Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses 17th Civil Services Day

The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years: PM

India’s aspirational society – youth, farmers, women – their dreams are soaring to unprecedented heights,To fulfil these extraordinary aspirations, extraordinary speed is essential: PM

Real progress does not mean small changes but full-scale impact; Clean water in every home, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur and benefits of digital economy for every village, this is Holistic Development: PM

Quality in governance is determined by how deeply schemes reach the people and their real impact on the ground: PM

In the past 10 years, India has moved beyond incremental change to witness impactful transformation: PM

India is setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency and innovation: PM

The approach of ‘Janbhagidari’ turned the G20 into a people’s movement and the world acknowledged,India is not just participating, it is leading: PM

In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems, it is about multiplying possibilities: PM

We have to increase the competence of civil servants so that we can prepare a future-ready civil service; That is why I consider both Mission Karmayogi and Civil Service Capacity Building Programme very important: PM

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 1:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed Civil Servants on the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. He also conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the occasion of Civil Services Day and highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, as it marks the 75th year of the Constitution and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Recounting Sardar Patel’s iconic statement on April 21, 1947, where he referred to civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’, Shri Modi emphasized Patel’s vision of a bureaucracy that upholds discipline, honesty, and democratic values, serving the nation with utmost dedication. He underscored the relevance of Sardar Patel’s ideals in the context of India’s resolve to become a Viksit Bharat and paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel’s vision and legacy.

Reflecting on his earlier statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing the need to strengthen the foundation of India for the next thousand years, Shri Modi noted that 25 years have already passed in this millennium, marking the 25th year of the new century and the new millennium. “The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years”, he highlighted. Quoting ancient scriptures, he said just as a chariot cannot move with a single wheel, success cannot be achieved solely by relying on fate without effort. Underscoring the importance of collective effort and determination in achieving the goal of a developed India, he urged everyone to work tirelessly, every day and every moment, towards this shared vision.

Mentioning the rapid changes occurring globally, noting how even within families, interactions with younger generations can make one feel outdated due to the fast pace of change, the Prime Minister highlighted the swift evolution of gadgets every two to three years and how children are growing up amidst these transformations. He emphasized that India’s bureaucracy, work processes, and policymaking cannot operate on outdated frameworks. He remarked on the significant transformation initiated in 2014, describing it as a grand endeavor to adapt to the fast-paced changes. He highlighted the aspirations of India’s society, youth, farmers, and women, stating that their dreams have reached unprecedented heights and stressed the need for extraordinary speed to fulfill these extraordinary aspirations. The Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious goals for the coming years, including energy security, clean energy, advancements in sports, and achievements in space exploration, emphasizing the importance of raising India’s flag high in every sector. Underscoring the immense responsibility on civil servants to ensure that India becomes the world’s third-largest economy at the earliest, he urged them to prevent any delays in achieving this critical objective.

Expressing happiness over the theme of this year’s Civil Services Day, ‘Holistic Development of India’, Shri Modi emphasized that this is not just a theme but a commitment and a promise to the people of the nation. “Holistic development of India means ensuring that no village, no family, and no citizen is left behind”, he stressed, remarking that true progress is not about small changes but about achieving a full-scale impact. He outlined the vision of holistic development, which includes clean water for every household, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur, and the benefits of the digital economy for every village. He highlighted that quality in governance is not determined by the mere launch of schemes but by how deeply these schemes reach the people and their real impact. The Prime Minister noted the visible impact in districts like Rajkot, Gomati, Tinsukia, Koraput, and Kupwara, where significant progress has been made, from increasing school attendance to adopting solar power. He congratulated the districts and individuals associated with these initiatives, acknowledging their excellent work and the awards received by several districts.

Highlighting that over the past 10 years, India has progressed from incremental change to impactful transformation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s governance model is now focused on Next Generation Reforms, leveraging technology and innovative practices to bridge the gap between the government and citizens. He noted that the impact of these reforms is evident in rural, urban, and remote areas alike. He remarked on the success of Aspirational Districts and emphasized the equally remarkable achievements of Aspirational Blocks. He recalled that the program was launched in January 2023 and has shown unprecedented results in just two years, highlighting significant progress in indicators such as health, nutrition, social development, and basic infrastructure across these blocks. Citing examples of transformational changes, he said that in the Peeplu Block of Tonk district, Rajasthan, measurement efficiency for children in Anganwadi centers increased from 20% to over 99%, while in the Jagdishpur Block of Bhagalpur, Bihar, registration of pregnant women during the first trimester surged from 25% to over 90%. He further added that in the Marwah Block of Jammu & Kashmir, institutional deliveries rose from 30% to 100% and in the Gurdih Block of Jharkhand, tap water connections grew from 18% to 100%. He emphasized that these are not just statistics but evidence of the government’s resolve for last-mile delivery. “With the right intent, planning, and execution, transformation is possible even in remote areas”, he added.

