Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah visits Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua during his visit to J&K and interacts with BSF personnel

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the Central Government fully committed to the welfare of the security forces and their families

The Modi Government is working to reduce the difficulties faced by the soldiers in discharging their duties

More than 26 technology-related initiatives are currently being tested, which include anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology and electronic surveillance

BSF is the first line of our security and the force has always discharged this responsibility very well

In a few years, the security forces deployed on the entire India-Pakistan  and India-Bangladesh border will be fully equipped with latest technical support

The Sacrifice, bravery, valor, and courage of our soldiers form the shield of India against enemies from across the border, and this is why the people of the country hold deep respect for the BSF

Union Home Minister also pays tribute to martyred Assistant Commandant of Border Security Force, Vinay Prasad, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on the International Border in Kathua district in the year 2019

Shri Amit Shah also inaugurates 8 newly constructed women Barracks, High Mast Lights, G+1 Tower and Composite BOP at the border at a cost of Rs 47.22 crore

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today visited the Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua during his Jammu and Kashmir visit and interacted with the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed. On this occasion, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and Director-General of the Border Security Force, along with several other dignitaries, were present.

During his visit, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to the martyr Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the Border Security Force, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty at the international border in Kathua district in 2019. Earlier, in 2021, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah had also visited the Makwal Border Post along the Jammu frontier.

Union Home Minister inaugurated newly built facilities at the border, including 8 women barracks, high-mast lights, a G+1 tower, and a composite BOP, all constructed at a cost of ₹47.22 crore. These initiatives have strengthened the security arrangements during the Border Security Force personnel’s duties and have also improved their living conditions.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation appreciated the efforts of the BSF personnel and officers in monitoring the international border in the Jammu region. During his interaction with the soldiers, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that on visiting this place one realises the difficult conditions under which the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel ensure the security of the country’s borders. He mentioned that despite extreme cold, heavy rainfall, or temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, and regardless of the geographical or climatic challenges, our soldiers remain vigilant and dedicated to securing the borders with preparedness and alertness.

Shri Amit Shah said that the BSF has a glorious history when it comes to the country’s security. He mentioned that the entire nation knows that the BSF is our first line of defence, and the force has always performed this responsibility exceptionally well. He further noted that in every war with Pakistan, the contribution of our BSF soldiers has been as significant as that of the Indian Army.

He added that two models of electronic surveillance systems have been developed for deployment on the border. After their installation across the entire border, soldiers will find it much easier to receive information and respond immediately to any actions by the enemy, using technology. Shri Shah also mentioned that several experiments have been conducted to identify infiltration and to detect and destroy tunnels, using technology.

Union Home Minister said that in a few years, the security forces deployed on the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh border will be fully equipped with technical assistance. He said that the sacrifice, bravery, valor, and courage of our soldiers form the shield of India against enemies from across the border, and this is why the people of the country hold deep respect for the BSF.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has no shortage of budget in the three areas of ensuring minimal casualties, reducing hardships through facilities, and supporting vigilance with technology. He mentioned that over 26 initiatives related to technology are currently being tested, including anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology, and electronic surveillance. Shri Shah expressed confidence that some results from these tests could be achieved by next March, which would make it easier for the soldiers in fulfilling their duties.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister said that the Modi government is working to reduce the difficulties faced by soldiers in the discharge of their duties and will continue to do so. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government is fully committed to the welfare of security forces and their families. The Government of India has launched several welfare schemes for security forces, including Ayushman CAPF, Ex-Gratia Payments, accidental death insurance coverage under the CAPF salary package scheme, the Unified Pension Scheme, the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), and E-Housing.

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RK/VV/ASH/PS

(Release ID: 2119839) Visitor Counter : 46

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah met the families of martyred policemen of Jammu and Kashmir in Jammu and hands over appointment letters to 9 nominees on compassionate grounds

The whole country is proud of the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives to protect the country

Home Minister urges J&K Government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of 12 year old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, when he attains adulthood

Shri Amit Shah also pays his respects and expressed his gratitude to the family of Late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer, APCO Construction Company

The sacrifice, courage and commitment of the martyrs will always remain etched in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to build the India of their dreams

Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah met the families of martyred policemen of Jammu and Kashmir in Jammu today and handed over appointment letters to 9 nominees on compassionate grounds. Union Home Minister paid tribute to the martyred police personnel and expressed gratitude to their families.

