There have been several Media Reports in the recent times that the Consumers are being targeted through telephonic calls or messages by fraudsters posing as TRAI officials threatening disconnection of Mobile Connection for being involved in illegal activities and for extraction of money.
In this regard, it is informed that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) does not initiate communication with Customers regarding Mobile Number disconnection through messages or otherwise. TRAI has also not authorized any third-party Agency to contact Customers for such purposes. Therefore, any form of communication (call, message, or notice) claiming to be from TRAI and threatening Mobile Number disconnection should be considered a potential fraudulent attempt and must not be entertained.
The disconnection of any Mobile Number due to Billing, KYC or misuse if any, is done by the respective Telecom Service Provider (TSP). Citizens are advised to be vigilant and do not get panicked to fall prey to suspected Fraudsters. They are further advised to cross-verify such Calls by contacting the authorized Call Centres or Customer Service Centres of the respective TSP.
To prevent the misuse of Telecom Resources for Cybercrime and Financial Fraud, Citizens are encouraged to report suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Department of Telecommunications Sanchar Saathi platform. This platform can be accessed at https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/. For confirmed instances of Cybercrime, victims should report the incident at the designated Cybercrime helpline number ‘1930’ or through the official website at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
A Decade of Growth with PM Mudra Yojana Fueling grassroots entrepreneurship and expanding financial inclusion
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 4:44PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
On 8 April 2025, India marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY). Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), the Flagship Programme of the Prime Minister aimed at Funding the Unfunded micro enterprises and small businesses. By removing the burden of collateral and simplifying access, MUDRA laid the foundation for a new era of grassroots entrepreneurship.
Across the country, lives have transformed. Kamlesh, a home-based tailor in Delhi, expanded her work, employed three other women, and enrolled her children in a good school. Bindu, who began with 50 brooms a day, now leads a unit producing 500. These are not exceptions anymore. They reflect a larger shift.
From stitching units and tea stalls to salons, mechanic shops, and mobile repair businesses, crores of micro-entrepreneurs have stepped forward with confidence, enabled by a system that believed in their potential. PMMY has supported these journeys by offering institutional credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises that form the backbone of India’s economy.
At its core, the MUDRA Yojana is a story of trust. Trust in people’s aspirations and in their ability to build. Trust in the belief that even the smallest dreams deserve a platform to grow.
Achievements under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
Since its launch in April 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth ₹32.61 lakh crore, fuelling a nationwide entrepreneurial revolution. Business growth is no longer confined to big cities—it is spreading to small towns and villages, where first-time entrepreneurs are taking charge of their destinies. The shift in mindset is evident: people are no longer job seekers; they are becoming job creators.
MSME Credit Boom: A Stronger Business Ecosystem
The SBI report highlights a significant rise in credit flow to MSMEs, driven by Mudra’s impact. MSME lending surged from ₹8.51 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹27.25 lakh crore in FY24, and is projected to cross ₹30 lakh crore in FY25. The share of MSME credit in total bank credit increased from 15.8 percent in FY14 to nearly 20 percent in FY24, showcasing its growing role in the Indian economy. This expansion has enabled businesses in smaller towns and rural areas to access financial support that was previously unavailable, strengthening India’s self-reliant economy and driving grassroots job creation.
Financial Inclusion: Empowering Women
Women account for 68 percent of all Mudra beneficiaries, underscoring the scheme’s pivotal role in advancing women-led enterprises across the country. Between FY16 and FY25, the per woman PMMY disbursement amount increased at a CAGR of 13 percent, reaching ₹62,679, while per woman incremental deposits grew at a CAGR of 14 percent to ₹95,269. States with higher disbursement shares to women have recorded significantly higher employment generation through women-led MSMEs, reinforcing the effectiveness of targeted financial inclusion in enhancing women’s economic empowerment and labour force participation.
Financial Inclusion: Reaching Socially Marginalised Groups
PMMY has made significant progress in breaking traditional credit barriers. According to the SBI report, 50 percent of Mudra accounts are held by SC, ST and OBC entrepreneurs, ensuring wider access to formal finance. Furthermore, 11 percent of Mudra loan holders belong to minority communities, demonstrating the scheme’s contribution to inclusive growth by enabling marginalised communities to become active participants in the formal economy.
