Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Since 2020, almost 80 schools and kindergartens have been built in the Novomoskovsky Administrative District using budgetary and extra-budgetary funds. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“Over the past five years, 79 educational facilities have been built in the Novomoskovsky Administrative District using budgetary and extra-budgetary funds, 62 of which were built by developers. The total area of all the buildings constructed is about 700 thousand square meters. They have created more than 12.2 thousand preschools and over 27.6 thousand school places. In 2024 alone, seven kindergartens and the same number of schools were built in this district. Among them are four large schools, each designed for more than a thousand students,” Vladimir Efimov noted.
Comfortable conditions for learning and development are created in new schools and kindergartens. Safe materials are used for finishing the premises in modern buildings, and bright color solutions are used in architecture.
“The city strives for harmonious development, therefore educational facilities are being built next to new residential buildings. Thus, last year a school for 1.2 thousand students appeared in the Shcherbinka district. The total area of the building was 18.2 thousand square meters. It was equipped with universal and specialized classrooms, laboratory and research complexes, robot classes, sports and assembly halls. A stadium with a mini-football field, universal courts for basketball and volleyball, and a long jump area was built on the adjacent territory,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Urban Development Policy
Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that since 2011, 1,118 social infrastructure facilities have been built in Moscow, including 648 schools and kindergartens.
The construction of social facilities in the capital corresponds to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
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Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
In our city, the winners and laureates of the “Woman of the Year” competition were awarded. It is held with the support of the Government of St. Petersburg. 190 application forms were submitted for participation in the competition in ten nominations. Ekaterina Chumakova, a practicing teacher at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science of SPbPU, won in the “Armed Forces and Law Enforcement” nomination.
Thanks to my combination of service in the Internal Affairs Department and teaching at the Higher School of Law and Technical Education of the Polytechnic, I was among the winners. Thanks to the Polytechnic for the opportunity to share practical experience with the younger generation, – noted Ekaterina Chumakova.
Ekaterina Sergeevna is a police lieutenant colonel and the chief expert of the forensic accounting department of the forensic center of the Transport Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Northwestern Federal District. She successfully combines police service with teaching at SPbPU. She organizes practical classes for students at the forensic center. At the training ground, future lawyers become “participants in the investigation of crimes” and solve problems right at the “scene of the crime.”
A practice-oriented approach to education allows our graduates to be in high demand on the labor market, noted Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Economics.
The Woman of the Year competition is held within the framework of the Petersburg and Petersburgers program with the support of the city government. It is organized by the Committee for Social Policy of St. Petersburg in partnership with government bodies, commercial and non-commercial organizations.
Over the years of its existence, the competition has become the main platform for assessing the professional merits of St. Petersburg women and their high achievements. The selection criteria are outstanding results in professional or service activities, active participation in the socio-economic development of St. Petersburg, public and charitable activities. Therefore, the winners of the competition are not just women who are successful in their profession, they are distinguished by an active life position and no less active public activities, – said Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Natalia Chechina.
Natalia Chechina noted that thanks to the Woman of the Year competition, the city discovered many talented names, and also saw new social projects and programs come to life. The winners of the competition received diplomas and memorable gifts. Portraits of the laureates will also appear on advertising stands on the main streets of St. Petersburg.
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“In terms of details and color solutions, it will resemble the design of the first metro stations. Thus, along the platform there will be two rows of columns with built-in lighting, forming vaults. A similar technique can be seen at Kropotkinskaya, built back in 1935,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin
According to the approved concept, grey and red colours predominate in the design of the station. All finishing materials are domestically produced.
The station will be shallow, with two vestibules and exits to Dem’yana Bednogo Street and Marshal Zhukov Avenue. The southern vestibule will be connected by a transfer to the Narodnoye Opolchenie station of the Big Circle Line. The facility is 55 percent complete today.
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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Students at a meeting
The career guidance meeting of representatives of the State Budgetary Institution “City Department of Real Estate Inventory and Valuation” with students of the Department of Geodesy, Land Management and Cadastre of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering became a kind of brief introduction to professional activities.
An employer with a proven track record
Deputy Director of the State Budgetary Institution “City Department of Real Estate Inventory and Valuation” Evgeniya Mikhailova emphasized the purpose of her visit – to talk about the wide range of activities, the specifics of the organization, and career opportunities. It was noted that graduates of our university successfully work here, and the organization intends to continue employing them.
Evgeniya Mikhailova recalled that the St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise “City Administration of Real Estate Inventory and Valuation” (GUP “GUION”) has been counting its modern history since November 28, 2005, when the decree of the Government of St. Petersburg “On improving the system of technical accounting and technical inventory of real estate objects in St. Petersburg” was signed. But the traditions of the enterprise have much deeper roots: on May 21, 1927, the Economic Conference of the RSFSR adopted the resolution “On approval of the Regulation on the inventory of property of local Councils”. It predetermined the creation of special technical inventory bureaus (BTI) in the system of municipal bodies of the RSFSR.
“Over the course of its long history, the company has undergone a series of transformations, successfully passed all stages of transformation taking into account modern realities and today specializes in four areas, providing a range of services necessary for real estate management, legal entities and individuals, government agencies. The main areas of our activity are cadastral works and technical inventory, valuation of movable and immovable property, land management works, design, consulting. In addition, we carry out work within the framework of the “Ruble per meter” program. It was developed by the Property Relations Committee of St. Petersburg jointly with the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments and is aimed at attracting investors to restore and involve in circulation unused cultural heritage sites in an unsatisfactory condition,” said Evgeniya Mikhailova.
Land management with its own specifics
Evgenia Mikhailova and Yuri Nikitin
Yuri Nikitin, Head of the Data Collection and Processing Department of the Land Management Department – Methodology and Practical Inventory of Land Plots of the State Unitary Enterprise “GUION”, spoke about the specifics of his area.
“One of the important aspects of our department’s work is determining the functional characteristics of the sites: the type of economic activity, other characteristics, on the basis of which the amount of rent is determined. Our department employs surveyors and cadastral engineers. St. Petersburg is the only city in our country that has its own unique structure for registering with the state cadastral register, which requires extensive preliminary work. And this imposes additional obligations on specialists, including constant monitoring of legislation, knowledge of the necessary software and the specifics of transferring big data. Among our clients are large enterprises and city facilities. Individuals who are poorly versed in changes in legislation and sometimes simply do not understand what kind of specialist they need also contact us. We have the ability to comprehensively resolve their issues,” said Yuri Nikitin.
Associate Professor of the Department of Geodesy, Land Management and Cadastre of SPbGASU Vyacheslav Sokolov drew students’ attention to the specifics of engineering cadastral works in St. Petersburg.
“This specificity of the activity must be studied, especially by those who intend to work in St. Petersburg. This is an important question in the profession. That is why last year the examination committee asked it to a student when defending his final qualification work,” Vyacheslav Sokolov emphasized.
Bonuses for young professionals
Evgeniya Mikhailova explained in detail the internal regulations of the GUION, the employee incentive system, the possibility of transferring to departments with similar profiles, the conditions for salary increases and career growth, and receiving bonuses. She emphasized the organization’s interest in young specialists.
“We have developed adaptation periods for young specialists. Over a certain period of time, they are introduced to their positions by experienced employees, and the organization pays them a monthly bonus of five thousand rubles for two years. In addition, they, like all employees, receive quarterly and annual bonuses. We provide specialists with a bachelor’s degree with paid study leave in the master’s program and support their desire to develop professionally,” noted Evgeniya Mikhailova.
Third-year student Anna Pyatova reported that as a future specialist, she was interested in hearing in detail about the different departments of the State University of the Social Sciences.
“The organization offers interesting work in our core areas, good prospects for career growth, a solid archive of information for work. In the future, I want to clarify some details of the work and, perhaps, I will take a closer look at it as a future employer,” said Anna Pyatova.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The IV Moscow Fashion Week is ending in the Central Exhibition Hall “Manezh”, which brought together Russian and foreign designers, students of specialized universities and other representatives of the industry. During the event, a professional showroom was opened, a market of Russian designers was held, and fashion shows took place.
This is an important event not only in the fashion industry, but also in the cultural life of the city: the week also included the World Fashion Shorts short film festival and an extensive educational program.
Member of the Moscow Fashion Week expert council, president of the Russian Association of Fashion Industry Participants Tatyana Belkevich noted that this time the designers approached participation with a greater understanding of the expert group’s requirements. This was facilitated by the holding of thematic lectures and the experience of past fashion weeks, where the current participants gained a lot of useful knowledge and understood how to properly present their brands on the catwalk.
“Now we can safely say that we have an industry not just of clothing and fashion production, which is tuned to the end consumer, but also a design industry. This is very clearly visible and can be seen in many collections. Those brands that were just starting out last fashion week have shown themselves very well this season. Experience is growing enormously. The demand for Russian brands is also growing. According to research, in 2024, 73 percent of consumers chose Russian brands with both their hearts and wallets,” said Tatyana Belkevich.
One of the participants of the opening of the IV Moscow Fashion Week was the brand of designer Igor Andreev. In the new collection, he focused on the modern Russian style, demonstrating a commitment to the folk, original and local. The public was presented with many knitted whole products or elements built into images. The podium itself was decorated with structures in the form of Russian window frames.
“Young designers are very actively exploiting the Russian cultural code in their works,” added Tatyana Belkevich. “This is wonderful, because it is really in our blood and it should be used. Famous designers, of course, also use ethnicity, some elements of the cultural code in their collections, but very carefully, very precisely, not like the youth, who have not yet taken flight and really want to make accents.”
Every year, lectures popularizing the Russian fashion industry and talking about the interaction of domestic designers, artists, models and industry specialists with great fashion houses are held as part of the fashion week. According to the curator of the Moscow Fashion Week lecture hall, fashion expert Anna Rykova, the lectures are designed for a wide range of listeners with the aim of popularizing the topic of fashion. Experts talk about the industry as a whole – as a large cultural layer not only in Russia, but also in the world, about how fashion influences people’s tastes and preferences, how it shapes business, reflects cultural, political and economic events, and reacts to various changes. The program includes lectures on the mark that domestic designers and artists have left on world fashion, national costumes and crafts.
“I think that Moscow has probably acquired its own stylistic face recently. Moscow remains less a city associated with strong luxury and more with individuality. It is generally accepted that we have a capital and a cultural capital, St. Petersburg. I think that any capital is cultural and directly connected with fashion. Fashion is connected with culture, culture is connected with fashion – these are two components that are absolutely impossible to separate at the moment. Therefore, culture is fashionable,” says Anna Rykova.
More than 180 brands (including over 100 from the capital) from 27 regions of Russia, including Moscow, Ivanovo, Leningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Tambov and Tyumen regions, Krasnodar and Primorsky Krai, the republics of Buryatia, Dagestan, Komi, Sakha (Yakutia) and Tatarstan, are taking part in Moscow Fashion Week. Designers from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, India and other countries are also presenting their collections to a wide audience.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Resettlement under the renovation program affected 95 districts of the capital. Residents of old houses are moving to new modern apartments. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“Resettlement under the renovation program has already affected over 203 thousand residents from more than 1.2 thousand old houses in 95 districts of the capital. In seven of them, Muscovites were offered comfortable housing for the first time last year. The city then sent the corresponding letters to citizens from the Ostankinsky, Altufevsky, Meshchansky, Levoberezhny, Sokolinaya Gora districts, as well as Bekasovo and Voronovo. About five thousand people have started resettling in these districts in a year,” Vladimir Efimov noted.
Since the renovation program began, the first to move were residents of two buildings in Severnoye Izmailovo. They received offers of equivalent apartments in February 2018. By the end of that year, the renovation program affected 15 districts, and now their number has increased more than sixfold.
“In the Lyublino district, about 9.9 thousand people from 51 houses have begun resettlement. In Severnoye Izmailovo, almost 7.8 thousand city residents from 41 old buildings received offers of new apartments, in the Mozhaisk district – more than 4.4 thousand people from 31 houses,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property
The houses that were resettled under the renovation program are being dismantled. New buildings with accompanying infrastructure are being erected on the vacated sites.
As of today, in the Lyublino district, residents of 35 old houses have moved into new apartments under the renovation program, clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav OvchinskyAccording to him, 29 houses in Severnoye Izmailovo and Mozhaisk district have been resettled, their residents have already celebrated housewarming in modern residential complexes. Apartments under the renovation program are handed over for occupancy with a ready-made improved finish, which allows residents to move into them immediately, without wasting time on additional repairs.
Previously Sergei Sobyanin said on the implementation of the renovation program in the Eastern Administrative District.
The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.
Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
From April 14 to 17, the “Moya Rabota” center on Shabolovka Street will host the “Women’s Business” accelerator. Spouses of special military operation participants are invited to join. Visitors will be taught the basics of running a business and developing a personal brand, public speaking and writing a marketing plan, preparing project promotion strategies, and much more.
Modern women are increasingly striving for professional self-realization, often choosing the entrepreneurial scenario. The Moscow Employment Service offers various programs that help residents develop their careers and improve their skills and competencies.
“Entrepreneurship allows you to gain financial independence, monetize your hobby, create a unique product, and plan your time more flexibly. For the wives of the special military operation participants, we have prepared an intensive program where they will learn a lot about opening and developing their own business, make new acquaintances, and have a useful time. In four days, the guests will learn to work in a team and present their projects to investors, and will immerse themselves in financial and other important nuances of business,” said Andrey Tarasov, head of the Moscow employment service and the Professions of the Future center.
On the first day, April 14, participants will discuss organizational issues and measures of state support for business, learn the basics of entrepreneurship, and learn teamwork and business thinking.
On April 15, experienced trainers will talk about entering marketplaces and successful examples of existing businesses. The participants will delve into the intricacies of customer service and writing a marketing plan, and will also prepare to defend projects and work with presentations.
The program on April 16 will be dedicated to the art of public speaking, analysis of tax, financial and other aspects, as well as communication strategies of an entrepreneur.
On the final day of the accelerator, April 17, participants will defend their projects and receive awards for the winners.
The meetings will take place at the flagship center “My work” at the address: Shabolovka street, building 48. Participation is free, registration open until April 5. The “Women’s Business” accelerator is organized with the participation of the Moscow City Branch “Support of Russia”.
The Moscow City Employment Service is the largest state personnel operator that helps residents of the capital find work. Its structure includes employment offices, many of which are located in the My Documents government service centers. The flagship centers are open at the following addresses: Kuusinen Street, Building 2, Building 1, and Shabolovka Street, Building 48. The specialized My Career employment center is located on Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street (Building 1, Building 1).
At the Professions of the Future center (38 Shchepkina Street, Building 1), you can master one of 75 in-demand professions in various sectors of the economy in a maximum of three and a half months. Career mentors will help you find a job after completing your training. The center’s partners include more than three thousand employers. In addition, a comprehensive career guidance program is being implemented here for ninth-grade students.
How noted Sergei Sobyanin, in his strategy for developing Moscow’s social security system until 2030, the city offers residents the opportunity to develop their human resources and join the country’s largest labor market.
