Month: March 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving, inter alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia); Maple Highways Pte. Ltd.; 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group.

The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition by MIT, acting through Maple Infra Invit Investment Manager Private Limited (Maple IM) of Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited (ADKTL); Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited (ASBTL); Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited (ABDTL); Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited (AHBL); and Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited (AHDL) (Proposed SPV Acquisitions) and certain inter-connected transactions.

MIT is a private trust settled under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and was registered as an infrastructure investment trust under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014, on 24^th February 2020. MIT is, through its special purpose vehicles, engaged in the business of owning and operating road assets in India. Maple IM is the investment manager of MIT.

CPDQ Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec (CDPQ). CDPQ is a global investment group that manages the funds of its depositors, primarily comprised of public and para-public pension and insurance plans from Québec.

Maple Sponsor is the sponsor of MIT for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

360 ONE Private Equity Fund is registered with the SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The 360 ONE Private Equity Fund is managed by its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited.

ADKTL, ASBTL, ABDTL, AHBL and AHDL are engaged by the National Highway Authority of India Limited (NHAI) to provide infrastructure concession services.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

 

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2115025) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:44PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Ashoka Buildcon Limited by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited.

The Proposed Combination envisages acquisition of 100% equity shareholding by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited (EC2PL) in road 11 special purpose vehicles (Target SPVs) owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) (Proposed Equity Transaction).

EC2PL is a private limited company engaged in owning and operating infrastructure projects. It is owned by Infrastructure Yield Plus II (IYP II) & Infrastructure Yield Plus IIA (IYP IIA) (collectively IYP), which are both schemes of the Infrastructure Yield Trust, an irrevocable and determinate contributory investment trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and registered with the SEBI as a Category I – Infrastructure Alternative Investment Fund, under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. The investment manager of IYP II and IYP IIA is EAAA India Alternatives Limited (EIAL) which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EFSL, the parent entity of EC2PL.

The Target SPVs are eleven road SPVs have been incorporated in India and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2115024) Visitor Counter : 93

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was announced on 15^th September, 2015 with the objective to reduce country’s reliance on the import of gold in the long run and mobilise gold held by households and institutions in the country to facilitate its use for productive purposes.

The GMS comprised of 3 components:

1. Short Term Bank Deposit (1-3 years)
2. Medium Term Government Deposit (5-7 years), and
3. Long-Term Government Deposit (12 – 15 years)

Based on the examination of the performance of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) and evolving market conditions, it has been decided to discontinue the Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of the GMS w.e.f. March 26, 2025.

Accordingly, any gold deposits tendered at the designated Collection and Purity Testing Centre (CPTC) or GMS Mobilisation, Collection & Testing Agent (GMCTA) or the designated bank branches under the said components of GMS shall not be accepted with effect from March 26, 2025. However, the existing deposits under MLTGD shall continue till redemption as per extant guidelines of GMS issued vide Reserve Bank Master Direction No. DBR.IBD.No.45/23.67.003/2015-16 dated October 22, 2015 (as updated).

Further, the Short-Term Bank Deposits (STBD) offered by the banks under GMS shall continue at the discretion of the individual banks based on the commercial viability as assessed by them. The detailed guidelines of Reserve Bank in this regard shall follow.

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2115009) Visitor Counter : 187

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

The following are the lists, in order of merit of 349 (223 + 89 + 37) candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in  September, 2024 and SSB interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 159^th (DE) Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course i.e. No. 218 F(P) Course.

2.         There are some common candidates in the three lists for various courses.

3.         The number of vacancies, as intimated by the Government is 100 for Indian Military Academy [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificates (Army Wing) holders], 32 for Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro[including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders] and 32 for Air Force Academy, Hyderabad [03 vacancies are reserved for NCC ’C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Spl. Entry].

4.         The Commission had recommended 2534, 900, and 613 as qualified in the written test for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy, respectively.  The number of candidates finally qualified are those after SSB test conducted by Army Head Quarters.

5.         The results of Medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.

6.         Verification of date of birth and educational qualifications of these candidates is still under process by the Army Headquarters.  The candidature of all these candidates is, therefore, Provisional on this score.  Candidates are requested to forward their certificates, in original, in support of Date of Birth/Educational qualification etc. claimed by them, along with Photostat attested copies thereof to Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.

7.         In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters.

8.         These results will also be available on the UPSC website at http://www.upsc.gov.in.  However, marks of the candidates will be available on the website after declaration of final result of Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Course for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024.

9.         For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day.

Click here for see the result

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115002) Visitor Counter : 146

Source: Government of India

Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country

For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established; It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme, a total of 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country, the State- and Union-territory-wise numbers of which are at Annexure.

Lack of availability of medicines to JAKs is not a systemic issue. For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established. It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat. Further, 36 distributors have been appointed across the country to strengthen the supply chain system. Availability of 400 fast-moving products is monitored regularly to ensure their availability. Further, a minimum stocking mandate has been implemented for 200 medicines consisting of the 100 top-selling medicines in the scheme product basket and 100 fast-selling medicines in the market. Under the stocking mandate, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners become eligible for claiming incentive based on stocks of the said 200 medicines maintained by them. Thus, supply of medicines to JAKs is ensured through the system of warehouses and distributors and monitoring system and incentives are in place to encourage JAKs to stock the products that are more in demand. JAKs being run on an entrepreneurship model, the actual stocking of products is done by entrepreneurs based on demand for the same.

To safeguard against complaints about the quality of medicines sold from JAKs, stringent measures as specified below are in place to ensure that the medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras meet standards:

1. Medicines are procured only from suppliers certified for World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP).