Progressive Lending: From Shishu to Tarun
Over the past ten years, Mudra has facilitated the opening of over 52 crore loan accounts, marking a steady rise in entrepreneurial activity. The share of Kishor loans (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh) has grown from 5.9 percent in FY16 to 44.7 percent in FY25, indicating a shift from micro to small enterprises. The Tarun category (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh) is also gaining momentum, proving that Mudra is not just about starting businesses but helping them scale.
Bigger Loans, Stronger Businesses
A telescopic view of total loans sanctioned and disbursed under PMMY reveals that the scheme’s Unique Selling Proposition has been well received by a diverse base of intended beneficiaries, thereby strengthening the economic influence of the bottom of the pyramid.
The average ticket size of loans has nearly tripled—rising from ₹38,000 in FY16 to ₹72,000 in FY23, and further to ₹1.02 lakh in FY25—reflecting growing economies of scale and a deepening of both market depth and width.
Furthermore, loan disbursal rose by 36 percent in FY23, indicating a strong revival of entrepreneurial confidence across the country.
Leading States/UTs in PM Mudra Loan Disbursal
As of February 28, 2025, since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana in 2015, Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest disbursal among states at ₹3,23,647.76 crore. Uttar Pradesh follows with ₹3,14,360.86 crore, while Karnataka ranks third with ₹3,02,146.41 crore. West Bengal and Bihar have also seen significant disbursals of ₹2,82,322.94 crore and ₹2,81,943.31 crore respectively. Maharashtra stands sixth at ₹2,74,402.02 crore, reflecting the scheme’s broad reach and impact across key states over the past decade.
Among Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir leads with a total disbursal of ₹45,815.92 crore across 21,33,342 loan accounts. The figures underscore the role of the scheme in expanding access to credit
and promoting self-employment, not just across states but also in Union Territories.
Micro enterprises constitute a major economic segment in our country and provides large employment after agriculture. This segment includes micro units engaged in manufacturing, processing, trading and services sector. It provides employment to nearly 10 crore people. Many of these units are proprietary/ single ownership or Own Account enterprises and many a time referred as Non-Corporate Small Business sector.
Mission, Vision and Purpose of PMMY
Salient Features of the Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) under the Micro Units Development and Refinancing Agency (MUDRA) was set up by Government of India for development and refinancing activities relating to micro units. PMMY ensures collateral-free institutional credit up to Rs 20 lakh is provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) i.e. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
Under the scheme, three categories of interventions have been formulated which include:
Tarun Plus: Loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹20 lakh (designed specifically for Tarun category, who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans)
International Recognition
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has consistently acknowledged the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in expanding financial access and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship in India.
In 2017, the IMF noted that the scheme has been instrumental in enabling women-led businesses to access finance. It highlighted how PMMY complements PMJDY’s focus on unbanked households by providing collateral-free loans to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
In 2019, the IMF further praised PMMY, stating that the scheme under the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency plays a vital role in developing and refinancing micro enterprises by supporting financial institutions that lend to businesses engaged in manufacturing, trading and services.
By 2023, the IMF highlighted that the collateral-free loan structure of PMMY, with its emphasis on women’s entrepreneurship, has significantly contributed to the growth of women-owned MSMEs, which now exceed 2.8 million.
In its 2024 release, the IMF reaffirmed that India’s enabling policy environment for entrepreneurship, through programmes such as PMMY, is actively contributing to increased self-employment and formalisation through credit access.
Conclusion
In ten years, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has consistently demonstrated the power of financial inclusion and the strength of grassroots innovation. Before 2014, access to credit often favoured the well-connected, while small entrepreneurs faced hurdles like complex paperwork or were forced to rely on informal finance. Banks handed out reckless loans to large corporates, while genuine borrowers lost access to credit. MUDRA stepped into this vacuum, offering a cleaner, inclusive alternative that gave everyone an equal chance.
With over 52 crore loans sanctioned, the scheme has empowered women, SC/ST/OBC communities, and rural entrepreneurs by expanding access to formal credit. The rise in average loan size, growing share of MSME credit, and the shift from micro to small enterprises reflect its growing impact. PMMY is not only fuelling self-employment and job creation, but also strengthening India’s grassroots economy and advancing equitable growth.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme Fund Launch and Partnership Signing Ceremony today (April 7):
Sunny (Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, tech ventures, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join you all today as we celebrate the launch of the Co-Acceleration Fund by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and witness the signing of partnership agreements between the HKSTP and leading industry players.
