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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reduction in Number of Blind Spots

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Government in Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is primarily responsible for development, operation and maintenance of National Highways (NHs). Certain locations on NHs are identified as black spots based on occurrence of certain number of accidents involving fatalities and grievous injuries. Government has taken steps for immediate short-term measures on such black spots like road markings, signages, crash barriers, road studs, delineators, closure of unauthorized median openings, traffic calming measures, etc. Long-term measures like improvement of road geometrics, junction improvements, spot widening of carriageway, construction of underpasses/overpasses, etc., are also taken on such black spots as per site investigations as permanent rectification measures. A total of 13,795 black spots have been identified on the NHs, out of which short-term rectification measures have been completed on 9,525 black spots and permanent rectification have been completed on 4,777 black spots.

    All road works are carried out as per standards, guidelines, manual, code of practice of Indian Roads Congress as well as specifications for Road and Bridge Works. Necessary road safety measures are taken during design, construction, operation and maintenance stages. Further, Guidelines have been issued for regular safety audit of all NHs at design, construction, pre-opening stage of NH projects as well as on existing NHs for ensuring road safety. In order to achieve desired quality of construction, measures have been taken like 100% checking of quality control tests by Authority Engineer in EPC contracts, quality checks on sample basis, strict implementation of contract/concession agreement provisions with respect to quality, penalizing the contractors and consultants for failure/defective works, etc.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha today.

     

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2100384) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM – Gati Shakti National Master Plan

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs), including National Expressways. All the NHs development projects, including development of access-controlled High-Speed Corridors (HSC) / Expressways are planned in line with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) Principles.

    National HSCs / Expressways in about 2,474 km length have been operationalized, State / Union Territory (UT) – wise details of which are as under:

     

    Five National HSCs / Expressways (Bengaluru – Chennai Expressway, Bengaluru – Kadappa – Vijayawada, Chittoor – Thatchur, Hyderabad – Vishakhapatnam and Raipur – Vishakhapatnam Corridor) in about 662 km length in the State of Andhra Pradesh are under development, out of which 287 km length has been constructed.

    The Government has taken number of steps to expedite the completion of projects in the country, including for the State of Andhra Pradesh. These include:

    a. Project planning including preparation of DPR mandated on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) Portal

    b. Awarding projects after adequate preparation in terms of land acquisition (LA) and preconstruction activities

    c. Streamlining LA process & environment clearances

    d. Simplified procedure for approval of GAD (General Arrangement Drawing) by Railways

    e. Promoting Contractor’s Ecosystem by rationalising the projects and contract documents

    f. Revamping dispute resolution mechanism

    g. Relaxations in contract provisions under “Atmanirbhar Bharat” to improve liquidity of funds

    h. Periodic reviews of projects at various levels

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha today.

     

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2100385) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rajmarg Yatra And NHAI One Initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has launched ‘Rajmargyatra’ and ‘NHAI One’ to enhance citizen experience and improve the execution of National Highway projects.

    The ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile App is a citizen-centric mobile App developed for smoother and better experience of citizens on highways, integrated with a web-based application for updating information and monitoring of complaint redressal. The ‘NHAI One’ App monitors the progress of highway projects, ensuring efficient management and timely execution. Both the Apps cater to different user needs, with ‘Rajmargyatra’ focusing on enhancing the traveller experience and ‘NHAI One’ streamlining the management of highway projects, thereby improving overall efficiency and addressing both citizen complaints and onsite project requirements.

    The ‘Rajmargyatra’ App provides information about the highway, toll plaza, nearby amenities such as petrol pumps, hospitals, charging stations, weather updates, etc. This empowers citizens to make informed decisions and plan their journeys effectively. The App is integrated with FASTag services for seamless toll payments and offers multilingual support for wider accessibility. To promote safe driving habits, the App provides functionality to raise speed limit alerts and voice assistance. The platform also allows citizens to easily report issues, with geo-tagged image or video evidence, for highway or toll plaza operation, potholes and maintenance, unauthorized occupation, safety hazards etc. and track status of their complaints, promoting transparency and accountability in the handling of highway-related issues.

    The ‘NHAI One’ mobile App is an amalgamation of NHAI’s five core internal operations viz., Field Staff Attendance, Highway Maintenance, Road Safety Audits, Toilet Maintenance and Daily Construction Audits through Request for Inspections (RFI). The NHAI One App is used by last-mile internal stakeholders such as ROs/ PDs, concessionaires/ contractors, AE/IEs, road safety auditors and toilet supervisors at the toll plazas. The NHAI One App facilitates in highway project management by the stakeholders directly from onsite. All the data recorded from both Apps. are geo-tagged and time-stamped.

    Both the Apps help in improving convenience to the highway travelers and improve operational efficiencies in the execution and monitoring of National Highways projects.

    The Rajmargyatra App has a 4.4-star rating based on 12,000+ reviews with 3,48,632 downloads on the Google Play Store and the downloads on Apple Store are 74,471. The feedback of internal stakeholders for NHAI One App is generally positive.

    Some users reported technical issues like app crashes and delays in updating live data. These issues are addressed from time-to-time through regular updates and system optimization by the respective development teams.

    Both Apps are being continuously improved based on user feedback, with new features being added to serve citizens better and improve the execution of National Highway projects.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha today.

     

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2100383) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Quality of Road Constructions

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

    About 1,01,900 km National Highways (NHs) have been constructed/developed since April, 2014 to December, 2024.

    Average annual construction of NHs have increased by about 130% during the period 2014-2024 as compared to 2004-2014.

    Presently 1,366 projects having total length of about 32,366 km are under construction (appointed/commenced) in the entire country, including in the States of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and all North-Eastern States, without attaining any of the various stages of project completion and excluding projects under consideration for termination/foreclosure. Most of these projects are targeted to be completed in phases by Financial Year 2028.

    Construction works on NHs are carried out as per the standards including quality and safety standards specified by Government for Road and Bridge Works and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes, guidelines and special publications. It is the primary responsibility of the contractor/concessionaire to execute the works adhering with such specifications and standards.

    Also, requirement of road safety is taken care of in all stages of project cycle, i.e., design, construction, operation and maintenance. Road safety audit is carried out at the design stage of NH improvement and upgradation projects to ensure that the design meets the safety standards. During construction stage, construction zone safety measures are provided for safe movement of traffic. During the operation stage, road safety audit is periodically carried out to ensure that the road safety measures as originally provided are in proper shape and to assess additional requirement of safety measures, if any.

    To ensure that the works are executed as per prescribed specifications and standards by the contractor/concessionaire, consultants (Authority’s Engineer/Independent Engineer) are appointed. Officials of executing agencies also carry out quality checks of the works on random basis. In some specific works, executing agencies also engage third party quality Auditors. Deficiencies, if any, observed during such examination/inspection are brought to the notice of the concessionaire/contractor for necessary rectification/reconstruction/replacement.

    The above procedures are applicable to all NH works in the country including those in Chhattisgarh.

    Jalore and Sirohi districts’ headquarters in the State of Rajasthan are connected with existing NH network (NH-325 & NH-62).

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha today.

     

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2100382) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Use of Automated & Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction System

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

    National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken up one pilot project of Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) system in Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield Expressway Project, wherein Automated & Intelligent Machines such as GPS-aided Motor Grader, Intelligent Compactor and stringless Paver have been used.

    Envisaged advantages of AIMC are savings in time of construction without compromising quality of construction, increased productivity, real time digital documentation & monitoring and better control on quality parameters such as smooth levelled surface, adequately & uniformly compacted surface, etc.

    Government has taken up the initiative for finalizing policy for use of AIMC for National Highway Projects.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha today.

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2100381) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO Jakarta celebrates Year of Snake in Brunei

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO Jakarta celebrates Year of Snake in Brunei
    HKETO Jakarta celebrates Year of Snake in Brunei
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         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) hosted a Chinese New Year dinner in Brunei, today (February 6) to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Some 130 guests from the local government, business, academic, cultural and media sectors attended the event.      In her welcome speech, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that commercial and people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Brunei continued to be robust. Bilateral trade in goods amounted to US$67 million in 2023, representing an annual average growth of over 11 per cent since 2019. High-level exchanges also remained active.      “Our shared common law legacy has laid a solid foundation for legal co-operation. During his visit to Brunei in September 2024, the Secretary for Justice met with leaders of the legal sector to advance collaboration on dispute avoidance and resolution pursuant to the Memorandum of Cooperation signed earlier. With the establishment of the Hong Kong Legal International Talents Training Academy in November 2024, we welcome legal talent from Belt and Road countries including Brunei to leverage this platform for deepening exchanges with Hong Kong and other jurisdictions.”      Miss Cheng also introduced measures under the 2024 Policy Address for strengthening people-to-people connection between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as cultivating a Muslim-friendly tourism environment and providing self-service immigration clearance for invited persons from ASEAN countries.      “We will continue to maintain close liaison with ASEAN countries including Brunei to facilitate bilateral flow of our peoples.”      Dignitaries attending the dinner included the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Brunei, Mr Wang Haitao; the former Consul-General of Brunei in Hong Kong, Mrs Ainatol ZahayuMohammad; and the Director of Malaysia of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Hoh Jee Eng.            Also joining the event were the President of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Muhammad Zainidi bin Haji Abdul Hamid; the Secretary General of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Saim;the President of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association, Dato’ Dixon Chew; and senior representatives from other major local business chambers.     The HKETO Jakarta will continue to host events in the ASEAN countries under its purview to celebrate Chinese New Year in the coming weeks.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 6, 2025Issued at HKT 20:51

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attends First Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj and Shri 1008 Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishva Shanti Mahayagya in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attends First Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj and Shri 1008 Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishva Shanti Mahayagya in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh

    Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj was a visionary who ushered in a new era with his thoughts and teachings

    Acharya Vidyasagar Ji’s life was dedicated to religion, culture and to the nation

