President of India to Inaugurate International Conference on Integrative Health Solutions in Delhi on the occasion of Unani Day tomorrow The Government of India remains committed to advancing the development of Unani medicine, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to public welfare and the overall health of the global community: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, (I/C) Ministry of Ayush
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 3:40PM by PIB Delhi
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the two-day International Conference on Unani Day tomorrow at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology & Ministry of Earth Sciences and Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush & Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare will also be present on the occasion.
Every year the 11th of February marks Unani Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of eminent Unani physician, educator, and freedom fighter Hakim Ajmal Khan. The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), a premier research council under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is hosting the distinguished International Conference on “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward” from February 11-12, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
While highlighting the growth of the Unani system of medicine and the focus of the Government towards integration of Ayush systems in mainstream healthcare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, Independent Charge, Ministry of Ayush, said, “I am proud to witness the growing integration of Unani medicine into the global healthcare framework. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we aim to bring forward comprehensive healthcare solutions that honour our traditional practices while addressing modern health challenges. The Government of India remains committed to advancing the development of Unani medicine, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to public welfare and the overall health of the global community.”
While underlining the focus of the Government to boost scientific research activity in Ayush systems, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated that “The establishment of research centres in the Ayush sector, the inclusion of Ayush in mainstream health policies, and integration of traditional systems into the broader health framework reflects India’s commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. This international conference aims to highlight the latest advances in Unani Medicine and their utility in holistic health systems.”
The International Conference offers a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, aiming to highlight the pivotal role of Unani Medicine in the promotion of global health and well-being. Key Objectives of the Conference Include-Fostering Innovation: Exploring new frontiers in Unani medicine for integrative healthcare solutions; Global Collaboration: Facilitating knowledge-sharing among national and international experts in traditional and integrative medicine; Showcasing Achievements: Highlighting the latest research and advancements in Unani medicine by CCRUM.
Key Highlights of the Event include- Scientific Sessions: Expert-led keynote addresses and discussions on integrating Unani medicine into modern healthcare; Exhibition: A vibrant display of innovations in Unani and herbal pharmaceuticals, educational institutions, research organisations, and service providers; Global Participation: Delegates from countries including the USA, South Africa, Iran, Malaysia, UAE, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will contribute to insightful deliberations.
On this occasion, several publications by CCRUM will be released, including the Souvenir of the International Conference. Additionally, NABL and NABH certificates will be awarded to CCRUM institutions. A short video showcasing the Council’s recent initiatives will also be launched. Furthermore, Certificates of Appreciation will be awarded for the best research papers, outstanding contributions to Unani medicine, and the best-performing institutions.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India (GoI) and the Korea Transport Institute (KoTI), Republic of Korea (RoK) was signed today at the Sejong National Research Complex, South Korea by Mr. Youngchan Kim, President of KOTI, and H.E. Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea.
The MoU will enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development, leveraging KOTI’s expertise to support India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives.Joint working meetings will be held for taking the initiative forward.
Further, the MoU will establish a comprehensive mechanism for knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between the Logistics Division, DPIIT and KOTI. This will help in the development of infrastructure and logistics master plans under the aegis of the prestigious program – PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The key benefits of this collaboration include the establishment of a research-driven program that enhances expertise in logistics and infrastructure through knowledge exchange, training, and technical assistance. It will also foster cross-learning in areas such as master planning, technology adoption, and innovation. Additionally, the partnership will highlight the achievements under the PM GatiShakti initiative and promote GIS data-based technology on a global stage.
This will mark a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering innovation in the field of logistics and infrastructure development.
Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), namely Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), are actively utilizing treated mine water from active and abandoned mines for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
CIL is supplying mine water to 878 villages, benefiting about 11.74 lakh people, with 1111.32 Lakh Cubic Meters (LCM) utilized for irrigation, covering 7271 acres in FY 2024-25. CIL subsidiaries are also developing water bodies for fish farming. Existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jharkhand State Government is to facilitate mine water utilization for community, whereas MoU between Western Coalfields Limited and Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited to provide excess mine water for industrial use.
NLCIL is effectively utilizing mine water from its Neyveli lignite mines, with 601.20 LCM used for power generation, 140 LCM supplied as drinking water benefiting 9.55 lakh residents, and 381 LCM supplied for irrigation over 25,000 acres in FY 2024-25. NLCIL, in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu, also supplies treated mine water for drinking purposes through the Chennai Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board and Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board.
SCCL in the State of Telangana is also effectively utilizing mine water, with 357 LCM used for industrial purposes, 20.85 LCM supplied for domestic use, and 662.50 LCM supplied for irrigation in FY 2024-25, benefiting nearby communities. Surplus mine water is stored in agricultural tanks for irrigation, while water from abandoned mines is utilized for community use in surrounding villages for irrigation and domestic needs.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with students during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 The United Nations declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ and promoted it across the world on a proposal from India: PM
Seasonal fruits must be eaten, food must be chewed properly, right food must be eaten at the right time: PM
Absence of illness doesn’t mean we are healthy, focus on wellness: PM
One should prepare oneself for pressure concentrating on task at hand: PM
We should continue to strive for better, fight our own battles, find stillness within: PM
Be an example, don’t demand respect command respect, lead by doing not demanding: PM
Students are not robots, studies are for holistic development, they should have freedom to explore their passions: PM
Exams are not everything, knowledge and exams are not the same thing: PM
The habit of writing should be developed: PM
Discover and nurture each student’s unique talent, look for positivity: PM
We all have the same 24 hours, it’s about managing our time wisely: PM
Focus on the Present, share your feelings with your loved ones: PM
Don’t compare your children with others,understand your children to support their passion, find your child’s strengths: PM
Learn to listen, Right Breathing is the key: PM
Every child is unique, know their dreams, guide their journey, be their support: PM
Avoid comparing students, don’t criticise students publicly, encourage and praise to motivate them: PM
Challenge yourself, defeat your past, thrive in the present: PM
Listen, Question, Understand, Apply, compete with yourself: PM
Convert your failures into opportunities: PM
Use technology wisely not fearfully, technology should be utilised optimally: PM
We should not exploit nature but protect and nurture our Environment showing our gratitude, Ek Ped naam ke Naam is one such initiative: PM
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 3:14PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with students at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi today during the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC). The Prime Minister in an informal interaction with the students from across the country discussed a host of topics. He distributed sweets made of Til (sesame) which is traditionally served during winters to keep the body warm.
Nourish to Flourish
On the topic of Nutrition, Shri Modi remarked that the United Nations had declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ and promoted it across the world on a proposal from India. He added that the Government of India strongly urged that there should be a lot of awareness regarding nutrition, as proper nutrition helps prevent many diseases. The Prime Minister highlighted that Millets were known as a superfood in India. He added that in India, most things like crops, fruits were linked to our heritage and cited an example where every new crop or season was dedicated to God and festivals were celebrated in most places across India. He further mentioned that the offerings to the God were distributed as Prasad. Shri modi urged the children to eat seasonal fruits. He encouraged the children to avoid Junk food, oily food and food products made of Maida. Touching upon the importance of how to eat food correctly, the Prime Minister encouraged the children to chew their food at least 32 times before swallowing. He also shared tips to the children to take small sips of water and savor its taste, whenever they drink water. On the topic of eating the right food at the right time, Shri Modi citing the example of farmers, said that they had a hearty breakfast in the morning before going to the fields and completed their supper before the sunset. He encouraged the students to follow similar healthy habits.
Nutrition and wellness
Discussing Wellness, the Prime Minister underlined that absence of wellness does not mean that one is healthy, and urged the children to focus on wellness. He added that the right amount of sleep was important to ensure the fitness and wellness of the body. He mentioned that there were many research projects being conducted on the importance of sleep in human wellness. Shri Modi, stressing on the importance of sunlight for the human body, encouraged the children to cultivate a daily habit of soaking in the morning sunlight for a few minutes. He also told them to take deep breaths standing under a tree right after the sunrise. The Prime Minister summed it up by informing that for an individual to progress in life, the importance of nutrition lies in what, when, how and why one eats.
Mastering Pressure
On the topic of Mastering Pressure, the Prime Minister remarked that it is unfortunate how our society has ingrained the idea that not scoring high marks in school exams like 10th or 12th means life is ruined. This, he said, added to the pressure on the children. Citing a reference to the batsman’s concentration on the ball in a cricket match, Shri Modi encouraged the children to evade the outside pressure like the batsman and focus and concentrate on their studies only which would help them overcome the pressure.
Challenge Yourself
Asking the students to be well prepared and keep challenging themselves every time, the Prime Minister remarked that many people do not fight their own battles against themselves. He remarked on the importance of self-reflection, urging individuals to frequently ask themselves what they can become, achieve, and what actions will bring them satisfaction. He highlighted that one’s focus should not be swayed by daily external influences like newspapers or TV, but rather should be steadily cultivated over time. The Prime Minister pointed out that many people often let their minds wander without direction. He advised them not to be frivolous in their decisions and make up their mind to find stillness on something which will help them to tackle the challenges.
The Art of Leadership
On being asked by a student to share tips on effective leadership, Shri Modi said that outer appearance does not define a leader but a leader is one who leads by setting an example for others. To achieve this, he said that individuals must change themselves, and their behavior should reflect this change. “Leadership is not imposed, but accepted by those around you”, said the Prime Minister. He remarked that preaching to others will not earn acceptance; it is one’s behavior that is accepted. He cited an example, noting that if one gives a speech on cleanliness but does not practice it, they cannot be a leader. Shri Modi emphasised that teamwork and patience are essential for leadership. He underlined that when delegating tasks, it is important to understand the challenges faced by the team members and helping them through difficulties will build their confidence and trust in leadership. The Prime Minister illustrated this by sharing a childhood story about a child holding a parent’s hand at a fair. The child preferred the parent to hold their hand, ensuring a sense of security and trust. This trust is a significant strength in leadership, he emphasised.