Innovation and technology are a key pillar of Hong Kong’s future prosperity. Over the years, we have invested substantial resources to build a dynamic and vibrant innovation ecosystem. As a result, the number of start-ups in our city has been rapidly increasing. In 2024, we were home to nearly 4 700 start-ups, representing a 40 per cent rise since 2020. We expect this number to continue growing at an impressive pace.
Just now, I am delighted to learn that I had the privilege of engaging with founders and CEOs of start-ups at the newly established ARENA platform. It is heartening to learn how our start-ups are transforming bold ideas into promising ventures, and how the HKSTP is supporting them to connect with collaborators, corporate partners and investors.
We all understand that access to capital is critical as start-ups grow and develop. Hong Kong offers a full range of funding support, from angel investments, venture capital and private equity to our deep and liquid stock market. This ecosystem effectively supports the ambitions and needs of enterprises at various stages of development.
Besides, we recognise the unique value of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Here in Hong Kong, we aim to guide capital into sectors that are strategically important to our future, including AI and data science, life and health technology, fintech and new energy and new materials. We understand that for frontier technologies and sectors, the Government may sometimes need to take the lead to show our vision and demonstrate our commitment to bringing our vision into reality. That’s why we established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). Serving as patient capital, the HKIC invests in nascent-stage ventures and sectors of tomorrow. To date, it has invested in more than 90 projects, achieving a 1 to 4 co-investment ratio – meaning that for every dollar the HKIC invested, it has attracted four dollars from private investors to follow.
The HKSTP’s Acceleration Fund aligns with our vision. By partnering with industry leaders to co-invest in high-potential start-ups, particularly in generative AI, intelligent connected systems and sustainability, the Fund amplifies our collective capacity to turn innovation into impact.
Beyond funding, I applaud the HKSTP for offering start-ups holistic support: mentorship, technical expertise, connections, market access and global platform, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate growth and enhance global competitiveness.
Ladies and gentlemen, we live in an era of profound challenges. Now we are confronted with the impact of unilateralism and protectionism unseen in a century. Beyond tariffs and trade barriers, disruptions to global scientific collaboration are also happening. Yet, it is precisely in this very climate of fragmentation that Hong Kong must leverage its unique strengths. With our vision, agility, connectivity and strong backing from our country, we are in the position to become a global convergence point of talent, capital and know-how. We can foster more cross-sectoral and cross-boundary collaboration to advance humanity’s shared progress.
For that mission, every initiative matters. In this regard, allow me to extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the Co-Acceleration Fund to life. I wish you all the best of health and success in the time ahead. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Phishing emails related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the emails concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 19:08
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. relating to a fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Octopus Cards Limited relating to phishing messages and fraudulent websites. The relevant stored value facility (SVF) licensee has reported the case to the HKMA.
The fraudulent websites reported by the SVF licensee known at the time are as follows:
hxxps[:]//octupos[.]top/hk
hxxps[:]//octopos[.]top/hk
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that anyone who has provided his or her personal information or account credentials, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the messages and the websites concerned, should contact the relevant SVF licensee, and report to the Police or contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Police at 18222.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (April 7) called on the public to echo World Health Day and work together to safeguard maternal and newborn health and reduce the number of preventable maternal and newborn deaths, by supporting breastfeeding, receiving timely immunisations as well as maternal and child health services.
April 7 each year marks the celebration of World Health Day by the World Health Organization. The theme this year is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, with a focus on maternal and child health. Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy and one of the lowest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world. In 2023, the infant mortality rate was 1.6 per 1 000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate was three per 100 000 live births. These impressive statistics hinge on a public healthcare system that provides comprehensive health and medical services, including quality maternal and child health services, comprehensive obstetric and woman health services, and efforts in promoting breastfeeding.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates case of severe paediatric COVID-19 infection The case involves a 5-year-old boy with underlying illness, who developed a fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath and wheezing since April 4. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on the following day and was hospitalised. The patient was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of United Christian Hospital on the same day due to deterioration in his condition. His respiratory specimen tested positive for COVID-19 virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 infection complicated with croup. He remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had not completed the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. He had no travel history during the incubation period, and his school has not experienced any recent outbreak of COVID-19. One of his household contacts has recently developed cough and has sought medical attention.
