Ministry of Education celebrated International Women’s Day at its premises at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi today, bringing together women employees from all departments to acknowledge their contributions, share inspiring stories. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of women in the Ministry of Education and promote their well-being through an interactive session.
Secretary, Department of Higher Education Shri Vineet Joshi; Additional Secretary, Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy Shri Anandrao Vishnu Patil; Joint Secretary, Higher Education, Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli; graced the occasion with their presence. The event was further honored by the participation of the Vice Chancellor of NIEPA Shashikala Wanjari, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
During the event, Shri Vineet Joshi, highlighted the dedication and efficiency of women in task execution, emphasizing their responsiveness and sense of responsibility. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a gender-inclusive workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He highlighted the leadership demonstrated by women across various roles, acknowledging their contributions in strengthening the institution.
Prof. Shashikala Wanjari emphasized the extraordinary role of women in the Indian context, drawing inspiration from figures like Ahilyabai Holkar and Jijabai. She highlighted how these icons efficiently managed both family and administration, setting an example for society.
To inspire and empower the attendees, Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, psychiatrist at Moolchand Hospital, delivered a session focusing on the general well-being and professional growth of women employees. The session provided valuable insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
All women employees of the Ministry of Education joined the celebration, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its female workforce.
Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 202 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:
AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend due to calm winds and unfavorable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 202 for 07.03.2025 (in ‘Poor’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in ‘Poor’ category due to, low ventilation coefficient, decrease in wind speeds and unfavorable meteorological conditions.
As per the unanimous decision of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of revised GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300), to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, with immediate effect. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been addressed to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period.
Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:
Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
Plant more trees.
Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles.
A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. The comprehensive schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in
These steps are:
Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises. Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.
Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.
Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.
Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.
Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.
No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.
Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and illegal industrial units.
Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. – strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.
Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.
Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.
Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.
Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and non-development areas.
DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.
Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.
Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel – based appliances.
Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.
All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the CAQM to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
The Commission shall be closely monitoring the situation and will review the air quality scenario on a regular basis in the coming days. The detailed schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed onhttps://caqm.nic.in
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacts with women crew members of Navika Sagar Parikrama (NSP) II online on the eve of International Women’s Day “Their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti”: Raksha Mantri
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the crew members of Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II), Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A of the Indian Navy, through video conferencing today on 7 March, 2025 on the eve of International Women’s Day in New Delhi. Their sailing vessel INSV Tarini, currently in the South Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 450 nautical miles from the previous port of call Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, is heading to Cape Town, South Africa.
During the interaction, the Raksha Mantri lauded the courage, dedication, and resilience of the NSP II crew, who have embarked on a challenging voyage of circumnavigating the globe, as part of India’s continued efforts to showcase Nari Shakti in high-endurance missions. He congratulated the crew for the remarkable milestones of crossing Point Nemo, the world’s most isolated waters and sailing through the Drake Passage, one of the most treacherous water bodies.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, I interacted with the amazing crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti. Their unwavering resilience,… pic.twitter.com/M20YzFer2F
Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s vision of a gender-inclusive armed force, encouraging more young women to aspire for careers in defence and adventure sports. He acknowledged the invaluable role of women in bolstering national security and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the defence sector.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) is a flagship initiative of the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe through a two-women crew on board. NSP II symbolises India’s resolve to encourage women’s participation in maritime and defence sectors, fostering leadership and self-reliance. The crew, comprising two women officers of the Indian Navy, underwent rigorous training in navigation, weather management, and ocean survival techniques before undertaking this prestigious journey, which was flagged off on 02 October 2024 at Goa by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The Ministry of Defence has been at the forefront of ensuring greater representation of women in the Indian Defence Forces. Various initiatives, including permanent commission opportunities, increased intake in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA), and leadership roles in combat and aviation branches, have significantly contributed to a more inclusive force.
Coal India Limited (CIL) under the aegis of Ministry of Coal in a remarkable step towards women empowerment and socio-economic development, organized a day-long Kantha Fair to showcase the exquisite embroidery work of 200-250 women artisans from West Bengal at its Atrium, Coal Bhawan, New Town, today. The artisans are the beneficiaries of the Kantha Skill Centre constructed under CSR of CIL.
CIL and its subsidiaries celebrated the empowerment of women to recognize the achievements of women in their respective offices and areas.
As a lead company, Central Coalfields Ltd, Ranchi, Jharkhand organised a mega programme where tribal art, women led businesses and technical skills were showcased. Others subsidiaries like BCCL, CMPDIL, ECL, NCL SECL, MCL and WCL too conducted programme on common theme of Women Empowerment.
Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (P&IR), CIL, Headquarters were present during the function in virtual modes.
Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal while addressing in virtual mode said that this new initiative is a part of CIL’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods. “CIL and its subsidiaries are committed to implement impactful programs across the nation, positively transforming lives and communities. We are ensuring empowering women through skill development, entrepreneurship and social initiative under CSR projects,” Smt. Brar further added.
Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (P&IR), CIL said: “We are proud to promote self-reliance among women by empowering them. CIL and its subsidiaries remain committed to uplifting marginalized communities and fostering opportunities for women to thrive in economic and social spheres. Through such initiatives, CIL continues to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress while preserving its rich artistic legacy.”
Initially, Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (P&IR), CIL, Shri Mukesh Agrawal, Director (Finance), CIL, Shri Brajesh Kumar Tripathy, Chief Vigilance Officer, CIL jointly inaugurated Kantha Fair in presence of women artisans. Three women artisans were felicitated by the company. Shri OP Mishra, Executive Director (CD), Smt. Renu Chaturvedi, GM(CSR), CIL and other senior officials were present during the function at CIL Hq, Kolkata.
Aadhaar Drives Digital Transformation: 225 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions and 43 crore e-KYC transactions carried out in February, marking 14% yearly Growth Aadhaar face authentication sees record growth: 12.54 crore transactions in February, 115 crore Cumulatively
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi
Aadhaar continues to drive India’s digital transformation, with nearly 225 crore authentication transactions and 43 crore e-KYC transactions carried out in February 2025 alone. The increasing adoption of Aadhaar-based verification highlights its growing role in banking, finance, and other sectors, making processes more seamless, secure, and efficient.
The total number of eKYC transactions (42.89 cr) carried out during February 2025 is almost 14% more than the numbers during the same period last year.
Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play an important role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and helping in ease of doing business.
By the end of February 2025
The total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has crossed 14,555 crore.
The total e-KYC transactions have gone beyond 2,311 crore.
Face authentication using Aadhaar gaining popularity
Aadhaar face authentication transactions continue to get good traction. In February 12.54 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions were carried out. This is a monthly all time high, since this authentication modality was first introduced in October 2021.
At least 97 entities have so far on-boarded to use face authentication. Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd, PhonePe, Karur Vysya Bank and J&K Bank were the new entrants who have on-boarded to use face authentication.
Cumulatively, Face Authentication transaction numbers have crossed 115 crore, since it was first rolled out. Of the total numbers, nearly 87 crore such transactions were carried out this financial year, alone.
The AI/ML based face authentication solution, developed in house by the UIDAI, is being used across sectors including finance, insurance, fintech, health and telecommunications. Several Government departments both at the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) releases “Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha” Booklet on International Women’s Day India’s CERT-In: Safeguarding Cyberspace with Round-the-Clock Security Services
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India has been designated to serve as National agency for incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. CERT-In operates 24×7 incident response Help Desk for providing timely response to reported cyber security incidents. CERT-In provides Incident Prevention and Response services as well as Security Quality Management Services.
CERT-In is regularly carrying out awareness activities to educate the users about cyber security best practices to protect them against cyber security threats. CERT-In also publishes awareness booklets and posters through its website and social media handles on a regular basis to promote cyber awareness across the country.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, CERT-In has released the “Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha,” a comprehensive guide aimed at empowering women across the country with essential cyber hygiene practices. The booklet provides the best practices that women can adopt to safeguard their online presence and stay protected in today’s digital world.
CERT-In, a functional organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, is responsible for securing Indian cyberspace by providing Incident Prevention, Response services, and Security Quality Management. With a vision of proactively securing India’s cyberspace, its mission is to enhance the security of India’s Communications and Information Infrastructure through proactive measures and effective collaboration. CERT-In focuses on preventing cyber attacks, responding to incidents to minimize damage and recovery time, and raising cybersecurity awareness among citizens. Designated as the national agency under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, CERT-In performs key functions such as collecting, analyzing, and disseminating cyber incident information, issuing forecasts and alerts, implementing emergency response measures, and coordinating national cyber incident response activities.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, participated at ITB Berlin 2025, held from 4th – 6th March at Messe Berlin. ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) is a major meeting point for the global industry including tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, transport companies, destinations, and tech companies. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities, facilitating partnerships and collaborations that help businesses grow and expand into new markets.
The India pavilion was inaugurated by the Ambassador of India in Federal Republic of Germany H.E Ajit Gupte in the presence of Mr Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh and Mr Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh.
Germany continues to be one of the top ten source markets for inbound tourists to India, with 0.20 million Germans visiting India in 2023. State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala amongst other States are participating at ITB to showcase their new destinations and products for the global market. Ministry of Tourism is leading a delegation of almost 40 stakeholders from the Indian travel industry to showcase India’s vibrant cultural diversity and the vast range of tourism products and immersive experiences. This initiative aligns with India’s strategic goal to enhance inbound tourism and position the country as a premier 365 days global travel destination. The participation of the Ministry of Tourism at ITB Berlin provides a significant opportunity to the private stakeholders to reconnect and establish business connections with their counterparts and also promote new itineraries and immersive experiences.
