The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited and laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo today. He hailed the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
In a post on X, he stated:
“Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration for us all.”
“கொழும்பில் உள்ள இந்திய அமைதிப்படையினரின் நினைவுத் தூபியில் மலர்வளையம் வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினேன். இலங்கையின் ஆட்புல ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஐக்கியம் மற்றும் சமாதானம் ஆகியவற்றுக்கான உயர்பணியில் தமது வாழ்வை தியாகம் செய்த இந்திய அமைதிகாக்கும் படையின் துணிச்சல் மிக்க வீரர்களை இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் நாம் நினைவுகூர்கிறோம். அவர்களின் அசைக்க முடியாத தைரியமும், அர்ப்பணிப்பும் நம் அனைவரினதும் உத்வேகத்தின் ஆதாரமாக நிலைத்திருக்கின்றன.”
Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration… pic.twitter.com/Ys0AONHIxN
கொழும்பில் உள்ள இந்திய அமைதிப்படையினரின் நினைவுத் தூபியில் மலர்வளையம் வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினேன். இலங்கையின் ஆட்புல ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஐக்கியம் மற்றும் சமாதானம் ஆகியவற்றுக்கான உயர்பணியில் தமது வாழ்வை தியாகம் செய்த இந்திய அமைதிகாக்கும் படையின் துணிச்சல் மிக்க வீரர்களை இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில்… pic.twitter.com/bS3IkmmhiX
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Ram Navami.
In a message, the President has said “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.
This holy festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram. The epic life journey of Bhagwan Shri Ram inspires us to follow the path of truth, dharma and ethics. This festival gives the message to serve humanity with dedication and commitment. This sacred festival motivates people to adopt life values of sacrifice, selfless love and remain committed to one’s word.
On this holy occasion, let us learn from the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram and work together for the well-being of entire humanity”.
“India’s young entrepreneurs aren’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities” – Jayant Chaudhary Skill India Pavilion Sparks Dialogue, Deals, and Dreams at Startup Mahakumbh 2025
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, attended Grand Finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, celebrating India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event showcased some of the country’s brightest student innovators who presented their pioneering solutions on a national platform.
The Futurepreneurs Challenge, a key highlight of the event, featured 10 standout student teams who presented their groundbreaking innovations in a rapid-fire format before Shri Jayant Chaudhary and an esteemed audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Shri Chaudhary personally congratulated and felicitated the top 10 startups, recognizing them as emerging changemakers in India’s startup journey.
The top prize went to Chitkara University, Chandigarh, for Stick Buddy, a smart assistive device designed for the visually impaired, featuring obstacle detection, time-date updates, and emergency alerts. Tula’s Institute, Dehradun, took second place with Pragati, an AI-powered nurse robot that conducts health check-ups through a simple handshake, offering real-time alerts, especially for underserved regions. Vignan Pharmacy College, Andhra Pradesh, secured third place with Magna Pads, an innovative menstrual care product that combines pain relief with diagnostic capabilities to detect conditions like anemia and PCOS.
Special Jury Awards were given to Government Polytechnic Deoria for Vayuputra, an AI-enabled agricultural drone aimed at addressing pesticide overuse and labor shortages, and Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, for Jeevitham, an AI-based child healthcare platform that offers personalized nutrition, vaccination tracking, and digital health records. Other notable finalists presented solutions for organ transplant logistics, MSME credit access, sustainable farming, migrant education, and affordable healthcare—illustrating the diverse and impactful ways young innovators are using AI to solve real-world problems.
In a compelling fireside chat with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, which was hosted by TIE Global, the theme ‘From Skills to Startups: Unleashing India’s Youth Entrepreneurs’ resonated deeply. He emphasized the unique value of these entrepreneurs, stating, “What stood out to me today wasn’t just the ideas—it was the intent. Each young entrepreneur here isn’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities. That’s the kind of mindset India needs—where skills and startups go hand in hand. Our job now is to nurture this instinct, strengthen the ecosystem, and make sure every student, every dreamer, feels confident that their idea has a place in India’s future. That’s how we build not just a startup nation, but a nation of responsible creators and leaders.