Addressing the families of the martyred police personnel, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that for more than three and a half decades, Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the devastating effects of terrorism. He said that we are proud of the sacrifice of our brave policemen who laid down their lives to protect our country, our homes and our future. Home Minister said that the whole country is proud of the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives to protect the country. He said that today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology. Shri Shah also said that our mission is still not accomplished, because terrorism has been curbed, but it has not been completely eliminated.

Home Minister urged J&K Government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of 12-year-old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, upon attaining adulthood (18 years of age). Shri Shah also paid his respects and gratitude to the family of late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer, APCO Construction Company, Gagangir, District Ganderbal. Late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol made the supreme sacrifice while on duty during a terrorist attack on the critical infrastructure project of Sonamarg Tunnel on 20 October 2024. Home Minister said that no amount of words can take away the pain being felt by the bereaved, but it symbolizes our deep gratitude and the government’s unwavering commitment to stand with the families of the brave martyrs, just as the loved ones of the martyrs have stood by the nation.

Union Home Minister urged everyone to follow the ideals of the martyrs and have an eternal love for duty, honour and ‘Maa Bharti’. He said that the sacrifice, courage and commitment of the martyrs will always remain etched in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to build the India of their dreams.

The visit of the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation to Jammu and Kashmir reflects the continued commitment of the Government of India to bring peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir, especially the significant steps taken for infrastructure development and strengthening the security situation.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2119837) Visitor Counter : 62

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

Imagine sitting in the all-new Rameswaram-Tambaram train service by the window. The salty breeze brushes your face, and all you see is the endless stretch of the sea. Just as the waves begin to lull you into a trance, a stunning steel structure appears, the kind one watches in the movies. It’s the new Pamban Bridge, and it is unlike anything India has ever built before.

The Pamban Strait, which separates the Indian mainland from Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, is now home to an impressive engineering marvel, as India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge. Replacing the iconic but aging 110-year-old Pamban bridge, this new structure is more than just metal and bolts, but a symbol of how history and progress can flow together.

 

From Legacy to Modernity

The original Pamban Bridge was a feat of its time. Inaugurated in 1914, it stood as a proud lifeline connecting pilgrims and traders to the sacred island of Rameswaram. But over the years, time and tides wore it down. Harsh marine conditions, heavy winds, and salt-laden air pushed it to its limits.

That’s when the idea of a new, stronger, and smarter bridge took root.

About 27 meters north of the old bridge now stands its younger, mightier counterpart, stretching 2.07 kilometers across the sea. What makes this bridge truly special is its 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span, a first for Indian Railways. This means when a ship wants to pass, the central section of the bridge can rise up by 17 meters, letting vessels glide through with ease. It’s like watching a piece of the bridge float into the sky.

However, building it wasn’t easy.

Engineers had to deal with choppy waters, tricky winds, and a seabed that tested every calculation. Materials were shipped, welded, and lifted with extreme care.

The new bridge isn’t just smart, but is also built to last. Its foundation is laid deep with over 330 massive piles, frame made with stainless steel reinforcements, and it’s painted with special marine-resistant coatings to survive the salty air. The bridge is also built with the future in mind. While it currently supports one railway track, the foundation is strong enough for two, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

More Than Metal

But this bridge isn’t just about engineering. The bridge carries a deep cultural significance. According to the Ramayana, the construction of Ram Setu was initiated from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram. For pilgrims, it offers faster and safer travel to Rameswaram. For locals, it promises better connectivity and economic opportunity. And for the rest of India, it’s a proud reminder of what we can achieve.

Behind the grandeur of the new Pamban Bridge, lies smart technology working silently. A three-cup anemometer constantly monitors wind speed. If it crosses 58 kmph, it triggers an automatic red signal, halting trains to ensure safety. Meanwhile, in the control room at sea, an Atmospheric Water Generator converts air humidity into clean drinking water for on-site staff. Together, these innovations quietly safeguard lives and support the people who keep the bridge running.