The India Pavilion at ITB 2025 showcased the India’s rich kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions, each contributing to its rich tourism landscape but also the gamut of niche tourism experiences such as spiritual & wellness, wedding, adventure and ecotourism and gourmet. The theme of the Pavilion revolves around sustainable tourism. The co-exhibitors at the India Pavilion included travel Agents, State Tourism departments from Andhra Pradesh & Chandigarh, IRCTC and other Tourism service providers.
Recently, gratis e tourist visa for foreigners travelling to India under the Chalo India initiative was announced, which is valid till 31st March 2025. The Chalo India initiative was launched by the Prime Minister of India to engage the Indian diaspora for promoting India to their non-Indian friends. As part of this initiative, the Indian diaspora can invite their non-Indian friends to explore the grandeur of Incredible India, to visit the country on gratis e tourist visa.
A revamped Incredible India digital portal www.incredibelindia.gov.in has also been launched recently along with the Incredible India Content Hub. The Incredible India Content Hub is a comprehensive digital repository for the use of diverse range of stakeholders and travellers. The Incredible India Digital Portal is a tourist-centric one stop digital solution designed to enhance the travel experience for visitors to India.
The Mahakumbh, which is one of the largest and breath-taking religious congregations in the world, recently concluded at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The sacred event, which lasted about 44 days, reaffirmed India’s stature as a global spiritual destination.
The Jan Aushadhi Diwas celebrated with the theme of ““Jan Aushadhi: Low price, excellent medicine” by organizing week-long events in different states/UTs across the country from 1st of March 2025 to 7th March 2025 Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda visits Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Bilaspur and interacts with beneficiaries on the occasion of 7th JanAushadhi Diwas
Chief Ministers of the State/UTs and Central and State level ministers participate in events conducted across the country
More than 350 different events conducted across the country in which approx. 50,000 people participated in week long celebrations on the occasion of 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas
More than 200 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras open: taking tally to a total of 15291
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 7:07PM by PIB Delhi
On 7th day of the week long celebrations, PMBI (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India) celebrated the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 today across the country by conducting more than 100 major events where the Hon’ble Chief Ministers of the State/UTs, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assemblies, Councilors and other public representatives including many senior Government officials of the Central and the States have marked their presence to grace the event by elaborating upon the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanAushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) so that awareness and benefits may be availed by the public.
Union Minister Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda visited Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh and interacted with beneficiaries. Kendra owners and beneficiaries of Jan Aushadhi scheme also shared their experiences.
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Ms Anupriya Patel, shared video message through social media and wished everyone a very Happy 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 to all the citizens of the country.
Also, Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta, also visited a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Ashok Vihar, Delhi today where she explained the benefits of this Pariyojana and encouraged people to become a part of this noble project which is aimed at providing quality medicines at affordable rates.
On the occasion of 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, renowned sand artist Padmashree Sudarshan Patnaik created a divine sand art depicting the theme of ‘Daam Kam Dawai Uttam’ on the shores of Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha. Its grandeur is not only attracting people but also reflecting the vision of the Prime Minister.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of PMBJP is celebrating the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025. The programme commenced with Jan Aushadhi Jan Chetna Abhiyan on 1st March across the country and ended with the celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 on 7th March. The events that took place continued from Jan Chetna Abhiyan/Padyatra, Heritage Walks and Health Camps, Jan Aushadhi Bal Mitra, Ek Kadam Matri shakti ki Ore, Pharmacist Awareness programme, Aao Jan Aushadhi Mitra Banein and the Jan Aushadhi Diwas on 7th March.
The large-scale activities focused on inclusion and ensured holistic participation of people, beneficiaries and multi-level stakeholders of the PMBJP. The major highlight of the event was flagging off Jan Aushadhi Rath (mobile van) by Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda to generate mass awareness among the people of the country. The mobile vans had travelled throughout the National Capital of the country to reach the people. On the same day, Jan Aushadhi Pratigya Yatras were conducted across the country. Pad Yatras were conducted to create a mass fervor among the people. The pad yatras were attended by school children wearing the Jan Aushadhi T-shirts and Caps.
On 2nd March, 2025, Heritage walks with the theme – Jan Aushadhi Virasat Ke Sath were organised on pan India level at 25 major historical locations like Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Gwalior Fort, Beyond Taj Mahal, Imambara, Lucknow, etc. at 500 locations across the country, Health Camps were organised for the senior citizens of the country.
On 3rd March, 2025, Jan Aushadhi Bal Mitra Participation was conducted at different schools across the country to persuade children into various activities through which the message of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana was spread.
On 4th March, 2025 women beneficiaries were present at 30 locations in all States/UTs at Jan Aushadhi Kendras where interaction was conducted in the presence of women public representatives, women doctors, NGO’s and information sharing about Health benefits of Jan Aushadhi medicines was done.
On 5th March, 2025 seminars were conducted at Pharmacy Colleges/Universities across the country to guide Pharmacy students with the information about the employment opportunities under Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. Pan India seminars and workshops on PMBJP in Pharma colleges and Universities were conducted.
On the 6th Day of week-long celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025. PMBJP has organized ‘Aao Jan Aushadhi Mitra Banein’ to register citizens as volunteers across the nation. Qutub Minar was also illuminated with beautiful lights, spreading the message of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
As part of the weeklong celebration, more than 1.12 crore Digital messages to national pensioners and beneficiaries of Jan Aushadhi and other schemes were sent across the country to spread awareness about this noble project. In order to educate the youth of the country, various competitions such as essay writing, poster making, quiz etc. were organised through MyGov portal. Winners of the quiz/competitions have been awarded. Through the MyGov portal more than 7 crore messages were also sent to generate awareness. Community Radio stations at 300 locations were also used as a medium to spread the message and create awareness among the masses.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Kolkata today. The roadshow evoked strong interest from potential investors who are eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister of State for MDoNER & Ministry of Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, along with senior officials from MDoNER, North Eastern Council and North Eastern States. The event marked another milestone in a series of successful roadshows across India and showcased the untapped potential of the North East India.
Hon’ble Minister of State, MDoNER while addressing the Kolkata Roadshow highlighted the immense potential of North Eastern region. Sharing the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, he explained how North Eastern States offers great aspects for investment opportunities and building a “Viksit Bharat” together.
He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc.He also underlined that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making the region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning perfectly with India’s Act East Policy.
He further stated that this roadshow serves as a vital platform for fostering policies that empower industries, attract investments and create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable growth, with key focus on areas like like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. By forging stronger ties between Kolkata and the North East, it is aimed to create a synergy that leverages the strengths of both regions, fostering mutual growth and prosperity. He invited the dynamic business community of Kolkata to explore the potential of North Eastern Region and consider the North East not only as an investment destination but also as a region with a unique story and limitless potential. In his concluding remarks he invited investors to the North Eastern Region and play a key role in shaping the future of the region.
Shri Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Adviser, MDoNERin his address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. He informed that during the last 10 years there is a remarkable improvement in connectivity to the North Eastern Region whether it’s air, rail, road or waterways. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. He also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.
The representative ofDepartment for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, gave a detailed presentation on theUNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. He underlined that the UNNATI Scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.
Senior officials representing the North Eastern States shared actionable insights into emerging opportunities across various sectors. The Kolkata roadshow drew strong participation from industry leaders, further reinforcing the investment appeal of North East India. The event also featured several B2G meetings, providing investors with a platform to discuss their investment plans in the North Eastern Region. During the roadshow, investment interests of worth INR 12,516 cr were received in the form of intents/ MoUs.
The Kolkata roadshow concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures in the North Eastern Region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
Professor John Mandyck, the CEO of the Urban Green Council and the former Chief Sustainability Officer at United Technologies, will speak on the topic, “Is Sustainability Dead?’’ next month.
The presentation is part of the Equity Now speaker series and it will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. March 27. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is required.
With the United States again out of the Paris Climate Treaty and the Trump administration favoring fossil fuels, it’s easy to wonder if the sustainability movement is over. It’s definitely not, according to Mandyck.
“Climate disruption now impacts everyone, everywhere,’’ Mandyck said. “There’s no escaping it and the trillions of dollars of damage from fires, floods, and extreme weather. Climate denialism and political short-termism cannot wish away these impacts that are shifting markets and investments as they scramble to manage growing risk.’’
Mandyck Highlights Three Reasons for Optimism
John Mandyck (contributed photo)
Mandyck will discuss his recent article, published in The Harvard Business Review, that predicts that despite strong headwinds, sustainability efforts will grow, for three key reasons.
States and cities will lead the way. Mandyck argues that history has shown that U.S. cities and states step up to fill sustainability voids. In 2019, for example, New Yor City passed a law that places carbon caps on large buildings, as a counter-response to Trump’s first-term environmental policies. More recently, 350 U.S. mayors recommitted to climate action in anticipation of changing national policy.
China will drive sustainability demand. Although it is the world’s largest carbon polluter, China’s growth in the sustainability arena continues to lead the world, Mandyck said. Almost half of the world’s solar and wind capacity already resides in China, with more renewable energy technology under development. China’s leadership will yield more affordable clean-energy technology for the world and China may possibly emerge as a stronger diplomatic force for climate negotiations as the U.S. turns its attention elsewhere.
Climate risk, extreme weather, will move markets. Climate denialism will not slow the growing disruption of extreme weather, Mandyck said. The news has been filled with articles about floods, fires, and other weather-created disasters, which are causing economic hardship and human disruption at a rapid pace. In Florida alone, the average homeowner’s insurance costs rose close to 60 percent from 2019 to 2023. This has further focused the business community in favor of addressing climate change, and lenders are looking closely at the sustainability risks associated with each big investment.
