments have a choice: the easy, less effective way or the hard but effective way. The recent growth in marine protected areas suggests the government is taking the easy path. Even though the science is clear that marine parks bolster fish stocks in and outside the park, they are still controversial among fishers who believe they are being locked out.

    As a result, Australia’s marine park system has made greatest gains where there are very few humans who might protest, such as quadrupling the protected areas around the very remote Heard and McDonald Islands in the sub-Antarctic region. (The government has expanded marine parks at a smaller scale closer to population centres too.)

    This same story may well play out on land.

    What would it look like if our government was willing to do what was necessary? It would involve actively seeking out the ecological communities in clear decline, such as native grasslands, brigalow woodlands and swamps, and buying up remaining habitat.

    The oceans off Heard and McDonald Islands are now better protected – but was this the easy option? Pictured: Heard Island from satellite.
    zelvan/Shutterstock

    Saving here, clearing there

    On the one hand, 22% of Australia’s land and 52% of seas come under some form of protection. But on the other, over the last two decades an area the size of Tasmania has been cleared – largely for livestock farming and mining. Satellite analyses show land clearing is actually increasing in many parts of the country.

    Land clearing places further pressure on threatened species. In fact, most species considered threatened with extinction are largely in this situation because the land they live on has attributes prized by farmers or graziers, such as grass and water.

    Australia’s environment faces real challenges in the next few years. Intensified land clearing, worsening climate change and whiplash drought-flood cycles, to say nothing of ballooning feral populations.

    If we protect the right 30% of Australia, we have a chance to ensure most of our ecosystems have areas protected. But if we protect the wrong 30% and leave the rest open to bulldozers, we will only lock in more extinctions.

    James Watson has received funding from the Australian Research Council, National Environmental Science Program, South Australia’s Department of Environment and Water, Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation as well as from Bush Heritage Australia, Queensland Conservation Council, Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society and Birdlife Australia. He serves on the scientific committee of BirdLife Australia and has a long-term scientific relationship with Bush Heritage Australia and Wildlife Conservation Society. He serves on the Queensland government’s Land Restoration Fund’s Investment Panel as the Deputy Chair.

    – ref. A budget splash to conserve 30% of Australia’s lands will save species – if we choose the right 30% – https://theconversation.com/a-budget-splash-to-conserve-30-of-australias-lands-will-save-species-if-we-choose-the-right-30-252918

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on March 25, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 1,25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 95,653
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 95,653
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.27
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2453

    MIL OSI Economics –