Underlining India’s achievements over the past decade, emphasizing transformative changes and the nation’s attainment of new heights, Shri Modi remarked, “India is now recognized not merely for its growth but for setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency, and innovation”. He identified India’s G20 Presidency as a significant example of these advancements, noting that, for the first time in G20’s history, over 200 meetings were held across more than 60 cities, creating a broad and inclusive footprint. He underscored how the approach of public participation transformed the G20 into a people’s movement. “The world has acknowledged India’s leadership; India is not just participating, it is leading”, he affirmed.

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing discussions around government efficiency, emphasizing that India is 10-11 years ahead of other nations in this regard. He remarked on the efforts made over the past 11 years to eliminate delays, introduce new processes, and reduce turnaround time through technology. He noted that over 40,000 compliances have been removed, and more than 3,400 legal provisions have been decriminalized to promote ease of business. He recalled the resistance faced during these reforms, with critics questioning the need for such changes. However, he emphasized that the government did not succumb to pressure, asserting that new approaches are essential for achieving new results. He further highlighted the improvement in India’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings as a result of these efforts and noted the global enthusiasm for investing in India. The Prime Minister urged the need to capitalize on this opportunity by eliminating red tape at the state, district, and block levels to achieve set goals effectively.

“The successes of the past 10-11 years have laid a strong foundation for a developed India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that the nation is now beginning to construct the grand edifice of a developed India on this solid base but acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. He noted that India has become the most populous country in the world, emphasizing the prioritization of saturation in basic amenities. He urged a strong focus on last-mile delivery to ensure inclusivity in development. He highlighted the evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, remarking that the Civil Service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant. Shri Modi stressed the need for setting new benchmarks, moving beyond comparisons with previous benchmarks. He urged measuring progress against the vision for a developed India by 2047, examining whether the current pace of achieving goals in every sector is adequate, and accelerating efforts wherever necessary. He underscored the advancements in technology available today and called for leveraging its power. Highlighting the accomplishments of the past decade, Shri Modi mentioned the construction of 4 crore houses for the poor, with a target of building 3 crore more, connecting over 12 crore rural households to tap water within 5-6 years, with the aim of ensuring every village household has a tap connection soon. He further mentioned the building of over 11 crore toilets for the underprivileged in the past 10 years, while targeting new goals in waste management and providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for millions of underprivileged individuals. Shri Modi emphasized the need for renewed commitments to improve nutrition for citizens and declared that the ultimate goal must be 100% coverage and 100% impact. He highlighted that this approach has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the past decade and expressed confidence that it will lead to a poverty-free India.

Reflecting on the past role of bureaucracy as a regulator that controlled the pace of industrialization and entrepreneurship, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation has moved beyond this mindset and is now fostering an environment that promotes enterprise among citizens and helps them overcome barriers. “Civil Services must transform into an enabler, expanding its role from merely being the keeper of rule books to becoming a facilitator of growth”, he said. Citing the example of the MSME sector, he highlighted the importance of Mission Manufacturing and how the success of this mission is heavily reliant on MSMEs. The Prime Minister pointed out that amidst global changes, MSMEs, startups, and young entrepreneurs in India have an unprecedented opportunity. He stressed the necessity of becoming more competitive in the global supply chain and noted that MSMEs face competition not just from smaller entrepreneurs but also globally. He remarked that if a small country provides better ease of compliances to its industries, it could outpace Indian startups. Thus, he emphasized the need for India to continuously evaluate its position in global best practices. The Prime Minister asserted that while the goal of Indian industries is to create globally best products, the goal of India’s bureaucracy must be to provide the world’s best ease of compliance environment.