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“Any educational changes start in primary school. If there is no continuity, then it is too late to start in high school. Children must grow up, and their knowledge must accumulate from year to year,” said Igor Remorenko, chairman of the expert council for the development of mathematical and natural science education and rector of the Moscow City Pedagogical University.
In the capital’s schools, an additional course “Mathematics and the World Around Us” will be introduced in the first through fourth grades. It will be held in the format of extracurricular activities. Schoolchildren will develop logic, mathematical thinking, and geometric intuition. Teachers who will teach according to the new program will undergo special training. In April next year, at the “Ready for Life in a Smart City” Olympiad, third- and fourth-graders will be able to demonstrate the knowledge they gained in additional classes.
Children from the fifth and sixth grades will be engaged in developing mathematical and natural science literacy. Those interested in mathematics and natural sciences will be offered to attend clubs at the Center for Pedagogical Excellence. They are designed for schoolchildren from the fifth grade.
In addition, as part of the initiative to strengthen the natural science and mathematical areas, a new city experimental Olympiad will appear. It is aimed at identifying the interest of schoolchildren in creative research and project activities.
“The children will have interesting extracurricular classes in mathematics and natural sciences. They will be filled with bright, interesting stories, many of which echo the life of our smart metropolis, modern technologies and the history of the city. Of course, the children will get acquainted with modern professions, and they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge at new Olympiads – “Ready for Life in a Smart City” and the Moscow Experimental Olympiad,” said Ivan Yashchenko, scientific director of the Center for Pedagogical Excellence of the Moscow Department of Education and Science.
Earlier, an expert council for the development of mathematical and natural science education was created in the capital. Its goal is to improve the quality of education in schools and support children’s interest in the exact sciences. The council will develop and examine teaching aids, refresher courses for teachers, and analyze best pedagogical practices.
Today, the boundaries between disciplines are blurred: understanding biology is impossible without knowledge of the laws of chemistry and physics, noted the winner of the International Biology Olympiad, Associate Professor of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Georgy Nosov. Therefore, it is important to consider these subjects in a complex, to reveal all aspects of the phenomenon. This will allow us to provide not only a high-quality school education, but also a holistic understanding of different areas, so that it will be easier for future graduates to choose a profession. Having become specialists, they will be able to implement new technologies, develop the sovereignty of the country and Russian science throughout the world.
The Council will become a permanent body under the Moscow Department of Education and Science. It will be engaged in the development of mathematical and natural science education in the capital’s schools. It is headed by the rector of the Moscow City Pedagogical University, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Igor Remorenko. The composition includes leading specialists: coaches of Olympiad teams, teachers, scientists, methodologists, representatives of universities and industrial partners.
Moscow schoolchildren regularly demonstrate high results. In 2024, more than half of the country’s gold medals at international Olympiads were won by participants from Moscow, and in terms of the absolute number of gold awards, the city entered the top ten world leaders. The share of graduates who scored over 220 points in three subjects on the Unified State Exam is 38 percent. In addition, the number of students choosing to take advanced-level mathematics, computer science, and physics is growing. In this regard, Sergei Sobyanin approved priorities for the development of Moscow educationIn particular, he made a decision to strengthen the mathematical and natural science training of schoolchildren in order to achieve technological leadership in the capital.
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Cluster of Candida auris cases in TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital reported A male patient (aged 91), who previously stayed in a tuberculosis and chest ward of WTSH, was reported as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection on March 10. A contact tracing investigation was therefore conducted under prevailing guidelines and found that two more male patients (aged 62 and 79) from the same ward were also carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Among them, one patient has been discharged earlier, the other is being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
1. enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; 2. applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and 3. thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. As per the data published by the NCRB, State/UT wise details of cases registered under cyber crimes and fraud for cyber crimes (involving communication devices as medium/target) during the period from 2018 to 2022 are at the Annexure-I & II.
‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and setting up of hi-tech cyber cell through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.
To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
The state of the art ‘National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation)’ has been established, as a part of the I4C, at New Delhi to provide early stage cyber forensic assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs) of State/UT Police. So far, National Cyber Forensics Laboratory (Investigation) has provided its services to State/UT LEAs in around 11,835 cases pertaining to cyber crimes.
A State of the Art Centre, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at I4C where representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries and representatives of States/UTs Law Enforcement Agency are working together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle cybercrime.
The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024 and apprised the citizens of India.
I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & NCRP. The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been constituted for Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam, and Guwahati under I4C covering the whole country based upon cyber crime hotspots/ areas having multi jurisdictional issues by on boarding States/UTs to enhance the coordination framework among the Law Enforcement Agencies of the States/UTs. Seven workshops were organized for JCCTs at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi and Chandigarh.
Samanvaya Platform has been made operational to serve as an Management Information System(MIS) platform, data repository and a coordination platform for LEAs for cybercrime data sharing and
analytics. It provides analytics based interstate linkages of crimes and criminals, involved in cybercrime complaints in various States/UTs. The module ‘Pratibimb’ maps locations of criminals and crime infrastructure on a map to give visibility to jurisdictional officers. The module also facilitates seeking and receiving of techno-legal assistance by Law Enforcement Agencies from I4C and other SMEs. It has lead to arrest of 6,046 accused, 17,185 linkages and 36,296 Cyber Investigation assistance request.
Ministry of Home Affairs has provided central assistance under ‘Assistance to States for Modernization of Police’ Scheme to the State Governments for the acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication/forensic equipment, Cyber Policing equipment etc. The State Governments formulate State Action Plans (SAPs) as per their strategic priorities and requirements including combating cyber crimes.
The Ministry of External Affairs also holds bilateral cyber dialogue with various countries from time to time. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, being a nodal agency for cyber crime in the country is actively participate in such cyber dialogues.
The National Central Bureau (NCB) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acted as effective interface between Indian LEAs and foreign LEAs and facilitates regular exchange of information through INTERPOL channels. Recently BHARATPOL portal has been launched to further streamline the communication between NCB, CBI and Indian LEAs in the matters of international assistance and coordination.
The CBI is nodal agency for G-7 24/7 network. G7 24/7 is secure channel for making data preservation requests in cases related to cyber crime.
To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through SMS, I4C social media account i.e. X (formerly Twitter) (@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, caller tune, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, newspaper advertisement on digital arrest scam, announcement in Delhi metros on digital arrest and other modus operandi of cyber criminals, use of social media influencers to create special posts on digital arrest, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.
Annexure-I
State/UT-wise Cases Registered(CR) under Cyber Crimes during 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
1899
1875
2341
2
Arunachal Pradesh
30
47
14
3
Assam
3530
4846
1733
4
Bihar
1512
1413
1621
5
Chhattisgarh
297
352
439
6
Goa
40
36
90
7
Gujarat
1283
1536
1417
8
Haryana
656
622
681
9
Himachal Pradesh
98
70
77
10
Jharkhand
1204
953
967
11
Karnataka
10741
8136
12556
12
Kerala
426
626
773
13
Madhya Pradesh
699
589
826
14
Maharashtra
5496
5562
8249
15
Manipur
79
67
18
16
Meghalaya
142
107
75
17
Mizoram
13
30
1
18
Nagaland
8
8
4
19
Odisha
1931
2037
1983
20
Punjab
378
551
697
21
Rajasthan
1354
1504
1833
22
Sikkim
0
0
26
23
Tamil Nadu
782
1076
2082
24
Telangana
5024
10303
15297
25
Tripura
34
24
30
26
Uttar Pradesh
11097
8829
10117
27
Uttarakhand
243
718
559
28
West Bengal
712
513
401
TOTAL STATE(S)
49708
52430
64907
29
A&N Islands
5
8
28
30
Chandigarh
17
15
27
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
3
5
5
32
Delhi
168
356
685
33
Jammu & Kashmir
120
154
173
34
Ladakh
1
5
3
35
Lakshadweep
3
1
1
36
Puducherry
10
0
64
TOTAL UT(S)
327
544
986
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
50035
52974
65893
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
ANNEXURE-II
State/UT-wise Cases Registered (CR) under Fraud for Cyber Crimes during Year 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
764
952
984
2
Arunachal Pradesh
3
2
0
3
Assam
58
82
16
4
Bihar
1294
1373
1441
5
Chhattisgarh
71
67
42
6
Goa
1
1
11
7
Gujarat
205
208
108
8
Haryana
36
52
44
9
Himachal Pradesh
1
6
9
10
Jharkhand
83
79
98
11
Karnataka
0
6
0
12
Kerala
6
16
26
13
Madhya Pradesh
69
89
180
14
Maharashtra
2032
1678
2202
15
Manipur
0
0
0
16
Meghalaya
10
0
0
17
Mizoram
0
0
0
18
Nagaland
0
0
0
19
Odisha
1079
1205
957
20
Punjab
16
29
61
21
Rajasthan
332
371
292
22
Sikkim
0
0
0
23
Tamil Nadu
5
107
251
24
Telangana
3316
7003
9581
25
Tripura
0
0
0
26
Uttar Pradesh
837
614
766
27
Uttarakhand
1
0
31
28
West Bengal
145
40
30
TOTAL STATE(S)
10364
13980
17130
29
A&N Islands
0
0
0
30
Chandigarh
0
0
2
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
0
0
0
32
Delhi
31
19
331
33
Jammu & Kashmir
0
8
7
34
Ladakh
0
0
0
35
Lakshadweep
0
0
0
36
Puducherry
0
0
0
TOTAL UT(S)
31
27
340
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
10395
14007
17470
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:26PM by PIB Delhi
To address the problem of Drug Abuse, Government has formulated and implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) under which the Government is taking a sustained and coordinated action for arresting the problem of substance abuse. This includes:
Launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in all districts of the country through more than 10000 master volunteers. It has reached out to more-than 14.79 crore people including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women.
350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) are supported by the Government to provide treatment for the drug victims, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification/de-addiction, after care and re-integration into the social mainstream.
46 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) Centers supported by the Government focuses on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents.
74 Outreach and Drop In Centers (ODICs) supported by the Government provide safe and secure space for treatment, rehabilitation, screening, assessment, counseling, referral, linkage for treatment and rehabilitation services for substance users.
142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) has been established in Government hospitals through All India Institute of Medical science (AIIMS), New Delhi.
124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) which provides all three facilities provided by IRCA, ODIC and CPLI under one roof have been set up so far.
A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is operated for providing primary counseling and immediate assistance to persons seeking help.
Government through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) and other collaborating agencies like State Counsel of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, etc. provides for regular awareness generation and sensitization sessions for all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents.
Navchetna Modules, teachers training modules have been developed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) for sensitizing students (6th – 11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.
As per latest data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pertaining to the year 2022; Drug-wise seizures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during 2018 to 2022 is at Annexure-I.
The Government made various efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade in border areas, some of which are as under: –
A 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all-in-one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.
A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headed by Additional Director General/ Inspector General level Police Officer has been established in each State/ Union Territory to function as the NCORD Secretariat for the State/ Union Territory and follow-up on compliance of decisions taken in NCORD meetings at different levels.
To monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 in the year 2020 for investigation of narco-terrorism cases.
Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at international border. Further, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.
Narcotics Control Bureau coordinates with other agencies like, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, State ANTF, etc. to conduct joint operations to control the drug trafficking.
A high level dedicated group has been created in National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in November 2022 to analyze the drug trafficking through maritime routes, challenges and solutions (Maritime Security Group – NSCS).
Director General Level Talks are organized with neighboring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc. to resolve various issues on drug trafficking having international implications.
As a part of international co-operation, India has signed Bilateral Agreements with 27 countries, Memorandum of Understanding with 16 countries and Agreements on Security Cooperation with 02 countries for combating illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences.
India is closely associated with International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and all its programs viz. PEN (Pre-Export Notification), PICS (Precursors Incident Communication System), and IONICS (International Operations on New Psychoactive Substances Incident Communication System).
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) co-ordinates with various international organizations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation- Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SAARC-SDOMD), Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), Colombo Plan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), Bay of Bengal Initiative For Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-Operation (BIMSTEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), etc. for sharing information and intelligence to combat trans-national drug trafficking.
NCB India takes part in real-time information sharing with various Drug Liaison Officers of other countries such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States of America, the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, Australian Federal Police (AFP) of Australia, Office Anti-Stupefiants (OFAST) of France, etc for operational and intelligence information.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
BIRMINGHAM—Carlton Peeples, special agent in charge of the Birmingham Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced his retirement effective March 28, 2025, culminating over 27 years of distinguished service to the FBI and more than 30 years of government service.
Mr. Peeples entered on duty as an FBI special agent in 1998. After training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, his first assignment was to the Washington Field Office. During his career, as a special agent, Mr. Peeples worked counterintelligence, public corruption, civil rights, violent crime, and gang investigations and served on the Washington Field Office SWAT team.
In 2005, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and transferred to the Civil Rights Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters where he also served as Chief of the Civil Rights Unit. In 2008, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Senior Supervisory Special Agent in the Atlanta Field Office, supervising the FBI’s resident agencies in Macon and Athens, Georgia.
In 2014, Mr. Peeples returned to FBI Headquarters, Inspection Division, as an Assistant Inspector. In 2016, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Jacksonville Field Office in Florida. In 2019, he returned to FBI Headquarters, for a third time, where he served as an Inspector prior to being appointed by the FBI Director to lead the FBI Birmingham Division in November 2022.
Looking back on his career, Mr. Peeples noted, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the Birmingham Division, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the FBI for the past 27 years. Their dedication to upholding the Constitution and protecting the American people is astonishing. I am just as proud of the partnerships I have fostered in our community; public and private sector; and with our local, state, and federal law enforcement and intelligence agency partners, who all share the same passion of serving and protecting our communities.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Director of Hong Kong Observatory highlights HKO’s latest services and annual weather outlook (with photo)Moreover, weather information for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was launched at the end of last year on the “MyObservatory” mobile application to assist citizens with travelling in the area to obtain the latest official weather information. Meanwhile, the “Dr. Tin” chatbot also supports a voice function on the “MyObservatory” mobile application. Members of the public may update to the latest version to enjoy the new features. Note: The annual average global temperature in 2024 was 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial levels, marking it as the first year the 1.5 degrees level was exceeded. Although an individual year surpassing the 1.5 degrees level does not mean that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are not achievable, it indicates the urgent need for a significant reduction in global carbon emissions to avoid the further worsening of climate change impacts. Issued at HKT 18:05
LOK SABHA SPEAKER URGES DELHI MLAs TO MAKE DELHI LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY A MODEL LEGISLATURE, HIGHLIGHTS ITS GLORIOUS HISTORY EXPECTATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE FROM NEW GOVERNMENT IN DELHI ARE VERY HIGH: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES OF DELHI ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO PEOPLE OF DELHI, BUT ENTIRE COUNTRY KEEPS AN EYE ON THEIR WORK: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES MUST STRIVE TO BE EXCELLENT LISTENERS, SPEND TIME IN THE HOUSE TO BECOME A GOOD LEGISLATOR: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
THERE SHOULD NOT BE DEADLOCK IN HOUSE; DISSENT SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER WITH MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
COMMITTEES WORK AS MINI LEGISLATURES; MEMBERS SHOULD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN COMMITTEE MEETINGS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
IN PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY, ROLE OF OPPOSITION SHOULD BE POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
LOK SABHA SPEAKER INAUGURATES ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR MEMBERS OF DELHI LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today urged newly elected members of Delhi Legislative Assembly to make it a model legislature as expectations and aspirations of people from the new government are very high. Emphasizing on this, he said that public representatives of Delhi are accountable to people of Delhi but entire country keeps an eye on their work. Urging the Members to work on finding innovative solutions to the problems faced by the people, and share ideas and experiences in a competitive spirit, Shri Birla said that the aim of legislators must be to introduce innovations in the Assembly that will solve the problems of the people and address the challenges faced by them. He added that the solutions that emerge from Delhi will not only serve Delhi but also set an example for other states and legislative bodies in the country.