Beyond Books – 360º Growth
On the topic of balancing hobbies with studies, while the general belief is that academics is the only path to success, the Prime Minister stated that students are not robots and emphasized the importance of holistic development. He noted that education is not solely for advancing to the next class but for comprehensive personal growth. Reflecting on the past, he highlighted how the lessons from early schooling like gardening might have seemed irrelevant, but they contribute to overall development. The Prime Minister urged parents and teachers not to confine children to a rigid academic environment, as this stunts their growth. He added that Children need an open environment and activities they enjoy, which in turn enhances their studies. He emphasized that exams are not everything in life, and told students that adopting this mindset will help convince families and teachers. The Prime Minister also clarified that he is not advocating against reading books; rather, he emphasized the importance of acquiring as much knowledge as possible. He remarked that exams are not everything and that knowledge and exams are two different things.
Finding Positives
The Prime Minister remarked that people often question advice given to them, wondering why it was said and if it reflects a flaw in them. This mentality hinders one’s ability to help others. Instead, he advised identifying the good qualities in others, such as singing well or dressing neatly, and discussing these positive traits. This approach shows genuine interest and builds rapport. He further suggested offering assistance by inviting others to study together. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of developing the habit of writing. He noted that those who develop the habit of writing would capture their thoughts effectively.
Find your Uniqueness
Recounting an incident in Ahmedabad where a child was about to be expelled from school for lack of attention, the Prime Minister said however, the child excelled in a tinkering lab and won a robotics competition, showcasing unique strengths. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is the teacher’s role to recognize and nurture unique talents and strengths of children. Shri Modi proposed an experiment for self-reflection and understanding relationships. He suggested recalling 25-30 childhood friends and writing their full names, including their parents’ names. This exercise often reveals how little we know about those we consider close friends. The Prime Minister encouraged identifying positive traits in people and cultivating the habit of finding positivity in others. This practice, he noted, would be beneficial for personal growth.
Master your time, Master your life
On being asked by a student about time management, Shri Modi pointed out that everyone has 24 hours in a day, yet some people accomplish a lot while others feel nothing is achieved. He highlighted the importance of time management, noting that many lack an understanding of how to utilize their time effectively. The Prime Minister advised being mindful of time, setting specific tasks, and reviewing progress daily. He also emphasized the importance of focusing on subjects that are challenging rather than avoiding them. He cited an example of how to take up the subject which one feels difficult first and tackle it head on. By taking on these challenges with determination, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve success. Addressing the issue of distractions caused by various ideas, possibilities, and questions during exam time, the Prime Minister remarked that students often do not truly know themselves and engage in conversations with friends, making excuses for not studying. He noted that common excuses include being too tired or not in the mood. The Prime Minister highlighted that such distractions, including those from phones, hinder focus and academic performance.
Live in the moment
The Prime Minister emphasized that the most valuable thing is the present moment. Once it passes, it is gone, but if lived fully, it becomes a part of life. He highlighted the importance of being mindful and appreciating the moment, such as noticing a gentle breeze.
The Power of Sharing
On the topic of Coping with anxiety and depression while managing their studies, Shri Modi said the issue of depression often starts with feeling disconnected from family and gradually withdrawing from social interactions. He emphasized the importance of expressing inner dilemmas openly to prevent them from escalating. The Prime Minister highlighted the traditional family structure, where open communication with family members acted as a pressure release valve, preventing emotional build-up. He reflected on how his teachers worked hard to improve his handwriting, which deeply touched him and emphasized the impact of genuine care from educators. The Prime Minister noted that this care and attention can greatly influence a student’s well-being and academic performance.
Follow your interests
Shri Modi addressed parental pressure on children to choose certain careers. He remarked that parents’ expectations often stem from comparing their children to others, which can hurt their ego and social status. He advised parents not to showcase their children as models everywhere, but to love and accept their strengths. He cited the previous example of a child who excelled in robotics after being on the verge of expulsion from school, illustrating that every child has unique talents. He also cited the example of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The Prime Minister encouraged parents to recognize and nurture their children’s strengths, even if they are not academically inclined. He emphasized the importance of skill development and mentioned that he would have chosen the Skill Development Department if he were not the Prime Minister. By focusing on their children’s abilities, parents can reduce the pressure and help them thrive.
Pause, Reflect, Reset
The Prime Minister illustrated how focusing on identifying different sounds can help in concentrating. He shared that practicing breathing exercises, such as Pranayama, can generate a different kind of energy, helping to manage anxiety. The Prime Minister provided a technique to balance breathing through both nostrils, which can bring the body under control in seconds. He mentioned how learning about meditation and breath control can alleviate stress and help maintain focus.
Realising your potential, Achieving targets
Addressing the concern of staying positive and finding happiness in small victories, Shri Modi highlighted that sometimes people become negative due to their own thoughts or the influence of others. Interacting with a student who aimed for 95% in the 10th grade but achieved 93%, which led to disappointment, the Prime Minister considered this a success and congratulated the student for setting a higher target. He emphasized that targets should be ambitious yet realistic. Shri Modi encouraged viewing achievements from a positive perspective, understanding one’s strengths, and appreciating the effort put into reaching close to the target.
Every Child is Unique
On the topic of maintaining good health during exams, the Prime Minister remarked that the primary issue lies less with students and more with their families. He highlighted that many parents pressure their children to pursue specific careers, like engineering or medicine, despite the child’s interests in fields like art. This constant pressure leads to a life of stress for the child. He urged parents to understand and recognize their children’s abilities and interests, monitor their progress, and provide support. For instance, if a child shows interest in sports, parents should encourage and motivate them by taking them to watch sports events. The Prime Minister also addressed teachers, urging them to avoid creating an environment where only top-performing students receive attention while others are neglected. He emphasized the importance of not comparing students and encouraging each child’s unique abilities. He reminded the students to strive for improvement and perform well, but also recognize that academics is not everything in life.
Self – Motivation
On the topic of self- motivation, the Prime Minister advised never to isolate oneself and emphasized the importance of sharing thoughts and seeking motivation from family or seniors. He suggested challenging oneself with small goals, such as cycling 10 kilometers, to build confidence and enjoy the sense of accomplishment. Shri Modi highlighted that these small experiments with oneself help overcome personal limitations and live in the present, allowing the past to remain in the past. The Prime Minister stated that he finds motivation from the people – 140 crore Indians. He shared that while he authored “Pariksha Pe Charcha,” individuals like Ajay in their villages are transforming it into their poetry. This makes him feel that he should continue such work, as there are many sources of motivation around us. On being asked about Internalising things, Shri Modi advised that merely contemplating advice, such as waking up early, is not enough without implementation. He emphasized the importance of applying learned principles practically and refining oneself through personal experimentation. The Prime Minister illustrated that by making oneself a laboratory and testing these principles, one can truly assimilate and benefit from them. Shri Modi highlighted that most people compete with others rather than themselves, often comparing themselves to those who may be less capable, which leads to disappointment. He emphasized that self-competition builds unwavering confidence, whereas comparing oneself to others can cause discouragement.
Failure as fuel
On the topic of how to overcome failure, Shri Modi remarked that even if 30-40% of students fail in their 10th or 12th grades, life does not come to an end. He emphasized the importance of deciding whether to succeed in life or only in academics. He advised making failures one’s teacher, using cricket as an example where players review their mistakes and strive for improvement. The Prime Minister urged viewing life holistically, not just through the lens of exams. He highlighted that differently-abled individuals often possess extraordinary strengths and that everyone has unique capabilities. He stressed the importance of working on these strengths rather than focusing solely on academic achievements. He stated that in the long run, it is one’s life and abilities that speak for success, not just academic marks.
Mastering Tech
Emphasising that we are all fortunate, and especially so in an era where technology is widespread and impactful, the Prime Minister remarked that there is no need to shy away from technology, but instead, individuals should determine whether they spend their time on non-productive activities or delve deeper into their interests. By doing so, technology will become a strength rather than a destructive force. Shri Modi highlighted that researchers and innovators develop technology for the betterment of society. He urged people to understand and optimally utilize technology.
On being asked how to give one’s best in any task, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, stating that the first condition for doing one’s best is to strive to be better than yesterday.
How to Convince Your parents?
Addressing the dilemma of choosing between following family advice or personal interests, Shri Modi remarked that it’s important to acknowledge family suggestions and then persuade them by asking how to proceed with their advice and seeking their assistance. By showing genuine interest and discussing alternative options respectfully, families may gradually understand and support one’s aspirations.
Dealing with Exam Pressure
Discussing the common issue of students not finishing their exam papers on time, leading to stress and pressure, the Prime Minister advised thorough practice with previous exam papers to learn how to write concise answers and manage time effectively. He highlighted the importance of focusing on questions that require more effort and not spending too much time on questions that are difficult or unfamiliar. He emphasized that regular practice helps in better time management during exams.
Caring for Nature
The Prime Minister addressed climate change and commended the young generation for their concern about it. He noted that much of the development in the world has led to a culture of exploitation, where people prioritize personal gain over environmental protection. Shri Modi mentioned Mission LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes a lifestyle that protects and nurtures nature. He shared cultural practices in India, such as apologizing to Mother Earth and worshipping trees and rivers, which demonstrate respect for nature. He also highlighted the campaign “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam,” encouraging people to plant trees in memory of their mothers. This initiative fosters a sense of attachment and ownership, leading to the protection of nature.
Growing your own Green Paradise
Shri Modi encouraged the students to plant their own trees and suggested practical tips for watering them. He advised placing a clay pot filled with water next to the tree and refilling it once a month. This method helps the tree grow quickly with minimal water usage. The Prime Minister congratulated everyone and expressed his gratitude for their participation.