    Acharya Ji emphasized the promotion of Indian languages, the global recognition of India’s heritage, and identifying the nation as ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India’

    By writing ‘Prime Minister of Bharat’ on the G-20 summit invitation letter, Prime Minister Modi put Acharya Vidyasagar Ji’s vision into action

    Through his actions, Acharya Vidyasagar Ji became a reflection of Bharat, Indian culture, Indian languages, and the true identity of the nation

    Acharya Ji teachings, discourses, and writings is a treasure not only for the Jain community but for the entire nation

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Bharat is promoting the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Ahimsa Paramo Dharma

    A country with numerous languages, scripts, dialects, grammars, and epics is culturally rich and diverse

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addressed the first Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj at Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. Shri Shah also participated in Shri 1008 Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya. During the event, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah released a commemorative coin of ₹100, a special postal envelope of ₹5, 108 footprints and portrait of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji and laid the foundation stone of the proposed Samadhi Smarak ‘Vidyayatan’. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and Pujya Muni Shri Samta Sagar Ji Maharaj were present on the occasion, among other dignitaries.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj was not just a saint or a ‘Jainacharya’, but a visionary who ushered in a new ideology and a new era. He said that Acharya Guruvar Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, who was born in Karnataka, propagated Indian culture, Indian languages, Indian identity and the country as a whole like a ‘Jyotirdhar’ through his deeds. Shri Shah said that it is very rare for a religious saint to have worked towards propagation of the national identity along with interpretation of the religion across the world. Shri Amit Shah said, Acharya Vidyasagar Ji’s life was dedicated to religion, culture and to the nation.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that he had the privileged of meeting Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji many times. He said that Acharya Ji always emphasized on promotion and preservation of Indian languages, spread of India’s glory and identity globally, and that our nation should be preferably called ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India’.

    Shri Amit Shah said that by writing ‘Prime Minister of Bharat’ on the invitation card of the G-20 Summit, Modi ji the ideas of Vidyasagar Ji into action. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi rendered Acharya Ji’s vision without any political motive and followed his message in practice.

    Union Home Minister said that Acharya Ji did not leave the path of austerity till the last breath of his life. Shri Shah said that Acharya Ji showed the path of salvation not only to Jain follower but also to the non-Jain followers with his spiritual energy.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there are many people, who say that every moment of life should be dedicated to religion, nation and society, but people who live their whole life like this are rarely seen and Acharya Ji’s life was a true embodiment of this dedication. He said Acharya Ji interpreted the principle of “Ahimsa Paramo Dharma” in a way that was time-appropriate and established it globally. He also mentioned that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj ensured that his disciples lived their lives in accordance with the principles of Jainism.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is propagating the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Ahimsa Parmo Dharma’. He said he was grateful to PM Modi for giving approval to the commemorative coin and the special envelope. He said that this tribute to Acharya Ji is a tribute to the saint tradition. He said that Acharya Ji’s proposed Samadhi Smarak ‘Vidyayatan’ will remain a place of propagation of Acharya Ji’s principles, messages and teachings for ages. Shri Shah said that the name of the samadhi of the saint who spent his entire life in the worship of ‘Vidya’ (knowledge) cannot be anything other than ‘Vidyayatan’.

    Shri Amit Shah said that, on the occasion, foundation stone of a girl’s school where education is imparted free of cost, has also been laid in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. He mentioned that this school would incorporate both skill development and employment opportunities, with teaching conducted in the mother tongue. He also stated that the inauguration of Acharya Ji’s 108 footprints took place, which would serve as a symbol of a life dedicated to renunciation, penance, and discipline.

    Union Home Minister said that India’s saint tradition is very rich. He said that whenever the nation needed a particular role to be fulfilled, saints rose to the occasion.  He said that saints created knowledge, tied the country in the thread of unity and before independence, the saints kept the flame of national consciousness burning through ‘Bhakti’. He said that when the governance and the country started getting influenced by Western ideas after independence, Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj was the only Acharya who remained firmly connected to Bharat, Indian identity, and Indian culture.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Jain saints have made their significant contribution in uniting the entire country. He said that from Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, from Rajgir in Bihar to Girnar in Gujarat, he walked everywhere and spread his message. He said that Acharya Ji taught us that our identity is rooted in our culture.

    Union Home Minister said that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj wrote a Hindi epic called ‘Mookmati’, on which many people have done research and written essays. Following Acharya Ji’s message of preservation and promotion of all Indian languages, his followers have translated ‘Mookamati’ into many languages. He said that religion, philosophy, ethics and spirituality have been explained in great depth in ‘Mookamati’ and it also has a description of the transience of the body and a message of love for the nation.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj believed that the linguistic diversity of our country is our true strength. He said that a country with many languages, scripts and dialects and different types of grammars and ballads is considered to be culturally rich.

    Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that there existed a very cordial relation between Modi ji and Acharya ji. He said that Acharya Ji’s teachings, works, writings and discourses are not only the heritage of Jain followers but of the entire country.

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    Raj Kumar/ Vivek/ Priyabhanshu/ Pankaj

    (Release ID: 2100378) Visitor Counter : 64

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Monsoon Prediction

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on both the statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) based forecasting system.

    The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model. The MMCFS and MME data are updated every month. This was to satisfy the demands from different users and Government authorities for forecasting the spatial distribution of seasonal rainfall along with the regionally averaged rainfall forecasts for better regional planning of activities.

    Since introducing the Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS) in 2007 and using the MME approach in 2021 for seasonal forecasting, IMD operational forecast for the monsoon rainfall has shown noticeable improvement. For example, the absolute forecast error in the forecasting of all India’s seasonal rainfall reduced by about 21% during the recent 18 years (2007-2024) compared to the same number of years (1989-2006), which indicates a highly successful forecast in recent years compared to previous years. The average absolute error of forecast of Indian summer monsoon rainfall during the last 10 years (2015-2024) was 5.01% of the long period average (LPA), whereas 5.97% was during 2005-2014. The correlation coefficients between the actual and forecast rainfall for (2015-2024) & (2005-2014) are 0.61 & 0.37, respectively. IMD was able to correctly forecast the twin deficient monsoon years of 2014-2015, as well as below-normal rainfall in 2023 and above-normal rainfall in 2024. These indicate improvements in the operational forecast system in the recent 18 years compared to the earlier 18 years.

    The Ministry has launched the National Monsoon Mission (NMM) to develop a stateof-the-art dynamical prediction system for monsoon rainfall in different time scales. This has focused on seasonal (June-September) and extended-range prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR), with delineation of active/break spells, using high-resolution ocean-atmosphere coupled dynamical models with reasonable skill, as well as short-range forecasts. Through NMM, two state-of-the-art dynamical prediction systems were implemented for short-range to medium-range, extendedrange, and seasonal forecasts.

    Recently, the Mission Mausam was launched in September 2024, and it is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to boost India’s weather and climaterelated science, research, and services. It will help better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. Besides physics-based numerical models, IMD is developing new methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for weather and climate.

    There is an existing research advisory committee (RAC), which is an independent review committee constituted by the MoES with expert members from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and academia.

    Based on the guidance of this committee, the models used for monsoon forecasting are reviewed and improved from time to time. This committee meets annually once to review these activities. This information was provided by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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    NKR/PSM

    (RS US Q NO. 356)

    (Release ID: 2100370) Visitor Counter : 28

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Heritage Sites

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the comprehensive measures, India’s cultural heritage sites are monitored regularly and in order to reduce the impact of climatic change, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been adopting climate-resilient solutions in the way of periodical scientific treatment, consolidation and preservation of cultural heritage sites.

    Earlier, ASI and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in joint collaboration have installed Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in many historical monuments, in order to monitor the wind speed & direction, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc. to ascertain any signs of damage or degradation caused by climate change. Besides, Air Pollution Laboratories are also established to monitor Ambient Pollutants such as suspended particulate matters at Taj Mahal, Agra and Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad.

    Periodically, meetings are conducted with other Government agencies to develop and implement coordinated strategies for preserving cultural heritage sites in the face of climate change. Officers of ASI also participated in an International Consultative Workshop on ‘Disaster Management of Cultural Heritage Sites’ recently organized by the National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with UNESCO. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with ASI has framed ‘National Disaster Management Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Sites and Precincts’ for risk assessment, risk reduction measures, preparedness, emergency response measure and planning for post disaster recovery.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100367) Visitor Counter : 24

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Recognition of Bali Jatra as A National Fair

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Bali Jatra is a festival that commemorates the maritime trade and cultural exchange between Odisha and Southeast Asian countries, particularly Bali. The festival is celebrated annually in Cuttack, Odisha, and attracts million of visitors. The term Bali Jatra literally means ‘Voyage to Bali’. Every year Kartika Purnima marks the day that the seafaring traders departed for the Indonesian islands. For this festival, people of Odisha gather in large numbers in colourful attire to celebrate their glorious maritime history. The celebration features grand fairs, elaborate rides, food and dance. Indian women perform ‘Boita Bandana’, they make boats of paper or banana leaf (sholapith) with lighted lamps inside and float them down the Mahanadi as a part of the celebrations. The Bali Jatra celebrates the ingenuity and skill of those expert sailors who made Kalinga, one of the most prosperous empires of its time.

    The festival is organized by Department of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of Odisha. Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, participates in this event by way of providing cultural troupes during the Jatra for organizing cultural programmes, the details of which are as under:

     

    Year

    Name of the programme

    Date

    Venue

    Art form presented

    2022-23

    BaliJatra Cuttack Utsav – 2022

    8 to 16 Nov, 2022

    Cuttack

    Bihu, Nagara, Kuchipudi, Purulia Chhau, & Jhumar Dance

    2023-24

    BaliJatra Cuttack Utsav – 2023

    27 Nov to 4 Dec, 2023

    Cuttack

    Purulia Chhau, Paika, Contemporary Dance & Odissi

    2024-25

    BaliJatra Cuttack Utsav – 2024

    15 to 22 Nov, 2024

    Cuttack

    Bihu, Kathak, Purulia Chhau& Ruff/ Dogri

     

    Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a three-day National Dhara event ‘Samudramanthan’ was organized at the Odisha Maritime Museum at Cuttack to focus on the State’s glorious seafaring history, coinciding with the inauguration of the historic Bali Jatra. The event included panel and round-table discussions on the country’s maritime history locations, traditions, ship building, navigation, trade and cultural exchange, maritime security and international law.