दिल्ली विधान सभा के नवनिर्वाचित विधायकों के लिए “ओरिएंटेशन कार्यक्रम” का उद्घाटन। 📍विधान सभा भवन, दिल्ली https://t.co/1uPtaH7h9E
The Members should focus on development of Delhi as a whole instead of thinking restrictively to their constituencies, he suggested. Observing that Delhi is a microcosm of India, where people from all states, with diverse languages, religions, and cultures, come together, Shri Birla said that it is the responsibility of elected representatives to meet these varied aspirations and expectations. Shri Birla was speaking at the inaugural session of the two days Orientation Programme for Members of Delhi Vidhan Sabha at the Delhi Legislative Assembly premises, today. The Orientation Programme is being organised by Delhi Vidhan Sabha and Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat.
दिल्ली विधान सभा के नवनिर्वाचित सदस्यों के लिए ओरिएंटेशन कार्यक्रम के उद्घाटन हेतु विधान सभा भवन पहुँचने पर मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती @gupta_rekha , विधान सभा अध्यक्ष श्री @Gupta_vijender , नेता प्रतिपक्ष @AtishiAAP तथा अन्य गणमान्यों द्वारा किए गए स्वागत से अभिभूत हूँ। pic.twitter.com/5HLUejho34
Members, while fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, must adhere to rules, procedures and conventions of the House upholding the democratic spirit and constitutional values, he added. He also stressed on using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and capacity building of members to make the legislature a more effective platform for executive accountability. Mentioning that legislatures are platforms for fruitful dialogues, Shri Birla underlined that there should not be any deadlock within the House and dissent must be expressed in a dignified manner and through meaningful discourse. The Speaker urged them to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics in their public life.
दिल्ली विधान सभा के नवनिर्वाचित सदस्यों के लिए आयोजित दो दिवसीय ओरिएंटेशन कार्यक्रम का उद्घाटन कर माननीय विधायकगण को संबोधित किया। दिल्ली विधान सभा के इसी ऐतिहासिक भवन में वर्ष 1912 से 1926 के मध्य भारत की आधुनिक संसद की नींव रखी गई थी। यह विधान भवन जनता की अपेक्षाओं और… pic.twitter.com/n5GIR42tZi
Outlining the glorious history of the Delhi Legislative Assembly which closely witnessed the freedom struggle and the establishing of democratic setup of modern India, the Speaker urged the members to uphold that tradition and to strengthen it further. The conduct of MLAs and their actions and discussions in the Assembly strengthen the democratic traditions of the nation, he noted. Shri Birla observed that public representatives must strive to be excellent listeners, as listening is equally important as speaking. He added that being a good listener is essential to become a good speaker. Shri Birla also underlined that it is essential to work with the mindset of learning and understanding past actions, debates, laws, and new innovative ideas. Shri Birla noted that public representatives must be familiar with the rules and procedures of Legislative Assembly, the Constitution Of India, especially those sections that pertain to your state, duties and responsibilities. The more informed a law maker would be, the more effective he would in the Assembly, the Speaker added. Shri Birla also noted that the more technology public representatives embrace, the better their discussions and deliberations will be.
पक्ष और प्रतिपक्ष, सभी का आह्वान किया कि सदन में तर्कपूर्ण बात रखें, मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें तथा भाषा और व्यवहार सदैव संसदीय हो। जनता से हमेशा जुड़े रहें, उनके विषयों को समझें, तथा अपनी नॉलेज बढ़ाने के लिए टेक्नॉलजी का उपयोग करें। प्रतिस्पर्धा हो तो इस बात की हो कि अपने-अपने… pic.twitter.com/6SG1ok6eJf
On the occasion, Shri Birla reiterated the importance of knowledge of legislative drafting and said that public representatives who are skilled in legislative drafting can make substantial contributions to the development of their State and government. By good legislative drafting, an MLA can help the assembly and help the government in effective legislation and better public service delivery. Mentioning that in a parliamentary democracy, role of the Opposition should be positive and constructive, as the foundation of democracy is based on dialogue and consensus, Shri Birla said that members must ensure that their language, conduct, and reasoning are in line with parliamentary standards. He added that in a democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition have important roles to play and that their positive contributions strengthen the democratic process. Referring to the Committees as mini legislatures, Shri Birla urged the members to actively participate in Committee meetings. Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly, Shri Vijendra Gupta; Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Leader of Opposition in Delhi Legislative Assembly, Ms. Atishi; and Deputy Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Shri Mohan Singh Bisht graced the occasion and addressed the distinguished gathering. Union Ministers, Members of Parliament representing Delhi, and Members of the Legislative Assembly were present on the occasion.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) administers a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme namely “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage”. Under the scheme, the total outlay is ₹18,100 Crore for a capacity of 50 GWh for a period of 5 years after gestation period of 2 years. A total of 40GWh in two tranches has been allocated to four PLI beneficiaries. Further, as per recommendation of EGoS in July 2024, MHI initiated the process for finalizing bid documents for balance 10 GWh capacity for Grid Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS) applications in consultation with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The details of the scheme may be seen at:https://heavyindustries.gov.in/pli-scheme-national-programme-advanced-chemistry-cell-acc-battery-storage. The objectives of the PLI ACC scheme are:
Promoting indigenous manufacturing
Enhancing cost competitiveness
Boosting clean energy and sustainability
Encouraging investment and innovation
Developing a robust supply chain and generating employment and economic growth.
Fostering local manufacturing to decrease dependence on imported batteries, supporting the broader goal of self-reliance in the energy sector.
The “National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage” is a government initiative in India which, inter-alia, aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage technologies by promoting manufacturing of Giga Scale battery manufacturing units.
The scheme is creating ACC manufacturing ecosystem in the country by reducing battery costs, making EVs more affordable and accelerating adoption, enhancing energy storage solutions for renewable integration, improving grid stability and energy efficiency.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
To achieve the prosperity in the country through the mantra of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” given by the Prime Minister, a pilot project to promote ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ was launched by Union Minister of Home and Cooperation on 21st May,2023 in Banaskantha and Panchmahal District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) of Gujarat to promote all financial transactions of Primary Dairy Cooperative Societies (PDCSs) with Rural Cooperative Banks and to strengthen and make the cooperative sector Aatma Nirbhar. Activities taken up under the pilot project are as under:
Dairy cooperative societies were made Bank Mitras of DCCBs: To ensure ease of doing business of PDCSs through digital financial transactions and to promote financial inclusion, micro-ATMs were given to these Bank Mitra PDCS with support from NABARD’s Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) to provide doorstep financial services.
Rupay KCC through DCCBs: To expand the business and reach of DCCBs and to provide necessary liquidity/credit to the members of dairy cooperative societies, RuPay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were issued by DCCBs to the members of PDCS and other societies for providing timely credit at comparatively lower interest rates and enabling other financial transactions.
Awareness about the campaign was created through Financial Literacy Camps (FLCs) which was also supported through FIF.
On the basis of learnings during the pilot project, the campaign was expanded and launched in all districts of Gujarat from 15th January 2024. Achievements during the campaign in the state of Gujarat are provided below:-
Over 2,23,994 new RuPay KCCs were issued by DCCBs.
6446 micro-ATMs were distributed to new Bank Mitra PDCS
6529 Bank Mitras were enrolled
More than 23 lakh deposit accounts opened
Total amount deposited was Rs. 8329 crore
A Standard Operating Procedure for the nation-wide implementation of the Campaign on ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ was launched on 19.09.2024.
Ministry of Cooperation with active participation of various States/ UTs has taken various initiatives to revitalize and strengthen the cooperative sector across the country ensuring uniform development of Cooperative Societies across all the States, which are enclosed at Annexure. These initiatives also include the measures taken to strengthen cooperative societies in those States where the cooperative movement is not in good position at present.
To enhance international market access for cooperative based products, Ministry of Cooperation has set up National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL). NCEL will focus on exporting the surpluses available in the Indian cooperative sector by accessing wider markets beyond the geographical contours of the country, thereby, increasing the demand of Indian Cooperative products/services across the globe and fetch best possible prices for such products/services. It will promote exports through various activities including procurement, storage, processing, marketing, branding, labelling, packaging, certification, research and development, etc, and trading of all types of goods and services produced by cooperative societies. 8,863 cooperatives have become member of NCEL.
*****
ANNEXURE
Progress on major initiatives taken by Ministry of Cooperation
Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July, 2021, has undertaken several initiatives to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi” and to strengthen & deepen the cooperative movement from Primary to Apex level Cooperatives in the country. List of initiatives taken and progress made so far are as follows:
A. Making Primary Cooperatives economically vibrant and transparent
Model Bye-Laws for PACS making them multipurpose, multidimensional and transparent entities: Government, in consultation with all the stakeholders, including States/ UTs, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), etc., has prepared and circulated Model Bye-laws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities, improve governance, transparency and accountability in their operations. Provisions have also been made to make the membership of PACS more inclusive and broad-based, giving adequate representation to women and Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes. So far, 32 States/ UTs have adopted Model Bye-laws or their existing bye-laws are in line with Model Bye-laws.
Strengthening of PACS through Computerization: In order to strengthen PACS, project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore has been approved by the Government of India, which entails bringing all functional PACS in the Country onto a common ERP based national software, linking them with NABARD through StCBs and DCCBs. A total of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned under the project. A total of 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP Software and hardware has been procured by 30 States/UTs.
Establishing New Multipurpose PACS/ Dairy/ Fishery Cooperatives in covering all the Panchayats: The Government of India has approved the plan to establish new multipurpose PACS/dairy/fisheries cooperatives, aiming to cover all panchayats and villages in the country over the next five years. This initiative is supported by NABARD, NDDB, NFDB and State/UT Governments. For effective implementation of the initiative, ‘Margadarshika’ has been launched on 19.9.2024, indicating the targets and timelines for stakeholders. As per National Cooperative Database, a total of 12,957 new PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperative Societies have been registered as on 27.1.2025 across the country since the approval of the plan on 15.2.2023.
World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative sector: Government has approved a plan to create warehouses, custom hiring centers, primary processing units and other agri-infrastructure for grain storage at PACS level, through convergence of various GOI schemes, including AIF, AMI, SMAM, PMFME, etc. This will reduce wastage of food grains and transportation costs, enable farmers to realize better prices for their produce and meet various agricultural needs at the PACS level itself. Under the pilot project, construction of godowns in 11 PACS of 11 States has been completed.
PACS as Common Service Centers (CSCs) for better access to e-services: An MoU has been signed between Ministry of Cooperation, MeitY, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited for providing more than 300 e-services such as banking, insurance, Aadhar enrolment/ updation, health services, PAN card and IRCTC/ Bus/ Air ticket, etc. through PACS. So far, 42,080 PACS have started providing CSC services to rural citizens.
Formation of new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by PACS: Government has allowed 1100 additional FPOs to be formed by PACS with the support of NCDC, in those blocks where FPOs have not yet been formed or the blocks are not covered by any other implementing agency. Against this allocation of 1100 blocks, 958 FPOs have been registered/ on-boarded as on 27.01.2025. Apart from this, 730 FPOs have already been formed by NCDC in cooperative sector. As on date, a total of 1,688 FPOs have been registered / on-boarded by NCDC in cooperative sector. This will be helpful in providing farmers with necessary market linkages and get fair and remunerative process for their produce.
PACS given priority for Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets: Government has allowed PACS to be included in the Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment of retail petrol/ diesel outlets. As per information received from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), 286 PACS from 25 States/UTs have applied online for retail petrol/ diesel outlets.
PACS given permission to convert bulk consumer petrol pumps into retail outlets: The existing bulk consumer licensee PACS have been given a one-time option by Oil Marketing Companies to convert into retail outlets. As per information shared by OMCs, 116 wholesale consumer pump licensee PACS from 5 States have given consent for conversion into Retail Outlets, out of which 56 PACS have been commissioned by the OMCs.
PACS eligible for LPG Distributorship for diversifying its activities: Government has now allowed PACS to apply for LPG Distributorships. This will give PACS an option to increase their economic activities and diversify their income stream. As of now, 2 PACS from the state of Jharkhand have applied for LPG distributorship under CC Category.
PACS as PM Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra for improving access to generic medicines at rural level: PACS have been allowed to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanaushadhiKendras (PMBJKs), which will provide additional income source to them and ease the access to quality generic medicines for rural citizens. So far, 4,523 PACS/ cooperative societies have applied online for PMBJKs, out of which 2,744 PACS have been given initial approval by Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) and 785 PACS have received drug license from State Drug Controllers and 716 PACS have got store codes from PMBI which are ready to function as PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK): PACS have been enabled to operate PMKSK for ensuring easy accessibility of fertilizer & related services to farmers in the country. As per the information shared by Department of Fertilizers (GOI) and States/ UTs, a total of 36,193 PACS are functioning as PMKSK.
PACS to carry out O&M of rural piped water supply schemes (PWS): PACS have been made eligible to carry out the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of PWS in rural areas. As per information received from States/ UTs, 934 PACS have been identified/ selected by 13 States/ UTs to provide O&M services at Panchayat/ Village level.
Convergence of PM-KUSUM at PACS level: Farmers associated with PACS can adopt solar agricultural water pumps and install photovoltaic modules in their farms.
Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies for providing doorstep financial services: Dairy and Fisheries cooperative societies can be made Bank Mitras of DCCBs and StCBs. To ensure their ease of doing business, transparency and financial inclusion, Micro-ATMs are also being given to these Bank Mitra Co-operative Societies with support from NABARD to provide ‘Door-step Financial Services’. To facilitate effective implementation of the initiative, an SOP has been launched on 19th September 2024. So far, 8,322 Micro-ATMs have been distributed to Bank Mitra cooperative societies in Gujarat.
Rupay Kisan Credit Card to Members of Milk Cooperatives: In order to expand the reach of DCCBs/ StCBs and to provide necessary liquidity to the members of Dairy Cooperative societies, Rupay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) are being distributed to the members of cooperatives for providing credit at comparatively lower interest rates and to enable them to carry out other financial transactions. To facilitate effective implementation of the initiative, an SOP has been launched on 19th September 2024. So far, 7,43,810 Rupay KCC have been distributed in the State of Gujarat.
