Month: April 2025

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PM JANMAN has total budgetary outlay of Rs.24,104 Cr, is being implemented through 9-line Ministries: Shri Jual Oram

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, replying today to a question of Dr Anil Sukhdeo rao Bonde in Rajya Sabha, has said that on 15th November 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for socio-economic development of 75 PVTG communities residing in 18 states and one UT.

The objectives of the abhiyan are being met through 11 interventions implemented by 9-line Ministries. PM JANMAN has total budgetary outlay of Rs.24,104 Cr (Central share: ₹15336 Cr and State share: ₹8768 Cr).

The Union Minister who laid a statement in the upper house said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has consistently been conducting IEC campaigns in collaboration with State/UT Governments to enhance the effectiveness of the Abhiyan. Two major nation-wide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns under PM-JANMAN were held to raise awareness about the initiative. The campaigns took place from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024, and from 23 August 2024 to 02 October 2024. A range of national, state, and district-level events and activities were organized during these campaigns. Financial assistance was also provided to the relevant State/UT Governments under the Centrally Sponsored scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRI)’ to facilitate the organization of state/district-level events and carry out activities such as Aadhar camps during the campaign period.

Additionally, the Ministry has been regularly conducting Manthan Shivirs at the national level in collaboration with partner ministries, State Tribal Welfare Departments, and District Collectors. Regular reviews and stakeholder consultations are also held to ensure the effective implementation of the Abhiyan.

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RN/PIB

(Release ID: 2117713) Visitor Counter : 69

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Licenses for Offshore Mining

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Central Government has launched the first tranche of auction of 13 offshore blocks on 28.11.2024 for grant of composite licence, i.e. exploration licence-cum-production lease, in accordance with the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. These blocks include three blocks of construction sand off Kerala Coast, 3 blocks of Lime Mud off Gujarat Coast & 7 blocks of Polymetallic Nodules and Crust off Great Nicobar Island.

As per Rule 5(2) of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, prior consultation with stakeholder Ministries/Departments including Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) and Department of Fisheries is mandatory before notifying any offshore area for grant of operating right.

In the present case, the Ministry of Mines has consulted the MoEF&CC, Department of Fisheries and other related Ministries/Departments before notification of above blocks for auction and the no objection of all Ministries/Departments was received prior to notification for auction.

In order to conserve marine species, MoEF&CC has notified 130 Marine Protected Areas across the Coastal States and Islands and 106 coastal and marine sites have been identified and prioritized as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) to take care of marine species conservation. The offshore blocks have been carved by excluding these areas.

As per the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, before execution of an operating right, the bidders are required to obtain all consents, approvals, permits, no-objections and the like as may be required under applicable laws for commencement of production operations.

As per the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, no production operations shall be undertaken except in accordance with a production plan. The production plan, inter-alia, includes environment management plan indicating baseline information, impact assessment and mitigation measures.

Further, Section 16A of the Act provides for establishment of Offshore Areas Mineral Trust as a non-profit autonomous body. Accordingly, the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been established vide S.O. 3246(E) dated 09.08.2024. The coastal States have been made members of the Governing Body and Executive Committee of the Trust.

The funds accruing to the aforesaid Trust shall, inter-alia, be used for research, administration, studies and related expenditure with respect to offshore areas and mitigation of any adverse impact that may be caused to the ecology in the offshore area, due to operations undertaken, providing relief upon the occurrence of any disaster in the offshore area and for the interest and benefit of persons affected by exploration or production operations undertaken.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117708) Visitor Counter : 79

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Ministry of Coal Reports Record-Breaking Production and Dispatch in Captive and Commercial Mines for FY 2024-25

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Coal has achieved a historic breakthrough, setting new records in captive and commercial coal production and dispatch for the financial year 2024-25. Total coal production surged to 190.95 million tonnes (MT) as of March 31, 2025, marking a remarkable 29.79% growth over the previous year’s 147.11 MT.

Coal dispatches also witnessed an extraordinary rise, reaching 190.42 MT, a 33.36% increase from the 142.79 MT recorded in FY 2023-24. These outstanding numbers reflect the sector’s resilience, efficiency, and crucial role in securing India’s energy needs, driving industries such as power, steel, and cement.

Both captive and commercial mines have contributed significantly to this success:

  • Captive mines achieved 24.72% growth in production and 27.76% in dispatch from the previous year, ensuring a steady supply to core industries.
  • Commercial mines led the momentum with a phenomenal 67.32% surge in production and a staggering 76.71% rise in dispatch from the previous year—a testament to India’s coal sector expansion and efficiency.

These record-breaking achievements directly reflect India’s strategic push for energy self-reliance, strengthening the country’s position as a global economic powerhouse. The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a sustainable, efficient, and future-ready coal ecosystem that not only meets the nation’s growing energy demands but also aligns with India’s green development goals.