    The Jatra facilitates cultural exchange between Odisha and other States, promoting cross-cultural understanding. The Jatra also provides a platform for traditional Odia artists, craftsmen and musicians to showcase their skills which help to revive and promote Odia Culture.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100365) Visitor Counter : 23

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Heritage Conservation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:52PM by PIB Delhi

    There are Three Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Eight (3698) centrally protected monuments/sites in the country under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The conservation and maintenance of these centrally protected monuments/sites is a regular process and is taken up as per the requirement and availability of resources.

    Government takes all necessary measures to protect and preserve the cultural heritage from the growing pressures of commercialization and urbanization under the provisions contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules framed thereunder. In order to contain the encroachments and removing them, the Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the Circles have been vested with the powers of an Estate Officer to issue eviction notices/orders to the encroachers under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. They are also authorised to issue show cause notices under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules 1959 followed by a direction to the District Collector/Magistrate by Central Government to remove such encroachment. Assistance in containing and removing encroachments is also sought from the respective State Government/police authorities from time to time. Further, in addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel and CISF have also been provided for the safety and security of selected monuments/sites across the country.

    ASI maintains and conserves monuments under its jurisdiction following the National Conservation Policy, 2014 and as per requirement and availability of resources.  ASI also ensures the provision of visitor amenities at its monuments for the comfortable and authentic experience of tourists.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100364) Visitor Counter : 25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion of Kumbh Mela in the Country

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Kumbh Mela, 2025 is being organized at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from 13.01.2025 to 26.02.2025 by the State Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has set up an Incredible India Pavilion in Mela area to provide information and to engage tourists including foreign tourists, media, influencers etc. A digital brochure of various tour packages, flight & accommodation options etc. for Maha Kumbh have been prepared. Besides, a dedicated Maha Kumbh Tourist Infoline (1800111363) has been established for tourists.

    The promotion of Kumbh Mela is also being done through social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and various other Departments of Govt. of India.

    India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a PSU of Ministry of Tourism, has setup 80 luxury tents for accommodation at Tent City, Prayagraj.

    Ministry of Railways is running more than 13,000 trains including 3,000 special trains for the Maha Kumbh-2025. Besides, Ring Rail services connecting Prayagraj with key religious sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi and Chitrakoot are also operational on daily basis during the Mela.  

    Ministry of Culture has set up a cultural village viz. Kalagram in Sector-7 of Maha Kumbh district through North Central Zone Cultural Centre, an autonomous organization of the Ministry. The main features of Kalagram are:

     

    • Main Entrance: 635 ft wide, 54 ft high, depicting 12 Jyotirlingas and the story of Lord Shiva consuming Halahal, a confluence of art and spirituality.
    • A stage 104 feet-wide & 72 feet-depth on the theme of Char-Dham.
    • Artist and Performance: 14,632 artists will perform on various stages including Kalagram.
    • Anubhut Mandapam: 360° immersive experience narrating Ganga descent from heaven to earth.
    • Aviral Shashwat Kumbh: Digital display by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Archives of India (NAI) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
    • Food Zone: Satvik cuisine from all Zonal Cultural Centres apart from the local cuisine of Prayagraj.
    • Sanskriti Angans: Display and sale of traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms in the courtyards by 98 artisans of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres.

     

    A 118-member delegation of diplomats and dignitaries including Heads of Mission from 77 countries took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on 1stFebruary, 2025 during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Ministry of Culture is also collaborating with the Culture & Tourism Department of Govt. of UP to present cultural programmes by engaging 15,000 artists across various stages of the Maha Kumbh.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100362) Visitor Counter : 23

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to eligible cultural organizations engaged in performing arts activities like music, dance, theatre, folk art, etc. for imparting training to artists/shishyas by their respective Guru on regular basis in line with Guru–Shishya Parampara across the country. The details of scheme are given at Annexure – I.

    As per the scheme guidelines of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant), the organizations seeking grants are required to submit their applications/proposals every year, for its renewal as well as fresh selection. The applications / proposals, complete in all respect are reviewed by the Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry for the purpose. The Expert Committee gives its recommendations taking the provisions of scheme guidelines, cultural performances / activities / resources of the organizations, justification for financial support, interaction with the Guru/representative of the organization, etc. into consideration.

    The Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) has been encouraging artists in the field of dance, music and theatre by providing financial assistance to shishyas of age 3 years and above. Further, every year, along with Renewal category, applications are also invited from new organizations under ‘Fresh category’ to encourage emerging artists in the field of performing arts including traditional art forms.

    The state-wise details of number of Gurus and Shishyas provided with financial assistance under Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) scheme during last three years is given at Annexure – II.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

     

    Annexure – I

     

    Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)

               

    Scheme: Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Culture. This scheme is a sub-scheme of an Umbrella scheme ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY).

     

    Objective: The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to cultural organizations working in the field of performing arts activities like dramatic / theatre groups, music ensembles, children theatre, Dance groups etc. for imparting training to shishyas by their respective Guru on regular basis in line with ancient Guru–Shishya Parampara.

    As per the scheme, financial assistance is provided to 1 Guru and maximum 18 Shishyas in the field of theatre and 1 Guru and maximum 10 Shishyas in the field of music & dance.

     

    Quantum of Assistance: Assistance for each Guru/Director is @ Rs.15,000/- (Rupees fifteen thousand only) per month whereas in respect of each Shishya/Artist the same is as under: –

     

    Sl.

    No.

    Categories of shishya/ artist

    Age Group

    Amount of assistance/ honorarium per month
     

    (a) Adult shishya/artist

    (18 years age and above)

    Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand only)
     

    (b) ‘A’ category child shishya/ artist

    (12-<18 years age)

    Rs.7,500/- (Rupees seven thousand five hundred only)
     

    (c) ‘B’ category child shishya/ artist

    (6-<12 years age)

    Rs.3,500/- (Rupees three thousand and five hundred only)
     

    (d) ‘C’ category child shishya/ artist

    (3-<6 years age)

    Rs.2,000/- (Rupees two thousand only)

    Annexure – II

     

    Sl.

    No.

    State/UT

    Financial Year

    2021-2022

    2022-2023

    2023-2024

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

    13

    30

    19

    38

    20

    51
    1.  

    Arunachal Pradesh

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    2
    1.  

    Assam

    35

    256

    37

    256

    44

    272
    1.  

    Bihar

    76

    488

    94

    516

    116

    582
    1.  

    Chandigarh

    5

    62

    7

    65

    11

    74
    1.  

    Chhattisgarh

    3

    19

    3

    19

    4

    16
    1.  

    Delhi

    95

    830

    105

    791

    125

    798
    1.  

    Gujarat

    8

    52

    12

    42

    13

    46
    1.  

    Haryana

    15

    90

    18

    93

    20

    97
    1.  

    Himachal Pradesh

    4

    52

    4

    52

    6

    57
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    25

    134

    29

    143

    44

    177
    1.  

    Jharkhand

    10

    69

    15

    78

    14

    80
    1.  

    Karnataka

    133

    801

    152

    822

    214

    954
    1.  

    Kerala

    22

    187

    23

    189

    27

    176
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

    61

    590

    96

    658

    110

    662
    1.  

    Maharashtra

    49

    414

    82

    465

    96

    509
    1.  

    Manipur

    149

    980

    172

    1017

    202

    1009
    1.  

    Mizoram

    1

    8

    2

    10

    2

    5
    1.  

    Nagaland

    4

    12

    3

    10

    6

    17
    1.  

    Odisha

    66

    353

    103

    415

    119

    477
    1.  

    Pondicherry

    3

    43

    4

    45

    3

    21
    1.  

    Punjab

    8

    59

    8

    60

    9

    64
    1.  

    Rajasthan

    15

    103

    22

    115

    26

    117
    1.  

    Sikkim

    1

    2

    1

    2

    1

    3
    1.  

    Tamil Nadu

    16

    91

    12

    82

    13

    84
    1.  

    Telangana

    18

    147

    16

    120

    20

    123
    1.  

    Tripura

    3

    26

    6

    31

    9

    36
    1.  

    Uttarakhand

    13

    80

    17

    87

    18

    91
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

    66

    419

    82

    436

    95

    448
    1.  

    West Bengal

    231

    1781

    348

    1991

    331

    1730
                       

    ********

    (Release ID: 2100361) Visitor Counter : 26

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Achievement of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    1.  

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    Coastal Circuit

     

     2016-17

    Development of Long Island-Ross Smith Island- Neil Island- Havelock Island- Baratang Island-Port Blair

    27.57

                 

    22.13

    22.08
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

      2014-15

    Development of Kakinada – Hope Island – Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary – Passarlapudi – Aduru – S Yanam – Kotipally

    67.83

    67.83

    67.83
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Nellore – Pulikat Lake – Ubblamadugu Water Falls – Nelapattu- Kothakoduru- Mypadu – Ramateertham –  Iskapalli

    49.55

    49.55

    50.96
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

     

    Buddhist Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam- Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda -Amravati- Anupu

    35.24

    30.02

    30.02
    1.  

    Arunachal Pradesh

     

    North-East   Circuit

    2014-15

    Development of Bhalukpong- Bomdila and Tawang

    49.77

    47.28

    47.28
    1.  

    Arunachal Pradesh

     

    North East   Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha

    96.72

    91.88

    91.88
    1.  