So the next time you take that train, let the sea breeze carry you into a moment of reflection. As you cross the new Pamban Bridge, you’re not just moving over water, you’re passing through time, legacy, and innovation. Beneath the waves lies a century of stories, and above them, a promise of India’s future. This bridge is more than an engineering marvel- it connects people, culture and dreams. In its silent strength and graceful rise, it reminds us that progress isn’t just about building new, but also about honoring the old and carrying it forward with pride.

References:

Click here to see in PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

(Release ID: 2119836) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Government Pushes for Saline Aquaculture Hubs in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; To Drive Employment and Livelihoods

States Propose 5-Hectare Limit, Increased Subsidies, and National Committee to Boost Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:13PM by PIB Delhi

Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, visited ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai and chaired the Review meeting of the Saline Water Shrimp Aquaculture in the Sates of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh through Video Conference today in Mumbai. This meeting aimed to tap the potential of saline land resources for aquaculture, generating employment and livelihood opportunities. Shri Likhi interacted with farmers from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for insights and on ground challenges and gaps faced by them in saline water aquaculture. He also visited the Aquaculture Facilities & Ornamental Fisheries unit at ICAR- CIFE, Mumbai, on the sidelines of the Review Meeting on Saline Water Aquaculture. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, DoF, highlighted the progress made, key challenges faced, and ongoing initiatives under PMMSY and the Blue Revolution in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

State-Specific Updates on Saline Aquaculture and Shrimp Farming

During the meeting, State Fisheries Officials provided updates on the status, progress, and key challenges in promoting inland saline and shrimp aquaculture. Uttar Pradesh highlighted the vast potential of inland saline aquaculture, covering 1.37 lakh hectares in districts such as Mathura, Agra, Hathras, and Raebareli, with significant initiatives supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Rajasthan reported growing momentum in shrimp farming in salt-affected districts like Churu and Ganganagar, with approximately 500 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of Penaeus vannamei, milkfish, and pearl spot. Additionally, a diagnostic lab has been established in Churu under PMMSY. Punjab shared its achievements in expanding shrimp farming in southwestern districts such as Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, bolstered by the Blue Revolution and PMMSY schemes. Notable developments include a 30-tonne cold storage and ice plant and a dedicated training centre. Haryana demonstrated significant progress in saline aquaculture, having achieved a production of 13,914 tons with an investment of ₹57.09 crore under PMMSY. Furthermore, ICAR-CIFE shared valuable best practices and technical insights to enhance the productivity and sustainability of saline water aquaculture.

In the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, approximately 58,000 hectares of saline area has been identified, yet only around 2,608 hectares is currently being utilized. There is huge potential to convert these saline affected areas into aquaculture hubs. These saline-affected lands, often unsuitable for traditional agriculture, hold immense potential to be transformed from wastelands to wealth lands. India, being the second-largest producer of cultured shrimp globally, earns over 65% of its seafood export value from shrimp alone. Despite the country’s vast potential in brackish water and shrimp aquaculture particularly in saline-affected areas, inland saline aquaculture resources continue to remain significantly underutilized.

Challenges Faced by Farmers in Saline Water Aquaculture

In the review, farmers from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh raised several challenges that are impacting the viability and sustainability of their saline water aquaculture operations. They highlighted issues of high setup costs, inadequate subsidy coverage, and the restrictive 2-hectare area limit for saline water aquaculture. Other significant concerns included fluctuating salinity levels, high land lease rates, reductions in subsidies, and the lack of locally available, high-quality seed. In addition, farmers pointed out the absence of proper marketing infrastructure, including markets and cold storage facilities, as well as rising input costs and low market prices for their products. These factors are contributing to low returns on investment, prompting farmers to seek increased support from the Department of Fisheries to overcome these obstacles and ensure the sustainability of their aquaculture practices.