16.Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO): In order to provide market linkage and processing facilities to fishermen, NCDC has registered 70 FFPOs in the initial phase. In addition, Department of Fisheries, Government of India has allocated the work of converting 1000 existing fisheries cooperative societies into FFPOs to National Cooperative Development Corporation. National Cooperative Development Corporation has identified 997 Primary Fisheries Cooperatives Societies to strengthen as FFPOs, with an approved outlay of Rs. 280.65 crore.
White Revolution 2.0: The Ministry of Cooperation has launched an initiative to usher Cooperative-led “White Revolution 2.0” aimed at expanding cooperative coverage, employment generation and women’s empowerment with an objective “To increase the milk procurement of dairy cooperatives by 50% from the present level over next five years by providing market access to dairy farmers in uncovered areas and increasing the share of dairy cooperatives in organised sector.” The SOP for White Revolution 2.0 was launched on 19.11.2024 by Hon’ble Home & Cooperation Minister in presence of Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. On 25.12.2024 Hon’ble Home & Cooperation Minister in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying inaugurated 6,600 newly set up Dairy Cooperative Societies. So far, 8,294 DCSs have been registered in 27 States/UTs.
Atmanirbharta Abhiyan: Ministry of Cooperation has launched the initiative to incentivize production of pulses (tur, masur and urad) to reduce dependency on imports, and production of maize to be used for production of ethanol for meeting the goal of Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) through National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). Both have developed their own web portal i.e. e-samyukti and e-samridhi respectively for registration of farmers through cooperatives. Both have assured pre-registered farmers of tur, urad, masur and maize to procure 100% of their produce at Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, if market prices exceed the MSP, farmers are free to sell their produce in the open market. A total of 12,64,212 farmers have already registered on the e-samyukti portal of NCCF. Similarly, 6,75,178 farmers have registered themselves on the e-samridhi portal of NAFED.
B. Strengthening the Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) have been allowed to open new branches to expand their business: UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the existing number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI.
UCBs have been allowed by RBI to offer doorstep services to their customers: Door step banking facility can now be provided by UCBs. Account holders of these banks can now avail various banking facilities at home such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, KYC, demand draft and life certificate for pensioners, etc.
Cooperative banks have been allowed to make one-time settlement of outstanding loans, like Commercial Banks: Co-operative banks, through board-approved policies, can now provide the process for settlement with borrowers, along with technical write-off.
Time limit increased to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets given to UCBs: RBI has extended the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e., up to March 31, 2026.
A Nodal Officer designated in RBI for regular interaction with UCBs: In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has notified a nodal officer.
24. Individual housing loan limit more than doubled by RBI for Rural and Urban Cooperative Banks:
Housing loan limit of Urban Cooperative Banks has now been doubled from Rs. 30 lakhs to Rs.60 lakhs.
Housing loan limit of Rural Cooperative Banks has been increased to two and a half times to Rs.75 lakhs.
25.Rural Cooperative Banks will now be able to lend to commercial real estate/ residential housing sector, thereby diversifying their business: This will not only help Rural Cooperative Banks to diversify their business, but will benefit Housing cooperative societies also.
License fee reduced for Cooperative Banks: License fee for onboarding Cooperative Banks to ‘Aadhaar Enabled Payment System’ (AePS) has been reduced by linking it to the number of transactions. Cooperative financial institutions will also be able to get the facility free of cost for the first three months of the pre-production phase. With this, farmers will now be able to get the facility of banking at their home with through biometrics.
Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs and DCCBs notified as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) in CGTMSE Scheme to increase the share of cooperatives in lending: Cooperative banks will now be able to take advantage of risk coverage up to 85 percent on the loans given. Also, cooperative sector enterprises will also be able to get collateral free loans from cooperative banks now.
Notification of Scheduling norms for including Urban Cooperative Banks: UCBs that meet the ‘Financially Sound and Well Managed’ (FSWM) criteria and have maintained the minimum deposits required for classification as Tier 3 for the last two years are now eligible to be included in Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and get ‘Scheduled’ status.
Monetary ceiling doubled by RBI for Gold Loan: RBI has doubled monetary ceiling from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs.4 lakhs, for those UCBs that meet the PSL targets.
Umbrella Organization for Urban Cooperative Banks: RBI has accorded approval to the National Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB) for the formation of an Umbrella Organization (UO) for the UCB sector, which will provide necessary IT infrastructure and operational support to around 1,500 UCBs.
C. Relief to Cooperative Societies in the Income Tax Act
Surcharge reduced from 12% to 7% for co-operative societies having income between Rs. 1 to 10 Cr.: This will reduce the burden of Income Tax on Cooperative Societies and more capital will be available with them to work for the benefit of their members.
MAT reduced for cooperatives from 18.5% to 15%: With this provision, now there is parity between Cooperative Societies and Companies in this regard.
Relief in cash transactions under section 269ST of the Income Tax Act: In order to remove difficulties in cash transactions by cooperatives under Section 269ST of IT Act, Government has issued a clarification that cash transaction of less than Rs. 2 lakhs done by a cooperative society with its distributor in a day will be considered separately, and will not be charged with income tax penalty.
Tax cut for new manufacturing Cooperative societies: Government has decided that a flat lower tax rate of 15% will be charged, compared to an earlier rate of up to 30% plus surcharge, for new cooperatives commencing manufacturing activities by March 31, 2024. This will encourage the formation of new cooperative societies in the manufacturing sector.
Increase in limit of Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and PCARDBs: Government has enhanced the limit for Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs) from Rs. 20,000 to Rs.2 lakh per member. This provision will facilitate their activities, increase their business and benefit members of their societies.
Increase in the limit of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in Cash Withdrawal: Government has increased the cash withdrawal limit of cooperative societies without deduction of tax at source from Rs.1 crore to Rs.3 crore per year. This provision will save Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for cooperative societies, which will enhance their liquidity.
D. Revival of Cooperative Sugar Mills
Relief from Income Tax to Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has issued a clarification that cooperative sugar mills would not be subjected to additional income tax for paying higher sugarcane prices to farmers up to Fair and Remunerative or State Advised Price, from April, 2016 onwards.
Resolution of decades old pending issues related to Income Tax of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has made a provision in its Union Budget 2023-24, wherein Sugar cooperatives have been allowed to claim as expenditure their payments to sugarcane farmers for the period prior to assessment year 2016–17, giving them a relief of more than Rs.46,000 crore.
Rs.10,000 crore loan scheme launched for strengthening of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has launched a scheme through NCDC for setting up ethanol plants or cogeneration plants or for working capital or for all three purposes. So far, the Ministry has released Rs. 875 crore to NCDC (Rs. 500 crore in FY 2022-23 and Rs. 375 crore in FY 2024-25) under the scheme and as of now, NCDC has sanctioned 80 loans amounting to Rs.9,169.76 crore to 44 CSMs.
Preference to Cooperative Sugar Mills in purchase of ethanol: Cooperative Sugar Mills have now been put at par with private companies for ethanol procurement by Government of India under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
Strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills by converting their molasses-based ethanol plants into multi feed ethanol plants: Ministry of Cooperation has taken initiative in consultation with National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSFL) for conversion of existing molasses-based ethanol plants of CSMs into multi feed ethanol plants. The Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) also produce ethanol from molasses and sugar syrup by installing ethanol production plants. However, the availability of raw material i.e., molasses and sugar syrup for production of ethanol is limited by many factors viz, Government Policy on diversion of sugarcane syrup, B heavy molasses for production of ethanol and duration of sugar cane crushing season and availability of sugarcane depending on rainfall, etc. On account of these limiting factors, the CSMs having ethanol plants are not able to operate them at full capacity round the year. The Government of India has prioritized maize for production of ethanol, therefore, it is prudent for CSMs to convert their existing ethanol production units into multi feed ethanol production units so that they are able to produce ethanol by using maize as raw material.
Reduction in GST on molasses from 28% to 5%: Government has decided to reduce the GST on molasses from 28% to 5% which will enable cooperative sugar mills to earn more profits for their members by selling molasses to distilleries with higher margins.
E. Three new National Level Multi-State Societies
43.New National Multi-State Cooperative Seed Society for certified seeds:Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative seed society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) as an umbrella organization for quality seed cultivation, production and distribution under a single brand. During the Rabi 2024-25 season, 57 Varieties of 12 Crops were sown/ planted in 5,596 hectares. Similarly, during the Kharif 2024 season, 23 varieties of 8 Crops have been planted on 176.59 hectare of land. So far, 17,425 PACS/ Cooperative Societies have become members of BBSSL.
New National Multi-State Cooperative Organic Society for organic farming: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative organic society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) as an umbrella organization to produce, distribute and market certified and authentic organic products. So far, 5,184 PACS/ cooperative societies have become members of NCOL. NCOL has launched 13 products i.e., Whole Wheat Flour, Moong Dhuli, Moong Whole, Moog Chilka Dal, Moog Split, Arhar/ Toor Dal, Urad Whole, Urad Dal, Masoor Whole, Masoor Malka, Brown Chana, Rajma Chitra, Chana Dal under ‘Bharat Organics Brand’.
New National Multi-State Cooperative Export Society for promoting exports: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative export society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL) as an umbrella organization to give thrust to exports from cooperative sector. So far, 7,933 PACS/ cooperative societies have become members of NCEL. Till date, NCEL has achieved a total export quantity of commodities (rice, sugar, onion, wheat, maize and Jeera) of 12,52,083 Metric tonnes with an exported value of Rs. 5,099.24 crore.
F. Capacity Building in Cooperatives
Promotion of training and awareness through National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT): By increasing its reach, NCCT has conducted 2,872 training programs and provided training to 2,35,060 participants till December 2024.
G. Use of Information Technology for ‘Ease of Doing Business’
Computerization of the Central Registrar’s Office: Central Registrar’s office has been computerized to create a digital ecosystem for Multi-State Cooperative Societies, which will assist in processing applications and service requests in a time bound manner.
Scheme for computerization of office of RCSs in States/ Union Territories: To increase ‘ease of doing business’ for cooperative societies and create a digital ecosystem for transparent paperless regulation in all the States/ UTs, a Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerization of RCS Offices has been approved by the Government. Grants are provided for the purchase of hardware, development of software, etc. to the States/ UTs. So far, proposals received from 35 States/ UTs have been sanctioned by GOI.
Computerization of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs): To strengthen the long-term cooperative credit structure, the project of computerization of 1,851 units of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) spread across 13 States/ Union Territories has been approved by the Government. NABARD is the implementing agency for the project. So far, proposals from 10 States/UTs have been received and sanctioned. Further, GOI share amounting to Rs 5.08 crore has been released to 9 States/UTs in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 for procurement of hardware, digitization and setting up of support system.
H. Other Initiatives
New National Cooperative Database for authentic and updated data repository: A database of cooperatives in the country has been prepared with the support of State Governments to facilitate stakeholders in policy making and implementation of programmes/ schemes related to cooperatives across the country. So far, data of more than
8.2 lakh cooperatives across 30 sectors, with approximately 30 crore members, has been captured in the database.
Cooperative Ranking Framework: The Government launched the Cooperative Ranking Framework on 24th January 2025 to rank cooperatives State-wise and sector-wise. The ranking framework enables State RCS to assess Cooperative Societies’ performance based on key parameters, including audit compliance, operational activities, financial performance, infrastructure, and basic identity information. The RCS of the States/ UTs, through login on NCD portal, can generate ranks of Cooperative Societies, initially of 7 major sectors namely PACS, Dairy, Fishery, Urban Cooperative Banks, Housing, Credit and Thrift, and Khadi and Gram Udyog. This ranking system aims to enhance transparency, reliability and competitiveness among cooperative societies, ultimately fostering their growth. Furthermore, top-performing cooperative societies in each sector will be recognized and honoured by the Ministry of Cooperation and respective State/ UT authorities, aligning with the objectives of the International Year of Cooperatives.
International Year of Cooperatives – 2025 in India: The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025) to highlight the role of cooperatives in economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainability. The Ministry of Cooperation has developed an action plan in collaboration with National Cooperative Federations, State Governments, Central Ministries and other stakeholders emphasizing transparency, policy reforms, and rural economic transformation through PACS. Activities include training, board meetings, cooperative flag hoisting, exhibitions, and business expansion workshops at District, State, and National levels. To ensure effective execution, committees at national, state, and district levels have been formed. The National Execution Committee (NEC) and National Cooperative Committee (NCC) will oversee coordination and financial mobilization. State Apex Committees (SAC), along with State and District Cooperative Development Committees (SCDC & DCDC), will organize and manage State/ District/ Village level programs.
Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023: Amendment has been brought in the MSCS Act, 2002 to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability, reform electoral process and incorporate provisions of 97th Constitutional Amendment in the Multi State Cooperative Societies.
Cooperative Ombudsman: Following the amendment in the Multi–State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, Cooperative Ombudsman has been appointed under Section 85A of the said Act vide gazette notification dated 05.03.2024. The Ombudsman office is fully functional and deals with complaints or appeals, from members of the MSCS regarding their deposits, equitable benefits of the Multi–State Co-operative Society’s functioning or any other issue affecting the individual rights of the concerned member.
Cooperative Election Authority (CEA): Following the amendment in the Multi–State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, the Cooperative Election Authority has been set up to strengthen governance and accountability, with a mandate to conduct free and fair election in all MSCSs. Elections in more than 80 MSCS have been conducted successfully up to December, 2024.
Inclusion of Cooperatives as ‘buyers’ on GeM portal: The Government has permitted cooperatives to register as ‘buyer’ on GeM, enabling them to procure goods and services from over 67 lakh vendors to facilitate economical purchases and greater transparency. So far, 574 cooperative societies have been onboarded on GeM as buyers.
Expansion of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to increase its range and depth: NCDC has launched new schemes in various sectors such as ‘Swayamshakti Sahkar’ for SHGs; ‘Deerghavadhi Krishak Sahkar’ for long term agricultural credit and ‘Dairy Sahkar’ for dairy. During the current FY 2024-25, so far, total financial assistance of Rs. 84,673.70 crores has been disbursed by NCDC.
Financial assistance by NCDC for Deep Sea Trawlers: NCDC is providing financial assistance for projects related to deep sea trawlers in coordination with the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. NCDC has already sanctioned financial assistance of Rs.
25.95 crore for purchase of total 44 deep sea trawlers for the Fisheries Cooperative Societies of Maharashtra and Gujarat State.
National Cooperation Policy (NCP): The formulation of New National Cooperation Policy (NCP) has been envisaged to fulfil the mandate of the Ministry of Cooperation – “Sahakar se Samriddhi.” A National level committee was constituted on 2.9.2022 under Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu with experts of the cooperative sector, representatives from National/ State/ District/ Primary level cooperative societies, Secretaries (Cooperation) and RCSs from States/ UTs and officers from Central Ministries/ Departments to formulate the New Cooperation Policy to provide a framework to unlock the true potential of the Cooperative sector. The Committee conducted four regional workshops throughout the country to elicit suggestions from stakeholders. The received suggestions have been incorporated into the draft policy appropriately. The draft policy has been prepared and is under finalization.