Education meets Gaming at Create in India Challenge Season-1 at WAVES 2025 Know Your City well? Come and Play City Quest: Shades of Bharat and get recognised at WAVES 2025 for your knowledge of Indian cities, their achievements and challenges
Compete & learn with city-specific cards promoting SDG awareness & regional pride; Explore strengths of 56 Indian cities & overall sustainability performance on a global scale
Innovative Gaming meets Sustainable Development: City Quest-Shades of Bharat highlighted the SDG action at IIT Bombay’s E-Summit 2025, driving youth engagement
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 3:17PM by PIB Delhi
If you have in-depth knowledge of your city’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), here’s your chance to be recognized on a national stage.World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES)2025offers a unique opportunity for individuals who understand their city’s sustainability efforts, challenges, and achievements.
‘City Quest: Shades of Bharat‘, an innovative educational game, is a key component of the ongoing Create in India Challenge under WAVES 2025. This engaging game is designed to educate and inspire the youth by gamifying the metrics of urban development through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explores the strengths and challenges of 56 cities across the country while reliving the joy of the childhood trump card game.
This platform will provide a space to highlight cities making significant strides toward a sustainable future. Stand out as a champion of urban sustainability and get the opportunity to showcase your knowledge about the city’s SDG journey, with winners to be felicitated at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.
About the Game
City Quest game engages in a single-player format where players compete against a computer opponent using a deck of city cards. Each card features six parameters, allowing players to compare cities based on various statistics, such as the Hunger Index, Good Health and Well-being, and Gender Equality. It tracks 15 SDGs and uses the top 6 SDGs across 56 cities using NITI Aayog’s Urban Index (2021).
Through interactive gameplay, it educates players on the developmental challenges and achievements of 56 Indian cities, emphasizing the impact of sustainable practices.
As players explore each city’s attributes through City Quest, they also gain insights into how individual and collective actions can significantly impact India’s overall sustainability performance on a global scale
CityQuest game is open to participation by all individuals across all age groups offering a dive into a nostalgic card game experience with a fresh twist and an opportunity to learn more about Bharat’s vibrant cities. The game features both national and city-specific leaderboards, fostering healthy competition among players and encouraging participation from various regions. Players can sign up for their home city, creating a sense of community and local pride.
City Quest: Igniting Minds at IIT Bombay’s E-Summit 2025
‘City Quest: Shades of Bharat’, an Edu-game that compares 56 Indian cities on Sustainable Development Goals was showcased at the recently concluded E-Summit 2025, the annual flagship event of E-Cell IIT Bombay last week. The event had unmatched energy, enthusiastic minds, endless excitement, and a buzzing crowd of over 30,000 students over two days.
At IIT Bombay’s E-Summit 2025, E Gaming Federation (EGF), which is driving City Quest in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, steered key discussions on gaming, startups, and emerging tech. Their sessions illuminated the significant role that the gaming industry and innovative technologies play in modern entrepreneurship.
Key headliners at the Summit included Nandan Nilekani, Anupam Mittal, and Sonam Wangchuk. City Quest caught the attention of IITB students and visitors, generating buzz around the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit 2025, as well as the Create in India Season 1 Challenges.
SDG engagement through Interactive Storytelling at IIT Bombay
City Quest offered an immersive experience to students via interactive storytelling about Indian cities and the importance of active participation by Indian citizens through daily actions in significantly boosting India’s performance on SDG global rankings.
Exciting competitions were also organized amongst students as brand ambassadors of their hometowns competing with each other through City Quest trump cards. Select winners were awarded a special edition of City Quest decks every hour of the day.
Highlights of City Quest: Shades of Bharat:
Innovative Gameplay: Players participate in friendly competitions, using strategic thinking to assess how cities contribute to achieving the SDGs, fostering a sense of community and civic pride.
Bridging Gaps: City Quest exemplifies how gamification can effectively bridge policy and public participation, offering an engaging method to educate and motivate India’s youth towards sustainable development.
WAVES 2025
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Railways, Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced the dates and venue for the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025). This landmark event, set to position India as a global leader in the creative industries, will be held in Mumbai from 1st May 2025 to 4th May 2025.
The announcement follows a fruitful meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, reflecting the nation’s ambition to become the creative powerhouse of the world. This summit will bring together the world’s top media CEOs, biggest entertainment icons, and creative minds from across the globe—unifying entertainment, creativity, and culture like never before.
Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their… pic.twitter.com/FoXeFSzCFY
The game is currently available for free on Android devices viaGoogle Play, providing an accessible platform for players nationwide to engage with important social issues while contributing to a collective understanding of urban growth and sustainability.
The Government stands committed to address the problems pertaining to the environment and climate change. The Government has notified a set of legislative and regulatory and administrative measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and prevention, control and abatement of pollution.
The Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been designated as the nodal ministry in the Union Government to oversee the implementation of India’s environmental and forest policies and programmes including climate change. The Ministry has launched various schemes, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment, forests and prevention, control and abatement of pollution.
These schemes are at various stages of their implementation and include umbrella schemes on environmental knowledge and capacity building; national coastal management programme; environment education, awareness, research and skill development; control of pollution; national mission for a green India, integrated development of wildlife habitat; conservation of natural resources and ecosystem, the impact of some of which is given below:
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019 covers 130 cities in 24 States and UTs with an objective to achieve substantial improvement in air quality, up to 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2025-26 from 2017-18. A ‘PRANA’ portal has been launched to update the air quality data in real time.
A regulatory framework for Circular Economy in various waste streams has been notified. The producers have been mandated to get the end-of-life wastes recycled under extended producer responsibility regime. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules have been notified for plastic waste, tyre waste, battery waste, used oil waste and e-waste with the objective to enhance the circularity in economy and also help manage the wastes in environmentally sound manner.
The ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)’ has been launched on 5th June, 2024 to restore and promote mangroves as a unique, natural eco-system and for preserving and enhancing the sustainability of the coastal habitats. The objective of the MISHTI is to ‘restore mangrove forests’ by undertaking mangrove reforestation/afforestation measures along the coast of India. Approximately 22,561 Hectares of Degraded Mangroves have been restored in 13 States/UTs and ₹17.96 Crore released for the restoration of 3,836 Hectares in 6 States/UTs
The National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB) is implementing Nagar Van Yojana which envisages developing 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas in the country during the period from 2020-21 to 2026-27 with an objective to significantly enhance the trees outside forests and green cover, enhancement of biodiversity and ecological benefits to the urban and peri-urban areas apart from improving quality of life of city dwellers.
The Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is a global initiative launched by India in October, 2022 aimed at fostering sustainable lifestyles through mindful and deliberate consumption to protect the environment. The initiative focuses on seven core themes: saving water, conserving energy, reducing waste, managing e-waste, eliminating single-use plastics, promoting sustainable food systems, and adopting healthy lifestyles.
In alignment with the ‘LiFE’, MoEFCC has notified the Eco-mark Rules on 26th September, 2024. The scheme will encourage the demand for environment-friendly products aligning with the principles of ‘LiFE’, promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.
On ‘World Environment Day’ celebrated on 5th June, 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (# Plant4Mother)’, exhorting people to plant trees as a mark of love and respect for one’s own Mother and for protecting and preserving the Mother Earth. MoEFCC has reached out to Central Government Ministries/Departments, State Governments, Institutions and Organizations to ensure the plantation of 140 crore trees by March, 2025. 109 crore saplings have been planted by January 2025.
The number of Protected Areas in the country, which stood at 745 in the year 2014 have risen to 1022. This accounts for 5.43% of the country’s total geographic area. There has been a substantial increase in establishment of Community Reserves. The numbers of Community Reserves in the country has increased from 43 in the year 2014 to 220 as on date.
Apart from the protected areas, the country also has 57 Tiger Reserves notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 with the prime focus of conservation of tigers and its habitat. States have also declared 33 elephant reserves for providing safer habitats to the elephants.
Since 2014, 59 wetlands have been added to the list of ‘Ramsar’ sites, taking the tally to 89 in the country covering an area of 1.35 million ha. India boasts the largest ‘Ramsar’ site network in Asia and the 3rd largest in the world in terms of number of sites. Besides, Udaipur and Indore have been recently included in the list of Wetland Accredited Cities under the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme implemented under the Ramsar Convention.
As per All India Tiger Estimation 2022 report, the estimated tiger population in India is 3,682, which accounts for 70% of wild tiger population of the World. The area under the tiger reserve network is now 82,836.45 sq km, which is roughly 2.5% of the total geographical area of the country.
India’s climate action is guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the long-term strategy to reach net-zero by 2070 and it cuts across various sectors of the economy. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) provides the overarching framework for all climate actions and comprises missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture, human health and strategic knowledge for climate change. All these Missions are institutionalized and implemented by their respective Nodal Ministries/Departments. The MoEFCC has implemented the Central Sector Schemes namely, Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) and the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) assisting in efforts of the Government to combat climate change.
As a result of these interventions, India has progressively continued decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, India’s emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by 36%. By October 2024, the share of non-fossil sources in the installed electricity generation capacity was 46.52%. The total installed capacity of renewable power, including large hydropower, is 203.22 GW, and cumulative renewable power installed capacity (excluding large hydro projects) has increased 4.5 times from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW. India’s forest and tree cover has consistently increased and currently stands at 25.17% of the total geographical area of the country. From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent has been created.
Despite India’s very low contribution to historical emissions and to the current levels of global emissions, India has taken several climate actions to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances and in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, as enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement.
This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Indian Delegation under the leadership of Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur to participate in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development 2025 in New York, USA Smt. Thakur will present India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum on the Priority Theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion” tomorrow
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 2:34PM by PIB Delhi
India will be participating in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSoCD), scheduled from 10th to 14th February, 2025, under the leadership of Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India (GoI). The CSoCD session aims to foster discussions and partnerships on critical social development issues, with a focus on advancing inclusive social policies and promoting social well-being globally.
During the session, India will actively participate in key deliberations. Smt. Savitri Thakur, MoS will present India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum on the Priority Theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion” on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025.
The Indian delegation will also contribute to the discussions on emerging issues like “Policies to Bolster Social Resilience in the Context of More Frequent and Complex Crises” and also participate in discussions on Universal Rights-Based Social Protection Systems.
