Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Green Hydrogen Certification scheme

MNRE organizes Workshop on opportunities for MSMEs in Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized on 29^th April 2025 one-day National Workshop on opportunities for “Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain”, at  New Delhi. The workshop was  aimed to explore opportunities and discuss key role of MSMEs in development of green hydrogen ecosystem in India. Over 300 delegates drew participation from different stakeholder groups, including MSMEs, policymakers, technology providers, industry associations, and international partners.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and emphasized that MSMEs will serve as the backbone of India’s energy transition through their innovative capabilities and localized solutions. He highlighted the critical role MSMEs will play in realizing the Mission’s objectives of building a self-reliant green hydrogen ecosystem by 2030.

Hon’ble Union Minister also launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI). He mentioned that the scheme is a foundational step towards creating a robust framework for certifying green hydrogen production and ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE highlighted some key achievements in the implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission. He stressed upon the importance of building capacities, facilitating finance, and strengthening technology linkages to empower MSMEs to meaningfully participate in this new industrial landscape. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building institutional and infrastructural support for green hydrogen, with MSMEs playing a critical role.

The workshop included four focused technical sessions as follows:

1. Technology Collaboration for MSMEs

Panelists deliberated on R&D collaboration models, indigenization of components such as bipolar plates and electrolysers, and the role of knowledge institutions.

2. Business Opportunities in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

Discussions centered on the integration of MSMEs into large-scale projects. Experts from international agencies and corporate leaders outlined business models and market opportunities, advocating for systematic MSME engagement strategies.

3. Decentralized Hydrogen Production through Biomass

Expert speakers presented use cases on thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass to hydrogen, exploring their application in rural industries. The session highlighted the potential of decentralized models to meet local demand while promoting circular economy principles.

4. Catalyzing Investments in the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Financial institutions, including the World Bank, IREDA, KfW, and IIFCL, discussed de-risking strategies, blended finance mechanisms, and the need to design green credit lines accessible to MSMEs.

The workshop marked an important step towards mainstreaming MSMEs in India’s clean energy transition and showed MNRE’s commitment towards building an inclusive, technology-driven, and decentralized green hydrogen economy. The workshop saw active participation from MSMEs, who showed strong interest in entering the green hydrogen sector, particularly in areas such as component manufacturing, operations and maintenance services, and rural hydrogen generation. Participants emphasized the need for standardized protocols, shared platforms for joint innovation, and the formation of Green Hydrogen Clusters to help MSMEs combine capacities and benefit from economies of scale. The discussions also highlighted the importance of clear demand signals and long-term policy stability to encourage private investment. Experts noted India’s strong potential to emerge as a manufacturing hub for green hydrogen technologies, especially electrolysers and fuel cells.

The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

1. Development of Green Hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
2. Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
3. Creation of over Six lakh jobs
4. Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
5. Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2125231) Visitor Counter : 29

Source: Government of India

National Ayush Mission Conclave 2025: States and UTs Collaborate to Strengthen Traditional Healthcare Delivery Across India

Lonavala to Host the Second Edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave: A Roadmap to Holistic, Accessible, and Inclusive Healthcare

We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is set to organize the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 on 1-2 May 2025 at Kaivalyadham, Lonavala, Maharashtra. This transformative 2-day event will serve as a national forum for shaping the future of Ayush-based healthcare in India. Bringing together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators, the conclave aims to strengthen integration of traditional Indian medicine systems into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-driven for the common citizen.

The conclave is scheduled to be inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush whereas the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan and Health Minister of nine States/UTs of India are also expected to attend the conclave. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and other dignitaries will also be present during the event. Officials from State/UT Ayush departments including Mission Directors, senior government officials, and renowned academicians are also set to participate in the conclave. The event is planned to include plenary sessions, policy roundtables, technical deep-dives, besides showcasing best practices, state success stories, and tech-led innovations in the Ayush sector.

Speaking about the upcoming event, the Ayush Minister mentioned, “The National Ayush Mission Conclave is a significant step towards fostering a collaborative ecosystem to strengthen the wellness and healthcare infrastructure across the country. We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework.”

The National Ayush Mission conclave is set to serve as a vibrant platform to discuss the latest developments, research innovations, and sectoral collaborations across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy in various states and UTs of India. It will also focus on strengthening the implementation of flagship initiatives, promoting evidence-based practices, and enhancing international outreach. The Conclave aims for Minister level discussions to chalk out future expansion of the NAM Scheme.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The Ministry of Ayush is organising the NAM Conclave-2025 to reflect on the achievements of the National Ayush Mission, address emerging challenges, and chart a path toward a self-reliant and robust Ayush healthcare system.”