RefundtoInvestorsofSaharaGroupofSocieties: A portal has been launched for making payments to the genuine depositors of the cooperative societies of Sahara Group in a transparent manner. Disbursements have already started after proper identification and submission of proof of their deposits and claims. So far, Rs. 2,025.75 crores have been disbursed to 11.61 lakh applicants.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA) Scheme Empowering Young Writers for a Global Stage
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:03PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Book Trust (NBT) of India launched the thirdedition of the Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme, known as YUVA 3.0, on March 11, 2025. The initiative aims to nurture young writers under 30 years of age, providing them with mentorship and exposure to hone their creative writing skills. YUVA 3.0 builds upon the success of its predecessors, YUVA 1.0 and YUVA 2.0, continuing the government’s commitment to fostering literary talent and promoting reading, writing, and book culture in India. The scheme aligns with the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, encouraging the documentation and dissemination of India’s rich cultural heritage and knowledge.
YUVA 3.0: Features and Objectives
Theme and Focus
The Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are: Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building; Indian Knowledge System; and Makers of Modern India (1950-2025). The scheme will help to develop a stream of writers who can write on various facets of India encompassing the past, present and future. Besides, the scheme will also provide a window to the aspiring youth to articulate themselves and present a comprehensive outlook of contribution of Indians across fields in ancient and present times.
Selection Process
The scheme invites applications from aspiring writers through MyGov India’s online portal.
A competitive process shortlists 50 young authors based on a well-defined evaluation criterion.
The National Book Trust (NBT) will constitute the selection committee.
Applicants are required to submit a book proposal of 10,000 words, which is then reviewed by a panel.
The shortlisted candidates undergo a multi-stage selection process before the final selection.
Mentorship and Support
Selected authors receive a mentorship program spanning six months.
The authors undergo workshops, interactions with mentors, and exposure to India’s literary ecosystem.
They receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 per month for six months.
Their works are published and promoted by the NBT in multiple languages.
Under the mentorship, a National Camp will be held for the PM-YUVA 3.0 Authors during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.
Selected authors get the opportunity to present their work at literary festivals and international forums.
Background of the YUVA Scheme
National Education Policy 2020 has emphasized on the empowerment of the young minds and creating a learning eco-system that can make the young readers/learners ready for leadership roles in the future world. India is considered to be a ‘young country’ because 66% of its total population are young and can be tapped for capacity and nation building. In this context, a national scheme for mentoring generations of young authors has proven to be a significant stepping stone for laying the foundation of the future leaders of the creative world. This scheme has been conceptualised on the premise that the 21st century India needs to groom a generation of young authors to create ambassadors of Indian literature and world view. In view of the fact that our country is ranked third in the arena of book publishing and we have a treasure trove of indigenous literature, India must project it at the global stage. The first mentorship scheme was launched on 31st May 2021, then subsequently in October 2022 and now in March 2025.
YUVA 2.0: Expansion and Achievements
Launched in October 2022, YUVA 2.0 built upon the foundation of YUVA 1.0 with a renewed focus on ‘Democracy’ as the core theme. The scheme aimed to foster young writers’ engagement with India’s democratic values, traditions, and governance structures.
Theme and Vision
The Theme of PM-YUVA 2.0 was Democracy (Institutions, Events, People, and Constitutional Values). The scheme helped in developing a stream of writers who can write on various facets of Democracy in India encompassing the past, present and future. Besides, the scheme also provided a window to the aspiring youth to articulate themselves and present a comprehensive outlook of Indian democratic values at domestic as well as international platforms.
Selection and Implementation
The competition received an overwhelming response, with a diverse pool of participants from across the country.
75 authors were selected through a competitive process. They were also required to submit a book proposal of 10,000 words.
The mentorship program included interaction with constitutional experts, historians, and renowned authors.
Special training sessions were held to enhance research skills, language proficiency, and storytelling techniques.
Outcomes and Impact
The Union Minister for Education launched 41 new books under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 in February.
Several books were published in multiple Indian languages, making them accessible to a broad readership.
Young authors gained national and international recognition, participating in events like the World Book Fair and literary forums.
Many participants had their books included in academic and government libraries for research and reference.
Some authors had the opportunity to meet and interact with policymakers and scholars, further enriching their perspectives.
YUVA 1.0: Inception and Legacy
The inaugural edition, YUVA 1.0, was launched in May 2021 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence. The scheme aimed to empower young authors and provide them a platform to express their perspectives on India’s history and contemporary narratives.
Theme and Inspiration
The theme was National Movement of India with focus on Unsung Heroes; Little known facts about the Freedom Struggle; Role of various places in National Movement; Entries bringing out new perspectives related to political, cultural, economic, or science related aspects of national movement etc. as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This scheme helped to develop a stream of writers who can write on a spectrum of subjects to promote Indian heritage, culture and knowledge system.
Selection and Implementation
The contestants were asked to submit a manuscript of 5000 words.
75 young authors were selected, representing diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds.
The selection was made by a committee constituted by National Book Trust (NBT).
Mentorship included training in writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Special sessions were conducted by eminent historians, journalists, and literary figures.
A consolidated scholarship of Rs.50,000 per month for a period of six monthsper author will be paid under the Mentorship Scheme.
Outcomes and Impact
The results were announced on 25.12.2021.
The books produced under YUVA 1.0 were translated into multiple Indian languages, enhancing their reach.
The initiative contributed to India’s literary heritage, encouraging young voices to document historical narratives.
Several young authors gained recognition, contributing to mainstream literature and academic discussions.
The scheme established a strong foundation for young writers, many of whom went on to publish additional books independently.
10% royaltyis being paid by NBT on publication and sale of the books.
Conclusion
The YUVA scheme, in its three editions, has played a crucial role in nurturing young literary talent in India. As the program continues to evolve, it reinforces India’s commitment to promoting creative expression, multilingual literary heritage, and a culture of reading and writing among the youth. The impact of the scheme is evident in the success stories of young authors whose voices have been amplified at both national and international levels. With continued support and innovation, the YUVA scheme will remain a cornerstone of India’s literary and cultural renaissance.
Target achieved under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry is implementing Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY – NRLM) across the country (except Delhi & Chandigarh) with the objective of organizing the rural poor women households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and continuously nurturing and supporting them till they attain appreciable increase in incomes over a period of time and improve their quality of life and come out of abject poverty.
As of 28th February 2025, the Mission is being implemented in 7144 blocks in 745 districts across 28 States and 6 UTs. Cumulatively, 10.05 crore rural women households have been mobilized into more than 90.90 lakh SHGs. A total of Rs. 51368.39 crore of capitalisation support (Revolving Funds and Community Investment Funds) has been provided to SHGs and their federations. From FY 2013-14, an amount of Rs. 10.20 lakh crore bank credit has been accessed by women SHGs under DAY-NRLM.
The State/UT-wise targets and achievements for the FY 2024-25 under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is given below.
The DAY-NRLM scheme under Ministry of Rural Development has taken numerous measures to strengthen marketing support for products made by women Self Help Groups. This includes Saras Melas being organised at National and State levels to promote the sale of SHG products in urban markets. The Ministry in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has created “SARAS Collection” as a Store Front in GeM for marketing of SHG products. Also, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed between the Ministry and Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Amazon and Fashnear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Meesho) to facilitate the Self-Help Group (SHGs) producers including artisans, weavers and craftsmen to access national markets through the Flipkart Samarth programme, Amazon Saheli initiative and Meesho for marketing of SHGs products. A MoU was also signed between MoRD and JioMart for onboarding and marketing of SHGs product. An e-Commerce platform (www.esaras.in) has also been launched by the Ministry for online marketing of SHG products. Further, eSARAS is also live as a Seller Network Participant on ONDC. Curated products of women SHGs are now available on 11 Apps of ONDC network i.e. Paytm, Mystore, Craftsvilla, Jagran, Snapdeal, Novopay, Easypay, Gonuclei, Rubaru, Mappls, Himira etc.
Annexure
State-wise target and achievement of Amount of capitalization support provided to SHGs under DAY-NRLM for the FY 2024-25 (Rs. in Lakhs)
Sl No.
States/UT’s
Targets
Achievement
(as on 28.02.25)
1
Assam
7,174
14,181
2
Nagaland
1,667
2,971
3
Uttarakhand
3,667
6,291
4
West Bengal
52,000
81,404
5
Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
150
223
6
Himachal Pradesh
1,528
1,986
7
Tripura
7,081
9,125
8
Chhattisgarh
15,899
19,977
9
Odisha
20,395
25,614
10
Bihar
96,389
1,05,132
11
Uttar Pradesh
1,14,137
1,23,326
12
Ladakh
247
263
13
Jammu & Kashmir
2,567
2,668
14
Gujarat
15,690
16,179
15
Maharashtra
53,183
54,719
16
Goa
601
602
17
Karnataka
22,167
21,679
18
Meghalaya
7,519
6,072
19
Tamil Nadu
24,682
18,362
20
Manipur
5,719
3,908
21
Jharkhand
41,919
27,606
22
Rajasthan
30,475
20,021
23
Arunachal Pradesh
2,232
1,327
24
Puducherry
744
420
25
Madhya Pradesh
54,900
25,590
26
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
233
103
27
Punjab
5,140
2,090
28
Kerala
4,539
1,814
29
Mizoram
958
357
30
Telangana
1,505
453
31
Haryana
6,675
1,918
32
Lakshadweep
43
12
33
Andhra Pradesh
2,989
650
34
Sikkim
978
32
Total
6,05,787
5,97,075
State-wise target and achievement of amount of Loan disbursed to SHGs for the FY 2024-25 (Rs in Lakhs)
Sl. No.
States/UTs
Targets
Achievement
(as on 28.02.25)
1
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
200
99
2
Andhra Pradesh
32,19,000
34,83,725
3
Arunachal Pradesh
4,000
3,093
4
Assam
4,10,000
4,64,206
5
Bihar
15,58,000
8,79,591
6
Chhattisgarh
2,14,000
1,98,214
7
Goa
5,000
5,570
8
Gujarat
1,22,000
55,174
9
Haryana
49,000
49,567
10
Himachal Pradesh
30,000
17,096
11
Jammu & Kashmir
60,000
43,563
12
Jharkhand
3,30,000
3,97,269
13
Karnataka
3,53,000
16,18,013
14
Kerala
7,63,000
4,49,610
15
Ladakh
100
74
16
Lakshadweep
100
49
17
Madhya Pradesh
3,35,000
3,24,258
18
Maharashtra
6,38,000
8,25,995
19
Manipur
5,000
3,281
20
Meghalaya
15,000
10,108
21
Mizoram
5,000
1,391
22
Nagaland
5,000
4,566
23
Odisha
8,20,000
10,78,827
24
Puducherry
15,000
16,996
25
Punjab
20,000
13,085
26
Rajasthan
2,55,000
2,15,392
27
Sikkim
5,000
5,100
28
Tamil Nadu
11,55,000
14,11,090
29
Telangana
16,10,000
16,88,421
30
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
600
75
31
Tripura
40,000
47,700
32
Uttar Pradesh
2,50,000
2,50,522
33
Uttarakhand
30,000
37,304
34
West Bengal
19,90,000
21,87,156
Total
1,43,11,000
1,57,86,181
State-wise targets and achievement of Mahila Kisans under Agro-Ecological Practices (AEP) and Mahila Kisans having Agri-Nutri Garden (ANG) during FY 2024-25
Sr No
STATE / UTs
Mahila Kisan under AEP
Mahila Kisan household having ANG
Target
Achievement
Target
Achievement
1
Andaman And Nicobar
2,000
734
8,000
1,638
2
Andhra Pradesh
8,50,000
10,43,085
1,50,000
1,13,150
3
Arunachal Pradesh
80,000
42,396
90,000
32,738
4
Assam
3,50,000
4,29,920
5,00,000
5,13,045
5
Bihar
6,00,000
8,23,463
2,00,000
5,50,041
6
Chhattisgarh
2,10,000
1,82,239
2,10,000
1,77,044
7
Goa
660
982
330
826
8
Gujarat
2,50,000
2,22,360
2,50,000
2,19,500
9
Haryana
20,000
22,411
20,000
26,285
10
Himachal Pradesh
70,000
92,301
1,00,000
1,04,553
11
Jammu And Kashmir
1,05,335
1,00,501
1,05,000
74,019
12
Jharkhand
2,32,000
1,19,924
1,00,000
65,024
13
Karnataka
5,00,000
8,08,241
4,50,000
4,67,985
14
Kerala
2,00,000
1,58,140
3,00,000
3,68,789
15
Ladakh
2,200
444
2,500
612
16
Madhya Pradesh
1,50,000
1,90,640
3,00,000
2,68,946
17
Maharashtra
8,00,000
12,97,051
3,00,000
3,33,254
18
Manipur
38,478
9,706
19,734
3,666
19
Meghalaya
80,750
73,255
54,510
48,039
20
Mizoram
4,320
4,937
5,590
7,111
21
Nagaland
30,000
17,359
30,000
17,006
22
Odisha
5,00,000
89,391
10,00,000
1,60,664
23
Puducherry
10,000
2,833
56,000
3,450
24
Punjab
34,000
48,239
34,000
49,133
25
Rajasthan
6,00,000
9,33,294
2,00,000
1,88,241
26
Sikkim
5,000
3,739
5,000
250
27
Tamil Nadu
3,00,000
2,30,092
1,00,000
71,251
28
Telangana
4,00,000
7,38,936
4,00,000
3,62,112
29
Tripura
80,000
81,948
50,000
68,065
30
Uttarakhand
80,000
95,703
75,000
1,02,537
31
Uttar Pradesh
7,00,000
11,37,950
16,00,000
5,88,356
32
West Bengal
3,00,000
4,35,704
3,00,000
1,51,642
Total
75,84,743
94,37,918
70,15,664
51,38,972
State-wise target and achievement of number of enterprises supported under SVEP in 2024-25
No.
State
Targets
Achievement (as on 28.02.25)
1
Andhra Pradesh
0
30
2
Arunachal Pradesh
300
107
3
Assam
10200
9,557
4
Bihar
4300
1,614
5
Chhattisgarh
2,251
1,796
6
Goa
1152
1,002
7
Gujarat
0
0
8
Haryana
0
684
9
Himachal Pradesh
706
612
10
Jammu & Kashmir (UT)
1,376
1,009
11
Jharkhand
2051
1,214
12
Karnataka
680
291
13
Kerala
6952
5,802
14
Madhya Pradesh
2,200
1,837
15
Maharashtra
2,220
1,702
16
Manipur
700
694
17
Meghalaya
616
354
18
Mizoram
1769
946
19
Nagaland
851
29
20
Odisha
1,301
0
21
Punjab
1,194
802
22
Rajasthan
2,452
1,993
23
Sikkim
400
279
24
Tamil Nadu
1,429
1,076
25
Telangana
2,827
1,797
26
Tripura
1528
1,207
27
Uttar Pradesh
3,850
2,831
28
Uttarakhand
960
696
29
West Bengal
7,180
4,933
Total
61,445
44,894
This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
The identification of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) is based on the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC)-2011 and due verification by the respective Gram Sabhas and completion of an Appellate Process. These parameters/criteria were applied on SECC 2011 database & Awass+2018 to identify eligibility of beneficiaries under PMAY-G.