The Indian delegation will highlight policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening social resilience at the meeting.
The discussions during this Commission for Social Development session are expected to deepen global collaboration in addressing social vulnerabilities and improving resilience in the face of crises. India remains committed to sharing its experiences and learning from global peers to build stronger, more resilient societies.
The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), formerly known as the National Academy of Statistical Administration (NASA), established on 13th February 2009 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), will celebrate its 17th Foundation Day on 13th February 2025 at NSSTA, Greater Noida. The event marks 17 years of significant contributions of the NSSTA in capacity building in the field of Official Statistics for promoting evidence-based governance.
NSSTA is a premier institution entrusted with the responsibility of building statistical capacity of the Central and State/UT Governments officials, as well as International Participants. Through its initiatives, NSSTA contributes significantly to the advancement of data-driven decision-making. The NSSTA also fostering collaborations with national and international institutions to promote global best practices in capacity building.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Empowering Governance Through Statistical Excellence – 17 Years of Capacity Development and Collaboration,” underscores NSSTA’s critical role in shaping India’s statisticall and scape while promoting national and international collaboration.
As India strives towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, NSSTA remains a pivotal institution in skill upgradation of statistical personnel for of a robust, transparent, and technologically advanced statistical ecosystem through comprehensive training in traditional and modern statistical methodologies, IT, big data analytics, and communication & dissemination of statistics etc.
The celebration of foundation day will be graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC); Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Capacity Building Commission (CBC); Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, MoSPI; Shri Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India and other senior officers etc.
The event will cover the inaugural as well as technical sessions, which mainly focus on the evolution of the National Statistical Systems & the academy’s role in strengthening the systems,Insights on India’s Statistical Strategy & future priorities and global perspectives on capacity building in official statistics & potential collaboration with NSSTA. The event will also highlight the NSSTA contributions and its critical role in fostering data-driven governance. Sessions will also emphasis the Academy’s journey, key achievements and future plans for advancing statistical capacity building in emerging areas.
The event will be live streamed and it will bring together more than 500 participants which include distinguished group of stakeholders, policymakers, State and Central Government officers and participants from International Organizations.
This event is not only a celebration of NSSTA`s foundation day but also an event to remember its contribution to Indian Statistical Systems through continued capacity building.
NHRC, India in collaboration with the Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur organised a National conference on combating human trafficking in the digital era In his inaugural address, NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice Shri V Ramasubramanian emphasised the need for building awareness among people about the pitfalls while engaging with digital spaces to ensure their safety
Highlighted strengthening of the regulatory and institutional frameworks as well as technological solutions to check effectively the misuse of digital space
Among various suggestions, the conference stressed on amending the ITP Act to provide clearer distinctions between child and adult trafficking with specific provisions to include cyber trafficking within its scope
Formal linkage between the ITPA and the IT Act also stressed filling existing legal gaps and addressing trafficking in the digital realm
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 1:13PM by PIB Delhi
Justice Shri V Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India inaugurated a day-long National Conference on ‘Combating human trafficking in the digital era’ organised on 7th Februray, 2025 by the Commission in collaboration with the Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. With digital technologies increasingly being exploited for human trafficking, this conference examined the role of the internet, social media, cryptocurrency, and various online tools in facilitating trafficking crimes and the role of technology, law enforcement agencies, and the community in preventing them.
Addressing virtually, the experts, law enforcement officials, academicians, and activists gathered to deliberate upon the growing menace of cyber-enabled trafficking, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted various forms of digital trafficking such as sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, organ trafficking, and forced marriage. He also highlighted “Active Recruitment,” known as Hook Fishing, and “Passive Recruitment,” known as Net Fishing using digital technology to lure in gullible people.
The NHRC, India Chairperson emphasised the need for building awareness among people about the pitfalls while engaging with digital spaces to ensure their safety besides strengthening the regulatory and institutional frameworks as well as technological solutions to check effectively the misuse of digital space.
The conference was divided into two thematic sessions. The first session focused on the role of the Internet in facilitating human trafficking and migrant smuggling: A legal, administrative, and regulatory perspective’. It was chaired by Smt Bhamathi Balasubramanian, IAS (Retd.), co-chaired by Dr Sanjeev Shukla, Inspector General of Police, Bilaspur. Other resource persons included Dr K.V.K. Santhy, Professor of Law, NALSAR Hyderabad; Shri Kirtan Rathore, Additional SP, Raipur; and Smt Pratibha Tiwari, Additional SP, Mahasamund.
The session provided a comprehensive discussion on the various factors contributing to human trafficking, with a strong emphasis on its gendered dimensions and the growing role of digital anonymity in facilitating such crimes. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the issue of migrant smuggling in different parts of India, particularly examining recruitment strategies, coordination networks, and the smuggling of victims.
Experts highlighted trafficking cases from Chhattisgarh, shedding light on the persistent problem of non-reporting and the critical role played by Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in addressing these challenges. The session also explored the regulatory mechanisms in place to combat trafficking, emphasizing the need for capacity building and the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored to the digital era. Additionally, the speakers underscored the role of the internet, artificial intelligence, and digital forensics in tracking and preventing trafficking cases, particularly those involving social media and missing children.
The second session was focused on the theme “Preventive Strategies against Human Trafficking: Role of Technology, Law Enforcement Agencies, Victim Support, and Community Engagement.” It was chaired by Dr Manish Mishra, Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Human Rights Commission, and co-chaired by Dr Purushotam Chandrakar, Member, Child Welfare Committee (Raipur). The panellists also included Ms Pallabi Ghosh, Founder & Director, Impact and Dialogue Foundation (Kolkata); Ms Chetna Desai; Shri Ritesh Kumar, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Chhattisgarh; and Prof. (Dr) Vishnu Konoorayar, Professor of Law, HNLU.
Shri Joginder Singh, Registrar (Law), NHRC, India in his concluding remarks said that combating human trafficking is a global effort requiring collaboration between governments, NGOs, technology companies, and individuals.
The conference brought forward several key suggestions to address the growing challenge of human trafficking some of which are as follows:
• Amend The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) to provide clearer distinctions between child and adult trafficking, with specific provisions to include cyber trafficking within its scope; • Formal linkage is needed between the ITPA and the IT Act to fill existing legal gaps and address trafficking in the digital realm;
• Increase awareness regarding self-reporting portals such as the Centralized Complaint and Prevention of Women and Children (CCPWC), which could serve as an effective tool for public participation in reporting trafficking cases;
• Equip and train Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) to combat trafficking in the digital era; • Authentic data on human trafficking needs to be systematically collected across different categories to better inform policies and interventions;
• There is a need for community engagement as a critical component in combating trafficking in all its forms by encouraging local communities to take an active role in preventing and reporting such crimes.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) was envisaged as a comprehensive package which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also improve the capacity of food processing units which help in providing better returns to farmers and creating employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.
However, standalone cold storages are not supported under PMKSY. The state-wise number of storages approved for captive use under PMKSY since inception in 2017 are at Annexue-1. Further, under the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure a sub-scheme of PMKSY, 06 projects are approved in the state of Telangana in the last five years. The details district –wise are at Annexure-2.
As informed by Food Corporation of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in order to upgrade and modernize the storage facilities, Government of India approved Action Plan for construction of steel silos on PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode in the country. Under this plan, Silos with capacity of 24.25LMT at various locations throughout country are under implementation. Out of which silos with a capacity of 17.75LMT have been completed and remaining 6.5LMT are under various stages of development. In addition to above, silos of 5.5LMT capacity at 7 locations have already been constructed and put to in use in 2007-09 under circuit base model. Further, under phase –I of Hub & Spoke model Silos of 10.125 LMT at 14 locations on FCI owned land awarded and 24.75 LMT at 66 locations on private land have been awarded and are in development stage. As per the data of Food Corporation of India (FCI), the status of Grain Silos construction as on 30.11.2024 is placed at Annexure-3
MoFPI has been implementing Central Sector Umbrella Scheme – PMKSY since 2016-17 to create post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities to boost the overall development of the food processing sector including reduction in post-harvest losses. The component schemes under PMKSY provide credit linked financial assistance (capital subsidy) in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing/preservation infrastructure which, inter-alia, includes cold storages and refrigerated vehicles to minimize post-harvest losses.
As per the Evaluation Study conducted and submitted by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS) in 2020 on “Impact of Units Implemented under Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure assisted by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)”, it was highlighted that due to interventions of the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, while all sectors had shown some decrease in wastages, but Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy and Fisheries sector had shown significant reduction in wastages.
Apart from MoFPI, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has also launched the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme in July 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package in order to improve post-harvest infrastructure and create community farming assets. The AIF Scheme facilitates sanction of medium to long term loans by Banks and other lending institutions for the setting up of cold storage facilities, warehouses and processing units, aimed at reducing crop wastage and enhancing value addition.
This information was provided by the minister of state for food processing industries Shri Ravneet Singh in a written reply to rajysabha.
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ANNEXURE-1
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”
Ministry is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY). Under PMKSY standalone Cold storages/ frozen storage/ CA/ MA are not supported. The number of storages approved for captive use under PMKSY since inception in 2017 are as follows:
S.No
State
No of Cold storages/ frozen storage/ CA/ MA
Capacity
(LMT/Annum)
1
Andaman & Nicobar
2
0.29
2
Andhra Pradesh
31
7.88
3
Arunachal Pradesh
1
0.14
4
Assam
8
6.97
5
Bihar
1
7.44
6
Chandigarh
0
0.0
7
Chhattisgarh
6
2.61
8
Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
0
0.05
9
Delhi
0
0.0
10
Goa
0
0.06
11
Gujarat
35
20.28
12
Haryana
30
8.89
13
Himachal Pradesh
28
4.34
14
Jammu & Kashmir
16
1.99
15
Jharkhand
0
0.0
16
Karnataka
35
12.17
17
Kerala
12
4
18
Ladakh
0
0.0
19
Lakshadweep
0
0.0
20
Madhya Pradesh
17
8.17
21
Maharashtra
93
72.71
22
Manipur
5
0.09
23
Meghalaya
0
0.12
24
Mizoram
9
0.58
25
Nagaland
3
0.35
26
Orissa
8
2.54
27
Puduchery
0
0.0
28
Punjab
61
14.69
29
Rajasthan
29
7.18
30
Sikkim
0
0.0
31
Tamil Nadu
59
10.6
32
Telangana
16
9.49
33
Tripura
1
1.11
34
Uttar Pradesh
38
16.92
35
Uttarakhand
64
11.61
36
West Bengal
35
8.06
TOTAL
643
241.33
ANNEXURE-2
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”
Details of sanctioned projects in the state of Telangana under the scheme of Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure, a component of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) in the last five years (as on 31.12.2024)
Sr.No.