The Minister also interacted with the 15 Entrepreneurs, supported by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who exhibited at the Skill India Pavilion showcasing the power of skill-led entrepreneurship, amplifying voices from India’s heartlands and creating meaningful opportunities for youth. The pavilion became a high-impact zone for inclusive innovation, emphasizing that entrepreneurship rooted in skills is the key to building a sustainable, inclusive future for India’s youth.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a gathering of over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and 50+ global delegations, solidified India’s position among the world’s top-three startup ecosystems. Within this vibrant ecosystem, the Skill India Pavilion emerged as a beacon of decentralized, skill-driven entrepreneurship, bridging grassroots innovation with national-scale opportunities.
As the event concluded, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-ready startup ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur—regardless of geography or background—has the platform to innovate, grow, and lead.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, today participated in a ceremony to inaugurate and launch two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura.
The leaders inaugurated the 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line refurbished with Indian assistance of USD 91.27 million, followed by the launch of construction of an advanced signaling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, being built with Indian grant assistance of USD 14.89.
These landmark railway modernisation projects implemented under the India-Sri Lanka development partnership represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka. They would facilitate fast and efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across the country.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, visited the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi on 5th April 2025 to assess the ongoing research efforts and field-level innovations aimed at enhancing fodder availability and sustainable grassland management across the country. Accompanied by Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, the Union Minister interacted with scientists and reviewed a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the latest fodder technologies and best practices being promoted by the institute.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh expressed concern over the prevailing national green fodder deficit, currently estimated at 11%, and stressed upon the need for technology-led interventions to address this challenge. He noted that while only 8.5 million hectares are presently under cultivated fodder, the country possesses approximately 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that can be harnessed efficiently. He emphasized, “Efficient utilisation of these underused resources is essential for achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity.”
The Union Minister praised IGFRI’s research and development work and called for speedy dissemination of its technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across states. He particularly emphasized the importance of perennial grasses that are tolerant to abiotic stress, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate degraded lands, contribute to ecological balance, and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. Reiterating government’s commitment to building a resilient livestock sector, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that science, innovation, and cooperative governance would be the cornerstones of advancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan. He also held discussions with IGFRI researchers, encouraging the institute to position itself as a central knowledge and innovation hub for fodder development and grassland improvement in India.
Among the key technologies demonstrated during the visit were livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) tailored for all categories of farmers; apomictic breeding in perennial grasses to ensure genetic uniformity and sustainability; development of specialized fodder farm machinery aimed at reducing manual labour; seed standards and certification systems for quality assurance in forage crops; and the innovative use of drones for seed pellet-based grassland rejuvenation at scale.
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya underlined the significance of state-level convergence to support the wider adoption of location-specific fodder technologies. She highlighted the scope for integrating fodder cultivation in fallow spaces within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising example of such convergence. To further promote this model, she informed that a joint meeting will be held in Kerala on 8th April 2025, bringing together representatives of the State Government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura and offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree.
The tree is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri from India in the 3rd Century BCE. The temple stands as a testament to the strong civilizational linkages that form the foundation of the close India-Sri Lanka partnership.
GeM Showcases Startup Power at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Unlocks New Growth Avenues for Innovation-Driven India GeM Pavilion Sees Massive Footfall, 2500+ Queries Resolved, 1000+ Registrations Completed
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 10:05AM by PIB Delhi
The Startup Mahakumbh 2025 concluded in New Delhi on Saturday, marking significant participation and highlighting the growing strength of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the key participants was the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which showcased its role in supporting startup growth and underlined the potential of public procurement as a tool for promoting innovation and inclusive development.