While talking about the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, informed, “the conclave will cover diverse themes, including financial management, monitoring and evaluation, HR strengthening, integration with modern medicine, and quality assurance. It will also showcase the best practices, IT innovations, regulatory mechanisms and investment and export opportunities with rich experience sharing from States and UTs.”

Key Highlights of the Conclave:

Document Release: Launch of Blueprint for Ayush Policy 2025 and Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush System of Medicines.

Ministerial Round Table: Featuring Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, along with Health and Ayush Ministers from various States/UTs, deliberating on strengthening the National Ayush Mission.

Expert Sessions: Presentations by DGHS, NABH, Invest India, Ayush Export Promotion Council and leading institutions on quality standards, accreditation, and investment facilitation.

Successful Case Studies: Best practices from the majority of States/UTs.

Yoga Session: Guided Yoga and Meditation Session are also planned for delegates participating in the event.

About National Ayush Mission:

The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2125229) Visitor Counter : 29

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative aimed at simplifying the customer on-boarding process for mutual fund investors, the Department of Posts (DoP) has entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a prominent asset management company. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will leverage India Post’s extensive network to provide doorstep KYC verification services for investors of SBI Mutual Fund. This initiative aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and regulatory compliance for investors across India.

The MoU was officially signed between the Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Posts, and Sh. Munish Sabharwal, Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Limited, in a ceremony held at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

India Post, with its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices spread across even the remotest corners of the country, is uniquely positioned to support initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. With post offices in urban areas, rural towns, remote villages, and even areas with limited access to other financial services, the Department of Posts has the unparalleled reach to assist with customer service requirements, including KYC verification.

As part of the MoU, India Post will facilitate the completion of KYC formalities for SBI Mutual Fund investors by collecting the necessary forms and documents from investors across the country. The KYC documents will be collected by India Post’s trained personnel, ensuring a high level of security, accuracy, and privacy in the process.

By leveraging India Post’s nationwide network, this partnership will ensure that investors, regardless of their location, can easily complete the KYC process. This will be particularly beneficial for investors in rural, underserved, and far-flung areas who often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services. The door-to-door KYC service will offer immense convenience to investors, allowing them to complete the entire process from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly advantageous for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living in remote areas, where access to physical banking services is limited.

This collaboration directly supports the Government of India’s Jan Nivesh initiative, which aims to increase financial inclusion and encourage more people to participate in India’s capital markets. It also contributes to the ongoing efforts to digitize financial services under the Digital India program. With India Post’s trusted network, this partnership will help demystify the KYC process and provide a gateway for individuals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to engage with investment products such as mutual funds. By offering KYC services at the doorstep, the initiative also plays a crucial role in educating the masses about the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

India Post’s role in facilitating KYC verifications has been demonstrated through its successful collaboration with other mutual fund companies, including UTI Mutual Fund and SUUTI (Securities and Exchange Board of India’s public fund). In these partnerships, India Post successfully handled over 5 lakh KYC verifications in a short period, showcasing its ability to manage high-volume operations with precision, security, and efficiency.

India Post is actively exploring new avenues for collaboration with both public and private sector organizations in the financial services sector. With its strong infrastructure, trained workforce, and credibility, India Post is well-positioned to play a larger role in promoting financial literacy, digital on-boarding, and investment participation among the Indian populace.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2125220) Visitor Counter : 66

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the power sector scenario for Rajasthan at Jaipur today. Hon’be Chief Minister of Rajasthan was present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the State, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (GoI), and Power Sector CPSEs.

The meeting started with a presentation on the brief overview of the Power Sector scenario in the State. In the course of presentation, the achievements of the State Energy Department were highlighted. Also, major challenges and possible solutions were discussed.

In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs mentioned that his visit to the State will be important in understanding and in resolution of the issues in the Power sector in the State. He appreciated the efforts of State Energy department in infrastructure planning in the area of power generation, transmission and distribution.

Hon’ble Minister advised the State to make all out efforts for expeditious implementation of the sanctioned works under RDSS as well as to implement reforms prescribed under the scheme. He advised State to take up smart metering works in a phased manner, starting with Government establishments and subsequently for the commercial & industrial consumers. Based on experience and demonstration of benefits, the smart meters may be rolled out to other category of consumers. He emphasized on the need for focussed effort required for achieving viability of DISCOMs.

Hon’ble Minister mentioned for providing necessary support for the RE evacuation plan of State through Inter State and Instra State Transmission System. Union Minister assured for continued support and cooperation of the GoI in the overall development of the State power sector.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rajasthan welcomed Hon’ble Union Minister for his visit to the State for review of issues related to power sector. He assured of taking necessary measures for expeditious implementation of the Infrastructure works.