Project
Sector
District
State
Total project cost (₹ in crore)
Approved grant (₹ in crore)
Amount of grant released (₹ in crore)
Status
1
Sri Krupa RGR Agrogatros
F&V
Nalgonda
Telangana
36.22
9.36
2.22
Under Implementation
2
VNR Dairy Products
Dairy
Nalagonda
Telangana
26.20
6.84
4.56
Under Implementation
3
Dadus
Dairy
Malkajgiri
Telangana
77.31
7.35
2.45
Under Implementation
4
Almond House Private Limited
Dairy
Hyderabad
Telangana
56.81
7.62
2.54
Under Implementation
5
Manjeera Dairy Products
Dairy
Sangareddy
Telangana
22.71
6.51
0
Under Implementation
6
AL QAWI Frozen Foods Pvt Ltd
Meat
Sangareddy
Telangana
32.71
8.68
0
Under Implementation
TOTAL
251.96
46.36
11.77
ANNEXURE-3
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”
At the invitation of President Macron, I will be visiting France from 10 to 12 February. In Paris, I look forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit, a gathering of the world leaders and global tech CEOs, where we will exchange views on collaborative approach to AI technology for innovation and larger public good in an inclusive, secure and trustworthy manner.
The bilateral segment of my visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress on 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France strategic partnership along with my friend President Macron. We will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France and also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries including France, to harness energy for the global good. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
From France, I will proceed on a two day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump. Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.
This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world.
Indian Railways working on war footing to make sure that devotees come in & go back smoothly during ongoing Mahakumbh 2025 All eight stations in Prayagraj area including the Prayagraj Junction are fully functional; Railways run 330 trains on Sunday & 191 trains by today 3 pm to ease the continued rush of pilgrims
Union Minister of Railways & the Chairman Railway Board review the ongoing rush situation & Railway’s preparedness ahead of next Amrit Snan of Maghi Poornima on 12th January, 2025
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 4:41PM by PIB Delhi
Despite continued heavy rush, Indian Railways is working on war footing to serve the devotees by bringing them in & taking back their home during the ongoing Mahakumbh. Countering a wrong media report a day before, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the nation through media that about 330 trains from eight different stations in the Prayagraj area carried 12 Lakh 50 thousand passengers back to their homes. Even as rush is not coming down, Indian Railways by running one train each from these stations in just above 4 minutes is making sure that devotees don’t have to wait after their holy bathing.
Yesterday, 12.5 lakh pilgrims were facilitated and a record 330 trains departed from Prayagraj Mahakumbh area stations. Today, 130 trains have departed from the mela area so far. All Mahakumbh mela railway stations are operating smoothly. pic.twitter.com/XwuyROinR8
Ahead of the next pious Amrut Snan of Maghi Poornima, One rake of these trains is catering to on an average 3780 passengers in a single trip is showing that rush is not coming down. Reviewing the situation at a meeting with zonal & divisional railway officials, Chairman Railway Board & CEO, Shri Satish Kumar asked the officials to bring to the notice of the media all its efforts in serving the people efficiently and at full capacity. He mentioned that Prayagraj Junction along with 7 other stations Prayagraj Chheoki, Naini, Subedarganj, Prayag, Phaphamau, Prayagraj Rambagh, and Jhusi are fully functional. Despite the continued rush, Special and regular trains are running at full capacity from these 8 stations from Prayagraj area. The closure of only one station, Prayagraj Sangam, two days before and two days after any Amrit Snan is a routine practice, Shri Satish Kumar emphasized. Further, this is done on the suggestion of prayagraj district administration and was done all through previous holy baths, the Amrit Snans. There is nothing new in it. He urged the media, Zonal & Divisional offices of public relations of Indian Railway to highlight its massive efforts to help devotees reach the Mahakumbh city, specially in the light of reported traffic snarls in the adjoining areas. The fact remains that by 3 PM today, more than 190 special and regular trains had already departed from the 8 stations including the crucial Prayagraj Junction carrying more than 8 lakh pilgrims.
Earlier in the day, CRB & CEO Shri Satish Kumar briefed the Union Rail Minister, Shri Ashwani Vaishnaw about the smooth functioning of railways’ services in Prayagraj area in the war room of Rail Bhawan, where CCTV camera footage from all the railway stations were being received. Both reviewed the ongoing situation of rush & discussed preparation of Railways ahead of the next Amrit snan of Maghi Purnima. Later Chairman, Railway Board urged the media and public in general not to fall prey to isolated media reports regarding services being affected at the crucial Prayagraj Junction. He said that the facts can easily be verified by visiting the 8 Railway stations where the Mela special trains, painted with mahakumbh logo, are running day and night. Running 330 trains on a normal day by Indian Railway is an evidence of its unwavering commitment to the people of India. This number is almost on par with 360 trains that were run on Mauni Amavasya last month, when the rush was on its historic peak.
Passengers are advised to refer to official railway sources for the latest updates and to avoid misleading information.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Shatrunjay Kumar
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“India Energy Week 2025 (IEW’25) is set to be the first major global event on the energy calendar and the most comprehensive and inclusive energy gathering of the year, especially in light of recent global developments that are expected to have a transformative impact on the energy market,” said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, while interacting with the media today.
Speaking on the sidelines of IEW’25, which will be held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, from February 11 to 14, 2025, Shri Puri highlighted India’s growing stature in the global energy landscape. He stated that IEW’25 is set to be even larger, more diverse, and more impactful than its previous two editions. Covering over 1 lakh square meters, IEW’25 will be the second-largest energy event globally in terms of ministerial and CEO participation, exhibition space, and the number of sessions.
IEW’25 is set to be a landmark event in the global energy calendar, continuing its rapid growth from previous editions. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted key metrics showcasing this expansion: a 65% increase in exhibition space over 2024 (28,000 sqm), 105 conference sessions (15% higher than 2024, 24% higher than 2023), 70,000+ delegates (55% higher than 2024, 89% higher than 2023), 500 speakers (38% higher than 2024, 58% higher than 2023), and 700+ exhibitors (57% higher than 2024, 115% higher than 2023). He touched upon some more key milestones, including a 35% increase in abstracts received as compared to last year (2,702 submissions) and a rise in international speakers at the Strategic Conference from 33% in 2024 to 48% in 2025.
The Minister said that on the sidelines of IEW’25, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas will host a Clean Cooking Ministerial, bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to accelerate the transition to clean cooking solutions. The event will showcase India’s success with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) as a model for global adoption. It aims to foster international collaboration, drive policy discussions, and facilitate technology sharing to ensure clean, affordable, and accessible cooking energy for households worldwide.
Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Puri, underlined the event’s unprecedented scale, with 10 country pavilions (including Canada, Germany, Japan, the USA, and the UK) and 8 thematic zones covering areas such as hydrogen (1951 sqm), biofuels (1164 sqm), and net zero initiatives ( 350 sqm).
The event will see participation from major Indian energy ministries, including the Ministry of Power, MNRE, NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Mines, reflecting India’s commitment to integrated energy solutions, the Minister said. The Sustainable Mobility Pavilion, set up by SIAM, will showcase 15 cutting-edge vehicle models from 10 OEMs, under the theme “People-Centric Mobility Ecosystem.”
Minister Shri Puri encouraged attendees to explore pioneering technologies developed by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Key exhibits include ONGC’s deep-sea simulation game, HPCL’s indigenous Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System, BPCL’s LPG cylinder ATM, and CSIR’s e-tractor for sustainable agriculture.
With its scale, innovation, and global participation, IEW’25 is poised to position India at the forefront of the global energy transition.
Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launches National Mass Drug Administration Round for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis across 13 identified LF endemic states Initiative aims to protect millions from this debilitating disease and accelerate India’s fight against Lymphatic Filariasis
From February 10, medicines will be made available free of cost to over 17.5 crore population across 111 endemic districts: Shri J P Nadda
Calls for implementation of five-pronged strategy for eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of the SDG goal of 2030
Underscores importance of “whole of government” approach in the spirit of Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari
“India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027”
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 1:09PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination through a video conference with State Health Ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic States, here today. The participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken, and the critical role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA program. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 States with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.
The State Health Ministers who participated the meeting included Shri Satya Kumar Yadav (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Ashok Singhal (Assam), Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (Chhattisgarh), Shri Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel (Gujarat), Shri Irfan Ansari (Jharkhand), Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), Shri Rajendra Shukla (Madhya Pradesh), Shri Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Shri Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Shri Prakashrao Abitkar (Maharashtra) and Shri Brijesh Pathak (Uttar Pradesh).
The MDA campaign is a core component of India’s LF elimination strategy, led by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The program focuses on the door-to-door administration of anti-filarial medication, ensuring that every eligible individual consumes the prescribed medicine to stop the transmission of the disease. LF, commonly known as “Hathi Paon,” is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can lead to physical disabilities such as lymphoedema (swelling of the limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling) and impose long-term burdens on affected individuals and families.