Students Still Face A Bright Future in Sustainability Careers
Mandyck’s advice to students interested in pursuing careers in sustainability is to stay-the-course.
“The global need for sustainability grows every day, and so will careers,’’ he said. “Terminology and semantics may change in the short-term, but the long-term direction is clear. Even the federal government cannot pull the full nation in retreat, with the state and local governments pressing forward and filling voids.’’
Mandyck leads the Urban Green Council, a nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to decarbonizing buildings for healthy and resilient communities. Since 2018, he has helped triple the organization’s reach with research, public policy development and education, shaping some of the world’s foremost climate laws for real estate and buildings.
He retired as the global Chief Sustainability Officer for United Technologies after a 25-year career there. He’s an adjunct professor for sustainability at the School of Business and served as a visiting scientist at Harvard University. He’s the co-author of the book Food Foolish, which explores the hidden connection between food waste, hunger, and climate change.
The Equity Now speaker series is produced by the UConn School of Business in coordination with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech, Indiana and Temple universities. This is the fourth of five programs offered during the 2024-25 academic year. To register for the program, please visit: the registration page
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.06.25
Cantwell Challenges Deputy Treasury Nom on Trump’s Tariff Chaos: “People Can’t Even Follow What His Game Plan Is.”
In Senate Finance Committee, Cantwell highlights whiplash for manufacturers, growers, & consumers due to an administration that changes its tariff policies on a near-daily basis; In WA state, 2 out of every 5 jobs are tied to trade-related industries
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Michael Faulkender – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary – on the whiplash caused by the administration’s ever-changing tariff policies.
On Jan. 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs. Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
At 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet. Then, yesterday, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month. Just this morning, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, this afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
“I feel like we’re almost just having chaos about what are we doing. One day it’s about fentanyl, one day it’s about emergency services, one day we’ll give these exemptions, one day we’ll go back to this — and so I’m trying to get your views,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Apples, potatoes, and wheat are the largest agriculture exports in our state. They represent over $3 billion worth of agriculture products around the world. And so I’m trying to understand if you understand the uncertainty that’s being created right now with these tariffs. If you get that it’s hard for businesses to even follow what is the predictability and certainty about what the President is even doing or proposing, because it’s changing every day.”
Faulkender responded: “I think when you look at the President’s approach on Canada and Mexico, it was very much to get them to focus on the fentanyl crisis, on the fact that 100,000 Americans are dying of fentanyl.”
Sen. Cantwell: “Do you really think that Canada was our fentanyl problem?”
Faulkender: “I have not had access to the data on that. My understanding is that some of it does come in from Canada. I grant you that more of it comes from Mexico than Canada.”
Sen. Cantwell: “A lot more.”
She continued: “Does [Trump] understand the level of chaos that is happening now? Because people can’t even follow what his game plan is […] But I really, really hope that he understands how much damage is being done every day to the agricultural sector. And it’s not that people, rich people, won’t buy farmland — they will buy farmland. It’s just that we’ll have a lot less farmers.”
In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:
A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $12,000.
According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.
Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide.
Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted.
The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023. In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A in the Senate Finance Committee today is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.
WEST ORANGE, N.J., March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bel Fuse Inc. (Nasdaq: BELFA and BELFB) (“Bel” or the “Company”) today announced the grand opening of its new facility in Manesar, Gurugram, India, a critical milestone following Bel’s acquisition of Enercon in November 2024. The original Enercon factory in India, which this replaces, was opened in 2018 and grew from 17 associates to over 200 associates today. The new facility will enable our Power Solutions and Protection segment to double its manufacturing capacity in India. This expands the overall Bel footprint outside of China thus providing more optionality for our customers.
Dan Bernstein, President and CEO of Bel, commented, “We’re excited to be celebrating the opening of our new facility in India. This project was underway by the Enercon team at the time of our acquisition and will aid Bel’s goal to accelerate the geographic diversification of our manufacturing footprint.” Eyal Shary, CEO of Enercon, added, “We are proud of our investment in India and our ability to grow our manufacturing base within it. The Enercon team did an amazing job of keeping this project on track even during the acquisition process and we look forward to the combined company benefitting from the additional space.”
About Bel Bel (www.belfuse.com) designs, manufactures and markets a broad array of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits. These products are primarily used in the defense, commercial aerospace, networking, telecommunications, computing, general industrial, high-speed data transmission, transportation and eMobility industries. Bel’s portfolio of products also finds application in the automotive, medical, broadcasting and consumer electronics markets. Bel’s product groups include Power Solutions and Protection (front-end, board-mount and industrial power products, module products and circuit protection), Connectivity Solutions (expanded beam fiber optic, copper-based, RF and RJ connectors and cable assemblies), and Magnetic Solutions (integrated connector modules, power transformers, power inductors and discrete components). The Company operates facilities around the world.
Investor Contact: Three Part Advisors Jean Marie Young, Managing Director or Steven Hooser, Partner 631-418-4339 jyoung@threepa.com; shooser@threepa.com
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Kevin Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Count One of the Superseding Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around March 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Johnson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Johnson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the crack that he distributed to others.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A displaced Yemeni woman makes food for her children in the camp where they live in the city of Taiz.akramalrasny/Shutterstock
International Women’s Day, marked each year on March 8, is all about celebrating women and furthering efforts towards gender equality. Companies are keen to join these conversations and shout about their achievements on a day when minds are focused on female empowerment. But this has led to accusations of hypocrisy.
In 2021, one user on X created the Gender Pay Gap bot. Until 2023,this automated account reposted companies’ supportive messages about International Women’s Day, quoting information about their gender pay gap. The bot’s posts received tens of thousands of views and shares, showing an appetite for calling out misleading corporate claims about women’s empowerment.
Activists and researchers label these misleading actions “gender washing”. It describes communications and practices that present corporations as taking action on gender inequalities even as they engage in things that may be harmful to women and girls.
Gender washing takes many forms. It might be, for example, sponsoring girls’ education programmes without addressing known practices of child labour and sexual harassment in supply chains. Or it could be applying for corporate social responsibility awards while facing lawsuits for discrimination against female employees.
Our research examines global arms manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. It is estimated that the global arms trade as a whole was worth US$138 billion (£109 billion) in 2022 (the last year for which data are compiled).
It is hard to say how many people are killed by these weapons, but at a minimum it numbers in the tens of thousands each year. Beyond this, the after-effects of weapons use include displacement, starvation and health emergencies, as has been seen in Yemen.
Arms manufacturers continue to produce and sell weapons that cause untold suffering (including to women) across the world. But interestingly, arms manufacturers also issue communications celebrating International Women’s Day.
Careers in science and tech
Where previous research highlights how gender washing shows corporations or their products in a positive light, our research revealed bigger effects. We found that, through joint communications with governments and militaries, arms manufacturers were engaged in the process of gender washing war itself.
By posting for International Women’s Day, these companies portray the technologies and corporate operations of warfare as empowering to women and girls. They show women succeeding in science and technology careers, and girls receiving inspirational talks and science education, while saying nothing about what that science is being used for.
For example, Lockheed Martin Middle East and Africa shared a video on X showing a group of female engineers at the company’s innovation centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The post states that the company is “committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through real-world #STEM education”.
The video shows a group of women wearing traditional Emirati dress in futuristic labs. They are interacting with touchscreen images of helicopters flying over deserts, examining a drone and sitting next to magnifying glasses. The soundtrack is like something out of a Hollywood action movie.
But the women do not speak for themselves. We are supposed to assume that, thanks to Lockheed Martin, they are being educated in cutting-edge technology and empowered to pursue careers in science. They get hands-on experience using the very military technologies being deployed in many parts of their region.
Lockheed Martin’s sale of weapons to warring parties in the Middle East, including arms sold to Saudi Arabia with devastating consequences for Yemeni women, is presented as a learning opportunity, “inspiring” women of the Middle East into science careers.
For its part, Lockheed Martin said in its 2023 gender pay gap report that it had closed the salary gap by 12.1% since 2017. It also said its investment in STEM activities helped it to focus on a future pipeline of female talent.
We also found that some corporations attempt to join progressive conversations without actually saying anything at all. We label this “constructive silences”. This is where companies say nothing of substance on gender issues, and do not reveal any efforts to tackle gender inequalities within their own practices. But nonetheless they tap into conversations about International Women’s Day that might enhance their reputations.
A post on X from Lockheed Martin India uses International Women’s Day hashtags. But there is no clear link to the accompanying text, which does not mention women specifically. Nor is there any connection to initiatives to address gender inequalities. Instead it talks about how “an inclusive environment” helps employees to “develop innovative solutions”.
This matters because – through social media – arms manufacturers present technologies of war as a force for public good. It is easier to deflect criticism of the harms created by your products when you can point to your efforts supporting women’s empowerment.
These posts for International Women’s Day, and other gender-washing practices, make it easier for governments to continue subsidising the arms industry, buying and using weaponry, and issuing licenses for the sale of weapons in conflicts across the globe. All the while, they give the impression that the corporations producing those weapons are educating and empowering women and girls.
This International Women’s Day, take a look for yourself. Think about which companies are professing care for women and what harms might they be obscuring.
In a statement to The Conversation, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin said: Lockheed Martin’s core business safeguards human rights by advancing cutting-edge technologies that help US and allied defence forces promote deterrence and protect their people. We adhere to strict and ethical business practices guided by US government laws, regulations and policies related to international military sales and the use of products sold to international customers. Our company culture is collaborative and respectful, which allows all of our team members to impactfully contribute to our mission-critical work.
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman were also approached for comment about the claims made in this article, but did not respond by the time we published.
Rosie Walters receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Learned Society of Wales.