Emphasising the need for civil servants to acquire skills that not only help them understand technology but also enable its use for smart and inclusive governance, Shri Modi remarked, “In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems; it is about multiplying possibilities.” He stressed the importance of becoming tech-savvy to make policies and schemes more efficient and accessible through technology. He highlighted the need for expertise in data-driven decision-making to ensure accurate policy design and implementation. Observing the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Physics, predicting a forthcoming revolution in technology that will surpass the digital and information age, Shri Modi urged civil servants to prepare for this technological revolution to deliver the best services and fulfill citizens’ aspirations. Underscoring the importance of enhancing the capabilities of civil servants to build a future-ready civil service, he highlighted the significance of Mission Karmayogi and the Civil Service Capacity Building Program in achieving this goal.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to closely monitor global challenges in rapidly changing times, highlighting that food, water, and energy security remain major issues, particularly for the Global South, where ongoing conflicts are exacerbating difficulties, impacting daily lives and livelihoods. He further stressed the importance of understanding the growing interconnection between domestic and external factors. He identified climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and cybercrime threats as critical areas requiring proactive action, urging India to stay ten steps ahead in addressing these challenges. He underlined the need to develop localized strategies and build resilience to effectively tackle these emerging global issues.

Reiterating the concept of “Panch Pran” introduced from the Red Fort, emphasizing the resolve for a developed India, liberation from the mindset of servitude, pride in heritage, the power of unity, and the honest fulfillment of duties, Shri Modi remarked that civil servants are the key carriers of these principles. He stated, “Every time you prioritize integrity over convenience, innovation over inertia, or service over status, you propel the nation forward.” He expressed his complete trust in the civil servants. Addressing young officers embarking on their professional journeys, he highlighted the societal contributions to individual success. He remarked that everyone seeks to give back to society in their own capacity. He emphasized the privilege civil servants have in being able to contribute significantly to society, urging them to make the most of this opportunity provided by the nation and its people.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to reimagine reforms for civil servants, calling for an accelerated pace and expanded scale of reforms across sectors. He highlighted key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy goals, internal security, terminating corruption, social welfare schemes, and targets related to sports and the Olympics, urging the implementation of new reforms in every domain. He remarked that the achievements so far must be surpassed manifold, setting higher benchmarks for progress. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of human judgment in a technology-driven world, urging civil servants to remain sensitive, listen to the voices of the underprivileged, understand their struggles, and prioritize resolving their issues. Concluding his address, he invoked the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava,” likening it to the ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” and called on civil servants to see themselves not just as administrators but as architects of a developed India, fulfilling their responsibilities with dedication and compassion.

Union Minister of State for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary – 2 to Prime Minister, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary, Shri T V Somanathan and Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Shri V Srinivas were present on the occasion. 

Background

Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards were given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They were recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2123113) Visitor Counter : 39

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 1:05PM by PIB Delhi

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished Agronomist, has assumed charge today as the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in its notification last week, named Dr Jat as the new Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, for period of three years. Prior to this he was serving as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.

Dr. Jat, a globally respected figure in sustainable agriculture, brings over 25 years of rich experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. His appointment is expected to catalyze a new era of innovation, sustainability, and farmer-first research within ICAR and the broader agricultural ecosystem. An alumnus of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Jat holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a specialization in soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet—a critical area for food security in arid regions. His pioneering research has shaped sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, contributing to global efforts on food system resilience.

With an impressive portfolio of over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Jat has held key leadership positions at ICRISAT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), besides 12 years at ICAR as Systems Agronomist. He has championed climate-smart technologies, regenerative farming practices, and digital innovations in agriculture, influencing agricultural policies and practices across continents. Dr. Jat has held key roles with several prominent national and international organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA). A Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), he has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, notably the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, one of ICAR’s highest recognitions for excellence in agricultural research. As he steps into this dual leadership role, Dr. Jat is poised to guide ICAR in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food system transformation. His vision aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development, precision farming, and ensuring nutritional security for its vast population.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2123110) Visitor Counter : 90

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda leads the “Liver Health Pledge Ceremony” at the Health Camp organized by the Ministry, in presence of Union MoS Smt. Anupriya Patel

Shri Nadda reiterates Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal to the nation to reduce oil usage in cooking by at least 10% and spreading awareness about fighting obesity

Fatty liver is preventable and, to a great extent, reversible through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle: Shri Nadda

Liver Health Camp organized in collaboration with the FSSAI and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

In observance of World Liver Day 2025, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda led the “Liver Health Pledge Ceremony” at the health camp organized by the Ministry, at Nirman Bhawan, today. Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Sarin, Director of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were also present at the occasion.

This year’s World Liver Day theme “Food is Medicine”—emphasizes the critical connection between nutrition and liver health.

Addressing the gathering, Union Health Minister stated that “As we all know, the liver is one of the most vital organs of our body that performs essential functions like digestion, detoxification, and energy storage. If the liver is not healthy, the entire body suffers.”

Underlining the importance of Liver health, Shri Nadda stated that “Fatty liver not only impacts liver function but also significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.” He also added that “The good news is that fatty liver is preventable and, to a great extent, reversible through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and healthy food-habits.”