Proposals for Strengthening the Sector and Collaborative Efforts

In response to these challenges, the states called for enhanced central support to strengthen the sector. Key proposals included raising the unit cost for aquaculture operations to ₹25 lakh, increasing the area limit from 2 hectares to 5 hectares, and enhancing subsidies for polythene lining. The establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Sirsa and improvements to marketing channels were also recommended to ensure better price realization and long-term sustainability. The Department of Fisheries emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the states, ICAR, and other agencies to develop strategies for utilizing saline land resources more effectively for aquaculture. A focus was placed on organizing awareness campaigns with ICAR, State Fisheries Departments, and other stakeholders to promote shrimp consumption in northern India, gap analysis for development of potential clusters and expand cultivation area in the identified 25 districts of the four States. States were encouraged to leverage Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to disseminate technical knowledge, identify new areas for saline aquaculture, and conduct outreach-based research. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the need for a National Level Committee to review guidelines for shrimp culture in freshwater/inland farms and to prepare a roadmap for the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in northern Indian states. The states were also urged to formulate beneficiary-oriented action plans and communicate specific gaps to the Department for targeted central support in key areas such as marketing infrastructure, disease management, regulatory frameworks, research, and capacity building.

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2119832) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

            Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru for the acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits as well as their installation on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force at an overall cost of Rs 2,385.36 crore. The contract, under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on April 07, 2025.

            This state-of-the-art EW Suite will considerably enhance operational survivability of the helicopters in hostile environment. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufactures. The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. The Suite for Mi-17 V5 is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous EW capabilities, making the country Aatmanirbhar in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2119805) Visitor Counter : 139

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

An efficient magnetic system has been developed with newly systhesised nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles that can treat cancer by increasing temperature  of tumour cells through a procedure called magnetic hyperthermia for treating cancer.

Cancer has been considered as one of the most threatening diseases for humanity. Of several available treatment methods, the most effective treatments for cancerous cells are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. All of the cancer treatment methods have demonstrated multiple side effects.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can lead to nausea, exhaustion, hair loss, and an elevated risk of infection. Although targeted medicines have demonstrated efficacy, they may not be appropriate for all cancer forms and may require following specific conditions. Most cancer treatments are costly and hence may be inaccessible to many.  

Nanomagnets have opened up a targeted heat generation process (hyperthermia) that can be used in treating cancer cells with comparatively less side effects and is controlled by the magnetic field from outside. Tuning the physical properties of nanomagnets is essential to make them usable for hyperthermia applications. Due to the direct impact of various physical parameters of nanomagnets on the self-heating efficacy, it is challenging to create and control biofriendly coated magnetic nanoparticles with an effective heat generation efficiency.

A team of scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury in collaboration with NIT Nagaland synthesized nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles with varying rare-earth Gd dopant contents using the conventional chemical co-precipitation route.

These magnetic nanoparticles’ inhomogeneous in fluid form was used further to generate heat under the applied alternating magnetic field subjection. The heat generation method of magnetic nanoparticles can be used in treating cancer cells by elevating the cell temperature up to 46^oC for a specific duration, causing necrosis in the injured cells when applied to particular cancer locations. Thus, superparamagnetic nanoparticles act as nano-heaters and can potentially be utilized in magnetic hyperthermia applications for treating cancer and offering alternative cancer therapy.

This research by the team consisting of Dr. Mritunjoy Prasad Ghosh, National Post-Doctoral Fellow (N-PDF) and Mr. Rahul Sonkar research scholar from IASST Guwahati was recently published in Nanoscale Advances, a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.               

              [Gd doped cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles]

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2119803) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Government of India

India launches first Digital Threat Report 2024 to support cybersecurity in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector

At launch of Digital Threat Report 2024, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan emphasizes need for unified cybersecurity framework to protect India’s financial backbone

Report Identifies Sector-wide security gaps and emerging cyber risks, empowering BFSI institutions to strengthen defenses

Report is meant to empower financial institutions to stay ahead of adversaries, adapt to emerging risks and build long-term cyber resilience: Dr. Sanjay Bahl, DG, CERT-In

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:27PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, CERT-In (MeitY), CSIRT-Fin and SISA, a global Cybersecurity company,  collaborated to launch the Digital Threat Report 2024 for the BFSI sector, a comprehensive analysis of current and emerging cyber threats and defense strategies.

The report was launched by Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Shri M Nagaraju and Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri S Krishnan along with Director General, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Dr Sanjay Bahl and Founder and CEO, SISA, Dharshan Shanthamurthy.