Natalie Jester does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In the nearly 75 years since then, it has lost over 60% of its population, becoming the defining example of a postindustrial city in decline.
Chronic population loss creates a significant mismatch in the housing market. An ongoing reduction in the demand for housing leads to an oversupply of vacant properties. Vacant properties can quickly deteriorate due to neglect, arson, vandalism and crime.
Shuttered and repossessed homes line the streets of a middle-class neighborhood on the East side of Detroit. Charles Ommanney via Getty Images
Rehabilitating abandoned and neglected properties is often not possible. It can take just a few years for vacant homes to transition from being habitable to blighted. What should policymakers do with the growing unwanted inventory?
One option is to do nothing and wait for real estate developers to clean up the parcels and hopefully rebuild.
As a group of economistswho studymunicipal finance of cities experiencing population decline, we took a deep look at the success of razing blighted properties in Detroit.
Detroit removes thousands of blighted homes
Between 2014 and 2019, the city demolished 20,800 blighted properties through the Detroit Demolition Program. The heaviest concentration of demolitions occurred in the lowest-valued areas of the city such as the Brightmoor, Burbank and Midwest neighborhoods.
Location of demolitions and property sales prices in Detroit from 2009 to 2019. The heaviest concentration of demolitions occurred in the lowest-valued areas of the city, as shown in red and orange. Alvayay Torrejón, Paredes, Skidmore (2023), CC BY-NC-ND
From 2014 to 2019, many of the demolitions were funded by the federal government’s Hardest Hit Fund. The goals of the fund are to help reduce homeowner foreclosures and stabilize neighborhoods. This fund spent US$52 million tearing down homes in Detroit.
As with any government intervention, it is critical to evaluate costs and benefits so leaders can be sure they are implementing the most effective revitalization strategy.
From the perspective of city finances, the success of razing a property can be assessed in two ways.
First, does it increase the value of nearby properties? A study that two of us published in 2017 answered this question in the affirmative: Tearing down an abandoned building in Detroit does increase the value of nearby properties by a small amount: $162.
Second, how do changes in the value of those nearby properties affect Detroit’s property tax revenue? If property values increase, property taxes increase too, so it is possible to calculate how long it takes for the city to recoup its costs. On average, demolishing a blighted structure in Detroit costs $21,556.
In the case of Detroit during the period examined, our research shows the benefits of the program in terms of increased property values are limited and do not fully cover the demolition costs.
Even if you optimistically assume the benefits of demolition extend to properties as far as about 2½ blocks away, the increase in property tax revenue generated from the demolition is too small to cover demolition costs.
To understand why, imagine drawing a circle around the razed property with a radius of about 0.125 miles, which is how we defined 2½ city blocks, and then examining the change in property value and tax revenue of the properties within the circle. While removing a blighted property is a win in many other ways, it doesn’t have much effect on neighboring home values.
Our findings indicate that vacant lots also have a negative effect on the property values of surrounding homes. For example, for homes within 2½ city blocks, the net effect of a demolition without redevelopment is an increase in neighboring home prices of $162. In this case, it would take 50 years for money collected via property taxes to equal the costs of demolition. It’s hard to say what happens if the lot is redeveloped because so few are.
If you measure the effect using smaller rings around the razed property, full cost recovery times get even longer.
However, additional property taxes to cover demolition costs may further put the city at competitive disadvantage in the region, nationally and globally. Detroit already has among the highest property taxes in the country.
Allowing the state to foot the bill would keep property taxes affordable, but support for such programs is mixed in the state Capitol in Lansing due to resource constraints and the fact that other Michigan cities such as Flint have also struggled with declines in population.
Lessons learned from Detroit’s razing
Detroit and other postindustrial American cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, and Gary, Indiana, have experienced population declines in recent decades, but these challenges are by no means exclusively a United States phenomenon.
Throughout history, cities such as Rome have experienced enormous drops in population. Paris lost population in medieval times. Some ancient cities such as Carthage and Petra have been fully abandoned.
That means lessons learned from Detroit may be helpful to policymakers in other places. Many leaders in Detroit did not imagine that the population would decline over decades, and they didn’t plan for that happening.
Other cities have an opportunity to prepare. They can start by diversifying their economies and city revenue streams so that government has the funding to step in and ensure that quality of life is maintained as population shrinks.
Mark Skidmore receives funding from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
Camila Alvayay-Torrejon receives funding from Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
Dusan Paredes Araya receives funding from Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with. Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.
The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the “Make in India’ initiative in Defence Sector.
T-72 is the mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of Indian Army.
Mumbai to Host WAVES 2025 Summit: Maharashtra Chief Secretary and Union I&B Secretary Co-Chair High-Level Meeting Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik Commits Full Support from Maharashtra Government for WAVES 2025 Summit Success
WAVES Summit a Global Platform for the Media and Entertainment Sector: I&B Secretary, Sanjay Jaju
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 7 March 2025
Mumbai is set to hostWAVES 2025 Summit, an event poised to position India at the forefront of the global creator economy. Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Sujata Saunik and Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Shri Sanjay Jaju co-chaired a high-level meeting today, 07th March 2025 with officials from various Government departments for the successful execution of WAVES 2025. The Government of Maharashtra has assured its full support, ensuring world-class infrastructure, hospitality, and logistics to make the event a landmark occasion.
Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms Sujata Saunik directed that a State Level Committee be formed for this global Summit. She also stated that each department of the administration will work in coordination seamlessly for the success of the Summit.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said, “This Summit is a global platform for the Media and Entertainment sector. The main aim of this Summit is to develop the Indian media and entertainment sector by connecting it to its global media counterparts.”
The meeting covered key points such as forming a joint coordination committee and arranging logistics and outdoor publicity. The meeting also formulated a comprehensive outreach plan, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting leading the effort to invite global leaders, individuals of eminence and industry representatives. Officials gave special attention to ensuring security, emergency services, and seamless connectivity for all delegates attending the event. A dedicated senior nodal officer will oversee coordination efforts to guarantee smooth execution.
Senior officials from both the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra attended the meeting to establish seamless coordination across logistics, hospitality, cultural activities, and administrative support, ensuring the highest standards of event management and global participation.
Principal Director General, PIB Shri. Dhirendra Ojha, Director General, Central Bureau of Communication, Shri. Yogesh Baweja, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjeev Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary,Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ajay Nagbhushan and nodal officers from Press Information Bureau, National Film Development Corporation of India, All India Radio, Doordarshan, and the WAVES Council attended the meeting. Officials from the Government of Maharashtra included the Municipal Commissioner of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the Additional Chief Secretary of Cultural Affairs, the Principal Secretary of Tourism, and the Chief Executive Officer of MIDC, along with senior officials from various key departments.
Following the meeting, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and senior officials conducted a detailed recce of the logistical arrangements to assess readiness for WAVES 2025.
Keep an eye on this ground-breaking summit, where industry titans will converge to shape the future of the digital and creative economies.https://wavesindia.org/
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Nikita Joshi/ Dhanalakshmi/ Dharshana |
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates and launches various development works worth over Rs 2580 crore in Silvassa,Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, are our pride, our heritage: PM
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu have reached a saturation level in several schemes: PM
Jan Aushadhi means guarantee of affordable treatment! The mantra of Jan Aushadhi is – lower prices, effective medicines: PM
We all should reduce 10% of the cooking oil in our food,manage with 10% less oil every month,This will be a significant step towards reducing obesity: PM
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched various development works worth over ₹2580 crore in Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu today. He also inaugurated the Namo Hospital in Silvassa earlier to the event. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated workers of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu for giving him the opportunity to connect and engage with the region. He acknowledged the warmth and the long-standing connection he has had with the people, sharing that his bond with the region is decades old. He highlighted the progress the region has made since his government came to power in 2014, transforming the potential of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu into a modern and progressive identity.
“The natural beauty of Silvassa and the love of its people, as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, you all know how long my connection with you has been. This decades-old bond, the joy I feel when I come here, only you and I understand it”, Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister mentioned that when he first visited, the area was vastly different, with people questioning what could come of a small coastal region. However, he always had faith in the people of this place and their capabilities. The Prime Minister pointed out that under the leadership of his government, this faith has been transformed into progress, turning Silvassa into a cosmopolitan city, thriving with new opportunities for all its residents.
Shri Modi also shared an example of Singapore, which, in its early days, was a small fishing village. He emphasized that the transformation of Singapore happened due to the strong willpower of its people. The Prime Minister encouraged the citizens of the Union Territory to adopt a similar resolve for development, assuring them that he would stand by them, but they too must take the initiative to move forward.
“Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu is not just a Union Territory but a source of pride and heritage. This is why we are transforming the region into a model state known for its holistic development”, Shri Modi emphasized. The Prime Minister stated how he envisions the region to be recognized for its high-tech infrastructure, modern healthcare services, world-class educational institutes, tourism, blue economy, industrial progress, new opportunities for youth, and women’s participation in development.
Shri Modi noted that under the leadership of Shri Praful Patel and with the support of the central government, the region is fast progressing towards these goals. Over the last 10 years, significant progress has been made in development. The region is now emerging on the national map with a distinct identity in terms of development. Various government schemes, such as One Nation One Ration Card, Jal Jeevan Mission, BharatNet, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima, and PM Suraksha Bima, have brought substantial benefits to the people, especially the underprivileged and tribal communities.