As a strategic presenting partner, GeM engaged with a wide range of startups, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders during the event. Its participation reflected an ongoing effort to support the growth of Indian startups by facilitating access to government markets, encouraging new opportunities, and contributing to the broader vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The event saw sector-focused pavilions that celebrated India’s strength in DeepTech, AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Gaming, and more. GeM’s presence underscored its mission to bridge the gap between innovators and government buyers, enabling faster scale, market validation, and meaningful contribution to India’s global innovation standing.
GeM’s impact at the Mahakumbh was further amplified through a high-energy panel discussion that drew a packed audience and featured sharp insights from GeM leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. The panel covered key themes such as:
Charting India’s Growth Story
Boosting State Procurement Through Startups
Emerging Technology as a Service
Driving Startup Growth via GeM Categories
Unlocking Opportunities with Central Government Buyers
The sessions reinforced GeM’s role in transforming public procurement into a launchpad for India’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the theme of government-startup collaboration, CEO, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Shri Ajay Bhadoo said, “Let’s work together and unlock the true potential of public procurement in driving startup growth, inclusive development, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
His keynote address underlined the transformative potential of platforms like GeM in scaling innovative homegrown solutions and supporting startups with policy-driven opportunities.
During the three-day event, GeM responded to over 2500 startup queries, facilitated 1000+ startup registrations and cataloguing, and hosted more than 1500 interactive sessions—including one-on-one mentoring and group engagements—focused on onboarding and skilling through GeM’s Learning Management System (LMS).
GeM’s Pavilion hosted over 70 innovative startups, including 30 startup pods awarded free of cost to winners of GeM’s Start-o-nauts Challenge. So far, GeM has enabled over ₹38,500 Crore in transactions for 30,000+ startups, reinforcing its position as a true catalyst in India’s innovation ecosystem.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for concert at Kai Tak Sports Park on April 8, 9, 11 and 12
Type(3) Cross-boundary coach services and port traffic arrangements
The KTSP Limited will arrange cross-boundary coach services during the dispersal period on the event dates to facilitate travellers’ return to the Mainland via the LMC/HG Port. Passengers should purchase tickets prior to the concert (on-site ticket sales not available during dispersal) and board their coach at the PUDOA on the G/F, Kai Tak Stadium, via the escalator outside Gate H, 2/F. They should refer to the operators’ website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfansIssued at HKT 12:00
ST-Led Ventures incubated at IIM Kolkata & IIT Guwahati Receive National Awards from Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Showcases 45 Startups under “DhartiAabaTribePreuners 2025” under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh at Bharat Mandapam
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 9:09AM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi ,Ministry of Tribal Affairs marked a significant milestone in empowering tribal entrepreneurship by showcasing 45 tribal-led startups from across India at the StartupMahakumbh held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized under the flagship initiative “DhartiAabaTribepreuners 2025” as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the event witnessed innovation from sectors ranging from deep tech to organic farming and green energy.
Two tribal-led startups, incubated at premier institutions—IIM Kolkata and IIT Guwahati—received prestigious national recognition from Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, affirming the growing role of tribal entrepreneurs in India’s startup ecosystem.
On this achievement, Shri JualOram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Shri VibhuNayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, congratulated the winning startups for their exemplary innovation and dedication to community-led development. They commended the efforts of all participating entrepreneurs for representing the aspirations and potential of tribal India on a national platform.
Award-Winning Startups founded by ST entrepreneurs
OurGuest Travels (Top View Pvt. Ltd.)
Incubated at IIM Kolkata | Sector: Sustainable Tourism
Based in Gangtok, Sikkim, OurGuest Travels (www.ourguest.in) was conferred the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) Award. As the first Online Travel Aggregator (OTA) from Northeast India, it offers a curated collection of homestays, farmstays, resorts, and guided experiences across Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.With over 600 homestays and 50+ guides, the platform has served more than 6,000 travelers and supports rural livelihoods and eco-tourism. This recognition is a key milestone under the Ministry’s 100-Day Agenda to build a strong tribal startup ecosystem.
Ngurie Organic Pvt. Ltd.