2. Each batch of drugs supplied under the scheme is tested at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and only after passing quality tests, medicines are dispatched to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

3. Quality audit of the facilities of vendors is routinely done by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) opened till 28.2.2025

 

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

 

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114994) Visitor Counter : 154

Source: Government of India

New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment and making India Self-Sufficient in the urea sector

Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 including 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Government had announced New Investment Policy (NIP) – 2012 on 2nd January, 2013 and its amendment on 7th October, 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 which includes 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies. The units set up through JVC are Ramagundam Urea unit of Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) in Telangana and 3 Urea units namely Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, respectively. The units set up by private companies are Panagarh Urea unit of Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (Matix) in West Bengal; and Gadepan-III Urea unit of Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (CFCL) in Rajasthan. Each of these units has installed capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonne per annum (LMTPA). These units are highly energy efficient as they are based on latest technology.  Therefore, these units have together added urea production of 76.2 LMTPA thereby total production urea production capacity (RAC) has increased from 207.54 LMTPA during 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA in 2023-24.

The Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under the policy, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on notified P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content. The P&K sector is decontrolled, fertilizer companies are allowed to fix MRP at reasonable levels.The fertilizer companies manufacture/import fertilizers and do investment as per the market dynamics.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114993) Visitor Counter : 147

Source: Government of India

Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) provide training in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken steps to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in the pharmaceutical sector through the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector. Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the aegis of DoP have introduced topics related to AI and block chain technology in their courses and they provide training to students in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology also supports AI-based research activities in the biotech sector, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture areas, in order to leverage emerging technologies for these sectors. Further, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the assistance of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, has undertaken a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a block-chain-based track-and-trace system for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114991) Visitor Counter : 146

Source: Government of India

Department of Pharmaceuticals hosts Industry Dialogue on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme at Bengaluru

Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world: Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted an Industry Dialogue on the scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) at Bangalore on 25th March 2025. The event served as a significant platform for representatives from industry, startups, and research institutes, including representatives from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and innovation hubs like C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), to engage in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors.

The session provided detailed insights into the PRIP Scheme, along with other government initiatives promoting and enabling research innovation in the sector. Notable initiatives such as ICMR’s Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, and Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT) programme were discussed, with an emphasis on support for patent filing, facilitating the innovation journey, clinical trials, and commercialization of R&D outcomes. The CSIR’s Innovation Complex and C-CAMP’s incubation facilities were also highlighted as key enablers for translational research and industry collaboration.

Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, underscored India’s comparative advantage in enhancing the resilience of global supply chains, a goal further supported by the PRIP Scheme. He advocated progression from “Make in India” also Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world.

In the breakout sessions, representatives from startups, Industry, academia and other stakeholders gave in-depth feedback regarding research and innovation opportunities, emerging R&D trends, strategies to enhance industry-academia collaboration. Useful suggestions were made regarding maximising funding opportunities and scaling up innovative research initiatives to drive the sector’s growth.

The stakeholders were encouraged to submit their feedback and project details through the Expression of Interest (EoI) hosted on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, which will be open till April 7, 2025. This process will help refine the implementation strategy of the PRIP Scheme, ensuring it aligns with industry need and drives sectoral growth.

The Industry Dialogue in Bangalore was an insightful and productive event, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven ecosystem in the Pharma-MedTech sector.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114990) Visitor Counter : 151

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) held the opening ceremony of the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme today (March 25) at the Tea House Theatre of the West Kowloon Cultural District Xiqu Centre. The Arts Festival provides a platform for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to showcase their artistic talents, while the Recognition Scheme aims to foster the development of their diverse talents and encourage support of the community to inclusive workplaces, with an aim to sprinkling positivity to the society through caring and inclusivity.
 
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Vice Chairperson of the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK), Ms Grace Cheng; Head of Charities (Healthy Community) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Imelda Chan; the Commissioner for Rehabilitation of LWB, Mr Fletch Chan; the Vice-Chairman of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (RAC), Dr Kevin Lau; the Chairman of the RAC Sub-committee on Employment, Mr Alvin Miu; and the Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Rehabilitation and Medical Social Services), Mr David Ng, officiated at the ceremony. Representatives of various participating organisations also attended. Artists with disabilities presented music and dance performances at the opening ceremony fostering an inclusive community through arts.
 
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Sun expected that the artistic talents of PWDs could be showcased through the Arts Festival. He encouraged them to pursue excellence and aim for professional development. Mr Sun said that PWDs possess exceptional capabilities in various fields and expressed the hope that the Arts Festival would draw greater attention across the community to the abilities of PWDs. At the same time, he called on enterprises to provide more employment opportunities for PWDs to develop their potential, thereby achieving an inclusive workplace. Mr Sun also appealed to the community to actively participate in the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and the “Caring Employer” Medal Design Competition under the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme.
 
Co-organised by LWB and ADAHK, and in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, various government departments, social welfare organisations and other institutions, the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival presents a series of inclusive arts activities, including arts exhibition, inclusive concert, stage play, arts bazaar, inclusive arts workshops, as well as an information booth on diverse abilities and inclusive workplace, from now until April 5. For more details of the event, please visit the website of ADAHK (www.adahk.org.hk/?a=doc&id=5841).
 
To commend employers who actively engage and support PWDs and foster inclusive workplaces, LWB will launch the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme on the basis of the existing Talent-Wise Employment Charter, and collaborate with the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to jointly take forward the “Caring Employer” medal. The medal will feature different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, and social enterprises/public organisations, etc. Details will be announced in April, and applications from enterprises and organisations will be accepted by then. To allow the public to participate in the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme and raise awareness of the diverse abilities of PWDs, LWB has also launched the “Caring Employer” Medal Design Competition today, to invite members of the public, students and PWDs, who are interested in design, to participate. For more details of the Competition, please visit LWB website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/highlights/charter_scheme/s4.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region