“There has been a recent increase in the activity of COVID-19 in the local community. In the past three weeks, the load of SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the percentage of specimens testing positive and the average consultation rate of COVID-19 cases in general out-patient clinics have continued to rise. As of March 29, the viral load per capita of SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 330 000 copy/litre, which was significantly higher than the previous week ending March 15, when it was 85 000 copy/litre,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
“High-risk persons should receive COVID-19 booster doses at appropriate times to lower the risks of serious illness and death. Genetic analysis has shown that the predominant circulating strains in Hong Kong are still JN.1 and its descendant lineages, and the vaccines currently used in Hong Kong can effectively prevent the related variant. Scientific data shows that timely booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk persons help lower the risk of severe illness and death. Members of the public who have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including infants and children) should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those at high risk (particularly the elderly and persons with underlying comorbidities) should receive a booster dose as soon as possible for effective prevention against COVID-19,” Dr Tsui added.
Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent infection of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following: For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 19:25
A tri-services all women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition, “Samudra Pradakshina” from Mumbai to Seychelles and back was flagged off on April 7, 2025 by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering (CME) from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The expedition, featuring an all-women 12-member crew from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, embarks on a challenging 55-day voyage covering 4,000 nautical miles from Mumbai to Seychelles and back aboard the IASV Triveni.
This pioneering initiative highlights the indomitable spirit of Nari Shakti and aims to promote gender indignity in maritime endeavours. The expedition serves as a preparatory phase for an even more ambitious circumnavigation sailing expedition planned for 2026.
Selected from 41 enthusiastic volunteers, twelve women officers, rigorously trained for two years in ocean sailing, are set to navigate treacherous waters, demonstrating their resilience, courage and determination on the high seas. The crew have embarked upon several training expeditions, gradually increasing in complexity and distance including short and long distances over days and nights. They have come out successful through challenges of weather, mechanical issues of the yatch and physical toll.
The Mumbai-Sychelles-Mumbai expedition not only symbolises the empowerment of women in the armed forces, but also pays tribute to India’s legendary warrior queens like Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati and Rani Lakshmi Bai, whose deeds continue to inspire generations.
The flagging-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on 30 May 2025, marking the successful completion of this ground-breaking voyage. This expedition reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in maritime endeavours, proving that Nari Shakti is an unstoppable force capable of conquering any challenge.
INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN SHARE TIMELESS TIES OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN NEED TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND PEACEFUL NUCLEAR ENERGY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
INDIA UPHOLDS UNIVERSAL ETHOS OF ‘VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM’ AND ‘SARVJAN HITAY’: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN
LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS PRESIDING OFFICERS OF PARTICIPATING PARLIAMENTS IN TASHKENT ON THE SIDELINES OF THE 150TH ASSEMBLY OF IPU
LOK SABHA SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF INDIAN DELEGATION PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES AT THE BUST OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SHRI LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI IN TASHKENT
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 11:02PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today said that India and Uzbekistan share timeless ties of history and heritage. He emphasized that this age-old cooperation between the two countries need to be expanded in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors. Shri Birla made these remarks during his meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Tashkent on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union, today.
Honoured to meet H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent during #IPU150. Conveyed my heartfelt gratitude for a warm Uzbek hospitality and extended congratulations on the visionary leadership that has propelled Uzbekistan’s remarkable strides in economic… pic.twitter.com/dTPiIJueq0
Underlining India’s ancient democratic traditions, Shri Birla mentioned that guided by the Constitution, India has continually expanded its democratic values and prioritized social inclusion. He added that India has strengthened democracy at the grassroots level by ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in its local level governance. Shri Birla informed that by introducing the “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” as the first law in the new Parliament building, India not only reiterated its commitment to its democratic ethos but also ensured greater representation of women in state and central legislatures.