Speaking at the event, the Union Health Minister emphasized “An LF-free India is our commitment, and achieving this goal requires the participation of every citizen and with active community involvement. With a shared sense of responsibility, we can eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, ensuring protection for crores”. “Under the able leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, this campaign will be driven by the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, turning this into a Jan Andolan and with active community participation and a sense of collective ownership, India can eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, ensuring that millions are protected from this disease”, he reaffirmed.
Noting that Lymphatic Filariasis incapacitates people and deteriorates their quality of life, Shri Nadda called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to ensure that the disease is eliminated much ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal of 2030. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left out during the MDA campaign which takes place twice a year in 111 districts in 13 states. He stated, “From February 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease.” Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, “the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis.”
Shri Nadda urged the States/UTs to monitor the campaign at a state level to ensure early diagnosis of affected people. He also called for the personal involvement of the political and administrative leadership at the identified state/district levels for the same.
The Union Minister emphasized the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach by engaging various ministries and departments to support campaign activities. He highlighted that this integrated approach, coupled with high-level advocacy across allied ministries, would foster intersectoral convergence.
Shri Nadda urged states to implement effective IEC activities to increase awareness among people. He called for engaging digital technologies for wider reach. On this note, he highlighted the good work done by UP and Odisha and appreciated them using digital technologies effectively.
He underscored the importance of political involvement of the State Health Ministers. He exhorted them to involve other elected representatives, particularly Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies and Councils, as well as Panchayati Raj Institutions, and encourage their active participation in mobilizing communities to ensure the effective implementation of MDA activities.
Shri Nadda stated that efforts are underway to integrate MMDP services fully in Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities for access to better self-care and approximately 50% lymphodema cases receive Morbidity Management and Disability Preventaion (MMDP) kits annually. He stated that under NHM, there is provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries and PMJAY scheme also has option of hydrocelectomy for the beneficiaries. He informed that close to 50% hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states in 2024. He highlighted that through these efforts, Arogya Mandirs would help in reducing the burden of LF, allowing affected individuals to lead healthier lives and promoting the vision of a disease-free, developed Viksit Bharat.
The Union Health Minister concluded his address by reiterating the importance of effectively managing this disease which has a high mortality. Noting that this is a last mile challenge, he urged health workers to work in targeted areas from the ground level in a focused manner. “India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027”, he stated.
About MDA:
The MDA campaign, will cover 111 endemic districts across 13 states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This campaign reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis through comprehensive prevention strategies, enhanced awareness, and ensuring widespread compliance with MDA.
The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign involves the supervised administration of a combination of anti-filarial medicines to all eligible individuals in LF-endemic areas, regardless of whether they show symptoms. The medication regimen includes:
Double Drug Regimen (DA): Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole
Triple Drug Regimen (IDA): Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), and Albendazole
The goal of MDA is to reduce the spread of LF by eliminating the microscopic filarial parasites present in the bloodstream of infected individuals, thus preventing further transmission by mosquitoes. While the MDA medication is extremely safe and effective, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach. The following groups should not consume the drugs:
– Children below 2 years of age
– Pregnant women
– Seriously ill individuals
All other eligible individuals should consume the medicine in the presence of a trained health worker to ensure proper consumption and avoid wastage or misuse.
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry; senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and MD (NHM) from states were present in the meeting.
Aero India 2025 takes flight; Raksha Mantri inaugurates 15th edition of Asia’s biggest aerospace & defence exhibition in Bengaluru Aero India 2025 will further strengthen relations among like-minded countries to deal with today’s uncertainties: Shri Rajnath Singh
“There is no Indian security or Indian peace in isolation; Security, stability & peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders”
Today, the defence sector is powering the growth engine of Indian economy, says RM
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 11:57AM by PIB Delhi
“Aero India 2025, a confluence of critical & frontier technologies, will provide a platform to further strengthen relations among like-minded countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit to deal with today’s uncertainties,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while inaugurating the 15th edition of Aero India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. He exuded confidence that Aero India 2025 will showcase the country’s industrial capability and technological advancements to the world, while further strengthening symbiotic relations with friendly countries. Lasting peace can only be achieved if nations become stronger together and work for a Better World Order, he said.
Raksha Mantri stated that the five-day event will witness the participation of Government Representatives, Industry Leaders, Air Force Officers, Scientists, Defence Sector Experts, Start-ups, Academia & other stakeholders from all across the globe, and this confluence would bring India’s partners closer to the benefit of all.
“We often interact as buyers and sellers, where our relations are at a transactional level. However, at another level, we forge our partnership beyond the buyer-seller relationship to the level of Industrial Collaboration. We have many successful examples of co-production and co-development with like-minded countries. For us, there is no Indian security or Indian peace in isolation. Security, stability and peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders. The presence of our foreign friends is a testimony to the fact that our partners share our vision of One earth, One family, One future,” added Shri Rajnath Singh.
Raksha Mantri pointed out that in the present environment of global uncertainty, India is one such big country which is witnessing peace and prosperity. “India has never attacked any country nor has it been involved in any great power rivalry. We have always been an advocate of peace and stability. It is part of our fundamental ideals,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh told the Defence Ministers, senior officials and representatives of foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers present on the occasion that their cooperation with India is crucial for global peace, prosperity and stability.
Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that India is going through a transformational phase, rapidly moving from a developing to a developed nation. He added that a vibrant and thriving defence industry ecosystem has been created in the country due to a concerted, sustained and well thought out roadmap by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stressed that the defence industrial sector, which was earlier not viewed as a component of national economy, has today been fully integrated with the overall economy. The sector is now a motor, powering the growth engine of the Indian economy, he said.
Raksha Mantri stated that the record allocation of Rs 6.81 lakh crore to Ministry of Defence in Union Budget 2025-26, including Rs 1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, is a proof that the Government considers defence as a top-priority sector. He added that like the previous budget, 75% of modernisation budget has been reserved for procurement through domestic sources with an aim to widen and deepen the capabilities of India’s Defence Industrial Complex.
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment towards enhancing the participation of private players in this overall growth story. “The private sector is going to play a big role in the economic mainstreaming. Due to its drive, resilience and entrepreneurship, the sector is capable of bringing a new wave of prosperity in the country. In many advanced countries, private industry has led defence production. The time has come that, here as well, the sector becomes an equal partner in the defence industry,” he said.
Raksha Mantri added that the defence manufacturers are working with a collaborative approach to strengthen the defence sector, terming the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for the production of C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat as a shining example of this cooperation. He added that today India has become a Globally Preferred Destination for Aerospace Components & Complex System Assembly and the public sector & private industries are playing an important role in this transformation.
Shedding light on the accomplishments achieved from the last Aero India, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that a number of high-tech products such as Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Unmanned Surface Vessel, Pinaka Guided Rocket are being manufactured within the country. He voiced the Government’s unwavering resolve to surpass the Rs 1.27 lakh crore defence production and Rs 21,000 crore defence exports figures in the coming times, and ensure that the defence sector moves ahead at an unprecedented pace. It may be recalled that during the curtain raiser press conference of Aero India 2025 last evening, Raksha Mantri had expressed confidence that defence production will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26 and defence exports will surpass Rs 30,000 crore.
On 2025 being declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, Raksha Mantri termed it as not just a government slogan, but the Government’s commitment towards reforms. He said the decisions for reforms are not being taken only at the Ministry level, but Armed Forces and DPSUs are also participating in this endeavour. “To take this drive of reforms forward more rapidly, there should be participation of all stakeholders in the defence sector. Suggestions from all stakeholders associated with the Ministry are welcome,” he said.
Earlier, Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed the distinguished guests from across the world by enlightening them about the Indian tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava, which means ‘A Guest is Equivalent to God’ which, he said, can be witnessed clearly at the Maha Kumbh underway in the holy city of Prayagraj. “While Maha Kumbh is the Kumbh of introspection, Aero India is the Kumbh of research. While Maha Kumbh is focusing on internal strength, Aero India will centre on external strength. While Maha Kumbh showcases the culture of India, Aero India will display the power of India,” he added.
The 15th edition of Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition, inaugurated by Raksha Mantri, will showcase, over the next five days, India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies. In line with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, the event will also provide a stage to forge international collaborations to fast-track the indigenisation process, thereby providing a thrust to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve of making the country Viksit Bharat by 2047.
February 10th to 12th have been reserved as business days, with 13th & 14th set as public days for people to witness the show. The event comprises Defence Ministers’ Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya Indigenisation event; Valedictory function; seminars; breath-taking airshows and an exhibition of aerospace companies.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief Minister of Nagaland Shri Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri DK Shiva Kumar, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal SP Dharkhar were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
India to Inaugurate EFTA Desk to Enhance Trade and Investment under TEPA Business Roundtable to Witness Participation from Over 100 Companies from India and EFTA Nations
Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 10:19AM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards deepening economic ties with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal along with the EFTA bloc represented by H.E. Mrs. Helene Budliger Artieda, Swiss State Secretary, H.E. Mr. Tomas Norvoll, State Secretary of Trade and Industry, Norway, H.E. Martin Eyjolfsson, Permanent Secretary of State, Iceland, H.E. Dominique Hasler, Minister of External Affairs, Education, and Sport, Liechtenstein, Mr. Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary General, EFTA Secretariat and Mr. David Sveinbhornsson, Senior Officer, EFTA Secretariat, will inaugurate the EFTA Desk at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 10, 2025.
The initiative, in line with Chapter 7 of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which was signed on March 10, 2024, aims to serve as a dedicated platform to promote trade, investment, and business facilitation between India and the four EFTA nations—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by senior officials from the Government of India and high-ranking dignitaries from EFTA member states.
Senior officials from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) will also address the gathering, outlining India’s vision for stronger economic engagement with EFTA nations.
The India-EFTA Dedicated Desk will act as a centralized support mechanism for EFTA companies looking to expand in India. It will provide market insights and regulatory guidance, business matchmaking, and assistance in navigating India’s policy and investment landscape.