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of PMAY-G for 5 more years (FY 2024-25 to 2028-29) to provide assistance for the construction of 2 crore additional rural houses. The Cabinet has also approved the updating of the Awaas+ List using modified exclusion criteria. A new survey is being conducted by the states/UTs using the technology-based solutions to maximize transparency and ensure sanctity in the process right from the identification to completion of the houses as per the detailed below:
Awaas+ 2024 app- a unique app specially designed under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), having features of assisted survey through pre-registered surveyors, housing technology selection, face authentication, Aadhar based e-KYC, data capture of household, conditions of existing house, time stamped, and geo tagged photo capture of existing house proposed site of construction. The app works in online as well as offline mode. “Self-Survey” facility is available for eligible household in Awaas+2024 app Survey for next phase of PMAYG (2024-29).
Usage of AI/ML model to curb fraudulent activity and provide information of possible malpractices.
Recommendation System – This module identifies various house attributes such as pucca wall, pucca roof, kutcha wall, kutcha roof, logo, window, door, and person in the uploaded photos of a completed house and recommends a final photograph for approval.
e-KYC App – The app is integrated with Aadhaar and uses AI-enabled face authentication technology to conduct verification of PMAY-G beneficiaries.
Liveliness Detection: Eye Blink/ Motion detection feature in Awaas App for identification of the beneficiaries.
100% Aadhaar-Based Payments: Directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts.
The unit assistance provided to beneficiaries under PMAY-G is as per the approval of the Union Cabinet and at present the unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in North Eastern States, Hilly States (including UTs of J&K and Ladakh) is provided. The funding pattern between Centre and the State for the NER States and Himalayan States [Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir (UT)] is 90:10 whereas for the rest of the States is 60:40 and for Union Territories without legislature, 100% funding are borne by the Centre.
In addition to the unit assistance, the beneficiaries are facilitated with 90/95-man days of unskilled labour wages through mandatory convergence with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Support of Rs. 12,000 for construction of toilet is also provided through Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGS or any other dedicated source of funding.
Some of the States/UTs are also providing top-up financial support over and above unit assistance to the PMAY-G beneficiaries for the house construction. To further support affordability, the scheme incorporates State-specific housing designs and promotes the use of local materials, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Under the scheme, to provide PMAY-G beneficiaries with the maximum number of benefits from different schemes, convergence with other schemes is encouraged. The guideline aids with the construction of toilets to be leveraged through convergence with SBM-G, MGNREGS, or any other dedicated source of funding. Convergence for piped drinking water, electricity connection, LPG gas connection, solar lanterns and cleaner cooking energy, solar roof top, fulfillment of requirement of construction material through MGNREGS and linkage with SHGs platform under Government programs is also being done.
The Ministry allocates targets to the State and further allocation of targets to the Districts/ Blocks/ Gram Panchayats is done by the State Government. The details of target allocated and houses sanctioned in Bhopal, Shahdol, Sidhi and Hathras Parliamentary Constituencies by the States are as under: –
[Unit in no]
Parliamentary Constituency (PC)
Target fixed by the State
Houses sanctioned by the State
Houses completed by the State
Bhopal*
47,719
49,971
35,575
Shahdol#
1,94,286
1,88,178
1,66,730
Sidhi $
136058
124293
101908
Hathras@
2361
2361
2327
*Bhopal PC covers Bhopal district and Sehore block of Sehore District #Shahdol PC covers districts of Anuppur, Umaria and Jaisinghnagar , Burhar blocks of Shahdol
$Sidhi PC covers Sidhi distrct and Beohari block of Shahdol district @Hathras PC covers Hathras, Sadabad, Sikhandrarao blocks of Hathras district and Iglas & Chhara blocks (located in Gangiri) of Aligarh district
This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE meets Secretary of CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee (with photo) Mr Lee welcomed Mr Wei and his delegation to Hong Kong. Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong and Dongguan enjoy close geographical and cultural ties, and the two cities have long maintained close co-operation in various areas, including economics, trade, and shipping. As Dongguan is a renowned global manufacturing hub, Hong Kong will continue to give full play to its advantages as a bridge between the Mainland and the world, as well as its dual roles in going global and attracting foreign investment, offering services to assist Dongguan enterprises in expanding and developing international markets.
Mr Lee highlighted the successful collaboration between Hong Kong and Dongguan in operating the logistics park in Dongguan under the “sea-air intermodal cargo-transshipment” mode. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Dongguan Municipal Government are jointly advancing the development of the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Logistics Park as a permanent facility, as well as expanding its scope and capacity. Combining Hong Kong’s strengths in aviation and logistics with Dongguan’s advantages in land and manpower resources, the project aims to create a model of successful co-operation within the GBA. This initiative will further enhance the logistics connectivity within the GBA and boost the international competitiveness of the GBA’s manufacturing and import-export industries.
Mr Lee expressed confidence that Hong Kong and Dongguan will continue to leverage their complementary advantages and promote co-operation between the two places at a higher level, making greater contributions to the development of a world-class bay area. Issued at HKT 17:30
I am present here to deliver a statement on the grand Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. Through this esteemed House, I extend my salutations to the millions of countrymen whose contributions made the Mahakumbh a grand success. Many individuals played a crucial role in ensuring the success of Mahakumbh. I congratulate the government, society, and all dedicated workers. I also extend my gratitude to the devotees from across the country, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the citizens of Prayagraj.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
We all know that bringing the sacred Ganga to Earth required an extraordinary effort. A similar grand effort was witnessed in the magnificent organisation of this Mahakumbh. I had emphasized the importance of ‘Sabka Prayas’ from the Red Fort. The entire world witnessed the vastness of Bharat through the Mahakumbh. This is the true embodiment of ‘Sabka Prayas’. This Mahakumbh was a people’s event, inspired by the devotion and dedication of the masses.
Hon’ble Mr Speaker Sir,
We have witnessed the awakening of our national consciousness on a magnificent scale in the grand Mahakumbh. This national consciousness is what drives our country toward new resolutions and inspires us to achieve them. The Mahakumbh has also provided a fitting response to the doubts and uncertainties that some may have had regarding our collective strength.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
Last year, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, we all experienced how the nation is preparing itself for the next 1,000 years. Just a year later, the successful organization of the Mahakumbh has further reinforced this belief. This collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense strength. Throughout history, there have been defining moments that become examples for generations to come. Our nation, too, has witnessed such moments that have given it a new direction and awakened its people. During the Bhakti movement, we saw a spiritual awakening spread across the country. More than a century ago, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech in Chicago, it was a resounding declaration of Bharat’s spiritual consciousness, instilling a deep sense of self-respect among Indians. Similarly, our freedom struggle was marked by several such turning points—the Revolt of 1857, the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s clarion call of “Delhi Chalo,” and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. These events inspired the nation and paved the way for independence. I see the Prayagraj Mahakumbh as another such defining moment, where we can see the reflection of an awakened nation.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
We witnessed the enthusiasm and spirit of the Mahakumbh in Bharat for nearly a month and a half. Millions of devotees gathered with deep faith, rising above concerns of convenience or hardship. This unwavering devotion is one of our greatest strengths. But this joy and fervour were not confined to Bharat alone. Last week, I was in Mauritius, where I carried sacred water from the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. When this holy water was offered at the Ganga pond in Mauritius, the atmosphere of devotion, faith, and celebration was truly remarkable. This moment reaffirmed how our traditions, culture, and values are being embraced and celebrated with great intensity.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
I also see how seamlessly our cultural values are being passed down from generation to generation. Look at our modern youth today—how deeply they are connecting with the Mahakumbh and other traditional festivals. The young generation of Bharat is proudly embracing its heritage, faith, and traditions with immense pride and devotion.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
When a society takes pride in its heritage, we witness grand and inspiring moments like those seen during the Mahakumbh. This strengthens our sense of brotherhood and builds confidence that, as a nation, we can achieve great milestones. The deep connection with our traditions, faith, and legacy is a priceless asset for today’s Bharat.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
The Mahakumbh has given us many invaluable lessons, and one of its greatest gifts is the nectar of unity. It was an event where people from every region, every corner of the country, came together as one. Shedding personal egos, they embraced the spirit of वयम (the collective We), rather than मैं (the individual I). People from diverse states became a part of the sacred Triveni. When millions of people from different regions strengthen the spirit of nationalism, the unity of our country grows even stronger. When people speaking various languages chant ‘Har Har Gange’ on the banks of the Sangam, it manifests the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthens unity. The Mahakumbh demonstrated that there was no distinction between big and small—it reflected Bharat’s immense strength. It reaffirmed that the profound element of unity is deeply ingrained within us. The power of our unity is so great that it can overcome any attempt to divide us. This unwavering spirit of oneness is a blessing for every Indian. At a time when the world is witnessing fragmentation, this grand display of solidarity is our greatest strength. Unity in diversity has always been Bharat’s defining trait—we have always believed in it, felt it, and we experienced its most magnificent form in Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh. It is our responsibility to continue nurturing and strengthening this unique legacy of unity amidst diversity.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
The Mahakumbh has also provided us with numerous inspirations. Our country is home to many small and large rivers, some of which are facing serious challenges. Drawing inspiration from the Kumbh, we should consider expanding the tradition of ‘Nadi Utsav’ (River Festivals). This initiative would help the present generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and contribute to the preservation of our rivers.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
I firmly believe that the nectar of wisdom gained from the Mahakumbh will serve as a strong foundation for achieving our national resolutions. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in organizing the Mahakumbh. I bow to all the devotees across the country and convey my best wishes on behalf of this esteemed House.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CSSA caseload for February 2025 The total CSSA caseload at the end of February stood at 195 775 (see attached table), with a total of 262 513 recipients.
Analysed by case nature, low-earnings cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 1.1 per cent to 1 354 cases. Single parent cases dropped by 0.3 per cent to 19 025 cases. Permanent disability cases declined by 0.1 per cent to 16 704 cases.
Old age cases registered an increase of 0.2 per cent to 110 943 cases. Unemployment cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 16 069 cases. Ill-health cases remained steady at 27 762 cases. Issued at HKT 17:00
The details of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) provided by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for studying abroad during the last ten years is as under:
S. No.
Year
Number of SC and ST students selected under NOS for studying abroad during last ten years
SC
ST
1.
2014-15
59
20
2.
2015-16
50
15
3.
2016-17
108
16
4.
2017-18
178
20
5.
2018-19
97
20
6.
2019-20
97
20
7.
2020-21
90
20
8.
2021-22
122
20
9.
2022-23
119
20
10.
2023-24
117
23
Total
1037
194
*Vacant slots of previous years were carried forward.
At present, 263 SC students and 39 ST students are studying abroad. New initiatives such as simplification of process, invitation of applications online through portal; doing away with Police Verification and obtaining self-declaration regarding pending case/non-conviction of offense; introduction of QS ranking based selection procedure; enhancing of family income ceiling, number of slots and amount of financial assistance have been taken by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Leading zero-emission commercial vehicles manufacturer opens global headquarters in Hong Kong (with photo) The company also plans to establish a global research and development centre and intelligent manufacturing centre in Hong Kong and is committed to building a high-quality zero-emission commercial vehicle ecosystem for the world.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion for Invest Hong Kong Mr Charles Ng said, “We are excited to welcome Wisdom Motor to Hong Kong. The establishment of its global headquarters is a testament to our city’s unparalleled suitability for technological and product development. With a rich talent pool and a strategic location, Hong Kong provides the perfect foundation for companies like Wisdom Motor to forge international partnerships and expand their presence in both the Asian and global markets.”
The Chief Strategy Officer of Wisdom Motor, Mr Felix Xu, said, “Hong Kong is situated in the heart of Asia and in close proximity to the Mainland. It enables businesses to tap into the multitude of opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and throughout the rest of the region. The city is an ideal base for us to promote our technological achievements to the Greater Bay Area, other parts of the Mainland, and developed overseas countries.”
He also said that the Hong Kong global headquarters is a pivotal hub for developing intelligent and connected vehicle applications, including Vehicle Control Unit or Motor Control Unit electronic control systems and hydrogen fuel systems. The company will collaborate with local university research teams and technology companies to develop carbon-neutral technologies and projects tailored to Hong Kong’s unique conditions.
He added that Wisdom Motor is an all-round enterprise with in-house capabilities in design, engineering, manufacturing, and delivery of class-leading smart zero-emission commercial vehicles. It is also at the forefront of integrating hydrogen fuel cell systems, leveraging advanced composite materials and manufacturing processes to achieve significant lightweight advantages. Wisdom Motor delivered Hong Kong’s first battery electric double-decker bus as well as the world’s first tri-axle hydrogen double-deck bus, paving the way to contribute to Hong Kong’s decarbonisation strategy.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel inaugurates the India Innovation Summit – Pioneering Solutions to End TB Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has embraced a multi-sectoral, innovation-driven approach to eliminating TB: Smt. Patel
“The number of missing cases reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakhs in 2023; 25.5 lakh TB cases in 2023 and 26.07 lakh cases in 2024 notified, marking the highest no. of notified cases ever”
“17.7% decline in incidence rate of TB in India, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023; TB deaths reduced by 21.4% from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023”
“Innovations are crucial for TB elimination, offering faster and more accurate diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and better prevention strategies”
India is resolved to eliminate 5 diseases in the coming 5 years that include: Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Measles, Rubella and Kala-azar: Dr. VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 2:01PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel inaugurated the India Innovation Summit – Pioneering Solutions to End TB, at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, here today. The Summit is being organized jointly by the Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) and the Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). The summit aims to accelerate India’s progress towards TB elimination by 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Anupriya Patel highlighted India’s remarkable progress in TB control and the pivotal role of innovation in this mission. She stated that “under the pathbreaking leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, India’s public health landscape has seen a remarkable transformation over the past decade and many of you have played a critical role in ensuring innovations and quality healthcare services reach the last mile.”
Highlighting the achievements of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), Smt. Patel stated that “the Program is steadily progressing towards the goal of eliminating TB by 2025. The number of missing cases has been reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakhs in 2023. The programme was able to notify 25.5 lakh TB and 26.07 lakh cases in 2023 and 2024-the highest ever.”
Citing the WHO’s Global TB Report 2024, Smt. Patel stated that “the incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7% decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023. TB deaths have reduced by 21.4% from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.” She also added that “TB treatment coverage in India increased by 32% in last eight years from 53% in 2015 to 85% in 2023.”
The Union Minister of State also highlighted the new initiatives under NTEP. She stated that “a shorter and safer oral Bedaquiline-containing drug resistant TB treatment regimen has been rolled out across all State/ UTs that has improved treatment success rates of drug-resistant TB patients from 68% in 2020 to 75% in 2022. A more efficacious treatment regimen, mBPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid (300mg) has also been introduced for drug-resistant TB which is 80% more efficacious for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and will reduce treatment duration to 6 months.”