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SK

(Release ID: 2125204) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

(Release ID: 2125196) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

An international team of solar physicists have traced giant tides of plasma beneath the Sun’s surface at a region called near-surface shear layer (NSSL). The plasma currents shift with the Sun’s magnetic heartbeat and could have far-reaching influence on space weather and Earth.

The near-surface shear layer (NSSL) extending to about 35,000 km in depth is a critical region beneath the Sun’s surface. It is marked by distinct rotational behaviours that vary with depth and by changes, over space and time,  that relate to active region magnetic fields and the solar cycle.

A study led by astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have probed the dynamic “inner weather” of the Sun – plasma currents just beneath its surface at the NSSL, that pulse in step with its 11-year sunspot cycle.

In the research published last week, in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, researchers from the IIA, Stanford University (USA), and the National Solar Observatory (NSO, USA) have traced how these hidden flows shift over time, potentially reshaping our understanding of solar dynamics in general and how the Sun’s interior connects to its outer magnetic behaviour in particular.  

Employing helioseismology—an advanced technique that tracks sound waves as they travel through the Sun—the team observed changes in the movement of solar material using more than a decade of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory/ Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (SDO/HMI) and the ground-based Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG) of National Solar Observatory (NSO), USA.

Peering Beneath the Surface

The analysis led by Professor S.P. Rajaguru and PhD student Anisha Sen from IIA revealed fascinating patterns — surface plasma flows converge toward active sunspot latitudes, but reverse direction midway through the NSSL, flowing outward to form circulation cells. These flows are strongly influenced by the Sun’s rotation and the Coriolis force—the same force responsible for the spin of hurricanes on Earth.

The Coriolis effect swirls and shifts those inflows and outflows into a subtle but powerful sculptor of how the Sun spins at different depths, modifying the rotational shear (the gradient of rotation with depth). Yet intriguingly, these local currents do not power the Sun’s larger-scale zonal flows—known as torsional oscillations—suggesting that these global flows, which ripple through the Sun’s vast interior, must be powered by something deeper and more mysterious.

Fig 1: Depictions of how flow structures near the surface (0.99 solar radii) and at a deeper layer near (0.95 solar radii) develop as sunspots appear and evolve over time (over the 11-year solar cycle). The directions of swirly motions in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Sun are determined by the Coriolis force, just the same way it shapes the storm systems on the Earth.

Fig 2. Sketch showing the Coriolis force mediated average flow structures around active regions in the northern hemisphere of the Sun. The labels depict the signs of residuals in meridional flows, δU_θ , and that in resulting residual rotational shear, δ(∂Ω/∂r), for the two depths, 0.99 and 0.95 R_sun which mark the radial boundaries of the NSSL. Figure Artwork Credit: Amrita Rajaguru}

 

Zooming In and Looking Ahead

“To validate our findings, we zoomed in on a massive sunspot region using 3D velocity maps. The localized flow patterns we observed matched the global trends—confirming both surface inflows and deeper outflows,” said lead author Anisha Sen.

“This is a stunning look into how the Sun’s inner weather patterns form and evolve,” says Professor S.P. Rajaguru one of the authors of the paper. “Understanding these hidden patterns is not just academic—solar activity influences space weather that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications on Earth. This work brings us closer to understanding and building realistic models to predict the Sun’s behaviour.” The study group also included Abhinav Govindan Iyer and other international collaborators.

These findings give us a better understanding of how the Sun’s magnetic activity is linked to its internal flows and hint that we might still be missing something lurking in deeper layers that truly drives its global dynamics.

Paper Link:  https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adc919

Media contact: Prof. S.P. Rajaguru, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, rajaguru@iiap.res.in

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125195) Visitor Counter : 80

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

“Anusandhan National Research Foundation”, “Wadhwani Foundation” Forge Landmark Pact to Translate Research into Real-World Solutions

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top ministers, a pivotal public-private research partnership is unveiled at Innovation Conclave

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to accelerate the transformation of India’s research ecosystem, the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” (ANRF) and the “Wadhwani Foundation” exchanged a landmark “Letter of Intent” at the “Innovation Conclave” “YUGM” held at Bharat Mandapam here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.

The partnership signals a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation, aimed at co-funding and scaling up research that can drive tangible societal impact. The agreement is also the inaugural step in ANRF’s strategy to foster expansive public-private partnerships across critical sectors of national relevance.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been at the forefront of India’s science and innovation transformation, said the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment where research transcends academic silos and reaches the ground. “This is a step towards institutionalizing synergy between government, industry, and philanthropy,” he said, underlining the need for collaborative models that amplify both funding and outcomes.

The ANRF, established under the National Education Policy 2020, was envisioned as a transformative body to democratize research, catalyze innovation, and bridge the long-standing gaps between academia, policy, and industry. With this new partnership, ANRF aims not only to fund cutting-edge science, but also to translate research into scalable, impactful solutions by aligning with national priorities and global challenges alike.