Collaborative cyber defence strategy

Speaking at the launch, Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, highlighted the growing cyber risks associated with the rapid digital transformation of the financial sector, stating: ” The interconnected nature of the BFSI ecosystem means that a single cyberattack can have systemic repercussions, impacting multiple entities beyond the initial target. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated cybersecurity efforts at a national and sectoral level. CERT-In and CSIRT-Fin play a vital role in mitigating these risks by collaborating with regulators, industry stakeholders, and global cybersecurity bodies to ensure timely detection, response, and recovery from cyber incidents. This report, developed in collaboration with SISA, will enable BFSI organizations to secure defenses, minimize financial stability risks, and build a collective cybersecurity strategy to counter sophisticated cyberattacks effectively

Cybersecurity is the foundation of financial stability

Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, underscored the critical need for stronger cyber defenses in financial services, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of cybersecurity on economic stability and trust – “Cybersecurity is no longer an optional safeguard but the foundation of financial stability in the digital age. As India’s BFSI sector rapidly expands, securing digital transactions is not just a regulatory necessity but an economic imperative. The Digital Threat Report 2024 for BFSI as a collaborative effort between national cybersecurity agencies and industry leaders highlights the urgency of an integrated approach – one that unifies technology, regulatory compliance, and proactive threat intelligence. It serves as a strategic blueprint, equipping financial institutions with the intelligence needed to anticipate vulnerabilities, strengthen their defenses, and build cyber resilience in an era of increasingly sophisticated threats.

The report provides a holistic analysis of the cybersecurity landscape shaping the BFSI sector. The collaborative nature of this initiative, bringing together frontline cybersecurity providers, national agencies, and financial sector incident response teams, underscores the urgency of a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to mitigating digital risks.

The BFSI sector is at the heart of global digital transformation, with digital payments projected to generate $3.1 trillion by 2028, accounting for 35% of total banking revenues. However, the rapid shift to digital transactions has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. The 2024 Digital Threat Report stands apart by not only examining current threats and emerging vulnerabilities but also offering a deep dive into adversarial tactics that impact system-level operations. It provides a unique perspective on sector-wide security gaps while delivering a forward-looking analysis of anticipated cyber risks, equipping financial institutions with the insights needed to prepare for both todays and tomorrow’s cyber threats.

Digital Threat Report 2024 offers multi-dimensional cyber insights

Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India on the occasion said, “Cybersecurity is not just about protecting individual entities – it’s about securing an entire ecosystem. In today’s hyper-connected world, threats evolve faster than ever, making collaborative intelligence-sharing essential. This report is meant to empower financial institutions to stay ahead of adversaries, adapt to emerging risks, and build long-term cyber resilience. Initiatives like these reinforce India’s commitment to setting global benchmarks in financial cybersecurity, ensuring that as digital transactions grow, they remain secure, trusted, and resilient against future threats.”

The report integrates real-world cyber intelligence from SISA’s forensic investigations, CERT-In’s cybersecurity oversight, and CSIRT-Fin’s financial sector incident response expertise, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on emerging threats. By identifying key attack vectors, evolving adversarial tactics, and persistent security gaps, the report not only outlines current challenges but also provides practical, actionable recommendations to help financial organizations implement preventive and detective security measures across people, process, and technology.

Commenting on the significance of the report, Dharshan Shanthamurthy, Founder & CEO of SISA, remarked: ” Cybersecurity resilience is built on collaboration. By integrating real-world threat intelligence, national cybersecurity insights, and financial sector incident response, this report delivers actionable intelligence that enables financial institutions to stay ahead of evolving threats. Our commitment extends beyond insights—we aim to fortify resilience in India’s BFSI sector and globally, driving a future where digital transactions are secure, seamless, and uncompromisingly protected.”

The 2024 Digital Threat Report for BFSI is a call to action for financial institutions, regulators, and security professionals to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats. As the sector faces growing challenges from AI-driven attacks, sophisticated fraud tactics, and compliance complexities, this report serves as a strategic guide to navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

About SISA:

SISA is a global forensics-driven cybersecurity solutions company for the digital payments industry, trusted by leading organizations for securing their businesses with robust preventive, detective, and corrective cybersecurity solutions. SISA’s problem-first, human-centric approach helps businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. SISA applies the power of forensic intelligence and advanced technology to offer true security to over 2,000 customers across over 40 countries.