This milestone marks a crucial step toward realizing the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring a resilient, energy-secure, and economically thriving India. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, the coal sector continues to power industrial growth, enhance economic progress, and shape a greener future for generations to come.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117710) Visitor Counter : 95

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DH receives carbon monoxide poisoning case and reminds public to ensure ventilation when using gas water heaters

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH receives carbon monoxide poisoning case and reminds public to ensure ventilation when using gas water heaters 
    The EMSD conducted a site investigation immediately and confirmed that there was no town gas leakage at the scene. The subject gas water heater is a model installed before the scheme for the Approval of Domestic Gas Appliances took effect in 2003, and therefore did not bear a “GU” mark. The investigation revealed serious corrosion at the flue of the gas water heater, which is believed to have caused the incident. The EMSD seized the gas water heater for further investigation.
 
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon, such as wood, natural gas and gasoline. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea, whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. 
​ The EMSD also reminded members of the public of the following:
 Issued at HKT 19:40

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End-to-end onboarding assistance will be provided to all Startups to start selling on GeM

Source: Government of India

End-to-end onboarding assistance will be provided to all Startups to start selling on GeM

GeM Pavilion to Provide Startups a Unique Platform to Engage with Government Buyers and Explore Market Opportunities

GeM to Present the Second Edition of Startup Mahakumbh

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Second Edition of Startup Mahakumbh, presented by Government e Marketplace (GeM), is set to commence from April 3rd to 5th, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. End-to-end onboarding assistance will be provided to all Startups so that they are ready to start selling on GeM.

The GeM Pavilion will serve as an open platform for participating Startups to engage with select Government buyers and explore market-fit opportunities for their innovative products and services. Visitors can also interact with GeMAI, a virtual chatbot providing an immersive experience on the GeM portal. With chat features and voice command functionality in eight languages, GeMAI will assist visitors in navigating the platform, answering queries, and tracking tickets. CEO, GeM, Shri Ajay Bhadoo, said that the GeM Pavilion (Hall 5) will provide an exclusive opportunity for newly registered Startups to avail professional product photoshoot and catalogue uploading assistance—completely free of cost.

In alignment with its vision of onboarding maximum eligible Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT)-registered Startups onto its platform, GeM is setting up a mega Pavilion in Hall 5 to facilitate Startup registrations during the three-day event. As part of GeM’s extensive outreach program, Team GeM will offer guided onboarding support to help Startups seamlessly integrate as Sellers on India’s largest e-marketplace for Government buyers.

Throughout the event, various sessions led by GeM leadership will explore opportunities for Startups in public procurement. Special masterclasses are also being planned to provide sector-specific insights that will help Startups scale their business in the public procurement domain. Senior officials from GeM will be present at the event to engage with the Startup community.

The event will bring together over 3000 Startups, 1000+ incubators and accelerators, and industry leaders across 10 key sectors, making it the world’s biggest platform for showcasing innovation.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2117837) Visitor Counter : 51

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New Milestone in Locomotive Production: India Surpasses the US and Europe by Producing 1,681 Locomotives for the Financial Year 2024-25

Source: Government of India

New Milestone in Locomotive Production: India Surpasses the US and Europe by Producing 1,681 Locomotives for the Financial Year 2024-25

19% rise in production;1,681 locomotives in FY 2024-25, 209 more than 1,472 in FY 2023-24

‘Make in India’ Drives Growth: Locomotive Production Surges to 9,168 in Last 10 Years, Doubling Annual Average to 917

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:55PM by PIB Delhi

India has emerged as a global leader in railway locomotive manufacturing, achieving a record production of 1,681 locomotives in the financial year 2024-25. This milestone surpasses the total locomotive production of regions such as the United States, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia, reaffirming India’s growing dominance in the global railway sector.

 

Indian Railways’ locomotive manufacturing units have achieved a remarkable milestone by producing 1,681 locomotives in various categories during the financial year 2024-25. This marks an increase of 209 locomotives, or 19%, compared to the 1,472 locomotives produced in the previous financial year 2023-24. This record-breaking production is the highest ever for locomotive manufacturing in the country, reflecting the significant achievements of all units in enhancing railway infrastructure and capacity.

The continuous rise in locomotive production is a direct result of strategic decisions taken to strengthen the “Make in India” initiative. Between 2004 and 2014, India produced a total of 4,695 locomotives, with a national annual average of 470. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, locomotive manufacturing witnessed a significant surge, with 9,168 locomotives produced, raising the annual average to approximately 917.