The Prime Minister announced that the next goal is to achieve 100% saturation in initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, Samagra Shiksha, and PM Mudra Yojana. He highlighted that for the first time, the government is reaching out directly to people with these welfare schemes, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the government’s plans.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu in infrastructure, education, employment, and industrial development. He pointed out that earlier, youth from the region had to go outside for higher education, but today, the region is home to six national-level institutes. These include Namo Medical College, Gujarat National Law University, IIIT Diu, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and the Daman Engineering College. These institutions have made Silvassa and the region a new education hub. “To further benefit the youth, seats have been reserved for them in these institutes. Earlier, I was happy to see that this is a region where education is provided in four different mediums: Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Marathi. Now, I am also proud to say that children in primary and junior schools here are studying in smart classrooms”, Shri Modi added.
Shri Modi said that in recent years, modern healthcare services have expanded significantly in the region. “In 2023, I had the opportunity to inaugurate Namo Medical College here. Along with this, a new hospital with a capacity of 450 beds has been added, which was also inaugurated today. The healthcare facilities in Silvassa will greatly benefit the tribal community in the region”, Shri Modi underscored.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of today’s healthcare projects, as it coincides with Jan Aushadhi Diwas. He emphasized that Jan Aushadhi ensures affordable treatment. Under this initiative, the government is providing quality hospitals, free treatment under Ayushman Bharat, and affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi centers. More than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi centers across the country offer medicines at up to 80% lower prices. Around 40 Jan Aushadhi centers are benefiting the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. The government aims to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi centers nationwide in the future. “Since the launch of this initiative, nearly ₹6,500 crore worth of affordable medicines have been provided to the needy, saving over ₹30,000 crore for the poor and middle class. This initiative has made the treatment of several critical diseases more affordable, demonstrating the government’s sensitivity to the needs of ordinary citizens”, Shri Modi emphasised.
The Prime Minister addressed the rising concern of lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity, which has become a major health threat. He referred to a recent report predicting that by 2050, over 440 million Indians will suffer from obesity. “This alarming figure indicates that one in every three people could face serious health issues due to obesity, potentially making it a life-threatening condition”, Shri Modi stated.
To combat this, the Prime Minister urged everyone to take proactive steps to reduce obesity. He emphasized the importance of reducing the consumption of cooking oil by 10% each month, asking people to commit to using 10% less oil in their daily cooking. He also encouraged the inclusion of regular physical activity, like walking a few kilometers daily, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity. “India is committed to achieving the vision of a developed nation. Only a healthy nation can achieve such a goal”, Shri Modi emphasised.
Shri Modi highlighted the rapid industrial growth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu over the past decade. With the launch of the Mission Manufacturing initiative in the recent budget, the region is poised to benefit significantly. Hundreds of new industries have started, and several existing industries have expanded, attracting thousands of crores in investment. These industries are providing large-scale employment opportunities, especially for the tribal community, women, and marginalized groups. “The Gir Adarsh Jeevika Yojana has been implemented to empower SC, ST, OBC, and women, while new self-employment opportunities have been created with the establishment of small dairy farms”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister underscored that tourism has also emerged as a major source of employment. The region’s beaches and rich heritage are attracting tourists from both India and abroad. Developments like the Ram Setu, Namo Path, Tent City in Daman, and the popular Night Market are enhancing the region’s appeal. Shri Modi stated that a large bird sanctuary has been established, and plans for an eco-resort in Dudhani are underway. Coastal promenade and beach development work is being carried out in Diu. “The Diu Beach Games in 2024 boosted interest in beach sports, and the Blue Flag certification has made the Ghoghla Beach in Diu a popular tourist destination. Additionally, a cable car project is being developed in Diu, offering spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, making the region one of India’s top tourist destinations”, Shri Modi added.
Highlighting the significant connectivity improvements in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that a bullet train station is being built near Dadra, and the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway passes through Silvassa. Over the past few years, several kilometers of new roads have been constructed, with over 500 kilometers of road work currently underway, involving investments worth thousands of crores. “The region is also benefiting from the UDAN scheme, and the local airport is being upgraded to enhance connectivity. The government is committed to ensuring comprehensive development and improving infrastructure in the region”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister expressed his happiness that Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are becoming models of development, good governance, and ease of living. He pointed out that in the past, people had to visit government offices repeatedly to resolve their issues, but now most government-related tasks can be completed with just one click on their mobile phones. This new approach has greatly benefited the tribal areas that were neglected for decades. Special camps are being organized in villages to listen to people’s problems and resolve them on the spot. The Prime Minister congratulated Shri Praful Patel and his team for these efforts and assured the people that the government will continue working towards the development of the region.“I congratulate the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu for the successful development projects launched today. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome, affection, and respect shown by the citizens of the Union Territory”, the Prime Minister concluded.
Background
Boosting healthcare facilities in all corners of the country has been a primary focus of the Prime Minister. In line with this, he inaugurated NAMO Hospital (Phase I) in Silvassa. This 450 bedded hospital, built at the cost of over Rs 460 crore, will significantly strengthen healthcare services in the Union Territory. It will provide state-of-the-art medical care to the people in the region, especially the tribal communities.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects for the UT worth over Rs 2580 crore at Silvassa. These include various village roads and other road infrastructure, schools, health and wellness centres, Panchayat and administrative buildings, Anganwadi centres, water supply and sewage infrastructure among others. These projects aim to improve connectivity, promote industrial growth, encourage tourism, create employment opportunities and aim at enhancing public welfare initiatives in the region.
Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana aims to boost economic empowerment of women belonging to scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), other backward classes (OBCs), minorities and divyangjan in the region through setting up small dairy farms and bringing social and economic changes in their lives. The Sylvan Didi scheme is an initiative to uplift women street vendors by providing them with aesthetically designed carts, with co funding from PM SVANIDHI scheme.
A landmark day for Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu as key development projects are being launched. Speaking at a programme in Silvassa. https://t.co/re1Am2n62t
The visit of First Training Squadron (1TS) – INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Veera to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand concluded on a high note with coordinated tactical manoeuvres and exchange of sea riders during PASSEXwithHTMS Huahinon 04 Mar 25. During the stay at harbour, bilateral activities between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) included multiple professional exchanges, training visits and social interactions bolstering Navy-to-Navy connections.
Capt Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer, 1TS along with Commanding Officers of INS Shardul, Sujata and ICGS Veera called on Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander, 3rd Naval Area Command. The interactions focused on regional security, avenues for joint training exercises and goodwill activities.
The sea trainees of 1TS visited 3rd Naval Area Command, Phangna Naval Port and HTMS Krabi providing opportunity for training interaction and sharing of best practices. A guided tour of 1TS ships was organised for school children, RTN personnel and Indian diaspora. Other highlights of the visit included a combined yoga session and friendly sports fixtures between both sides. An Indian Naval band concert was held at Patong beach witnessing huge footfall of tourists and local populace. An onboard reception was co-hosted by Indian Embassy and Senior Officer, 1TS which was attended by senior leadership from Royal Thai Navy, esteemed members of the Indian diaspora, diplomats and other distinguished Guests.
The extant visit consolidates strong bonds of friendship between the two Navies and underscores Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with its neighbours in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Increasing financial viability and better cash flows for Co-operative Sugar Mills
The Government of India is supporting Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) by providing interest subvention for converting ethanol plants to multi-feedstock units.
This conversion allows CSMs to use maize and damaged food grains (DFG), ensuring year-round ethanol production and improved efficiency.
The initiative aligns with the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, targeting 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025.
To facilitate Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs), Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, has notified a scheme for CSMs under modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme for Conversion of their existing sugarcane-based feedstock ethanol plants into multi-feedstock based plants to use grains like Maize and Damaged Food Grains (DFG).
Under this modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme, Government is facilitating entrepreneurs with Interest subvention @ 6% per annum or 50% of rate of interest charged by banks/financial institutions, whichever is lower, on the loans to be extended by banks/financial institutions is being borne by the Central Government for five years including one-year moratorium.
The sugarcane crushing period is limited to 4-5 months only in a year due to which sugar mills can operate for a limited period of time. This further leads to reduction in their overall operational efficiency and productivity. To ensure the functioning of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) throughout the year, their existing ethanol plants can be converted into multi-feedstock based plants to use grains like maize and DFG under the new modified scheme.
The conversion to multi-feedstock based plants would not only make the existing ethanol plants of CSMs capable of operating when sugar based feedstocks are not available for ethanol production but will also improve efficiency and productivity of these plants. As a result, these cooperative ethanol plants will have increased financial viability.
The Government of India has been implementing Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme throughout the country. Under EBP Programme, Government has fixed the target of 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by 2025. The Government has notified various ethanol interest subvention schemes from July 2018 to April 2022.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) leads nationwide awareness campaign on Safer Internet Day to promote safe and responsible use of the internet As part of this extensive campaign, 1,521 workshops were held across 35 States/UTs, 599 districts and 134 gram panchayats, reaching over 3.08 lakh people
Navigating the Digital Highway: Online safety workshop engages 1,217 government officials
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) spearheaded a nationwide awareness campaign on Safer Internet Day, observed on February 11, 2025, to promote safe and responsible use of the internet. Organized under the theme ‘Together for a Better Internet’, the campaign aimed to educate and sensitize internet users about cyber hygiene, online safety practices, and emerging cyber threats. This initiative was conducted under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) program in collaboration with NIC, NIXI, C-DAC, NIELIT, MyGov, NeGD, and various partner institutions. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) played a crucial role in amplifying the outreach efforts through its extensive digital infrastructure and communication networks.
Cyber awareness drive
As part of this extensive campaign, 1,521 awareness workshops were conducted across 35 States/UTs, 599 districts, 493 blocks/tehsils, and 134 gram panchayats, reaching over 3.08 lakh beneficiaries. These workshops covered key topics such as cyber threat mitigation, digital security best practices, and responsible online behavior. Additionally, a series of expert talks, quizzes, and competitions were organized to further reinforce awareness.