For Digital Threat Report, click here  

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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2119801) Visitor Counter : 113

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

Summary:

• 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada is being organised from 8th April to 22nd April 2025.
• Poshan Abhiyan aims to promote a healthy and nutritious diet among children and women with the blend of technology and tradition.
• Poshan Pakhwada 2025 focuess on the first 1,000 Days of child’s life as it is a critical period for child development.
• Use of technology – Poshan Tracker enables real-time monitoring of nutrition services at Anganwadi Centers.
• Beneficiaries can now self-register via the Poshan Tracker Web App for improved access.
• Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol helps in early detection and community-based management of malnutrition.
• Poshan Pakhwada also focuses on childhood obesity by promoting healthier food choices.

Introduction

Every child deserves a healthy start, every mother deserves proper nourishment, and every family deserves access to nutritious food. Yet, for millions in India, malnutrition remains a silent crisis—one that affects not just individuals but the very future of the nation. Recognizing the need for transformative action, the government launched Poshan Abhiyaan on March 8, 2018—a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for women and children through a holistic approach. One of its key initiatives, Poshan Pakhwada, has emerged as a powerful platform to raise awareness and promote community participation in addressing malnutrition.

7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada

Poshan Pakhwada, an annual nutrition awareness drive, is not just another campaign—it is a clarion call for action. In 2025, the seventh edition of Poshan Pakhwada will be observed from April 8 to April 23. With themes centered on maternal and infant nutrition, digital accessibility for beneficiaries, and combating childhood obesity, the 7th Edition of Poshan Pakhwada focuses on outcome-based interventions to enhance nutritional well-being.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 Activities

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 is a step towards building a nutritious Bharat with the main focus on women and children. All the ministries and departments of the Government of India along with Anganwadi Centers across the country are organising various activities to sensitize the community to:

• Prioritize antenatal care, proper nutrition, and regular health checkups.

• Pledge for a healthier future – eat healthy, stay active, and spread awareness.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
• Register on the Poshan Tracker App.

Why the First 1,000 Days Matter?

Imagine a mother, newly expecting, eager to give her child the best start in life. The food she eats, the healthcare she receives, and the guidance she gets in these crucial early months shape not just her baby’s physical health but also shape their mental and emotional health.  The first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—are the most critical for physical growth and brain development. During this time, a baby’s body and mind grow at an incredible speed, laying the foundation for their future learning, immunity, and overall health. Good nutrition, love, care, and early learning experiences during this time can help them grow into a healthy, smart, and happy individual.

Therefore, Poshan Abhiyan has given a special emphasis on the first 1000 days of life, which is actually the magic window for any child. Through this year’s themes, Poshan Pakhwada 2025 aims to educate families about the importance of maternal nutrition, proper breastfeeding practices, and the role of a balanced diet in preventing childhood stunting and anemia. The emphasis is also on local solutions—promoting traditional nutritious foods, especially in tribal areas where indigenous diets hold the key to better health.

Technology Meets Tradition

What if every child’s growth, every mother’s health, and every meal served at an Anganwadi Center could be tracked in real time? What if technology could ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against malnutrition? This is no longer a ‘what if’, it is the reality with Poshan Tracker.

Launched on March 1, 2021, this AI-enabled platform has replaced bulky registers with real-time tracking via smartphones, empowering Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) to efficiently manage attendance, growth monitoring, meal distribution, and early childhood education—all at their fingertips. The success of the application can be traced from the fact that as on 28 February 2025, all Anganwadi Centres in India are registered on the Poshan Tracker application. For the first time, the eligible beneficiaries—pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children (0-6 years)—can self-register via the Poshan Tracker Web Application.

Through Poshan Pakhwada 2025, the government is encouraging greater participation from families as well, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to the app to monitor their own nutritional progress.

Tackling Malnutrition at the Grassroots with CMAM

Technology has made the lives of Anganwadi Workers easy by providing them with a standardized guide in the form of the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol. Launched in October 2023 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), with inputs from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the CMAM protocol is a game-changer. For the first time, Anganwadi workers have a structured approach to detect, refer, and treat malnourished children in their own communities.