Incubated at IIT Guwahati | Sector: AgriTech& Organic Farming
Ngurie Organic received the AgriTech Award for its transformative work in sustainable agriculture. The startup harnesses data-driven research, precision agriculture, and blockchain-enabled transparency to empower farmers with solutions that:
Exclusive Sessions on Tribal Entrepreneurship by VC /Angel Investors
The event featured a high-impact panel titled “Investing in Bharat: Unlocking Startup Potential Beyond the Metro”, with thought leaders from India’s startup and investment ecosystem
T. RoumuanPaite, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Afafirs
Vikram Gupta, IvyCap Ventures
Sandeep NagbhushanAithal, Infosys Ltd.
Vineet Khurana, SACC India
Moderator: Amit Pandey, IVCA
In addition, faculty from IIT Delhi conducted a Design Thinking Workshop, guiding tribal startups to refine and scale their business ideas.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tribal Entrepreneurs
The 3-day program concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to:45 tribal startup founders,100 EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential School) students,150 tribal students availing higher education scholarships.
Participants also took part in a bootcamp at IIT Delhi and attended exposure visits across the startup ecosystem during the StartupMahakumbh.
Towards a Self-Reliant Tribal India
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through initiatives like DhartiAabaTribepreuners 2025, continues to create an enabling environment for tribal innovators—combining mentorship, funding, capacity building, and platform exposure. The presence and recognition of tribal entrepreneurs at India’s largest startup conclave reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to making tribal India a key stakeholder in the nation’s growth story.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri JualOram Inaugurates Two-Day Mega Medical Camp at Sundargarh, Odisha Ministry of Tribal Affairs, AIIMS Delhi, and Government of Odisha Organise Mega Medical Camp on the Occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh
Ministry Reiterates Commitment to Holistic Tribal Development through Enhanced Healthcare Access
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 9:05AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Tribal Affairs is committed to the holistic development of tribal communities across the country. As part of this vision, the Ministry has undertaken several proactive health initiatives to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure access to quality medical services for tribal populations, especially in remote areas.
Mission to Eradicate Sickle Cell Disease by 2047
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in July 2023. The Mission sets an ambitious target to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047, focusing on awareness generation, universal screening, and comprehensive disease management among tribal populations through a community-centric and integrated approach.
Mega Medical Camp at Sundargarh: A Collaborative Effort under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh
As part of the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi and the Government of Odisha, is organising a two-day mega medical camp on 5th and 6th April 2025 at the Sundargarh Government Medical College & Hospital, Odisha.
The camp was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri JualOram, on 5th April 2025. In his inaugural address, Shri Oram reaffirmed the Central Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare services for tribal communities. He commended the efforts of AIIMS Delhi’s team of medical experts for their dedicated service to the tribal people of Odisha.
On this occasion, the Minister also distributed wheelchairs to around 100 persons with disabilities, exemplifying the Government’s inclusive approach to healthcare. Shri Oram personally interacted with the patients, encouraging them to fully avail the specialised medical services provided.
Specialised Medical Services and Facilities
The camp features expert participation from 19 specialist departments of AIIMS Delhi, including:
Cardiology
Haematology
General Medicine
Gastroenterology
Nephrology
Surgery
Orthopaedics …and others.
Patients from 18 blocks of Sundargarh district and adjoining regions are benefiting from expert consultations, diagnostic services, and medical treatment.
In addition to consultations, the following free diagnostic services are being offered:
ECG
Ultrasound
X-ray
Blood tests
Patients are also receiving free medicines as per prescriptions provided by the doctors from AIIMS Delhi.
On the first day, over 1,500 patients availed these services, indicating a strong community response. The camp will continue on 6th April 2025, ensuring wider outreach and impact.
Towards Healthcare for All
This initiative represents a vital step forward in the Ministry’s efforts to realise the vision of “Healthcare for All”, especially in underserved tribal areas. The mega medical camp at Sundargarh serves as a testament to the Government’s ongoing efforts to create healthier, self-reliant, and empowered tribal communities across India.