Strengthening digital resilience
To maximize outreach, promotional messages and expert interviews were broadcasted on a Pan India basis in 11 major Indian languages, covering vital topics such as cyber hygiene practices, common cyber threats, and the mechanism for reporting cybercrimes through the toll-free National Cybercrime Helpline Number (1930). These messages were disseminated through FM stations, Prasar Bharati, and Vividh Bharati networks, achieving an estimated reach of 2.27 crore listeners. On digital platforms, social media outreach led by MyGov, NIC, and ISEA teams garnered over 5.49 lakh impressions and 63.57 lakh views through 680 creative posts.
An online awareness workshop, titled ‘Navigating the Digital Highway: Safeguarding Your Online Journey’, was also organized for the officials of MeitY and other government ministries, departments, and organizations, engaging 1,217 participants in discussions on digital safety. The session sensitized participants on best cybersecurity practices and also provided demonstrations of insightful security tools, such as PIC2MAP, deviceinfo.me, coveryourtracks.eff.org, stopNCII.org, SecureEraser app, etc. which help in verifying online content authenticity, preventing identity fraud, analyzing device fingerprints, and securing personal data. The workshop was highly appreciated by participants for its practical approach and relevance in addressing contemporary cybersecurity challenges.
About ISEA
The Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project, implemented by MeitY, aims to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and build skilled human resources in Information Security. The recently approved ISEA Phase-III (October 2023) seeks to develop 2.25 lakh trained individuals in cybersecurity over five years, including 45,000 skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals (CISOs, Deputy CISOs, and aspirants) and 2.3 lakh students and researchers in formal and non-formal courses. Additionally, the project aims to cover over 12 crore beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds—school children, teachers, college students, faculty, women, senior citizens, government employees, MSMEs, and NGOs—through mass awareness initiatives under the Cyber Aware Digital Naagrik campaign.
Centre and States/UTs Deliberate at Chintan Shivir to Strategize for 2028 Olympics and Strengthen India’s Bid for 2036 Olympics Talent Identification, Impact of Khelo India, Infrastructure Development and Corporate Partnerships among Key Discussions on Day 1
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:32PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired a two-day Chintan Shivir focused on India’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and strengthening the country’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Telangana today. The Shivir brought together sports ministers from various States/UTs, senior sports administrators, key government officials, and domain experts to exchange ideas and craft a roadmap for India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse.
हैदराबाद, तेलंगाना में आयोजित दो दिवसीय चिंतन शिविर के उद्घाटन सत्र को संबोधित किया।
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी के नेतृत्व में भारत खेलों का हब बनने की दिशा में तेज़ी से आगे बढ़ रहा है। मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है कि इस चिंतन सत्र में केंद्र सरकार और राज्य/UTs मिलकर देश को… pic.twitter.com/eXSg66Pc2k
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 7, 2025
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned India hosting the 2036 Olympics and urged states to actively contribute to making this ambition a reality. “Chintan Shivir is an initiative guided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of good governance. This forum allows us to collaborate and take forward our dream of hosting the Olympics,” he stated.
The Chintan Shivir facilitated dialogue on critical areas such as talent identification, coaching methodologies, sports infrastructure, and sustainable development of sports. Representatives from multiple States/UTs, including Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, shared their best practices, with Dr. Mandaviya stressing the importance of learning from each other to accelerate progress.
Highlighting India’s vision for becoming a global sporting powerhouse, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires a well-structured and collaborative approach towards sports. While sports is a State subject, a unified effort is essential to position India as a formidable sporting nation.”
A key area of discussion was the impact of the Khelo India initiative in identifying and nurturing young athletes. Dr. Mandaviya noted that over 2,800 Khelo India academies have been established, and 937 out of 1,045 Khelo India Centres are currently operational. He emphasized the importance of creating a national athlete repository with unique IDs to track talent and ensure their growth within the system.
“We cannot afford to let talent slip through the cracks. A scientific approach in talent identification and management, along with active participation from National Sports Federations is crucial for the Olympic mission,” he added.
Dr. Mandaviya also underlined the need to strengthen grassroots sports by identifying young athletes between the ages of 9-14 and nurturing them for long-term Olympic preparation. He announced that new initiatives under Khelo India, such as beach games, water sports, and indigenous games, will be introduced to encourage regional participation and enhance India’s sports culture.
Sports governance was another key theme of the discussions. Delegates underscored the need for enhanced transparency in National Sports Federations to ensure fair selection processes and build confidence among parents to encourage their children to take up sports as a career. The deliberations focused on improving coordination among all stakeholders to foster an athlete-centric governance model.
Infrastructure development was also a major focus, with an emphasis on optimizing the utilization of sports infrastructure of States, PSUs, Ministries, and the private sector. The discussions highlighted the need for a sustainable model where stadiums and existing infrastructure are used efficiently. It was also discussed to establish District-Level Sports Schools (DLSSs) by upgrading existing schools to increase grassroots-level talent scouting and training.
During the day, participants engaged in a meditation session led by Padma Bhushan Daaji, fostering mindfulness and focus. In the evening, a vibrant cultural program was organized, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and artistic performances, celebrating the nation’s diversity and spirit.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in association with The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is organising ‘The Bodhipath Film Festival’, scheduled to be held on 10-11 March 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
This event is dedicated to Buddhists globally and offers a platform for myriad representations, ranging from historical teachings of the Buddha to unravelling the tribulations of the mind, to be shared and appreciated by the global audience. Over two days, the festival will feature screenings of ten highly recommended global films that have been meticulously curated to reflect the beauty of Buddhist practices, experiences, and the appreciation of values such as compassion, mindfulness, and impermanence, which are prerequisites in diurnal life. In addition to the film screenings, the festival will host four panel discussions, each designed to seek the crux of the themes and insights presented in the films. The broad topics for the panel discussions are as follows:
Relevance of Buddhist Films in India – Past, Present and Future.
Opportunity and Challenges in Spiritual Film Making.
Concept of Art in Buddha Dhamma.
Mindful Communication.
‘Meticulous progression,’ an integral aspect of Buddha Dhamma, emphasizes careful and deliberate advancement towards enlightenment. Buddha Dhamma involves mindfulness and precision, where every thought, action, and moment are carefully considered to achieve spiritual awakening. This dedication to meticulous progression reinforces the impact of mindfulness in achieving depth and truth.
Similarly, as a medium and art form, film making represents an exceptionally intricate and sophisticated technological endeavour. The multifaceted relationship among the conceptualizations of the filmmaker, the machinery, the art, the narrative building, and the human resources involved is so intensely knitted that it often defies comprehensible description. The veracity and authenticity achieved by motion pictures are directly proportional to the filmmaker’s depth of observation and insight.
Creating a film requires careful attention to detail, much like Buddha Dhamma’s emphasis on systematic advancement. Every frame and interaction must be crafted for an authentic and harmonious representation. Buddhist films provide significant opportunities to visualise the Buddha, his teachings, and the self in nuanced ways. Buddhist films can be considered as part of the spiritual journey that reshapes vision and the act of viewing becomes a ritual process and contemplative practice.
The Bodhipath Film Festival aims to celebrate and showcase the rich spiritual, cultural, and philosophical traditions of Buddha Dhamma through the motion picture medium. The film festival underscores the universality of Dhamma, reflecting common values between various traditions, practices, and beliefs across Asian Buddhist countries as individuals, families, societies, and nation at large grapple with contemporary challenges; seeking answers from dharma to address the chaos and uncertainty all- around and the breakdown of human relationships.
The festival aims to illuminate and nurture the core values of Buddha Dhamma through the powerful cinematic expression. The panel discussions will serve as a bridge between filmmakers, scholars, and audiences, encouraging meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas. The festival aspires to preserve and celebrate Buddhist heritage in a rapidly modernizing world, ensuring that the teachings and philosophies of the Buddha continue to awaken and motivate the future generations.
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with the CNRS- Department for Open Research Data, Open Science, Publications, Research Data and High Performance Computing, Paris (CNRS-DDOR), organized a two-day Indo-French Seminar on “Open Horizons: Integrating Open Access, Open Data, and Computational Innovation” on March 5-6, 2025 at CSIR-NIScPR, Satsang Vihar Campus, New Delhi-110067.
Glimpses of Indo-French Seminar
This significant seminar was organized to deliberate on how India and France are taking a stride towards open access, open data and open science; how digital technologies and Open Source platform offer great promise in implementing an information-driven approach to advance science, promote collaborations, increase transparency and utilize tools for partnerships between science and society. The seminar was attended by researchers, scientists, and policymakers from India and France; provided a unique opportunity for open access information sharing and networking opportunities.
The inaugural session was attended by esteemed dignitaries from India and France with Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO, CNRS, France; Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR; Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, CEFIPRA; Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICTon the dais.
“We are delighted to organize this event with CNRS, France, to promote open science and research data sharing,” said Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR setting the tone for the conference. Describing the relevance of the event she said, “This seminar marks an important step towards fostering international collaboration and advancing sharing of scientific research for all sections of the society.” She also mentioned “One Nation One Subscription” initiative of Indian Government and its role in providing open access to larger number of stakeholders.
Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) recollected how they started with 1-2 calls annually to now with so many several dedicated partnerships in S&T between the two countries. He also shared his views about the expectations from this seminar. “Open access made scientific knowledge accessible, it brings a lot of opportunities”, Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director CSIR-IICT shared his thoughts in theinaugural session. He also mentioned the collaborations CEFIPRA has had with CSIR-IICT from last several years.