She also highlighted the Energy Dense Nutritional Support (EDNS), offered to under-nourished TB patients during the first 2 months of their treatment along with drugs. Talking about the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative that was launched with the objectives to provide additional support to TB patients in order to improve treatment outcomes, augment community involvement and leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, Smt. Patel stated that “this initiative was launched to bring together people from all backgrounds into a ‘Jan Andolan’ and escalate the progress toward TB elimination.” She further added that “the Government has doubled the financial assistance under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) for nutritional support to TB patients from Rs 500/per month/per patient to Rs 1,000 per month per patient effective from 1st November 2024 while the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative has also been expanded wherein food baskets to TB patients and their household contacts are being provided.
In addition to this, Smt. Patel also underscored the progress of the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat– 100 Days Intensified Campaign. Launched on 7th December 2024, the campaign covers 455 selected high priority districts and involves a comprehensive strategy to mobilise resources, raise awareness and intensify actions against TB across all prioritized districts. The campaign activities involve active TB case finding in vulnerable populations, early diagnosis, prompt treatment initiation and linkage to nutritional care. The report of the campaign will be released on World TB Day on 24th March 2025.
Underlining the new Innovations rolled out under the program, Smt. Patel stated that “ICMR has validated three indigenous handheld X ray devices, which makes it possible to reach vulnerable population groups for TB screening. Hand-held devices offer advantages of low weight, portability, and low radiation exposure and are being used in the 100-day accelerated programme.” She also added that “ICMR partnered with Institute of Plasma Research, Ahmedabad, to develop DeepCXR, a tool for artificial intelligence-based reporting chest X ray films. AI tools are expected to be a gamechanger in detecting presumptive TB patients and quick initiation of treatment. ICMR also validated CyTb skin test for detection of latent TB infection, developed by Serum Institute of India Ltd. against Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), which is the preferred test for latent TB detection. However, IGRA is expensive and it may not be feasible to be introduced in resource limited countries. Overall performance of CyTb was better than the currently used tuberculin skin test.”
Smt. Patel further added that “ICMR conducted a multicentric validation of PathoDetectTM an indigenous molecular diagnostic NAAT test which can perform 32 tests simultaneously, detects MTB complex and first line drug resistance to rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) simultaneously as a one step process. Overall, the performance of PathoDetectTM was comparable to other molecular assays. Deployment of this test in the 100-day program, along with the already available TruNat test, has enhanced capacity of molecular diagnosis of TB and early detection of drug resistance. Moreover, the Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit developed by Huwel Lifesciences is the first in world indigenous open system RTPCR kits developed in India and validated by ICMR. In comparison to the gold standard liquid culture, sensitivity of the kit is 86 % and specificity is 96 %. These kits are likely to be low-cost and have a potential to expand the outreach of TB molecular testing, including more than 3300 RTPCR machines used during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Health Technology Assessment India under Department of Health Research has assessed the TB health Technologies like Truenat for TB diagnosis, BPAL/BPALM regime for MDR TB, Techo plus for tracking and managing TB health services, AI enabled chest X-ray diagnosis and TMEAD an adherence monitoring device for TB treatment”, she further added.
Underlining the role of innovations in TB elimination, Smt. Patel stated that “innovations are crucial for TB elimination, offering faster and more accurate diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and better prevention strategies. Use of digital health, artificial intelligence, data collection and health promotion will also play a critical role in reaching the “missing millions” of people with TB who go undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, each year.” In her concluding remarks, she encouraged all innovators “to continue their endeavour to develop useful tools for introduction into the program and help achieve the goal of TB elimination.”
In his address, Dr. V. K Paul, Member NITI Aayog, stated that “the event is an important step in the direction of innovation-led push in achieving the goal of elimination of TB. The Summit is bringing together pioneers in TB research and technology to translate ideas into impactful solutions.
He stated that “India has achieved tremendous success in the direction of eliminating TB under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.” India is resolved to eliminate 5 diseases in the coming 5 years that include: Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Measles, Rubella and Kala-azar, he further stated.
Dr. Paul also underlined the need of advanced and better tools for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB and underlined the potential of AI to provide solutions for TB detection and elimination. He further stated that for elimination of TB, technology that can be taken to scale is of high priority along with facilitation of newer technologies and their approval while ensuring funding for important innovations and identify areas for further research.
He concluded his remarks by stating that “India’s efforts for TB elimination are truly global that will be beneficial globally”. He put emphasis on the need of bringing innovative ideas to the forefront that can “bring speed and scale to TB elimination and added that the summit will also help facilitate spin-offs for elimination of other diseases from the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR & Director General, ICMR, highlighted the transformative role of research and indigenous technologies in India’s TB elimination effort. Emphasizing the role of technology in detection, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of TB, he stated that “scientific advancements have been at the forefront of our fight against TB. Through rigorous research, we have validated innovative diagnostics, treatment regimens, and AI-based tools that enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.” He added that “the summit serves as a crucial platform to bring together stakeholders and fast-track the adoption of these solutions into national TB programs.” He underlined the crucial role played by homegrown innovations benefit not only India but also contribute to the global TB elimination mission.
The one-and-a-half-day summit features over 200 groundbreaking innovations, including handheld X-ray devices for rapid TB screening, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and new molecular testing technologies. The event provides a platform for innovators to engage with policymakers, regulators, and experts, ensuring that promising solutions are integrated into national TB programs.
With over 1,200 participants from academia, industry, healthcare, and research, the summit aims to foster crucial collaborations. A key focus is identifying innovations with potential for large-scale implementation and linking them with government initiatives for further development. The India Innovation Summit reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating TB by 2025, leveraging scientific advancements and community-driven efforts to accelerate progress toward this ambitious goal.
More than 200 innovations shaping India’s fight against TB to be showcased at an exhibition along with over 30 scientific sessions on innovations, lectures, roundtable and panel discussions during the summit.
Former Secretary DHR and DG ICMR Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Joint Secretary DHR Ms Anu Nagar, Sr DDG (Admin) ICMR MS Manisha Saxena and other senior officials and scientists from the Ministry and ICMR also participated in the summit. Among the global participants, Dr. Trevor Mundel, President, Global Health, Gates Foundation and Prof. Guy Marks (the Union) marked their presence at the inaugural event.
****
MV
HFW/MoS inaugurates India Innovation Summit- Pioneering Solutions to End TB /18March2025/1
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Unemployment and underemployment statistics for December 2024 – February 2025 Comparing December 2024 – February 2025 with November 2024 – January 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Relatively notable increases were observed in the food and beverage service activities sector, transportation sector, construction sector, and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities). Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 7 100 from 3 716 600 in November 2024 – January 2025 to 3 709 500 in December 2024 – February 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 400 from 3 826 700 to 3 821 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 600 from 110 100 in November 2024 – January 2025 to 111 700 in December 2024 – February 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 300 from 43 000 to 40 700.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed low at 3.2% in December 2024 – February 2025, though edging up by 0.1 percentage point over November 2024 – January 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.1%. The labour force and total employment were at 3 821 300 and 3 709 500 respectively, declining slightly from the preceding three-month period.”
The unemployment rates of various sectors showed diverse movements in December 2024 – February 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, but they generally stayed low.
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The labour market should remain largely stable in the near term amidst continued economic expansion, though some businesses would be affected by the uncertainties stemming from the United States’ trade protection measures.”
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for December 2024 – February 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of December 2024 to February 2025.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh I bow to the citizens, whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM
Many people have contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh, I compliment all the Karmayogis of the Government and society: PM
We have witnessed a ‘Maha Prayas’ in the organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM
This Maha Kumbh was led by the people, driven by their resolve and inspired by their unwavering devotion: PM
Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is a significant milestone that reflects the spirit of an awakened nation: PM
Maha Kumbh has strengthened the spirit of unity: PM
In the Maha Kumbh, all differences faded away; this is India’s great strength, showing that the spirit of unity is deeply rooted within us: PM
The spirit of connecting with faith and heritage is the greatest asset of today’s India: PM
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:21PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha today on the successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He extended his heartfelt salutations to the countless citizens of the nation, whose efforts ensured the grand success of the Mahakumbh. Highlighting the collective contributions of various individuals and groups in making the Mahakumbh a success, he acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the government, society, and all dedicated workers involved. Shri Modi expressed his gratitude to devotees from across the country, with special mention of the people of Uttar Pradesh and, in particular, the citizens of Prayagraj, for their invaluable support and participation.
Underlining the immense efforts required for the grand organization of the Mahakumbh, comparing it to the legendary Bhagirath’s endeavor to bring the Ganga to Earth, Shri Modi mentioned about his emphasis on the importance of “Sabka Prayas” during his address from the Red Fort. He noted that the Mahakumbh showcased India’s grandeur to the world. “Mahakumbh is a manifestation of the collective resolve, devotion, and dedication of the people, inspired by their unwavering faith”, he added.
The Prime Minister remarked on the profound awakening of national consciousness witnessed during the Mahakumbh, highlighting how this consciousness propels the nation towards new resolutions and inspires their fulfillment. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh effectively addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation’s capabilities.
Highlighting the transformative journey of the nation, drawing a parallel between the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya last year and the Mahakumbh this year, Shri Modi remarked that these events reinforce the nation’s readiness for the next millennium. He emphasized that the collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential. He noted that pivotal moments in a nation’s history, much like in human history, serve as examples for generations to come. Shri Modi reflected on India’s historical milestones that awakened the nation and provided new direction, citing the spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech in Chicago, and key moments in India’s freedom struggle, such as the 1857 uprising, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s “Delhi Chalo” call, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. “Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolizing the awakened spirit of the nation”, he added.
Underscoring the vibrant enthusiasm witnessed during the Mahakumbh in India, which lasted for nearly one and a half months, the Prime Minister highlighted how crores of devotees, rising above concerns of convenience or inconvenience, participated with unwavering faith, showcasing the nation’s immense strength. Citing his recent visit to Mauritius, where he carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh, Prime Minister mentioned the profound atmosphere of devotion and celebration when the holy water was offered at Mauritius’ Ganga Talao. He emphasized that this reflects the growing spirit of embracing, celebrating, and preserving India’s traditions, culture, and values.
Shri Modi remarked on the seamless continuation of traditions across generations, highlighting how the modern youth of India have actively participated in the Mahakumbh and other festivals with deep devotion. He emphasized that today’s youth are embracing their traditions, faith, and beliefs with pride, reflecting a strong connection to India’s cultural heritage.
“When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh”, said Shri Modi, emphasising that such pride fosters unity and strengthens the confidence to achieve significant national goals. He highlighted that the connection to traditions, faith, and heritage is a valuable asset for contemporary India, reflecting the nation’s collective strength and cultural richness.
Stressing that the Mahakumbh has yielded many invaluable outcomes, with the spirit of unity being its most sacred offering, the Prime Minister highlighted how people from every region and corner of the country came together in Prayagraj, setting aside individual egos and embracing the collective spirit of “we” over “I.” He emphasized that individuals from various states became part of the sacred Triveni, strengthening the sense of nationalism and unity. He noted that when people speaking different languages and dialects chanted “Har Har Gange” at the Sangam, it reflected the essence of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and enhanced the spirit of oneness. Shri Modi observed that the Mahakumbh demonstrated the absence of discrimination between the small and the great, showcasing India’s immense strength. He remarked that the inherent unity within the nation is so profound that it overcomes all divisive efforts. He highlighted that this unity is a great fortune for Indians and a significant strength in a world facing fragmentation. He reiterated that “unity in diversity” is India’s hallmark, a sentiment consistently felt and experienced, as exemplified by the grandeur of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He urged the nation to continue enriching this unique characteristic of unity in diversity.
Speaking about the numerous inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh, Shri Modi highlighted the vast network of rivers in the country, many of which are facing challenges. He stressed the need to expand the tradition of river festivals, inspired by the Mahakumbh, adding that such initiatives would help the current generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and ensure the protection of rivers.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh will serve as a strong medium for achieving the nation’s resolutions. He appreciated every individual involved in organizing the Mahakumbh and extended his salutations to all devotees across the country and conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the House.
In the Maha Kumbh, all differences faded away. This is India’s great strength, showing that the spirit of unity is deeply rooted within us. pic.twitter.com/m3c6EY3DFX
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 to be gazetted The spokesperson said, “The Amendment Bill seeks to enhance the buildings energy efficiency management regime of Hong Kong. It improves the energy efficiency of buildings to reduce the demand for power consumption and generation, which will not only reduce carbon emissions but also lessen the financial burden on the public for the increased use of clean fuels for electricity generation, thereby assisting Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
The Amendment Bill contains five parts, namely regulating the energy efficiency standards of building services installations for all data centres in Hong Kong; requiring more types of buildings to conduct regular energy audits; shortening the intervals of energy audits; disclosing certain technical information in energy audit reports; and including more qualifications eligible for registration as Registered Energy Assessors. If the Amendment Bill is passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) and implemented in full, it is estimated that an additional 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 150 000 three-person households, could be saved in 2035.
The spokesperson added, “The proposed amendments to the Ordinance aims to achieve a win-win scenario of saving electricity cost for buildings, reducing carbon emission, and boosting the development of green economy.”
The EEB has extensively consulted relevant stakeholders on the legislative amendment proposals, which include trade associations, the property management sector, the construction industry, professional bodies, public services bodies, and the LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs. The views received have been incorporated into the Amendment Bill as appropriate. Stakeholders generally support the proposals.
The Amendment Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading and commencement of the second reading debate on March 26. The Government will fully support the work of the LegCo in scrutinising the Amendment Bill and looks forward to the LegCo’s support and passage of the Amendment Bill. Issued at HKT 15:08
The Government of India has significantly increased the allocation for the Vigyan Dhara scheme, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the country’s scientific research, innovation, and technological development ecosystem. The budget has witnessed a substantial rise from Rs. 330.75crore in 2024-25 to Rs. 1425.00 crore in 2025-26. The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission. This increased investment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering science and technology as a foundation for national progress.
The Birth of Vigyan Dhara
The Vigyan Dhara scheme came into force with effect from 16.01.2025. It merges three key umbrella schemes into one, focusing on:
❖Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building: This component focuses on strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and human resource pool. It aims to build and enhance research and development (R&D) labs across academic institutions, creating a robust environment for scientific research.
❖ Research and Development (R&D): Vigyan Dhara emphasises research in various critical areas, including basic research, translational research in sustainable energy and water, and access to international mega facilities. This component also fosters collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
❖Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment:This segment of the scheme aims to drive innovation at all levels, from schools to higher education and the industry. It seeks to promote technology development and deployment, with a particular focus on increasing collaboration between academia, government, and industry, as well as supporting startups.
This strategic integration enhances efficiency in fund utilization and establishes synchronization among the sub-schemes and programs, ensuring a more streamlined approach to achieving scientific progress in India.
Key Focus Areas of Vigyan Dhara
1. Capacity Building
Establishing advanced research laboratories in academic institutions
Supporting faculty development and student research
Promoting international scientific collaborations
2. Research and Development
Encouraging basic research with access to international mega facilities
Supporting translational research in areas such as sustainable energy, water, etc.