    Assam

     

    Wildlife Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Manas– Probitora– Nameri– Kaziranga– Dibru– Saikhowa

    94.68

    94.68

    89.94
    1.  

    Assam

     

    Heritage Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Tezpur – Majuli – Sibsagar

    90.98

    90.97

    86.42
    1.  

    Bihar

     

    Tirthankar Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Vaishali- Arrah- Masad- Patna- Rajgir- Pawapuri- Champapuri

    33.96

    30.04

    29.36
    1.  

    Bihar

     

    Spiritual Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Kanwaria Route: Sultanganj – Dharmshala- Deoghar

    44.76

    42.52

    42.17
    1.  

    Bihar

     

    Buddhist Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Buddhist circuit- Construction of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya

    95.18

    95.18

    93.22
    1.  

    Bihar

     

    Rural Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- Turkaulia

    44.27

    40.31

    39.96
    1.  

    Bihar

     

    Spiritual Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Mandar Hill & Ang Pradesh

    44.55

    42.32

    42.32
    1.  

    Chhattisgarh

     

    Tribal Circuit

     

    2015-16

     

    Development of Jashpur- Kunkuri- Mainpat- Kamleshpur – Maheshpur -Kurdar – Sarodhadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon– Nathiyanawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh

    96.10

    94.23

    94.23
    1.  

    Goa

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Sinquerim-Baga, Anjuna-Vagator, Morjim-Keri, Aguada Fort and Aguada Jail  

    97.65

    97.65

    97.50
    1.  

    Goa

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development of Coastal Circuit II: Rua De Orum Creek – Dona Paula -Colva – Benaulim

    99.35

    99.35

    97.74
    1.  

    Gujarat

     

    Heritage Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Ahmedabad- Rajkot- Porbandar –Bardoli- Dandi

    59.17

    56.21

    55.52
    1.  

    Gujarat

     

    Heritage Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Vadnagar- Modhera

    91.12

    87.25

    85.63
    1.  

    Gujarat

     

    Buddhist Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development of Junagadh- Gir Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot- Mehsana

    26.68

    22.28

    19.96
    1.  

    Haryana

     

    Krishna Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Tourism Infrastructures at places related to Mahabharata in Kurukshetra

    77.39

    76.74

    76.74
    1.  

    Himachal Pradesh

     

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

     

    Development of Himalayan Circuit: Kiarighat, Shimla, Hatkoti, Manali, Kangra, Dharamshala, Bir, Palampur, Chamba

    68.34

    64.54

    62.56
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Jammu-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Bhagwati Nagar-Anantnag-Salamabad Uri-Kargil-Leh

    77.33

    67.37

    59.30
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Tourist Facilities at Jammu-Rajouri-Shopian-Pulwama.

    81.60

    67.35

    59.41
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

     

    Development of Tourist Facilities – Construction of Assets in lieu of those Destroyed in Floods in 2014 under PM Development Package

    90.43

    74.70

    67.07
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Tourist facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev

    91.99

    91.93

    91.93
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

     

    2016-17

     

    Development of Tourist facilities at Anantnag-Pulwama-Kishtwar-Pahalgam-Zanskar Padum – Daksum – Ranjit Sagar Dam

    86.39

    69.95

    63.25
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Himalayan Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Tourist Facilities at Gulmarg-Baramulla- Kupwara- Kargil – Leh 

    91.84

    82.16

    82.47
    1.  

    Jharkhand

     

    Eco Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of Eco Tourism circuit: Dalma- Betla National park- Mirchaiya- Netarhat

    30.44

    28.04

    28.04
    1.  

    Kerala

     

    Eco Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Pathanamthitta- Gavi- Vagamon- Thekkady

    64.08

    64.08

    64.08
    1.  

    Kerala

     

    Spiritual Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Sabarimala – Erumeli-Pampa-Sannidhanam

    46.54

    33.39

    36.27
    1.  

    Kerala

     

    Spiritual Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Sree Padmanabha Arnamula

    78.08

    73.77

    68.98
    1.  

    Kerala

     

    Rural Circuit

    2018-19

    Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project

    57.35

    45.88

    36.53
    1.  

    Kerala

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Ashram- Arruvipuram- Kunnumpara Sree Subrahmania- Chembazhanthi Sree Narayana Gurukulam

    66.42

    42.01

    16.19
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

     

    Wildlife Circuit

     

    2015-16

     

    Development of Wildlife Circuit at Panna- Mukundpur- Sanjay- Dubri-Bandhavgarh- Kanha- Mukki- Pench

    92.10

    86.31

    86.31
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

     

    Buddhist Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar

    74.02

    72.75

    72.75
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

     

    Heritage Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Chanderi – Bhimbetka – Mandu

    89.82

    89.49

    89.49
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

     

    Eco Circuit

     

    2017-18

     

    Development of Gandhisagar Dam- Mandleshwar Dam- Omkareshwar Dam- Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam- Bargi Dam- Bheda Ghat- Bansagar Dam- Ken River

    93.76

    93.59

    93.59
    1.  

    Maharashtra

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit – Sagareshwar, Tarkarli, Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek), Mitbhav

    19.06

    18.10

    17.61
    1.  

    Maharashtra

     

    Spiritual Circuit

    2018-19

    Development of Waki- Adasa- Dhapewada- Paradsingha- Telankhandi- Girad

    45.47

    43.19

    38.24
    1.  

    Manipur

     

    North-East   Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Tourist Circuit in Manipur: Imphal- Khongjom

    72.23

    61.32

    61.25
    1.  

    Manipur

     

    NSpiritual Circuit

     

    2016-17

     

    Development of Shri Govindajee Temple, Shri Bijoy Govindajee Temple – Shri Gopinath Temple – Shri Bungshibodon Temple – Shri Kaina Temple

    45.34

    45.33

    43.04
    1.  

    Meghalaya

     

    North East Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Umium (Lake View), U Lum Sohpetbneng-Mawdiangdiang – Orchid Lake Resort

    99.13

    99.11

    99.11
    1.  

    Meghalaya

     

    North East Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of West Khasi Hills (Nongkhlaw- KremTirot – Khudoi & Kohmang Falls – Khri River- Mawthadraishan, Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Krang Suri Falls- Shyrmang- Iooksi), Garo Hills (Nokrek Reserve, Katta Beel, Siju Caves)

    84.97

    84.96

    76.97
    1.  

    Mizoram

    North East   Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Thenzawl & South Zote, District Serchhip and Reiek.

    92.26

    92.26

    92.26
    1.  

    Mizoram

     

    Eco Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Eco-Adventure Circuit Aizawl -Rawpuichhip – Khawhphawp – Lengpui – Chatlang- Sakawrhmuituaitlang – Muthee – Beratlawng -Tuirial Airfield – Hmuifang

    66.37

    53.09

    53.09
    1.  

    Nagaland

     

    Tribal Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Tribal Circuit Peren- Kohima- Wokha

    97.36

    97.36

    92.49
    1.  

    Nagaland

     

    Tribal Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Mokokchung-Tuensang-Mon

    98.14

    98.14

    98.14
    1.  

    Odisha

     

    Coastal Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara

    70.82

    67.28

    59.47
    1.  

    Puducherry

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Dubrayapet – Arikamedu – Veerampattinam – Chunnambar – Nallavadu/Narambai – Manapet- Kalapet –   Puducherry – Yanam

    58.44

    58.44

    58.44
    1.  

    Puducherry

     

    Heritage Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Franco- Tamil Village, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam

    49.44

    45.70

    45.50
    1.  

    Puducherry

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development

    of Spiritual Circuit in

    Puducherry

    34.96

    31.40

    31.40
    1.  

    Punjab

     

    Heritage

    Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of Anandpur Sahib – Fatehgarh Sahib – Chamkaur Sahib – Ferozpur – Khatkar Kalan – Kalanour – Patiala

    85.32

    81.05

    81.05
    1.  

    Rajasthan

     

    Desert

    Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Sambhar Lake Town and Other Destinations

    50.01

    50.01

    55.89
    1.  

    Rajasthan

     

    Krishna

    Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Govind Dev ji temple (Jaipur), Khatu Shyam Ji (Sikar) and Nathdwara (Rajsamand)

    75.80

    73.85

    77.49
    1.  

    Rajasthan

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Spiritual Circuit– ‘Development of Churu (Salasar Balaji)-Jaipur (Shri Samodke Balaji, Ghatke Balaji, Bandheke Balaji)- Viratnagar (Bijak, Jainnasiya, Ambika Temple)- Bharatpur (Kaman Region)- Dholpur (Muchkund) – Mehndipur Balaji- Chittorgarh (Sanwaliyaji)

    87.05

    75.03

    75.03
    1.  

    Rajasthan

     

    Heritage

     Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development of Heritage Circuit Development of Rajsamand (Kumbhalgarh Fort) – Jaipur (Facade Illumination in Jaipur and Nahargarh Fort) -Jhalawar (Gagron Fort) – Chittorgarh (Chittorgarh Fort) – Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Fort) – Hanumangarh (Gogamedi) – Udaipur (Pratap Gaurav Kendra) – Dholpur (Bagh-I-Nilofor and Purani Chawani) – Nagaur (Meera Bai Smarak, Merta) – Tonk (Sunehri Kothi)

    70.61

    66.99

    67.04
    1.  

    Sikkim

     

    North

     East

    Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Tourist Circuit linking Rangpo (entry) – Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang-Sherathang- Tsongmo- Gangtok-Phodong- Mangan- Lachung-Yumthang- Lachen- Thangu-Gurudongmer- Mangan- Gangtok-TuminLingee- Singtam (exit)

    98.05

    97.41

    97.41
    1.  

    Sikkim

     

    North East Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Tourist Circuit Linking Singtam– Maka- Temi-BermoikTokel- Phongia- Namchi –Jorthang- Okharey- Sombaria-Daramdin- Jorethang- Melli (Exit)

    95.32

    95.32

    90.55
    1.  