Shri Birla observed that India the values of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and “SarvajanHitaya” (For the Welfare of All) are inseparable part of Indian tradition and the Constitution of India is also inspired by these values. Mentioning that last year, India marked the completion of 75 of Constitution, Shri Birla noted that the numerous enabling laws passed by the Indian Parliament have been pivotal in realizing wide ranging socio-economic changes in India.
Stressing on the elevation of Indo-Uzbek relationship to a Strategic Partnership and the addition of new dimensions in recent years, Shri Birla underlined that both nations have strengthened cooperation in various areas like, economy, defense, education, and trade. He noted India is now one of Uzbekistan’s 10 largest trade partners. Shri Birla also highlighted the importance of increasing Parliamentary cooperation between the two Parliaments to exchange ideas on mutual interests and strengthen people-to-people contacts. He proposed promoting parliamentary exchanges in order to help both countries’ officials better understand each other’s systems and best practices.
In addition, Shri Birla appreciated the growing interest in Indian culture in Uzbekistan, particularly in music, dance, and yoga, as well as the increasing number of Indian students in Uzbek educational institutions. He expressed confidence that this meeting would enhance the diplomatic and parliamentary relations between India and Uzbekistan, marking a new chapter in their collaborative efforts.
Shri Birla and members of Indian delegation also paid floral tributes at the bust of the former Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent.
Led the Indian Parliamentary delegation in paying floral tributes to former Prime Minister and statesman, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, at his bust in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Remembered his immense contributions with deep respect and gratitude. His unwavering commitment to public… pic.twitter.com/m9UAhdhnh4
LOK SABHA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES UZBEKISTAN FOR SUCCESSFULLY HOSTING 150TH IPU ASSEMBLY
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla also met Chairperson of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, H.E. Ms. Tanzila Norbaeva in Tashkent on Sunday on the sidelines of the 150th IPU. He congratulated the Chairperson for successfully hosting the Assembly and for the warm welcome accorded to the Indian Parliamentary Delegation. Mentioning Uzbekistan’s progress in various sectors, Shri Birla highlighted the growing and strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Uzbekistan.
Had a pleasant and forward-looking meeting with H.E. Ms. Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, today. Expressed my gratitude to the Chairperson, the people and Government of Uzbekistan for the warm hospitality extended during… pic.twitter.com/bR6wsCIG9Z
Shri Birla noted that both countries share deep historical connections and have fostered collaboration in various multilateral forums such as the SCO, the UN, and BRICS. Shri Birla also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors.
LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR EXPANDING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND ISRAEL
A day before at Tashkent, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with Speaker of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) H.E. Mr. Amir Ohana. On this occasion, Shri Birla fondly recalled the pleasant memories of their previous meeting in New Delhi in April 2023 and acknowledged Mr. Ohana’s extraordinary contributions to Israel’s development.
Warm and productive interaction with my friend H.E. Mr. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset of Israel, in Tashkent today. In the spirit of our enduring strategic partnership, shared perspectives on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, deepening people-to-people ties, and… pic.twitter.com/ZWLkU0uW9d
He highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel, based on shared democratic values and mutual aspirations. He added that both countries have strengthened their ties through high level leadership meetings and collaborative efforts in various sectors, such as technology, agriculture, and defense. He commended the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between India and Israel, recognizing it as a significant step toward enhancing parliamentary cooperation.
LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR REGULAR DIALOGUES AND SHARING BEST PRACTICES BETWEEN PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND KAZAKHSTAN
On Sunday, on the sidelines of the 150th IPU Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Chairperson of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. YerlanKoshanov. Shri Birla at the congratulated Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of its Constitution and highlighted that India also celebrated 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution the previous year, marking a significant milestone in both countries’ democratic journeys.
Glad to meet with H.E. Mr. Yerlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Majilis of the Kazakh Parliament, in Tashkent today, on the sidelines of #IPU150 . Our discussion reaffirmed the deep historical and constitutional ties between our nations, celebrating not only shared democratic values… pic.twitter.com/wllW11VW5l
He also emphasized that India’s progress in the past 75 years has been guided by constitutional values aimed at building a welfare state. Shri Birla proposed that the parliaments of India and Kazakhstan establish regular dialogues to exchange best practices and enhance cooperation. He acknowledged the growing political and economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defense, security, digital technology, energy, and space.