During Poshan Pakhwada 2025, this protocol takes center stage. The goal is to turn every Anganwadi into a frontline nutrition clinic—where appetite tests are routine, referrals are timely, and every child gets a chance to grow stronger. Communities will be sensitized, families will be informed, and data will be fed into the Poshan Tracker to guide policy with precision.

Fighting Childhood Obesity Through Healthy Lifestyles

Malnutrition isn’t just about underweight children—it’s also about overweight children. While India continues its fight against undernutrition, there’s a growing challenge—childhood obesity. In today’s world, children are increasingly exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight has increased from 2.1% in 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 3.4% in 2019-21 at the national level.

To address the consumption of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools of India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development constituted a working group in 2015. The recommendations of the group were:

• Ban the sale of all HFSS foods in school canteens and restrict their sale by private vendors within 200 meters of schools during school hours.
• School canteens should always offer green category foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Orange category foods such as confectionary and fried items are not recommended in school canteens.
• Use of hydrogenated oils should be totally banned in school canteens.
• Physical activity should be mandatory in schools.

In a circular dated 12^th April 2012, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also issued and directed affiliated schools to ensure that junk/fast food is replaced completely with healthy snacks. The circular also directed schools to replace carbonated and aerated beverages by juices and dairy products (Lassi, Chach, Flavoured Milk etc.).

Conclusion

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 is more than just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement to transform nutrition, one mother, one child, and one meal at a time. By combining tradition with technology, empowering Anganwadi workers, and involving communities, India is taking bold steps towards a healthier, stronger generation.

But real change begins with you. Whether it’s adopting healthier eating habits, educating those around you, or ensuring every eligible beneficiary is registered on the Poshan Tracker, every action counts. This Poshan Pakhwada, let’s pledge to be a part of the solution—because a nourished India is a stronger India!

References:

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Priya Nagar

(Release ID: 2119796) Visitor Counter : 69

Source: Government of India

PM to participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9th April in New Delhi

In a global initiative, people from more than 108 countries to participate to foster peace, spiritual awakening, and universal harmony through the sacred Jain chant

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9th April, at around 8 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a momentous celebration of spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness that seeks to unite people through the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—the most revered and universal chant in Jainism. Rooted in the principles of non-violence, humility, and spiritual elevation, the mantra pays homage to the virtues of enlightened beings and inspires inner transformation. The Divas encourages all individuals to reflect on the values of self-purification, tolerance, and collective well-being. People from more than 108 countries will join the global chant for peace and togetherness.

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MJPS/ST/SKS

(Release ID: 2119797) Visitor Counter : 86

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The second edition of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) will be held from June to September, with various performances and activities being presented for the public to experience traditional Chinese fine culture.

 

The festival’s opening show is a dance production. “Dongpo: Life in Poems” is directed by the internationally acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei, and blends modern dance with poetry, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving and guqin music to delicately deconstruct the poetic works of Su Dongpo, a literary master during the Song dynasty.

 

A core part of the CCF, this year’s Chinese Opera Festival (COF) features six quality productions covering Peking opera, Yuediao opera, Qinqiang opera, Yue opera, Cantonese opera and Kunqu opera.

 

The COF this year features classic plays inspired by the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. There will also be a dance drama highlighting the resilient spirit and sentiments of the famous Song dynasty poetess, Li Qingzhao, and her contributions to China’s literary inheritance from a contemporary perspective.

 

In another production, the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts will present the original Chinese dance drama “A Dream of Red Mansions”, the plot of which concerns a love triangle between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai. The production restructures the traditional storylines from the perspective of the 12 Beauties of Jinling.

 

This year’s CCF also features a “Tea Culture” series curated by Hong Kong’s Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, the internationally renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun.

 

The City in Focus of this year’s CCF is Xi’an. Relevant shows include the classic opera “Zhou Ren on the Way Home”, a exhibition showcasing Xi’an’s invaluable archaeological relics, and a production of the ballet “Swan Lake” by the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe.

 

Call 2268 7321, 2268 7323 or 2268 7325 for enquiries.