    Tamil Nadu

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of (Chennai- Mamamallapuram – Rameshwaram – Manpadu – Kanyakumari)

    73.13

    71.03

    71.03
    1.  

    Telangana

     

    Eco Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Eco Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagar district

    91.62

    91.25

    91.62
    1.  

    Telangana

     

    Tribal Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Mulugu-Laknavaram- Medavaram- Tadvai- Damaravi- Mallur- Bogatha Waterfalls

    79.87

    79.87

    79.87
    1.  

    Telangana

     

    Heritage Circuit

     

    2017-18

    Development of Qutub Shahi Heritage Park- Paigah Tombs- Hayat Bakshi Mosque- Raymond’s Tomb

    96.90

    70.61

    90.61
    1.  

    Tripura

     

    North East   Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Development of Agartala – Sipahijala – Melaghar – Udaipur – Amarpur- Tirthamukh- Mandirghat– Dumboor- NarikelKunja- Gandachara– Ambassa

    82.85

    77.76

    73.29
    1.  

    Tripura

     

    North

    East Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of Surma Cherra- Unakoti- Jampui Hills- Gunabati – Bhunaneshwari- Neermahal- Boxanagar- Chottakhola- Pilak- Avangchaarra

    44.83

    35.25

    26.84
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Buddhist Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Srawasti, Kushinagar, & Kapilwastu

    87.89

     

    72.56

    68.43
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Ramayana Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Chitrakoot and Shringverpur

    69.45

    64.09

    56.03
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Ahar-Aligarh-Kasganj-Sarosi (Unnao)-Pratapgarh- Kausambi-Mirzapur-Gorakhpur-Domariyaganj-Basti-Barabanki-Azamgarh-Kairana- Baghpat- Shahjahanpur

    71.91

    69.63

    69.63
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Bijnor- Meerut- Kanpur- Kanpur Dehat- Banda- Ghazipur- Salempur- Ghosi- Balia- Ambedkar Nagar- Aligarh- Fatehpur- Deoria- Mahoba- Sonbhadra- Chandauli- Mishrikh- Bhadohi

    67.51

    64.14

    63.62
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Heritage Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Kalinjar Fort (Banda)- Maghar Dham (Sant Kabir Nagar)- Chauri Chaura, Shaheed Sthal (Fatehpur)- Mahuar shaheed Sthal (Ghosi)- Shaheed Smarak (Meerut)

    36.65

    36.65

    36.65
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Ramayana Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Ayodhya

    127.21

    115.46

    113.22
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of Jewar-Dadri-Sikandrabad-Noida-Khurja-Banda

    12.03

    11.43

    11.69
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Spiritual Circuit

     

    2018-19

    Development of Gorakhnath Temple (Gorakhpur), Devipattan Temple (Balrampur) and Vatvashni Temple (Domariyagunj)

    18.30

    18.12

    18.12
    1.  

    Uttarakhand

     

    Eco Circuit

     

    2015-16

    Integrated Development of Eco-Tourism, Adventure Sports, and Associated Tourism Related Infrastructure for Development of Tehri Lake & Surroundings as New Destination-District Tehri

    69.17

    69.17

    69.20
    1.  

    Uttarakhand

     

    Heritage Circuit

     

    2016-17

     

    Integrated Development of Heritage Circuit in Kumaon Region – Katarmal -Jogeshwar-Baijnath-Devidhura

    76.32

    68.91

    68.91
    1.  

    West Bengal

     

    Coastal Circuit

     

    2015-16

     

    Development of Beach Circuit: Udaipur- Digha- Shankarpur- Tajpur- Mandarmani- Fraserganj-Bakkhlai- Henry Island

    67.99

    65.07

    65.07
    1.  

    –

    Wayside Amenities

     

    2018-19

     

     

    Development of Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at Varanasi-Gaya; Kushinagar-Gaya- Kushinagar in collaboration with MoRTH

    15.07

    14.32

    15.83

    Total

    5287.90

    4956.39

    4840.11

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sanctioning of Projects Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Tourism revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop tourism destinations in the country. The details of the projects sanctioned under SD 2.0 in the State of Karnataka is as under:

     

    S. No.

    Destination

    Interventions Name

    Cost (in ₹ crore)

    1

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    2

    Mysuru

    “Tonga ride Heritage experience zone”

    2.72

    3

    Mysuru

    “Ecological Experience Zone”

    18.47

    The projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme are sanctioned in consultation with the concerned State Government / Union Territory Administrations, in synergy with the scheme guidelines and subject to availability of budget etc. As of now, there is no proposal to consider the project “Dharmasthala-Kukke-Udupi-Murudeshwar-Gokarna-Kollur-Sringeri-Horanadu” under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 during the year 2025-26. However, the Ministry of Tourism under its ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ has identified Bidar (Culture & Heritage) and Udupi (Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites) in Karnataka for development.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100359) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dekho Apna Desh initiative

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Tourism

    Dekho Apna Desh initiative

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism had launched the Dekho Apna Desh initiative in January 2020 for promotion of domestic tourism in the country. Under this initiative, the Ministry promotes tourism destinations and products of India through various activities such as Webinars, Quiz, Pledge, Seminars, Tourism Promotional Events, Fam tours, Website, Social media etc.

    Ministry of Tourism launched Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice poll with aim to engage with citizens to identify most preferred tourist attractions. The Ministry is promoting the People’s choice poll through various platforms, including Digital, social media, events, print, Outdoor, SMS and WhatsApp campaign etc.

    Details of State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits (DTV) is at ANNEXURE.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

     

    ***

     

    ANNEXURE

     

     

    List of States/UTs wise Domestic Tourists Visit (DTV)

     

    S.No.

    States/UTs

    DTV 2020

    DTV 2021

    DTV 2022

    DTV 2023

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1,91,207

    1,26,238

    2,35,061

    3,23,189

    2

    Andhra Pradesh 

    7,08,28,590

    9,32,77,569

    19,27,16,721

    25,47,06,328

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    42,871

    1,02,915

    2,22,437

    10,40,601

    4

    Assam

    12,66,898

    14,09,161

    83,82,003

    76,12,720

    5

    Bihar 

    56,38,024

    25,01,193

    2,53,30,364

    8,15,85,701

    6

    Chandigarh

    4,17,953

    2,28,809

    30,27,165

    3,65,591

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    28,10,227

    47,47,417

    2,36,36,291

    2,60,22,069

    8

    UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    4,02,395

    6,61,222

    7,99,602

    10,04,327

    9

    Delhi*

    95,83,671

    1,06,42,477

    2,71,86,209

    3,94,14,622

    10

    Goa

    32,58,715

    33,08,089

    70,11,992

    81,75,460

    11

    Gujarat

    1,94,64,517

    2,45,25,210

    13,58,11,325

    17,80,66,579

    12

    Haryana

    21,14,731

    20,25,450

    21,08,496

    20,12,162

    13

    Himachal Pradesh 

    31,70,714

    56,32,270

    1,50,70,944

    1,59,42,118

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    25,19,524

    1,13,14,920

    1,84,99,332

    2,06,79,336

    15

    Jharkhand

    25,74,704

    33,83,642

    3,82,84,379

    3,57,76,102

    16

    Karnataka

    7,74,53,339

    8,13,33,659

    18,24,13,203

    28,41,20,502

    17

    Kerala

    49,88,972

    75,37,617

    1,88,67,414

    2,18,71,641

    18

    Lakshadweep

    3,462

    13,500

    22,844

    45,796

    19

    Ladakh

    6,743

    3,03,023

    5,10,137

    7,59,369

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    2,35,19,632

    2,55,54,067

    3,58,48,781

    11,19,46,409

    21

    Maharashtra*

    3,92,34,591

    4,35,69,238

    11,12,97,624

    16,13,59,527

    22

    Manipur 

    49,669

    49,371

    1,39,518

    57,701

    23

    Meghalaya

    24,734

    1,54,409

    9,37,091

    13,71,674

    24

    Mizoram

    30,890

    87,232

    2,18,420

    2,09,087

    25

    Nagaland

    10,979

    23,968

    97,431

    99,720

    26

    Odisha

    46,22,273

    37,42,221

    78,67,909

    97,25,184

    27

    Puducherry

    11,14,942

    12,53,213

    17,60,480

    20,92,076

    28

    Punjab

    1,66,92,197

    2,66,40,429

    2,60,89,425

    3,57,07,600

    29

    Rajasthan 

    1,51,17,239

    2,19,88,734

    10,83,28,156

    17,90,51,925

    30

    Sikkim

    3,16,408

    5,11,669

    16,25,573

    13,21,169

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    14,06,51,241

    11,53,36,719

    21,85,84,846

    28,60,11,515

    32

    Telangana

    3,99,97,001

    3,20,00,620

    6,07,48,425

    5,84,47,573

    33

    Tripura

    1,27,815

    1,77,816

    2,35,600

    3,66,104

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    8,61,22,293

    10,97,08,435

    31,79,13,587

    47,85,25,688

    35

    Uttarakhand

    70,05,264

    1,94,34,475

    5,46,42,559

    5,81,40,578

    36

    West Bengal

    2,88,41,732

    2,43,25,984

    8,45,42,195

    14,56,69,292

    Grand Total

    61,02,16,157

    67,76,32,981

    1,73,10,13,539

    2,50,96,27,035

    *Estimated Data

    Source: States/UTs Tourism Department

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100357)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Turkana Food Inc. Recalls Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste 1lb (16oz) Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Turkana Food Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Aleppo

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Tahini Sesame Paste

    Company Announcement

    Turkana Food Inc. Kenilworth, NJ is recalling 858 cases OF Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

    The Recalled Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste was distributed in the states of FL, KY, VA, NY, NJ, TN, MA, TX, Il, IN, MI, RI, PA, NC, MD, VA, OH, AL, MO, CA.

    The Recalled 1lb (16oz plastic jar Brand name Aleppo Sesame Paste Tahini. The product packaging is a 16oz plastic jar with a gold lid and gold label marked Aleppo Sesame Paste Tahini.