Post-inauguration, a high-level EFTA-India Business Roundtable will convene, featuring over 100 leading businesses from India and EFTA nations, aimed at fostering collaboration across key sectors, including Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences, Financial Services & Fintech, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Energy & Sustainability, Seafood & Maritime, Food Processing & Agritech. The roundtable will provide a structured forum for companies to explore joint ventures, investment opportunities, and technology partnerships under the framework of TEPA.
Ahead of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Republic of Fiji Mr Pio Tikoduadua and Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, South Sudan Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 09, 2025.
Raksha Mantri welcomed Fijian Defence Minister on his maiden visit to India. Both sides expressed satisfaction on the ongoing defence cooperation and agreed to further deepen and diversify the existing collaboration. Both sides also agreed to institutionalise India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation as envisaged in the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed in 2017. They decided to augment Maritime Domain Awareness for ensuring maritime safety & security, Exclusive Economic Zone protection, Naval capacity building and training cooperation for UN peacekeepers and defence civilians. This visit is a step towards India’s growing engagement with Fiji, a key member of Pacific Island Countries.
In his meeting with the South Sudanese Defence Minister, Raksha Mantri thanked him for participating in Aero India 2025. Both sides agreed to initiate and expedite efforts towards a Memorandum of Understanding to effectively steer the defence cooperation between both countries. The South Sudanese side acknowledged India’s efforts in United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Both sides agreed to partner for enhanced training exchanges, and agreed to expand relations through industry partnerships.
UNESCO has opened submissions for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, recognizing outstanding conservation efforts across the region. The Awards celebrate private sector projects and public-private partnerships that demonstrate excellence in preserving historical sites while fostering community engagement.
Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have honored 305 projects across 27 countries for their thorough understanding of historical significance, technical achievements, and impact at local, national, and regional levels. By spotlighting best practices, the Awards have helped shape regional conversations on heritage’s role in sustaining cities, societies, and the environment.
This year, UNESCO especially welcomes submissions for projects conserving heritage sites that are integral to the region’s history but remain underrecognized or at risk of neglect. These include cultural landscapes, technological, industrial, and agricultural heritage, 20th-century sites, vernacular architecture, and cultural routes. Winning projects of this nature will be highlighted in a dedicated exhibition as part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Awards.
Eligibility Criteria
Projects must have been completed within the last 10 years (February 2015 – May 2025 if the pre-existing use was retained, or May 2024 if a project involved a new use). Examples of eligible projects include:
Houses, commercial and institutional buildings
Historic towns and villages
Archaeological sites and cultural landscapes
How to Apply
Projects must be sent by mail to UNESCO Bangkok and postmarked no later than 31 May 2025. Winners will be announced in November 2025.
Submission requirements
Applicants must complete the entry form online and submit a project dossier, including:
A detailed project description in the official format.
Supporting documentation, such as architectural drawings and high-quality photographs.
For submission details and application forms: click here
Awards
In 2024, eight projects from five countries received awards, including:
Award of Excellence – Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project (Tokyo, Japan)
Award of Distinction – Gunan Street Historic Block Conservation Project (Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China) with Special Recognition for Sustainable Development; Abathsahayeshwarar Temple Conservation Project (Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu, India)
Award of Merit – Guanyin Hall Teahouse Conservation Project (Sichuan Province, China); Helou Pavilion Conservation Project (Shanghai, China) with Special Recognition for Sustainable Development; BJPCI Conservation Project (Mumbai, India); Observatory Tower Conservation Project (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts – Rabindhorn Building (Bangkok, Thailand)
Since 2021, the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (NTFCF) has supported the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. This partnership advances transformative heritage practices across the region through diverse activities that amplify the Awards’ impact.
Contact Information
For project submissions:
Culture Unit UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok Email: heritageawards@unesco.org
For media inquiries:
Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) Team UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok Email: cpe@unesco.org
MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lumissil Microsystems introduces the latest addition to the IS31FL376x family, the IS31FL3762, a configurable 24×n (n=2~12) matrix LED driver designed to support up to 288 LEDs. Targeting IoT applications that require a visible color indicator or an alphanumeric LED display, this device addresses the unique technical challenges in high-resolution lighting applications.
Advanced PWM Control for Precise Color Rendering The IS31FL3762 integrates advanced 12-bit PWM control, enabling smooth and precise dimming across individual LEDs. This feature, complemented by an adjustable PWM frequency up to 312 kHz, eliminates visual artifacts such as flickering, which is critical for gaming applications. By supporting multiple configurations, including 6+2-bit and 8+4-bit PWM dithering modes; an advanced PWM modulation technique designed to achieve higher resolution and increased switching frequency while operating at lower clock speeds, thereby preserving the remaining clock cycles for other processing tasks. This approach provides designers with the flexibility to configure conditions for various lighting scenarios.
Improved LED Matrix Operation To enhance display clarity and ensure optimal power distribution, the IS31FL3762 employs built-in de-ghosting circuitry. This prevents undesired light emissions from inactive LEDs in the matrix, a common challenge in high-density LED arrays. Additionally, the device offers open and short detection for individual LEDs, which is necessary for maintenance and ensuring the long-term reliability of complex designs.
Power Optimization and Configurability Operating within a wide supply voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V) and featuring an ultra-low typical quiescent current, the IS31FL3762 minimizes energy consumption without compromising performance. Additionally, the driver offers both Hardware and Software shutdown modes, allowing the outputs to be turned off either by pulling the SDB pin low or sending a command from the MCU to the Software Shutdown register. The driver’s current sinks are individually programmable with 8-bit resolution and include up to 12-bit configurable PWM generators to enable smooth digital dimming. Turning the LEDs ON/OFF with a varying duty cycle provides the capability for dimming and blending RGB LED colors. During operation, these PWM generators can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and audible noise. To address this, the IS31FL3762 incorporates spread spectrum and group phase shifting to reduce EMI, audible noise, and power supply ripple, enabling precise brightness control across the matrix. This makes the device ideal for display applications where local dimming is needed for achieving high contrast ratios.
“Lumissil has set the standard as the go-to supplier of matrix LED drivers for the gaming and consumer electronic markets,” said Ven Shan, VP of Lumissil Marketing. “Our expertise in these markets enables us to design Matrix LED drivers that not only deliver spectacular colors, but also pack in the features that our customers rely on, for this reason we designed-in with built-in noise reduction, ultra-low operating current, enhanced matrix de-ghosting, and the flexibility to choose between SPI and I2C interfaces, these drivers are designed to exceed expectations.
Communication Interfaces The I2C bus interface has long been the standard for LED drivers, and the IS31FL3762 device takes it a step further by supporting the Fast mode Plus (FM+) specification for 1MHz operation. To achieve this speed, the bus drivers are optimized to handle faster rise and fall times. For even higher speeds, the SPI bus is also supported, offering up to 12MHz operation, full-duplex communication, and, in some cases, better performance over longer distances. The IS31FL3762 is designed to easily switch between I2C and SPI bus operation, giving designers the flexibility to choose the best option for their application.
Availability and Pricing The IS31FL3762 is now available for production in a small QFN-48 package. Pricing starts at $1.17 per unit for orders of 1,000 pieces. For further information, please visit Lumissil Microsystems or contact our sales team.
About Lumissil Microsystems Lumissil Microsystems specializing in analog/mixed-signal products for automotive, communications, industrial, and consumer markets. Lumissil’s primary products are LED drivers for low to mid-power RGB color mixing and high-power lighting applications. Other products include audio, sensors, high-speed wire communications, optical networking, and application specific microcontrollers. Lumissil Microsystems has worldwide offices in the US, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, mainland China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, and Korea. Website: https://www.lumissil.com
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Jalpaiguri, India, presented by Bishop Clement Tirkey.The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fabian Toppo, of the clergy of the same diocese, until now professor and spiritual director of the Morning Star Regional Seminary and College in Calcutta, as bishop of the diocese of Jalpaiguri, India.The Reverend Fabian Toppo was born on 21 December 1960 in Darupisa in the diocse of Jashpur, Chhattisgarh. He studied philosophy at the Papal Seminary in Pune, and theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, and was awarded a master’s degree in English from the University of North Bengal and a doctorate in biblical theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome, as well as a diploma in administrative canon law.He was ordained a priest on 3 December 1994 for the diocese of Jalpaiguri.Since ordination, he has held the following roles: director of the Candidates’ House and for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue in Jalpaiguri (1994-1998), parish priest of Shanti Rani in Mongradagni (1998-2001), and professor (2002-2007) and administrator (2020-2021) of the Morning Star Regional Seminary and College in Calcutta.Since 2016 he has served as professor of biblical theology and spiritual director of the Morning Star Regional Seminary and College in Calcutta. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/2/2025)
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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Udumala Bala Showreddy of Warangal as archbishop of the metropolitan archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, India.Archbishop-elect Udumala Bala Showreddy was born on 18 June 1954 in Gudur.He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Warangal on 20 February 1979, and appointed bishop of the same diocese on 13 April 2013, receiving episcopal consecration the following 23 May.From September 2022 to 9 April 2024 he served as apostolic administrator of Khammam. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/2/2025)
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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Selvarajan Dasan, of the clergy of Neyyattinkara, India, until now judicial vicar and parish priest of Saint Francis Xavier in Thirupuram, as coadjutor bishop of the same diocese of Neyyattinkara, India.Msgr. Selvarajan Dasan was born on 27 January 1962 in Valiyavila, diocese of Neyyattinkara. He studied philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Alwaye and was awarded a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Université Catholique de Louvain.He was ordained a priest on 23 December 1987 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Trivandrum of the Latins.After priestly ordination, he held the offices of parish priest of Saint Albert in Muthiyavila (1988-1994), director of catechesis of the metropolitan archdiocese of Trivandrum of the Latins (1991-1995), parish priest of Saint Jude in Chinnathurai (1994-1995), parish priest of Saint Theresa in Manikkapuram (1995), defender of the bond of the Court of Trivandrum and pastoral director (2001-2003), parish priest of Saint Paul in Maranelloor and director of schools (2001-2008), defender of the bond in the Court of Neyyattinkara (2001-2011), member of the College of Consultors and the diocesan Council for Economic Affairs (since 2007), chancellor and parish priest of Immaculate Conception Cathedral (2008-2014), parish priest of Sacred Heart and director of the Logos Pastoral Centre (2014-2019).Since 2011 he has served as judicial vicar of Neyyattinkara and, since 2019, parish priest of Saint Francis Xavier in Thirupuram. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/2/2025)
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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Bernard Laloo, of the clergy of Shillong, India, until now chancellor and parish priest of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Laitumkhrah, as auxiliary bishop of the same metropolitan archdiocese of Shillong, India, assigning him the titular see of Trofimiana.Msgr. Bernard Laloo was born on 16 June 1976 in Laitlyngkot, Meghalaya, in the metropolitan archdiocese of Shillong. He studied philosophy at Christ College in Shillong and theology at the Jnana Deepa Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Pune.He was ordained a priest on 30 April 2006 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Shillong.Since priestly ordination, he has held the following offices: deputy parish priest of Saint Paul in Upper Shillong (2006-2007), administrator of Christ College in Shillong (2007-2009), dean, with responsibility for studies, at Saint Paul’s Seminary in Shillong (2009-2015), head of the Divine Saviour Hr. Secondary School in Laitumkhrah (2015-2016), and director of the Social Service Centre in Shillong (2017-2021).Since 2022 he has served as chancellor of the metropolitan archdiocese of Shillong and parish priest of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Laitumkhrah. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/2/2025)
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ADB’s pioneering efforts in issuing local currency bonds over the past 20 years have not only mitigated currency risks for borrowers but also opened local markets to foreign investment and development finance.