From the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO; Dr. Sylvie Rousset, Senior Scientist & Head, Open Research Data Department (DDOR) gave a brief of CNRS and DDOR, its objectives functions and roles they are playing in making open access of articles and data, a norm in scientific research. Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR and Dr. Sylvie Rousset, CNRS-DDOR provided the overview of the program of two days seminar like topics of discussions, and takeaways from the sessions.
The first session of the seminar was designed on theme “Policies for Open Access, Open science in France and in India” was, chaired by Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India. Dr. Marin Dacos from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research discussed the benefits of open science like increase in academic efficiency, reproducibility, prevention of duplication, and increasing citation. He also shared highlights of French open science policies in the country. Dr. Remya Haridasan from the PSA Office, Govt. of India, discussed flagship ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative in detail like why it was needed, the impact it has on science dissemination and the hurdles faced by the stakeholders during the implementation. The other speakers who shared their thoughts on open science and data includes Dr. Sylvie Rousset and Mr. Mukesh Pund Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.
The second session was based on topic “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes”. The session was chaired by Prof. Anirban Chakraborti, School of Computational and Integrative Sciences (SCIS), JNU, New Delhi. Dr. Bénédicte Kuntziger, CCSD, CNRS, during his talk said, “At CCSD, we promote open access through HAL, the French national open access repository, ensuring long-term, barrier-free access to publications. Notably, 167,751 full-text documents were deposited in 2024 alone, bringing the total to over 1.4 million full-text documents available through HAL as on January 2025”, he added. Dr. Françoise Rousseau, Couperin Consortium shared the model through which they negotiate with major science publishers to advance open science. Other speakers including Dr. Subbiah Arunachalam from DST-CPR, IISc Bangalore, presented an overview of open access in India, highlighting the country’s progress in promoting open access to research and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Head, CSIR-HRDG presented a perspective on open source and drug discovery, highlighting the potential of open source approaches in accelerating drug discovery and development.
The third session of day 1 was extension of session 2 under the theme “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes (Part II)”. Session was chaired by Dr. Laurence El Khouri from CNRS-DDO. The speakers including Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe discussed the benefits of Diamond Action Plan which proposes to align and develop common resources for the entire Diamond OA ecosystem. Prof. Rajeswari Raina from Shiv Nadar University asked researchers and policy makers to think step ahead while saying it’s not about one scheme, one nation or one sector, we have to see the global aspects and thus need to set the horizons and limits of open access at global level. Dr. Raphael Tournoy from Episciences discussed the importance of Overlay Journals.
All the sessions of day 1 concluded with Q&A, where experts answered questions from the audience and shared their insights on the future of open science. This was followed by Felicitation of the guests and speakers of the event.
The second day of the India-France seminar on Open Science and Research Data concluded successfully, featuring insightful discussions and presentations on computational innovation, research evaluation, and open data sharing.The day’s proceedings began with a session on “R&D in Computational Innovation and Open Source Software,” chaired by Dr. Avinash Kshitij, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. The speakers included- Prof. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA, who discussed the “Software Heritage initiative. Prof. P. K. Suri, Delhi Technological University, delivered a talk on “Data Standardization in Agricultural.Dr. Sridhar Gautam, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, spoke on “Advancing R&D with Open Source Software, Open Access, and Open Data”.Sh. G Mayli Muthu Kumaran Deputy Director General, National Informatics Center (NIC) discuss on the computational innovation and open source and elaborated on the initiative towards the R&D in computational innovation at NIC. This was followed by a session on “Reforming the Evaluation of Research,” which featured presentations from:Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe, discussed “Reforming Research Assessment and CoARA Initiative”. Dr. Vinayak, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR spoke on “Some New Methods for Measuring Phases of Science.” Dr. Moumita Koley from IISc, Bengaluru, discussed on the topic “Rethinking Research Assessment: Building an Efficient and Innovative Research Ecosystem in India” and Dr. Nishy. P, CSIR-NIIST, spoke on “Open Source for Research Evaluation and Future Trends”.
The seminar also featured a session on “Open Data Sharing,” with presentations from Ms. AlkaMisra, Deputy Director General, NIC, who discussed the “Open Data sharing initiative of Govt. of India”. Dr. Marin Dacos, French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, presented “An ecosystem for sharing and opening research data” and Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, presented his talk on “Sharing data in Science.
The seventh session of the seminarhaving a panel discussion on “Future for Open Science, Open Data, and Open Source,” featuring experts from various fields, including Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya; Dr. Laurence El Khouri, CNRS-DDOR; Dr. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA Software Heritage; Dr. Deepali Kuberkar, Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi; Dr. Yogesh Dhoble, CSIR-IPU, New Delhi and Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan, CSIR-NIScPR.
The Indo-French Joint Seminar concluded with the valedictory session during which Dr. Naresh Kumar, Scientists, CSIR-NIScPR delivered the welcome address and highlights of the two-days intense deliberation on the Open Science, Open Source and Open Data in the R&D in Computational Innovation. Prof. Anirban Chakraborti from JNU address the need of balanced approach in moving towards the conduct of Open Science, Dr. Laurence and Dr Avinash Kshitij summarise the two-days deliberation amongst the 6 different topics, Mr.Mukesh Pund, CSIR-NIScPR shows his gratitude towards the Indian and French speakers, scholars, delegates and the all individuals involved in different roles during his address for Vote of Thanks.
About CSIR-NIScPR
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is a premier institute in India, engaged in science communication, STI based policy studies and research.
About CNRS
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a government-funded research organization, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in France and globally.
Researchers have found an efficient, less energy-intensive, and environmentally friendly way of synthesizing hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that is crucial to the industry for disinfection, paper bleaching, and so on.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile oxidizing agent that is widely used in environmental disinfection, chemical synthesis, paper bleaching, and fuel cells. In addition, the growth of this market is driven by the increasing awareness of disinfection, the rise in the number of surgeries, the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, and so on. Currently, over 95% of H2O2 is produced industrially using the anthraquinone oxidation process, which is very energy intensive, expensive and produces many hazardous chemicals as by-products.
Scientists are therefore looking for an environmentally friendly and economical strategy to produce H2O2 from renewable resources with minimal environmental impact. In this context, a new class of porous and ordered polymers with modifiable catalytic sites and light-harvesting properties in visible range, called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have emerged as promising photocatalysts.
Figure1. Sustainable synthesis and versatile applications of hydrogen peroxide.
Researchers at S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have designed and prepared a series of COFs having good water affinity through careful control of the hydrazone linkage density and studied their effect on the photocatalytic performance for H2O2 generation. It was observed that the hydrazone-linked COFs provide abundant docking sites for water and oxygen, thereby promoting water oxidation reaction (WOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) – two main pathways for photocatalytic H2O2 generation.
As a result, the hydrazone-linked COF exhibited exceptional photocatalytic H2O2 production without external sacrificial electron donors when irradiated with a 40 W blue LED (λ = 467 nm). Interestingly, a significant amount of H2O2 (550 μmol g-1 h-1) was also produced under sunlight irradiation, which outperforms most organic photocatalysts under similar conditions, thus demonstrating a clean and sustainable pathway.
Furthermore, as-synthesized hydrazone-linked COFs can generate H2O2 up to 21641 μmol g-1 h-1 using an aqueous benzyl alcohol solution (water: benzyl alcohol = 90:10) by preventing the degradation of H2O2. This strategy of using a mixture of water-benzyl alcohol solution will be helpful in developing a continuous flow reactor for the sustainable production of H2O2 and will reveal a laboratory-to-industry technology transfer for the benefit of mankind.
PM to visit UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Gujarat on 7th – 8th March PM to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects for the UT worth over Rs 2,580 crore at Silvassa
PM to inaugurate NAMO Hospital (Phase I) in Silvassa
PM to launch Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign and distribute the benefits of National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries in Surat
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PM to participate in Lakhpati Didi programme at Navsari
PM to launch G-SAFAL (Gujarat scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) in Navsari
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 7:09AM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Gujarat on 7th – 8th March. He will travel to Silvassa on 7th March and at around 2 PM he will inaugurate the NAMO Hospital (Phase I). At around 2:45 PM, he will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects for the UT worth over Rs 2580 crore at Silvassa. Thereafter, he will travel to Surat and at around 5 PM, he will launch the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign. On 8th March, Prime Minister will travel to Navsari and at around 11:30 AM, he will interact with Lakhpati Didis which will be followed by a public function which will witness the launch of various schemes.
PM in UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Boosting healthcare facilities in all corners of the country has been a primary focus of the Prime Minister. In line with this, he will inaugurate NAMO Hospital (Phase I) in Silvassa. This 450 bedded hospital, built at the cost of over Rs 460 crore, will significantly strengthen healthcare services in the Union Territory. It will provide state-of-the-art medical care to the people in the region, especially the tribal communities.
Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects for the UT worth over Rs 2580 crore at Silvassa. These include various village roads and other road infrastructure, schools, health and wellness centres, Panchayat and administrative buildings, Anganwadi centres, water supply and sewage infrastructure among others. These projects aim to improve connectivity, promote industrial growth, encourage tourism, create employment opportunities and aim at enhancing public welfare initiatives in the region.
Prime Minister will distribute appointment letters under Rozgar Mela. He will also distribute benefits to the beneficiaries under PM Awas Yojana – Urban, Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana and Sylvan Didi scheme.
Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana aims to boost economic empowerment of women belonging to scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), other backward classes (OBCs), minorities and divyangjan in the region through setting up small dairy farms and bringing social and economic changes in their lives. The Sylvan Didi scheme is an initiative to uplift women street vendors by providing them with aesthetically designed carts, with co funding from PM SVANIDHI scheme.