    LOT# 120824-01 can be found on the top portion of the jar.

    UPC Label 854643003054 marked by a sticker on the side of the jar.

    Expiration Date August 2026, which can be found on the top portion of the jar.

    No reported illnesses have been confirmed as of 02/05/2025.

    The recall was the result of a routine sampling performed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained Salmonella. The company has ceased production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation to what caused the problem. Consumers who purchased Aleppo Sesame Paste Tahini With lot code 120824-01 should not consume the product and they are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    Consumers with questions may contact Turkana Foods Inc. 908-810-8800 Or email info@turkanafood.com Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm EST.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TELECOM CONNECTIVITY IN PVTG HABITATIONS, RURAL, REMOTE AND HILLY AREAS OF THE COUNTRY

    Source: Government of India

    TELECOM CONNECTIVITY IN PVTG HABITATIONS, RURAL, REMOTE AND HILLY AREAS OF THE COUNTRY

    Out of the 2,595 identified PVTG Habitations, 901 Habitations have already received mobile coverage: Jyotiraditya Scindia

    For which 519 of the 1,716 mobile towers have been set up within a record time of just six months, marking a 35% completion rate in the project.

    Union Government iscommitted to the holistic development of tribal and left-wing affected areas, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri JANMAN Yojana designed to improve connectivity and overall development in rural tribal-dominated areas: Jyotiraditya Scindia

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, today informed the Rajya Sabha that under a survey conducted by the Department of Telecommunications, a total of 2,595 PVTG villages across India have been identified for enhanced telecom connectivity, with 1,716 new towers set to be installed in these areas. These efforts, he said, are aimed at improving access to mobile services in rural, remote, and hilly regions, with particular focus on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), tribal habitations, and even smaller settlements like tolas and majiras.

    The survey, conducted following a request by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in July 2024, identified these villages as areas in dire need of mobile tower installations. This will cover 15 states and include various schemes to ensure widespread coverage.

    Addressing a starred question in the Rajya Sabha on telecom connectivity in PVTG habitations, Shri Scindia highlighted the swift progress made so far, revealing that out of the 2,595 identified villages, 901 villages have already been covered with mobile for which than 519 of the 1,716 towers have been set up within a record time of just six months, marking a 35% completion rate in the project.

    The Union Cabinet in Nov 2023 has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with outlay of Rs.24,104 Crore to saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Under PM JANMAN, provision of mobile coverage to PVTG villages/ habitations by DoT through DBN funded schemes has been included. MoTA shared a list of villages/ habitations, uncovered with mobile services, with DoT.

    Elaborating the special projects for strengthening mobile connectivity in PVTG habitations and rural areas in Jharkhand, the Union Minister informed that a total of 1,987 towers have been identified for 2471 Habitations. He reaffirmed the Union Government’s commitment to the holistic development of tribal and left-wing affected areas, emphasizing that initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana are designed to improve connectivity and overall development in rural tribal-dominated areas.

    Shri Scindia reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government remains committed to ensuring the holistic development of tribal and remote areas, with telecommunication infrastructure being a key part of this larger developmental vision.

    Additionally, the Union Minister also tabled a written reply regarding Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) funds. Following specific schemes provide mobile connectivity to the uncovered villages of rural, remote, hilly &Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas of the country.

     

    S.N.

     Specific Scheme(s)

    1

    4G Saturation Scheme

    2

    7287 uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts

    3

    Left Wing Extremism Phase-II

    4

    Left Wing Extremism Phase-I Upgradation

    5

    Uncovered Villages of Arunachal Pradesh and 2 Districts of Assam

    6

    Uncovered Villages of Meghalaya and National Highway (NH)

    7

    502 uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts

    8

    354 Uncovered Village Scheme

    9

    Lakshadweep Islands

    10

    Uncovered villages and NH of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

     

    As per list received from Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to provide Mobile services to PVTG habitations under PRADHAN MANTRI JANJATI ADIVASI NYAYA MAHA ABHIYAN (PM JANMAN) under DBN funded 4G mobile projects, as on 31.12.24 the details are as Annexed.

     

    Annexure

    (Annexure refers to parts of the Starred question in Rajya Sabha whether the Government is running any special scheme for installation of mobile towers to promote telecom connectivity in rural, remote and hilly areas of the country including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations; and whether any special project has been identified for strengthening mobile connectivity in PVTG habitations and rural areas in Jharkhand and in other States.)

    S. No

    State

    Towers planned

    Habitations planned for Coverage

    Towers installed

    Habitations covered

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    742

    1300

    341

    620

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    103

    150

    19

    28

    3

    Gujarat

    26

    41

    11

    18

    4

    Jharkhand

    8

    12

    0

    0

    5

    Karnataka

    17

    18

    5

    6

    6

    Kerala

    27

    41

    10

    19

    7

    Madhya Pradesh

    138

    158

    16

    20

    8

    Maharashtra

    213

    271

    67

    100

    9

    Odisha

    331

    426

    31

    61

    10

    Rajasthan

    3

    3

    2

    2

    11

    Tamil Nadu

    28

    53

    3

    4

    12

    Telangana

    64

    77

    11

    12

    13

    Tripura

    12

    39

    3

    11

    14

    Uttar Pradesh

    2

    3

    0

    0

    15

    West Bengal

    2

    3

    0

    0

    Total

    1,716

    2,595

    519

    901

     

    (RSQ-34-Starred-06022025)

    *****

    Samrat/ Dheeraj@: pibcomm[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100354) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien pleads guilty to reentry after deportation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ORLANDO, Fla. — An illegal alien from Mexico has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien after being arrested for aggravated battery and obstruction of justice following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando.

    Oscar Manuel Inda-Duenas, 36, of Mexico, faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, Inda-Duenas was previously removed from the United States in September 2016. Following that, he did not receive the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. On Dec. 4, 2024, Inda-Duenas was arrested in the Middle District of Florida on state charges of aggravated battery and obstruction of justice by hindering witness communication with law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, Inda-Duenas was found to be voluntarily back in the United States.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

    HSI Tampa’s area of responsibility, which includes 10 geographically strategic offices, covers more than 51,600 square miles of the total 65,757 square miles in the state of Florida. This region has more than 14.2 million people and includes 58 of the 67 counties. HSI Tampa also includes five of the 10 largest cities in Florida, 15 primary commercial service airports, and 11 seaports.

    Learn more about HSI Tampa’s mission to increase public safety in Florida communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSITampa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Exhibition on implementation of important schemes run by Rural Development Department, Government of India and Rural Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh in Maha Kumbh Mela area

    Source: Government of India

    Exhibition on implementation of important schemes run by Rural Development Department, Government of India and Rural Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh in Maha Kumbh Mela area

    An effort has been made to bring to reality the resolution of every family having their own permanent house in the changing face of housing in rural areas through the model houses

    Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana demonstrated improvement in rural connectivity by connecting rural habitations

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

     

    In the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela an effort has been made to showcase the implementation of the schemes run by the Rural Development Departments of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. To depict the changing environment of the rural areas, an exhibition has been set up at sector 7 of the Mahakumbh mela on various schemes that are being implemented effectively to change the face of rural India.

    Important schemes among them are:

    1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
    2. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
    3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural)
    4. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
    5. Integrated Watershed Management System
    6. Swachh Bharat Mission-Rural

     

    The changing face of the rural areas has been demonstrated through the works done under the MNREGA scheme such as construction of Amrit-Sarovar, soak pit, rooftop rain water harvesting, construction of internal streets and drains, tree plantation and construction of memorial gardens, cattle shed, vermicompost and NADEP, construction of Panchayat Bhawan, construction of nutrition production unit, Prerna canteen, Annapurna ration shop and construction of playground and other works. An attempt has been made to realise the concept of Gram Swaraj by adopting a transparent system of schemes operated through social audit.

    The National Rural Livelihood Mission aims to reduce rural poverty, provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, women empowerment and accelerate financial inclusion. Through Saras Haat, a better platform has been provided for branding, promotion and marketing of the products of groups from different districts and the sisters of the self-help groups so that their livelihood can be enhanced through promotion and sale of their products. Through activities related to BC Sakhi, Drone Sakhi etc., an attempt has been made to demonstrate the economic upliftment in the lives of women and the change in social status, thereby realizing the concept of empowered village and empowered India.

    Through the model houses of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Rural), an attempt has been made to show case the changing face of housing in rural areas and the resolve of the Central Government and the State Government to provide every family with their own permanent house.

    The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has shown remarkable impact in rural areas by providing all-weather road connectivity to settlements with a population of over 250.

    The Rural Development Departments of the Government of India and Uttar Pradesh have demonstrated their key role in implementing schemes through the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) model. This was further highlighted at Mahakumbh-2025, where models and exhibitions showcased the socio-economic impact of their schemes on rural areas.

    Mahakumbh-2025 organized at the holy place Prayagraj is a wonderful confluence of unity in diversity with its religious, spiritual, cultural, rural and urban aura. Most of the population of the country lives in rural areas, that is why India is called a country of villages. The schemes of Rural Development Departments of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh playing an important role in the socio-economic and structural development of the village.

    *******

    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100350) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honduran national sentenced to 46 months for illegally reentering the US

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ORLANDO, Fla. — An illegal alien from Honduras was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported twice following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando.

    Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales, 32, of Honduras, to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Chavarria-Morales entered a guilty plea on Aug. 28, 2024.

    According to court records, Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was convicted of rape in Indiana state court on June 26, 2018, and was deported from the United States on Sept. 21, 2018. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry after deportation in the Southern District of Texas on Feb. 22, 2021, and was deported from the United States a second time on Nov. 11, 2022.

    Following his two deportations, Chavarria-Morales was arrested on April 2, 2024, by the Daytona Beach Police Department and was subsequently convicted of assault (domestic violence) on April 16, 2024. After his arrest, law enforcement learned that Chavarria-Morales was illegally present in the United States.