Fostering collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation
Contributing to building a critical human resource pool to expand the nation’s R&D base and improve the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
3. Innovation and Technology Development
Supporting startups and entrepreneurs in science and technology
Facilitating technology transfer and commercialization
Promoting the development of indigenous technologies
Reinforcing innovation efforts from school-level education to higher education, industries, and startups through targeted interventions
4. Promoting Gender Parity in Science and Technology
Implementing focused programs to increase the participation of women in S&T fields
Ensuring gender equality in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) through strategic interventions
5. International Collaboration
Promoting joint research projects
Facilitating knowledge exchange with international researchers
Strengthening India’s position as a global scientific leader.
Key Impacts:
❖ Enhanced collaboration between academia, government, and industry
❖ Strengthened R&D capabilities, aligned with global standards and national priorities.
All the programs under the Vigyan Dhara scheme are aligned with the 5-year goals of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Furthermore, the Research and Development (R&D) component of the scheme is structured to align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that India’s scientific research follows globally prevailing standards while adhering to national priorities.
As of March 2025, 57,869 individual beneficiaries have availed the scheme. The beneficiaries include young students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in class VI to X availing the benefits under INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) program. This initiative nurtures a scientific mindset, encourages research careers, and fosters innovation among students.
In Telangana alone, 4002 beneficiaries have availed of the scheme, with Rs. 3.3 crore utilized as of 10.03.2025. The increased budget allocation will further strengthen state-level scientific initiatives, enabling more individuals and institutions to benefit.
Vigyan Dhara operates as a central sector scheme, implemented across the country. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has taken proactive measures to raise awareness through:
Extensive media coverage across print, social, and digital platforms
A dedicated web portal providing comprehensive information on various programs
Active engagement with stakeholders to disseminate knowledge about the scheme’s benefits.
Rising Scientific Publications
As per the latest Science & Engineering Indicators report from the National Science Foundation, USA, India has shown a consistent rise in scientific publications. The details are as follows:
The government has taken several steps to strengthen the research ecosystem and encourage researchers for scientific publications, including:
Successive increases in budget allocations for scientific research
Establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through the ANRF Act 2023
Creation of Centres of Excellence
Instituting research fellowships and research programs
Encouraging industry participation in R&D
Providing extramural project funding and fellowship schemes through DST, DBT, and CSIR
Research funding supports areas such as clean energy, water, nano and advanced materials, cyber-physical systems, quantum science, geospatial technology, biotechnology, and industrial technologies. The outcomes of these initiatives include scientific publications, intellectual property creation (patents), technology transfers, and industrial designs. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to conduct research publications and generate intellectual property, as these are key performance indicators for career progression.
A Transformative Vision for India’s Future
Vigyan Dharais set to revolutionize India’s scientific landscape by fostering innovation, strengthening research capabilities, and promoting technological advancements. The government’s increased budget allocation signifies a clear commitment to advancing India’s position as a global leader in science and technology while ensuring inclusive participation and alignment with the nation’s long-term development goals.
OPENING REMARKS by Dr Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Director UNESCO Pacific Regional Office.
Dear Honorable Minister T. C. Schuster, Samoa Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)
Dear Diplomatic Corps, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Heads of UN Agencies
I warmly welcome Dear Representatives from the Pacific Countries who have braved the storm and travelled a long way to be with us today. My most sincere and humble thanks to you. PNG, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, French Polynesia, Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Samoa. Certain experts were held back to monitor the weather situation in their countries.
These experts and representatives are mainly from National Geological Services, National Tsunami Warning Centers, National Volcano Observatories and National Disaster Management Offices (NDMO).
I Warmly thank and Welcome, our partners, the Samoa Meteorological Services, Samoa Disaster Management Office, SPREP, UNDRR, regional partners, the Pacific Community (SPC), JICA, USGS and other partners………… connected online. Especially those who were unable to travel due to the current cyclonic weather conditions.
Dear friends of UNESCO,
It is my honor and pleasure to address you at the opening ceremony of the Science and partnerships for geohazard resilience in the Pacific region towards a Multi-hazard Early Warning System
Firstly, let me extend my deep appreciation to the Government of Samoa for hosting this important event and for their flexibility in organizing this event in such uncertain weather conditions and ALLOWING FOR HYBRID SESSIONS.
Geohazards
Geohazards are defined as an adverse geologic condition capable of causing damage or loss of property or life. These processes only become hazards when humans get in their way.
The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) proximity to the Ring of Fire, where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis occur, makes it one of the most vulnerable regions to geohazards in the world.
In celebration of the International Geoscience programme on healing the earth, the 50th Anniversary in 2022 noted and I quote
ONE HEALTH
Earth and Ocean Sciences contribution to the implementation of the SDG’s
The Earth gives and the Earth takes away. It gives humanity the rich tapestry of landscapes within which civilisations and complex societies have flourished, providing the raw materials to build livelihoods and the resources to feed and fuel our modern world.
It takes away through the disasters that emerge from geological violence In the coming decades our planet faces a geological tipping point that threatens the future of humanity and the natural world that sustains it. Geoscience – the science of planet Earth an the ocean sciences – will be vital in averting that calamity.
Geosciences and the ocean sciences
Geoscience studies how our planet works, unravels its four and a half billion year history, and applies that past understanding to present and future societal concerns.
Geohazards History of the PICTs
I am told that,
• 30% of global seismicity is observed in the Southwest Pacific Region
(Lebellegard et al., 2007) and less than 3% of seismic stations are available for
real time monitoring within this area (repartition based on GEVN network).
• 15% of deadly tsunami’s originate from the Southwest Pacific
• 80% of these tsunamis are caused by an earthquake.
• 69% of world tsunamis originate from the Pacific Ocean Basin and marginal seas
• 99% of deaths in the Pacific are caused by local and regional tsunamis.
• We need not to be reminded by the recent events in Vanuatu on 17th December
2024 and the 2022 Hunga- Tonga Hunga Ha’apai Volcano Eruption and Tsunami
Why UNESCO and how can UNESCO support the management of geohazards?
Vision of a world at peace could not be a world without science
Since its establishment after WW2, UNESCO promotes international cooperation in the natural sciences, and marine sciences through its inter governmental and international scientific programmes. UNESCO is home to the inter-governmental hydrological programme, international basic sciences and UNESCO is the only organization with a mandate in the earth sciences. This is the S in UNESCO.
The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) is the oldest and most successful example of a scientific partnership between a non-governmental organization (the International Union of Geological Sciences; IUGS) and an intergovernmental organization (UNESCO). The IUGS, founded in 1961, with 121 national members representing over a million geoscientists, is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations. It encourages international co-operation and participation in the Earth sciences in relation.
Since 1972, UNESCO, through the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and in partnership with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), has harnessed the intellectual capacity of a worldwide network of geoscientists to lay the foundation for our planet’s future, focusing on responsible and environmental resource extraction, natural hazard resilience and preparedness, and adaptability in an era of changing climate.
For 60 years, UNESCO’s inter governmental Oceanographic Commission promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the oceans, coasts and marine resources.
UNESCO, is leading the United Nations OCEAN DECADE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2020-2023 and have launched the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme (ODTP) in 2021. This is an effort to bolster the global tsunami warning system by reducing response times and enhancing community readiness.
Its main objectives are to:
o Enhance systems’ capacity to issue actionable and timely warnings for tsunamis from all identified sources to 100% of coasts at risk;
o Guarantee that 100% of communities at risk are prepared and resilient to tsunamis by 2030 through efforts like the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme.
Our UNESCO Natural and Ocean Sciences have joined efforts in convening this Regional Geohazards week-long meeting responding to the call of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories.
UNESCO recognizes the efforts of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories in their collaboration to better understand the science and geohazards risks under the Oceania Regional Seismic Network (ORSNET), Melanesia Volcano Network (MVN), Pacific Islands Landslide Network and the Regional Working Group on Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System for Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (WG-PICT).
Therefore in 2023, the inaugural Science and Partnership for Geohazard Resilience Workshop in Nadi, Fiji was launched. Since then, we can review the outcomes:
• Among PICTs, UNESCO in collaboration with regional and international partners to strengthen PICTs understanding of geoscience and Geohazards through the UNESCO’s.
o International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and Global Geoparks
In collaboration with SPTO and SPC, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu recently targeted on the establishment of Geoparks.
o DRR Programme, UNESCO supports Member States.
In collaboration with SPC, UNDRR, UNICEF and others UNESCO is supporting PICTs ( Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu) on a 2-year Funded project on Information Management.
o Tsunami Resilience Programme, UNESCO supported;
The review of National Tsunami SOP in Fiji- a pre-requisite for an FJD 72 million Concessional loan
Review of National Tsunami warning and response SOP in Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Pacific Wave Exercise 2024 – Regional PICT Exercise and National Tsunami Drills in Fiji and Tonga.
Official recognition of 6 PICT communities to be UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Community in 2023-2024.
In December 2023, the PSIDS regional geohazards community of practice discussed the need to better understand the science of geohazards to clearly ascertain threats posed by geohazards among PICTs and the status of:
a) in-country capability of geohazard monitoring and detection and multi-hazard early warning system.
b) Volcano, earthquake, tsunami, and landslide sciences among PICTs
c) seismic data sharing for earthquake, volcano and tsunami monitoring and
detection
This Inaugural Science and Partnerships for Geohazards Resilience Meeting identified the need to develop a Regional Geohazards Strategic Framework to inform programmes or projects to address the capacity gaps in scientific hazard monitoring, assessment, warning, and disseminations to enable the public to better understands their risks and threats from a geohazard.
Since December 2023, the PSIDS regional geohazards community have been exploring opportunities to strengthen the science and scientific data and knowledge that informs geohazard programmes, policies.
• UNESCO is a major global partner of the UNEW4ALL supporting the four lead
agencies, UNDRR, WMO, ITU and International Federation of the Red Crescent
Society,
• UNESCO recognizes the call of the Pacific Islands Leaders under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and intends to work closely with regional UN and CROP agencies to accelerate progress of PICTs towards achieving the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
• The PICT geohazards community is critical in advising Pacific Island Leaders on threats posed by Geohazards to PICTs.
Your meeting this week builds on the outcomes of the inaugural 2023 meeting. But also other scientific and technical meetings organised by the partners.
• Your meeting this week is timely in order to;
Identify and consolidate the gaps and needs in your geohazards operations and services.
Identify spaces for constructive and meaningful engagement (on geohazards scientific and technical advice) with Pacific Islands Leaders through the Pacific DRR Ministers Meeting (in consultation with Pacific Disaster Managers Meeting) and the Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting (in consultation with the Pacific Meteorological Council.
The PSIDS regional geohazards community mostly includes Geological Services with Geohazard Management Units/ Sections are mostly hosted by Meteorological Services or Mining/Mineral/Natural Resources Departments. These are mainly a small team of technical and scientific officers who monitors, detects, and provide public advisories on geohazards. This regional community is mainly coordinated within UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Warning Systems in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, GNS New Zealand and USGS including CROP Agencies such as The Pacific Community (SPC) and SPREP.
At the regional level, under the Pacific Resilience Programme (PRP), a technical working group on Multi-Hazard Early Warning System have been established to provide the overarching common DRR frameworks as well as guidance and coordination support.
Scientific applications for seismic monitoring and detection like SeisComP is widely used by PICTs however, its full potential is not realized due to limited staff capacity and capacity development. Current Staffs of Geological Servies need proper scientific training with the support of partners such as USGS, Geoscience Australia, and GNS New Zealand.
Measuring the impacts on girls and women who bear the burdens of geohazards in a community. A high number of UNESCO’s geoscience projects are led by women Earth scientists, in 2020 women are project leaders in 38% of the active geoscience projects.
The meeting will also provide a platform to
i) stock take progress and share learning considering vulnerabilities and level of
exposure of different members of public to geohazards such as tsunami, volcano, earthquake and landslides.
ii) The meeting will include sessions of the Inter governmental coordination group
for the Pacific Tsunami warning and mitigation system
iii) It will include sessions on Volcano under Melanesia Volcanic Network (MVN) and
JICA/ volcano research project with Landslides and earthquakes under ORSNET
Oceania Regional Seismic Network.
This meeting comes at a critical point as a culmination of all scientific technical workshops held recently with different stakeholders.
– 2023-UNESCO inaugural science and partnerships for geohazards resilience
– Pacific Islands Science, Technology and Resources Network (STAR) Conference
held in Fiji on 20-22nd November 2024 and the
– Forecasting and Communicating Earthquake Hazard and Risk (FORCE) project, Understanding Earthquake Hazard and Risk in the Pacific Region Workshop 18-19th November 2024 gathering national officials from National Geohazards Observatories, National Tsunami Warning Centers and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
Two questions arise:
i) Should there be a platform for a PSIDS Regional Geohazards Strategy.
The PSIDS Regional Geohazards Strategy could inform programmes or projects developed at national and regional level and stimulate collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, development partners, universities, CROP Agencies and UN Agencies particularly UNESCO.
ii) Given the success, momentum on geohazards resilience, should there be a
Multi-hazard Early Warning system bringing together the different entities
Thanks
Specifically thank, our partners UNDRR, SPC, Weather Ready Programme at SPREP, USGS and Tokyo University in supporting this Regional Geohazard Meeting.
Lastly, this meeting is brought to you by UNESCO’s Natural Science Programme coordinator Susan Schneegans and UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Resilience Programme Coordinator Jiuta Korovulvula, and their team Arti Devi. Other colleagues from UNESCO based here These programmes coordinate this regional gathering of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories Geohazards Community since the Inaugural 2023 Regional Geohazards Meeting in Nadi, Fiji.
Dear Experts, this is your platform and your meeting. I greatly thank you.
I thank the Diplomatic Corps and heads of agencies for their presence and time. I have no doubt their participation would lead to further avenues for collaboration with the geohazards community to combat and build back better.
I am certain that the exchanges that we will hear in the upcoming days will be inspiring and will provide a basis to extend and increase the excellent cooperation between UNESCO and all of you. UNESCOs’ Intergovernmental scientific and international programmes support its Member States to strengthen their national capacity in oceans and geosciences for the management of both geohazards risk reduction.
Let me end i0 by wishing you all fruitful exchanges and thank once again the Government of Samoa and Honorable Minister Schuster for the great work in converting this into the first Regional meeting on Science and partnerships for geohazard resilience in the Pacific Region: towards a multi- hazard early warning system.
And before I close I would like to go back to the reflection on science and development
Vision of a world at peace could not be a world without science
In 2021 UNESCO’s 193 Member States endorsed the first standard setting instrument Recommendation on Open Science. Open science is a set of principles and practices that aim to make scientific research from all fields accessible to everyone for the benefits of scientists and society as a whole. Open science is about making sure not only that scientific knowledge is accessible but also that the production of that knowledge itself is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Open science:
• increases scientific collaborations and sharing of information for the benefits of
science and society;
• opens the processes of scientific knowledge creation, evaluation and communication to societal actors beyond the traditional scientific community.
Our interconnected world needs open science to help solve complex social, environmental, and economic challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting science that is more accessible, inclusive and transparent, open science furthers the right of everyone to share in scientific advancement and its benefits as stated in Article 27.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.