In the financial year 2024-25, Indian Railways achieved a record production of 1,681 locomotives across its manufacturing units. The production was distributed as follows: Chittaranjan Locomotive Works manufactured 700 locomotives, Banaras Locomotive Works produced 477, Patiala Locomotive Works contributed 304 locomotives and 100 locomotives each were manufactured at the Madhepura and Marhowrah units

The majority of the locomotives produced in the country were intended for freight trains. Among the 1,681 locomotives produced in the financial year 2024-25, the breakdown is as follows:

  • WAG-9/9H locomotives: 1,047
  • WAG-9HH locomotives: 7
  • WAG-9 Twin locomotives: 148
  • WAP-5 locomotives: 2
  • WAP-7 locomotives: 272
  • NRC locomotives: 5
  • WAG-12B locomotives: 100
  • WDG 4G/6G locomotives: 100

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2117830) Visitor Counter : 68

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Minority Affairs Ministry implementing various skilling and education schemes for socio-economic development of minorities

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:04PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has been implementing various skilling and education schemes for socio-economic development of minorities to make them employment ready.

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry, which converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘USTTAD’ and ‘Hamari Dharohar’ schemes and focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through the following:

  1. Skilling and Training (Non-traditional and traditional)
  2. Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship
  3. Education (through National Institute of Open Schooling)
  4. Infrastructure Development (through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)

The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Under the scheme; the Ministry has received some proposals and is in the process of short-listing and finalising the projects. 

Under the scheme, the implementing partners are to ensure placement of candidates trained through their linkages with the industries.

The Ministry is collaborating with the Central Government Ministries/Departments and State/UT governments to seek proposals from willing agencies under the Scheme. Further, Ministry also spread awareness about its schemes through initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv, print and social media platforms, etc. This is a central sector scheme, which would be implemented at pan India basis.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2117729) Visitor Counter : 109

Read this release in: Urdu

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LCQ19: Promoting staging of international convention and exhibition activities in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ19: Promoting staging of international convention and exhibition activities in Hong Kong 

  
     These C&E events have attracted numerous participants (including exhibitors and buyers), not only benefitting the C&E industry but also bringing in high-spending business travellers that drive economic activities in such related sectors as accommodation, catering, retail and entertainment, thereby benefitting various industries and bringing important contributions to Hong Kong’s economy. According to the statistics of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, there were about 1.42 million overnight C&E visitors in 2024 and their per capita spending was about $7,800.
 
     In 2025, it is estimated that the HKCEC and the AWE will organise over 140 conventions and 180 exhibitions in total, including large-scale international exhibitions and conferences such as Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, Routes World 2025 and the Asia Financial Forum.
 
     In view of the contribution of C&E events to Hong Kong’s overall economy, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government launched the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE) in July 2023 which was very well received. As announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the HKSAR Government would allocate an additional provision of $500 million for implementing the ISRE 2.0, subsidising venue rentals of eligible exhibitions organised by private organisers at specified venues (including the Central Harbourfront Event Space and relevant parts of the West Kowloon Cultural District which are newly included in the ISRE 2.0, apart from the HKCEC and the AWE). The ISRE 2.0 will focus on attracting new and recurrent international exhibitions of a large scale to further promote the development of the C&E industry and the mega event economy, thereby generating overall economic benefits for Hong Kong. The ISRE 2.0 will be launched on July 1 this year subject to the Legislative Council’s funding approval.
 
     Hong Kong is the world’s 10th largest trading entity in merchandise trade and has developed into the region’s premier C&E hub. The international large-scale C&E events held here will help enhance Hong Kong’s image as an international C&E hub, foster overall economic development and trade, and promote Hong Kong’s brands in various industries to assist Hong Kong enterprises in tapping the Mainland and international markets, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade centre and fully demonstrating our role as the “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the development of the C&E industry and attract more international large-scale C&E events to be staged in Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 17:40

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Clarification on Parliamentary Responses Regarding State Science Policies

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

New Delhi, April 2: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) clarifies that recent media reports suggesting a contradiction in responses given in Parliament regarding the first state to implement a science policy are misleading. The two questions asked in 2022 and 2025 were different in scope and intent, and the answers provided were in accordance with the specific queries posed.

In response to a Parliamentary Question on July 21, 2022, which sought to determine whether any State Government had ever initiated a science policy since independence, DST cited Gujarat’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy of 2018 as an example. The answer was factual and aligned with the query, which did not ask for a chronological first but rather if any state had initiated such a policy.

In contrast, the Parliamentary Question answered on March 13, 2025, explicitly sought information on all states that have implemented a science policy, as well as the first state to do so post-independence. In response, DST provided a comprehensive list of states with their respective policy implementation years—Kerala (1974 & 2002), Gujarat (2018), Himachal Pradesh (2021), and Madhya Pradesh (2022). Kerala was specifically mentioned as the first state to have implemented a science policy in 1974, which directly answered the question posed.

DST emphasizes that there is no contradiction in the responses. The difference in the information provided arises from the distinct nature of the questions asked. The department remains committed to transparency and accuracy in all its parliamentary responses and upholds the highest standards of accountability in disseminating information.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2117723) Visitor Counter : 44