    This case was investigated by HSI Orlando. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu.

    HSI Tampa’s area of responsibility, which includes 10 geographically strategic offices, covers more than 51,600 square miles of the total 65,757 square miles in the state of Florida. This region has more than 14.2 million people and includes 58 of the 67 counties. HSI Tampa also includes five of the 10 largest cities in Florida, 15 primary commercial service airports, and 11 seaports.

    Learn more about HSI Tampa’s mission to increase public safety in Florida communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSITampa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Shatavari – For Better Health” a nationwide Species-Specific Campaign launched today

    Source: Government of India

    “Shatavari – For Better Health” a nationwide Species-Specific Campaign launched today

    Shatavari will play a key role in advancing women’s health and achieving and achieving the Panch Pran Goal of Developed India: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:28PM by PIB Delhi

    In a bid to raise awareness about the health benefits of medicinal plants, a species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari –For Better Health” was launched today by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), and senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry of Ayush over the last decade and lauded the efforts of NMPB for launching this new initiative to promote awareness about Shatavari. The Minister also mentioned previous successful campaigns led by NMPB, including those for Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha. These initiatives have contributed to spreading knowledge of the health benefits of medicinal plants across the country.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav also emphasised the relevance of Shatavari in achieving the Panch Pran Goal outlined by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2022. The Prime Minister envisioned making India a developed nation by its 100th Independence Day in 2047. As part of this mission, the Shatavari plant has been identified as a key resource for enhancing women’s health in India. This aligns with the broader goal of holistic well-being of citizens.

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, elaborated on the activities and achievements of NMPB in promoting medicinal plants. He also shared insights into the Central Sector Scheme for the Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, an initiative to ensure the long-term preservation and cultivation of important medicinal species, including Shatavari.

    Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, NMPB, highlighted the medicinal importance of Shatavari, especially for its benefits to women’s health, and discussed the agro-economic potential of this plant. He informed the attendees that financial assistance amounting to ₹18.9 Lakhs will be provided to eligible organizations to support the campaign, fostering greater awareness and wider adoption of Shatavari in the public health landscape.

    Shatavari, known for its numerous health benefits, particularly in supporting women’s health and enhancing immunity, will now receive focused attention through this campaign, ensuring it reaches wider audiences across the nation. The campaign marks another significant step in the Ministry of Ayush’s continued efforts to promote traditional medicine and medicinal plants for better health and well-being in India.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrests of foreign nationals made in electronic benefit transfer card fraud scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — On Feb. 1 and 2, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles’ El Camino Real (ECR) Financial Crimes Task Force, alongside the United States Secret Service, California Department of Social Services, United States Marshals Service, United States Attorney’s Office Central District of California, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles Sheriff Department, Hermosa Beach Police Department, Baldwin Bark Park Police Department, Culver City Police Department, El Monte Police Department, Inglewood Police Department, Orange County District Attorney Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General conducted a large-scale enforcement action at several locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

    The goal of this operation was to arrest individuals perpetrating access device fraud through unauthorized cash withdrawals from victim Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This type of fraud victimizes recipients of government sponsored relief programs which are some of our most vulnerable members of the public. During previous operations targeting the same fraud type, the majority of individuals arrested were foreign nationals with no lawful presence in the United States.

    In the past year, the California Department of Social Services has reported more than $100 million in stolen funds from California victims’ EBT cards. The majority of illicit cashouts in the past year occurred in Los Angeles County.

    For violations of 18 United States Code § 1029 (Access Device Fraud), the ECR Task Force and partners arrested 11 foreign nationals, recovered over 300 cloned EBT cards, and recovered over $30,000 in cash during the two-day operation. One of the suspects in custody had been previously arrested by Romanian law enforcement for murder and aggravated murder in Romania. The suspects arrested were transported to the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Los Angeles for processing, to include identification and immigration status determination for suspects unable to be identified or presenting suspected fictitious identification documents.

    Historically, this type of criminal activity has been widely perpetrated by elements of Romanian organized crime who have no legal status in the U.S. or are prior deportees.

    Anyone with information regarding fraud related to government sponsored relief programs is encouraged to call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.

    Learn more about HSI’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 5th Joint Working Group meeting between MoD of India & Spain held in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The 5th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Ministry of Defence of India and Spain took place in New Delhi on February 06, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary, International Cooperation Shri Amitabh Prasad and Special Advisor on Defence Diplomacy to the Secretary General of Defence Policy Brigadier General Paulino Garcia Diego.

    Both sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation activities and discussed the plan for multiple joint activities, including in the maritime domain. They agreed to focus on a closer collaboration in defence, particularly in technology and armament production areas.

    The  C295 Project with Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the first Make-in-India project in the defence aircraft sector, has encouraged more Indian and Spanish companies to collaborate with each other and explore options to work together in the aerospace domain.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: $39.5M in counterfeit sports merchandise seized ahead of Super Bowl LIX

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League (NFL), the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player. This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

    In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.

    “With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”

    “As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”

    “At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.

    “Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.

    “Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

    While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the ‘True Fans Keep It Real’ campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.

    “Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.

    To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:

    • Stick to trusted retail locations.
    • Be cautious when shopping online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals often use legitimate product photos while selling fraudulent items.
    • Use caution before purchasing expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise to ensure a safe transaction and responsible customer service.
    • Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching, missing security labels, or irregular markings on apparel.
    • Check your online bank statements regularly. Keep a record of purchases and confirmation pages and compare them to your bank statements. If discrepancies arise, report them immediately.
    • Purchase event tickets only from trusted sources, such as the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, On Location, or other reputable ticket retailers. This year, Super Bowl LIX will be entirely digital, and no paper tickets will be accepted. Screenshots or PDFs of tickets will not be valid for entry.

    For more information about Operation Team Player or to learn more about the “True Fans Keep It Real” campaign, visit Operation Team Player — IPRCenter.

    About the IPR Center

    For more than two decades, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) has led the effort in the government’s response to combat global intellectual property theft and enforce trade laws. Comprised of federal agencies, international law enforcement, academia, private sector partners, and industry experts, the IPR Center develops initiatives, coordinates enforcement actions, shares information related to intellectual property theft and trade fraud related to the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods. The center was established addresses the theft of innovation that threatens economic stability and places the public’s health and safety at risk.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gender Equality And Empowerment Of Women For Urban Planning

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is implementing Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), which was launched on 25 June 2015. Smart elements, components and technologies are part of AMRUT projects and this aims to promote sustainable urban development. AMRUT guidelines provides for smart elements such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) as part of the water supply and sewerage projects. As reported by States/UTs 230 Water supply projects and 146 Sewerage projects have been implemented with SCADA.

    Technology Sub-Mission is an important component of AMRUT 2.0 to encourage start-up ideas and private entrepreneurship, and commissioning them into the pilot projects. As reported by Stat/UTs under AMRUT 2.0, 1482 water supply projects, 241 Sewerage projects are approved with SCADA.

    MoHUA is supporting States/ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in capacity building activities through various Schemes of the Ministry such as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), for improving the capacities of ULB functionaries, elected representatives, etc., which includes all sections of the society including women. Under AMRUT, against the target of 45000 functionaries, 57134 functionaries have already been trained so far.

    Under AMRUT 2.0, capacity building programs are conducted for all stakeholders including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, students, women and citizens.

    MoHUA has designated 4 Institutes in different regions as Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design, which inter alia impart certified trainings/ certified courses to Civil Servants, State Town Planners, Municipal Officials, practitioners/professionals, young students etc. These centres have been provided endowment funds of ₹ 250 crore each.

    Besides, MoHUA has also designated 6 institutes as AMRUT Funded Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. The role envisaged for these institutes inter alia include subject specific trainings to Municipal officials/ Town and Country Planning officials, augmenting capacity building of State / Local authorities and hand hold them in urban planning.

    Under AMRUT 2.0, Ministry has also launched AMRUT Mitra initiative which involve women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in water demand management, water quality testing, water infrastructure operations, and other water sectoral projects. So far, 1762 projects worth ₹140 crore have been approved under this initiative.

    The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), a central sector scheme of Government of India was launched on 21st January, 2015 and was implemented in twelve cities. No city in Chhattisgarh was covered under this scheme. The mission has ended on 31st March, 2019 and no new projects/cities were taken up after 31st March, 2019.

    Under Smart Cities Mission (SCM), 3 cities namely, Atal Nagar, Bilaspur, and Raipur have been selected from the State of Chhattisgarh. A total of ₹1351.63 crore have been released to the smart cities in the State of Chhattisgarh under SCM, which includes release of ₹488 crore to Atal Nagar, ₹428.75 crore to Bilaspur and ₹434.88 crore to Raipur.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri. Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hell’s Kitchen Aesthetician Arrested For Unlawfully Injecting Counterfeit Botox

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Joey Grant Luther Allegedly Purchased and Imported Counterfeit Botox From China and Administered Drugs to Clients at His Hell’s Kitchen Medical Spa Without a License

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging JOEY GRANT LUTHER with wire fraud, smuggling, and other crimes related to misbranded and counterfeit drugs.  As alleged in the Complaint, from in or about April 2023 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER shipped counterfeit drugs, including counterfeit Botox, from countries in Asia, including China, and injected them, without the required license, into his clients at his medical spa, JGL Aesthetics.  None of the counterfeit Botox that LUTHER injected was approved for sale or dispensing in the U.S. by the FDA.  LUTHER was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As alleged, Joey Grant Luther, who does not possess the licensing required by New York State to perform injections of Botox, knowingly purchased counterfeit Botox from China, injected it into his clients, and represented that the counterfeit Botox that he was peddling was genuine.  Luther continued to purchase and inject the counterfeit Botox even after he learned that clients had fallen ill or experienced strange symptoms after Luther injected them.  Luther’s disregard for the health of his clients put all of his victims in harm’s way and, in some cases, caused life-threating injuries.  Luther will now face criminal charges for this conduct.”