Wadhwani Foundation’s involvement adds a crucial layer of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation-driven development, especially among youth and start-ups. Together, the two entities will work to raise the scale and impact of late-stage translational research—projects that are often closest to delivering real-world outcomes but remain underfunded.

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come—emphasizing inclusivity, interdisciplinary, and grassroots reach. In line with ANRF’s broader vision, this partnership aims to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities across the country, including tier-2 and tier-3 institutions, thereby fostering a more distributed and resilient research culture.

The announcement at Conclave, a platform designed to bring together thought leaders across government, academia, and industry, set the tone for a new era in Indian innovation policy. As India strives to become a global research hub, this partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting the focus from fragmented efforts to outcome-oriented, collaborative science.

The move reinforces India’s march toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” rooted not only in self-reliance but also in scientific excellence and societal good.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125194) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad has taken a landmark step in promoting sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience by successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).

This isn’t just another infrastructure project—it is a game-changer that reflects Ghaziabad’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens. The funds have been directed towards the development of an advanced TSTP, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse wastewater on an unprecedented scale.

The Green Municipal Bond marked a new chapter in India’s financial landscape, providing a sustainable model for funding urban infrastructure. With support from the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh*, this project is more than just a water treatment facility; it is a blueprint for future cities across India to combine financial discipline with environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), a technological marvel that utilizes advanced Membrane Filtration Technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These cutting-edge technologies work together to ensure that treated water meets the highest standards, making it suitable for reuse in industrial processes.

With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD, the TSTP is connected to a sprawling 95 km pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. The plant ensures that wastewater no longer goes to waste but is instead transformed into a valuable resource that supports the city’s industrial sector, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.

The project’s success lies not only in its technological and environmental achievements but also in its innovative financial structure. The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding. This public-private partnership approach helped streamline the project’s implementation while ensuring financial discipline. GNN’s success in raising ₹150 crore through the Green Bond issuance demonstrated investor confidence in the city’s sustainable approach and has brought a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

GNN also contracted with over 800 firms, to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water, further establishing the city’s leadership in urban water management. Ghaziabad’s innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. The city was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, a recognition that acknowledges the city’s excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

A team of 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP plant and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad’s commitment to smart cities and sustainable development.

With its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India’s quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.

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SK

(Release ID: 2125188) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)-Kundli, organized the SUFALAM 2025 (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors), a two-`day conclave, at the NIFTEM-K campus during 25-26 April 2025.

The second day of SUFALAM 2025 commenced with a spirited pep talk by young entrepreneurs, who shared their inspirational journeys and innovative ideas. This was followed by a series of technical sessions, beginning with a keynote on “Government Funding & Policy Support for Start-ups” delivered by representatives from Start-up India, providing valuable insights into funding schemes and policy initiatives aimed at nurturing start-ups. A motivational session on “Staying Resilient in the Start-up World” by Dr. T. Prasad, Professor, IIM Mumbai, offered guidance on managing challenges, building resilience, and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit.

A dynamic panel discussion on “Sustainable Food Solutions” explored emerging sustainable technologies and best practices for environmentally responsible food production.The panel discussion was preceded by a keynote address by Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, former Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestle Ltd.

In the final session, Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, MoFPI, provided detailed insights into the PMFPE (PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme, highlighting government’s initiatives to support micro-enterprises.

Earlier on day 1, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Sh. Chirag Paswan has inaugurated the two-day event along with exhibition. The event brought together more than 500 participants from 23 states, including industry leaders, academicians, investors, and budding entrepreneurs. The event also featured 65 exhibitors representing 20 states, highlighting the rich diversity and innovation in India’s food processing sector. In addition to the in-person attendance, the event was broadcast live on YouTube channel of NIFTEM-K, where it attracted over 2,600 online participants, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K stated that the successful culmination of SUFALAM 2025 reaffirmed MoFPI and NIFTEM-K’s commitment to catalyzing innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in India’s food processing sector, empowering a new generation of leaders and change makers.

One of the highlights of event was the technology transfer of the Millet Nutribar, developed by Dr. Komal Chauhan and team to M/s SMILLET, Karnal, Haryana. Similarly, the technology for makhana-based cookies, developed by Dr. Anand Kishore and team,was transferred to M/s Patliputra Foods, Bihar. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIFTEM-K and Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI). This partnership is aimed at unlocking new frontiers in food technology and  bolstering skill development and innovation in the food sector.

Delegates concluded their SUFALAM 2025 experience with a guided tour of the NIFTEM-K campus, visiting the Pilot Plant and Laboratory Facilities, gaining insights into food processing research and innovation.

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shahid

(Release ID: 2125185) Visitor Counter : 86