Innovations like currency-linked bonds and the rapid development of derivative markets have enhanced liquidity and enabled tailored funding solutions, significantly advancing local currency financing in Asia and the Pacific.
Local currency finance, initially focused on private sector loans, is expanding into sovereign lending, signaling ADB’s evolving role in fostering financial innovation and development across the region.
Twenty years ago, ADB issued its first local currency bond. The Indian rupee bond represented about $110 million equivalent at the time. Over the following three years, ADB raised funding from onshore bond issues in Malaysian ringgit, Thai baht, Chinese renminbi and Philippine peso – acting as an “icebreaker” to open these markets to foreign issuers.
Such borrowing exercises introduced a new funding stream for ADB’s development assistance, allowing borrowers to mitigate potential currency risks associated with borrowing in foreign currencies.
Fast forward to today, and local currency finance has gone mainstream. Development partners are no longer surprised when ADB issues bonds denominated in currencies as diverse as the Azerbaijan manat, the Indonesian rupiah or the Mongolian togrog and they recognize the invaluable role that local currency finance plays in crowding in foreign investment to developing countries.
About a third of ADB’s private sector loans are currently delivered in local currencies, with the Thai baht, Indian rupee, Chinese renminbi, Kazakhstan tenge, and Georgian lari featuring prominently. ADB’s aggregate local currency portfolio reached more than $3.75 billion equivalent as of 31 October 2024 across more than 15 local currencies with local currency loans expected to reach 50% of private sector lending over the next years.
What has catalyzed local currency finance?
Over the last 20 years, local capital markets have evolved and developed significantly across Asia and the Pacific. These developments were driven by the experience of the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, which was at least partially caused by excessive foreign currency exposures.
Since then, regulators, banks, and investors have made significant strides to develop local currency bond markets and improve the local currency capital market infrastructure.
Over the last 20 years, local capital markets have evolved and developed significantly across Asia and the Pacific.
ADB can reach certain target borrowers more effectively when it offers loans in their own currencies rather than in dollars, euros, or yen. For many of the projects that ADB supports, foreign currency denominated loans would not be feasible: a dairy business owner in Mongolia has no understanding of the risks involved in borrowing a foreign currency. Equally, a female worker in rural Kazakhstan would not begin to consider borrowing a home loan in a foreign currency. For both of these projects, ADB was able to provide suitable local currency financing solutions to meet borrower needs and avoid foreign currency mismatches.
Importantly, the rapid development of derivative markets in the region, which include the availability of both interest rate and cross-currency swaps in several markets, has facilitated the management of liquidity by decoupling funding and disbursement transactions, while also allowing for tailored back-to-back funding transactions.
The availability of longer-tenor financing solutions has also improved significantly in a number of the more developed Asian markets: for example, ADB was able to derive a 20-year Thai baht funding solution through the cross-currency swap market to finance a project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which delivered a perfect hedge for the borrower.
Similar liquidity of varying tenors is now available in swap and bond markets in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
A capital market innovation: the emergence of currency-linked bonds
Another important innovation has also improved the availability of local currency financing: the so-called “currency-linked bond” has been a game changer for development finance. In essence, this is a debt security denominated in a local currency but settled in US dollars.
It relies on international documentation usually under English law, settlement occurs in international central securities depositaries, and the bonds are listed on major international stock exchanges. The impact of such structures is to crowd in international investors into local currencies by providing an easily accessible trading infrastructure.
ADB issued its first Indian rupee currency-linked bond in 2014 and since then has issued such instruments in Armenian dram, Azerbaijan manat, Georgian lari, Indonesian rupiah, Kazakhstan tenge, Kyrgyz sum, Mongolian togrog, Pakistan rupees and Philippine pesos. In Indian rupees alone, ADB has raised more than one billion US dollars equivalent to finance private sector projects.
Issuing innovative local currency bonds
In countries such as Georgia and Kazakhstan where the environment is enabled, ADB has issued multiple domestic bonds including fixed rate, floating rate and even inflation-linked. Furthermore, ADB auctioned the first green (2020) and gender (2021) bonds on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, delivering a new asset class to the local market.
In Georgia, ADB was the first organization to issue its domestic bonds through the Georgian Securities Settlement System (GSSS) in 2015, which operates delivery versus payment Real Time Gross Settlements (RTGS) with central bank money through the National Bank of Georgia.
In Kazakhstan, ADB settled its domestically issued bonds through the Kazakhstan Securities Depositary, which crucially has an operational “bridge” with Clearstream in Luxembourg.
These innovations have fostered knowledge sharing and the shift of local currency issuance infrastructure towards international best practices.
Creating local currency liquidity pools
Liquidity pools are commonly used to warehouse the proceeds of bond issues in mainstream currencies until project disbursements happen. ADB has developed liquidity pools in Chinese renminbi and Indian rupees, which have played an important role in shepherding in high levels of local currency development finance by providing continuous availability of funding, decoupling such availability from any specific funding transactions Further liquidity pools are in the making, as ADB’s pipelines in local currency grow and evolve.
Working closely with national regulators and market participants, ADB’s engagement in local currency markets over the last 20 years has made significant progress.
The next frontier: sovereign local currency loans
Local currency finance is already well established as a financing source for ADB’s private sector loans, but it has been deployed much less in the sovereign context, which for ADB represents the largest share of lending activity. A number of sovereign borrowers have recently started to avail local currency solutions from ADB, including a recently completed $1.45 billion sovereign local currency loan conversion.
Working closely with national regulators and market participants, ADB’s engagement in local currency markets over the last 20 years has made significant progress: ADB is now able to offer funding solutions in more than 15 local currencies in Asia and the Pacific. As local currency markets will further develop, the future of local currency financing in the Asia-Pacific region looks bright.
Authors: Roberta Casali, ADB Vice-President for Finance and Risk; Tobias Hoschka, ADB Treasurer; Jonathan Grosvenor, former ADB Assistant Treasurer
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
“The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
“India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
“India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
“India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
“BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working.
A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).
Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system.
Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.
Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.
More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.
In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.
In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.
Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.
Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.
That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.
While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.
An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.
As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said:
These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.
I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.
We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.
Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK. Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.
Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.
We’re also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.
Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit.
In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest.
Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.
A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.
The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.
Lamp lighting ceremony of 29 Nursing Cadets of XI Batch of College of Nursing, Army Hospital(Research & Referral) Delhi was conducted on 08 Feb 2025 . Senior Officers, MNS Officers, Retired Officers, representatives from Civil Nursing Colleges,attended the ceremony.
Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, Commandant, AH(R&R) addressed the students, motivating them to uphold the professional standards. Maj Gen Sheena PD, Addl DGMNS, Guest of Honour for the event administered the Nurse’s Pledge to the students.
Passing of light symbolizes the dissemination of knowledge, skill and wisdom from the learned to the learners. The ADGMNS passed the light to Principal and Faculty who in turn passed it to the Nursing Cadets.
The serene ceremony ended with the message that Nursing is a calling to serve, to care and to make a difference in the lives of our clientele.
The Indian Navy Chiefs’ Conclave was held at the Naval Headquarters, New Delhi from 08 – 09 Feb 25, bringing together eight Former Naval Chiefs and the current Naval leadership.
The aim of the Conclave was to gain from the collective experience and knowledge of the former Chiefs, and also update them on the latest developments and policy initiatives of the Navy.
On 08 Feb, the former Chiefs were presented with an operational update, including policy initiatives, technological, materiel, and operational logistics advancements, and perspective plans at the newNausena Bhawan.
An exclusive session was also conducted to deliberateManthanon key issues of interest, fostering an open exchange of ideas on the future of warfare and maritime strategy in an evolving geo-political landscape and HR paradigms.
A Book titled“Legacy of Leadership: Naval Chiefs through Time”was released on the sidelines of the Conclave; chronicling the inspiring journeys of former CNSs.
With personal stories, rare photographs and firsthand accounts, this “collector’s edition” offers a unique glimpse into the leadership of the former CNSs.
“We are committed to carrying forward your illustrious legacy and the Indian Navy will continue to safeguard India’s national maritime interests, anytime, anywhere, anyhow” – CNS
The Former Naval Chiefs also laid wreaths at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts of the Nation.
The Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to institutional continuity, leveraging the wisdom of past leadership while shaping the future of India’s maritime power.