    As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

    From at least in or about January 2021 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER ran a medical spa called JGL Aesthetics in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.  In or about September 2021, an individual (“Victim-1”) went to JGL Aesthetics to receive Botox treatments to treat excessive sweating as well as fine lines on her face.  Victim-1 learned that LUTHER performed Botox injections from a friend.  Between in or about September 2021 and in or about February 2024, LUTHER injected counterfeit drugs labeled as Botox® 150 Units manufactured by Allergan into Victim-1’s armpit, forehead, and face on approximately eight occasions.  Victim-1 never provided LUTHER with a prescription to receive Botox injections.

    On or about February 27, 2024, LUTHER injected Counterfeit Botox into Victim-1’s armpits and eyebrow area at JGL Aesthetics.  Approximately three days after Victim-1’s February 27, 2024, visit to JGL Aesthetics, Victim-1 began experiencing double vision, light headedness, difficulty swallowing and chewing, heart palpitations, and slurring of speech.  Victim-1 also could not lift her arms and experienced weakness from the waist up. Victim-1 went to three hospitals to seek medical assistance for these symptoms.  On or about March 20, 2024, Victim-1 was diagnosed with Botulism toxin.

    From between in or about April 2023 and in or about January 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) seized parcels intended for JGL Aesthetics, including one which lists a return address in Hong Kong.  These parcels contained significant quantities of counterfeit drugs, including Counterfeit Botox.  Below is a photo of the contents of the parcel—including the exterior of cartons of Counterfeit Botox.

     

    From at least in or about March 2024 through at least in or about April 2024, during which time LUTHER negotiated an additional purchase of Counterfeit Botox from one of his suppliers, multiple individuals who received injections of Counterfeit Botox from LUTHER messaged LUTHER about the negative side effects from the injections, including lazy eyes, double vision, and drooping eyelids.  In response to these complaints, LUTHER typically assured his clients that the side effects were temporary, represented that he was unaware that counterfeit Botox had been found circulating in the U.S., and assured clients that the Counterfeit Botox was from Allergan, the veritable maker.  As alleged, LUTHER was well aware that the Counterfeit Botox was, in fact, counterfeit.

    Neither CBP’s seizure of packages intended for LUTHER, the defendant, nor his clients informing LUTHER of injuries related to his injecting Counterfeit Botox stopped LUTHER from continuing to procure the Counterfeit Botox and injecting it into his clients. Between March 13, 2024—the date that Victim-1 contacted LUTHER about the injections of Counterfeit Botox—and October 2, 2024—after law enforcement officers and special agents executed a search warrant of JGL Aesthetics, JGL Aesthetics had at least approximately 700 appointments logged in its client and service management application that were coded with having provided Botox-related services.  Data contained in the client and services management application also revealed that JGL Aesthetics provided Botox-related services as early as January 2021.

    *                *                *

    LUTHER, 54, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of dispensing of a misbranded drug while held for sale, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; one count of holding counterfeit drugs for sale and for dispensing, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of receiving misbranded drugs in interstate commerce and delivery or proffered delivery thereof, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; and one count of smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the CBP – New York Field Office, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “SARAT (Search and Rescue Aid Tool) Version 2 Enhances Search-and-Rescue Efficiency of Indian search and rescue agencies,” says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh  states that the latest version 2 of Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)offers Indian search and rescue agencies improved efficiency, faster response times, and higher success rates in search-and rescue operationswhile replying to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha.

    According to the written reply, several significant improvements have been implemented in the latest version 2 of Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). The key improvements are:

    1. More Accurate Search Areas: The computation of probable search region is now directly anchored to the Last Known Position (LKP) of the object as opposed to the point with the minimum longitude in the search area in the earlier version. This enhancement ensures that the starting point for defining the search area is aligned precisely and more accurate.

     

    1. Exportable Search Data and Enhanced Visualization: The tool now provides the search areas in digital format, enabling seamless integration with rescue planning maps. Additionally, SARAT version 2 features visualization of individual and mean particle trajectories, finer and distinct color-coded search regions, and a marker identifying the LKP, all improving the clarity of visual outputs and their interpretation.

     

    With these enhancements, the tool now offers Indian search and rescue agencies improved efficiency, faster response times, and higher success rates in search-andrescue operations within the Indian Ocean region.

    To ensure the effective utilization of the updated SARAT tool, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has undertaken targeted training and capacity-building initiatives for personnel from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and other Search-and-Rescue (SAR) agencies. INCOIS has organized online national workshop to train officers from the ICG and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of the updated SARAT tool. This workshop successfully trained over 60 officers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to leverage the tool effectively in SAR operations.

    Additionally, INCOIS scientists regularly deliver lectures and demonstrations on the utility and operational aspects of SARAT at SAR workshops conducted by theICG and AAI. These sessions also serve as a platform to gather valuable feedback from stakeholders, which is used to refine and enhance the tool further. Through these efforts, INCOIS ensures that SAR agencies are well-prepared to utilize SARAT to its full potential, contributing to improved search-and-rescue outcomes in the Indian Ocean region.

    The Minister for earth Sciences Dr. Singh shared that Ministry plans to increase the accuracy of the tool by enhancing the accuracies of the surface currents and winds prediction. Further, the enhancement of forecast accuracy will be achieved by assimilating a greater volume of ocean observations with wider spatial coverage into ocean circulation models. To this end, INCOIS is actively advancing ocean modelling and data assimilation techniques.

    Additionally, with a particular focus on the Indian coastline, the Ministry plans to utilize High-Frequency (HF) radar measurements of coastal surface currents as they become sufficiently contiguous in space and continuous in time. These measurements will enable the application of statistical correction methods to minimize errors in modelforecasted currents. This integration of radar data will further refine SARAT outputs, ensuring greater precision in delineating probable search areas.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh states that the improvements to the SARAT tool is an ongoing process and these continuous efforts will contribute to more effective SAR operations and enhanced marine safety in the Indian Ocean region.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Man Charged with Drug Distribution and Loan Fraud

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    BOSTON – A Michigan man has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a conspiracy to import and sell illegal pharmaceuticals, including opioids, and to fund the operation of the scheme by fraudulently obtaining a Covid pandemic relief loan.

    Donald Nchamukong, 37, was charged by Information with conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, to commit loan fraud and to distribute controlled substances.  Nchamukong will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on a date to be scheduled by the Court.

    According to the charging documents, starting in 2019 and continuing to 2022, Nchamukong and a co-conspirator, Doyal Kalita, conspired to distribute drugs to persons in the United States over the internet and using call centers in India. Nchamukong allegedly used shell companies, including a purported dietary supplements company and an auto parts supplier, and associated bank and merchant accounts to process sales of illegal foreign drugs, including the Schedule IV opioid, tramadol. Nchamukong and Kalita also received shipments of tramadol from India and reshipped the drug to customers across the United States, including in Massachusetts. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Nchamukong and Kalita allegedly fraudulently obtained a $200,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan to fund their illegal drug scheme.  

    Kalita was convicted in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating the online drug distribution scheme and a technical support fraud scheme and related money laundering.

    The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the monetary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Fernando P. McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in New York, Small Business Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial, and Cyber Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, pleasehttps://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cities Covered Under PMAY-U

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) since June 25, 2015 to provide pucca house with basic amenities to all eligible urban beneficiaries. PMAY-U has been implemented in all the statutory towns as per Census 2011 and towns notified subsequently along with Metropolitan cities and smaller towns including   Notified   Planning/Development   Areas, areas  and villages falling within Notified Planning/Development area under the jurisdiction of an Industrial Development Authority/Special Area Development Authority/Urban Development Authority or any such Authority under State legislation which is entrusted with the functions of urban planning and regulations. The towns and Development Authority areas are included under the scheme by the Ministry based on request sent by the respective States/Union Territories (UTs). The scheme has been implemented in 4,618 Cities/Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) including all Metropolitan Cities across the country.

    Based on the project proposals submitted by States/UTs, a total of 118.64 lakh houses have been sanctioned by the Ministry under PMAY-U, out of which 112.50 lakh have been grounded and 90.25 lakh are completed/delivered to the beneficiaries across the country as on 27.01.2025.

    PMAY-U is a demand driven scheme and no target has been fixed for distribution of affordable housing projects for cities/towns. Selection of beneficiaries, formulation of projects and execution is done by States/UTs. As per the scheme guidelines, the ULBs prepare projects for eligible beneficiaries and ensure that the scheme is implemented in an integrated manner. States/UTs prepare project proposals and after approval of State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), these are submitted to the Ministry for sanctioning of admissible Central Assistance by Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC).

    As per the scheme guidelines, Central Assistance under different verticals is released to the States/UTs/Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) based on compliances submitted by them. Further, the disbursement of subsidy (including Central & State components) to the beneficiaries under Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC)/ Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)/In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) verticals by States/UTs/Implementing agencies is done depending upon the physical & financial progress of projects/houses. Moreover, it has been observed that major  challenges  faced  by  the  implementing  agencies include non-availability of encumbrance free land, unwillingness of beneficiaries, delay in getting statutory clearances/No Objection Certificates (NOCs) etc. The Ministry conducts regular review meetings with States/UTs to complete the remaining houses within the stipulated timeframe. The scheme period, which was earlier up to 31.03.2022, has further been extended up to 31.12.2025, except for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) vertical of the scheme, to complete all the sanctioned houses without changing the funding pattern and implementation methodology.

    Further, based on the learning from the experiences of 9 years implementation of PMAY-U, MoHUA has revamped the scheme and launched PMAY-U 2.0 ‘Housing for All’ Mission with effect from 01.09.2024 for implementation in urban areas across the country to construct, purchase and rent a house by 1 crore additional eligible beneficiaries at affordable cost through four verticals i.e., Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS).

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri. Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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