PM in Gujarat
On 7th March, Prime Minister will launch the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat and distribute the benefits under National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.
Women empowerment has been a cornerstone of the work done by the government. Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has been committed to taking steps towards their all round development. In line with this, on 8th March, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister will participate in the Lakhpati Didi programme in Vansi Borsi village in Navsari district and interact with the Lakhpati Didis. He will also felicitate 5 Lakhpati Didis with Lakhpati Didi Certificates.
Prime Minister will launch the G-SAFAL (Gujarat scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) programme of the Government of Gujarat.
The G-MAITRI scheme will provide financial assistance and handholding support to Startups which are working for creating a conducive environment for rural livelihoods.
G-SAFAL will provide financial assistance and entrepreneurial training to SHG women of Antyodaya families in two Aspirational districts and thirteen Aspirational Blocks of Gujarat.
The Reserve Bank of India, vide directive CDG.DOS.RSG.No.S1645/16-03-046/2022-2023 dated March 09, 2023, had placed Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Jalandhar – under Directions from the close of business on March 10, 2023, for a period of six months up to September 10, 2023, the validity of which was last extended up to close of business on March 10, 2025 vide directive DOR.MON/D-79/12.28.319/2024-25 dated December 05, 2024.
2. The Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of the powers vested in it under subsection (1) of Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, hereby directs that the aforesaid Directions shall continue to apply to the bank further for a period of three months from close of business on March 10, 2025 to close of business on June 10, 2025, as per the directive DOR.MON/D-103/12.28.319/2024-25 dated March 05, 2025, subject to review.
3. The extension of Directions should not per se be construed as cancellation of banking license by the Reserve Bank of India. The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves.
The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of Jawahar Sahakari Bank Ltd., Hupri with Kallappanna Awade Ichalkaranji Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd. The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Scheme will come into force with effect from March 10, 2025 (Monday). All the branches of Jawahar Sahakari Bank Ltd., Hupri, will function as branches of Kallappanna Awade Ichalkaranji Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd., with effect from March 10, 2025.
The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014 by the Government of India, stands as one of the most ambitious and holistic initiatives ever undertaken to restore the health of the River Ganga. Its multifaceted approach integrates pollution abatement, ecological restoration, capacity building, and community engagement, with a focus on both the river’s environmental integrity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
In Namami Gange Programme, the implementation of the projects picked up pace after completion of preparatory activities which included robust monitoring & financial approval mechanism. Against available resources of Rs. 20,424.82 Crore for the period 2014-15 to 2023-24, NMCG has disbursed Rs. 16,648.49 Crore, which is 82% of the budgetary provisions.
It is worth noting that the programme’s financial outlay of Rs. 42,500 Crore is not to be treated as immediate expenditure target (cash outgo), but rather a sanctioning space that includes present expenditure and future commitments (annuity payment / O&M expense) for pollution abatement infrastructure with a lifecycle of 17 years (2 years of construction phase and 15 years of operation and maintenance phase). Hybrid Annuity Model was taken as an innovative approach to ensure responsible operation and maintenance of the constructed STPs which has resulted into spread of capital expenditure over 15 years of O&M phase.
The Namami Gange Programme has made significant strides in pollution abatement, creating 3,446 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, surpassing the pre-2014 capacity by over 30 times. NMCG has completed 127 projects and 152 Sewage Treatment Plants within 7-8 years, demonstrating notable progress in restoring the River Ganga’s pristine glory.
The objective of CGF is to mobilize contributions from all sections of the civil society, including residents of the country, NRIs and corporates. 95% of the contributors to the CGF are individual citizens and balance 5% is private corporates and public sector companies. The utilization of funds under CGF undergoes through a rigorous sanctioning process as with budgetary expenditure under NGP with utmost financial prudence. CGF is mainly used for unique and signature projects having significant contribution to the achievement of the National Mission for Clean Ganga objectives.
As per the CPCB’s periodic report on polluted river stretches for restoration of water quality; in Uttar Pradesh in 2015 the stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi was in PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS V (BOD 3-6 mg/l). In UP, out of 135 operational STPs 118 STPs (more than 90% are compliant) achieving norms.
In Bihar, in 2015 the stretch from Buxar to Bhagalpur was in PRS II (BOD 20-30 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l). In Bihar, out of 14 STPs 13 are operational.
In West Bengal, in 2018 the stretch from Triveni to Diamond Harbour was in PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l). In West Bengal, out of 55 existing STPs 53 of them were functional.
To summarize there has been a significant improvement in the water quality in all the states including the above referred states.
In Prayagraj, it would be pertinent to mention that from 2017 to 2024, the treatment capacity has increased from 268 MLD to 348 MLD. Also, the river water quality has improved from PRS IV to PRS V. Further, out of 60 untapped drains in 2017 now there is no untapped drains. Similarly, for Varanasi, treatment capacity has increased from 100 MLD to 420 MLD, number of untapped drains has reduced from 8 to one partially tapped drain and PRS has improved from IV to V.
The improvement in riverine ecosystem is substantiated by the increase in population of Gangetic Dolphin. The comparison of baseline (2018) and current study of WII indicates increase in the population of Gangetic Dolphins (Platanista gangetica) from 3,330 (+/-) 630 to 3,936 (+/-) 763. Now dolphins are recorded from the previously unreported stretches of the Ganga River, such as the stretch between Bithura to Rasula Ghat (Prayagraj). The dolphins were also reported for the first time from the Babai and Bagmati rivers in India.
The success of the Namami Gange Programme in rejuvenating the Ganga is being recognized on the global stage. In December 2022, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration acknowledged it as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives. Furthermore, the International Water Association awarded the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) the title of Climate Smart Utility, further cementing the programme’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the Sri Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka Sri Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital will serve as a modern center for free treatment for the poor and marginalized, providing services to people for many years to come
The Pejawar Mutt has earned a respected place across the country by promoting national unity, preventing forced conversions, supporting the Ram Mandir movement, and serving Sanatan Dharma
Sri Vishweshathirtha Swamiji, who took sanyas at the age of 8, dedicated his life to society, religion, and community
Swamiji combined religious teachings with modern education and dedicated his entire life to education, service, healthcare, and the promotion of the Vedas
Sri Vishweshathirtha Swamiji made a significant contribution in preventing the division of Hindu society into castes in South India
Sri Krishna Seva Ashram Trust, established by the revered Sri Vishweshathirtha Swamiji, has always worked for the service of the poor and marginalized people in society
Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 4:38PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the Sri Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka today.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today, the 150-bed Multi-Speciality Sri Vishweshathirtha Memorial Hospital has been inaugurated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on a 2-acre land at a cost of ₹60 crore. He mentioned that this modern center for free treatment for the poor and underprivileged sections of society will serve people for many years to come. He said that 60 per cent of the beds in this hospital have been reserved for the poor, and the center is equipped with several state-of-the-art services. Shri Shah mentioned that the Sri Krishna Seva Ashram Trust has always worked for the service of the poor and marginalized sections of society. He noted that this trust was founded by the revered Sri Vishweshathirtha Swamiji, and today his successor, Sri Vishwprasannteerth Swamiji, is carrying forward this tradition. He added that the Sri Krishna Medical Center, Sri Krishna Netralaya, Dental Center, and Sri Vishwprasannteerth Memorial Clinic have been established. He emphasized that there cannot be a better treatment center for the poor in Bengaluru than this one.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister said that the Pejawar Mutt is not only a prominent mutt in Karnataka and South India but also in all of India, serving as a beacon of light. He mentioned that under the leadership of Sri Sri Vishweshathirtha, the Pejawar Mutt has earned a respected place across the country for its long-standing efforts in promoting national unity, preventing forced conversions, supporting the Ram Mandir movement, and serving Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma throughout South India and the nation. Shri Shah added that the Pejawar Mutt, located in Udupi, is one of the eight Mutts and has played a significant role in guiding many people on the path of devotion to Lord Krishna, following the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya.
Shri Amit Shah said that finding a saint like Sri Vishweshathirtha Swami is extremely rare in today’s times. He mentioned that Swamiji lived his life for society, religion, and community, taking sanyas at the age of 8 and dedicating his eight decades of life to spirituality. He added that Swamiji was always at the forefront not only in serving Hinduism but also in serving society and the nation. Shri Shah further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred the Padma Vibhushan on Swamiji in 2020.
Union Home Minister said that Swamiji has always worked for national unity. He mentioned that Swamiji played a significant role in preventing the division of Hindu society into castes in South India. He added that Swamiji dedicated his entire life to education, service, healthcare, and the propagation of the Vedas. Shri Shah also said that Swamiji worked to combine religious teachings with modern education. He mentioned that today, Swamiji’s tradition is continuing, and the Udupi Mutt holds great expectations for the country. He highlighted that the Pejawar Mutt played a crucial role in the religious ceremonies of Lord Ram’s consecration at the Ram Mandir. Shri Shah further stated that when Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, Swamiji was one of the prominent saints who went to Delhi to bless him.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has focused a great deal on the health and wellness of the people over the past 10 years. He mentioned that campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Fit India Movement, Nutrition Mission, Mission Indradhanush, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission are different components of the Healthy India campaign. He emphasized that cleanliness can manage health, fitness can make health eternal, and only nutritious and balanced food can keep the human body healthy. Shri Shah further stated that Mission Indradhanush covers all types of vaccinations, the Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured fluoride-free water reaches every home, and under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Prime Minister Modi has provided free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for 60 crore people. He also mentioned that these health initiatives will not succeed unless religious and service-oriented organizations actively promote them. He concluded by stating that the hospital built in memory of Swamiji will play a significant role in keeping society healthy.