He emphasized that “Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, during his address in “Mann Ki Baat,” appealed to the nation to reduce oil usage in cooking by at least 10%. This small yet powerful step can go a long way in ensuring better liver health and in reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.” Shri Nadda called upon everyone to take the pledge for “taking care of liver health, get it checked regularly, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

At the camp, all participants pledged to make informed food choices, lead healthier lifestyle, reduce edible oil intake by at least 10% and spread awareness about fighting obesity in response to the call given by PM Narendra Modi.

The Ministry, in collaboration with FSSAI and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) and hosted a comprehensive Liver Health Camp for officials and staff of the Ministry. In the Camp, the multidisciplinary team from ILBS—comprising expert doctors, nurses, and technicians offered the following services: clinical examination (including BMI, waist-hip ratio, and blood pressure); laboratory tests (fasting blood glucose, liver function tests, lipid profile, complete blood count, Hepatitis B & C screening); fibroScan for liver fat and fibrosis assessment; body composition analysis and personalized nutritional counselling focusing on reducing oil and processed food intake.

As part of the event, FSSAI set up an informative exhibition showcasing millets and liver-friendly diets, aligning with this year’s theme: “Food is Medicine.”

Highlighting the nutritional value of millets, the stall demonstrated their benefits in maintaining liver health. Rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants and essential micronutrients, millets aid in promoting bile secretion, reducing inflammation, improving lipid profiles and digestion—factors closely linked to liver health. Their inclusion in the daily diet helps prevent liver disorders, including Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Additionally, the display promoted cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), leafy greens, fatty fish (rich in omega-3), nuts and seeds, citrus fruits and healthy fats (such as olive oil), known to reduce oxidative stress, support detoxification processes, and maintain overall liver function.

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HFW/HFM leads World Liver Day pledge ceremony/21April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2123092) Visitor Counter : 132

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Chinese Cinema Project in presenting the Hong Kong New Wave: 1979 – 1989 Film Festival from April 1 to May 16 (London time) in London.

The film festival presents nine iconic Hong Kong films, with selected sessions accompanied by introductions and panel discussions led by notable film experts, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the historical and artistic significance of Hong Kong films. A highlight of the festival was the special masterclass titled “In Conversation with Ann Hui”, held on April 17 in partnership with director Ann Hui’s alma mater, the London Film School, as well as King’s College London, where director Hui engaged in a dynamic exchange with film critics, students and the audience, sharing her personal journey, creative insights, and reflections on the evolution of the Hong Kong film industry. She also joined two Q&A sessions on April 18 and 19, as well as a reception on April 18 at The Garden Cinema, further enriching the festival experience.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, addressed the audience at the masterclass, emphasising the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering the development of Hong Kong’s creative industries. She highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a vibrant East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. “Director Hui is a pioneer of Hong Kong cinema. Her remarkable work has brought Hong Kong’s cinematic excellence to global audiences. To better understand the stories and spirit behind her films, please visit Hong Kong to experience our rich blend of heritage, innovation, and cinematic energy,” she said.

The Chinese Cinema Project is dedicated to promoting the work of Chinese filmmakers in the United Kingdom via regular screenings and cultural promotion. The Hong Kong New Wave: 1979 – 1989 Film Festival is expected to welcome over 1 800 guests across 19 screenings, one panel discussion and one masterclass from April to May 2025.

Source: Government of India

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s Brazil visit becomes important on many counts

Participates in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting; also initiates important steps towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes on promoting production and export of soya in India

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies

Joint efforts will strengthen global food security: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shri Shivraj Singh expresses concerns for small farmers in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting

Posted On: 20 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is schedule to return from his Brazil visit on Monday morning, 21 April. His Brazil visit is important on many counts. Besides leading the Indian delegation at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, the Union Minister’s visit is an important step towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil. During Brazil visit, the Union Minister stressed on promoting production and export of soya in India. He intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies. He said that joint efforts of various countries will strengthen global food security.

During his Brazil visit, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh mainly expressed his concerns related to small farmers of India. He said that unless the small farmers are protected and empowered, the goal of global food security will remain incomplete. The Union Minister said that India is fully committed to inclusive, equitable and sustainable agriculture. Echoing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, he said that India always follow the message of trust and cooperation with all countries. He called for enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, innovation, capacity building and trade facilitation so that farmers and agricultural enterprises of various countries can benefit. On the BRICS platform, India called for further strengthening cooperation in agricultural technology transfer, research, food processing and trade.  Shri Chauhan’s address, on behalf of India, focused on global food security, empowerment of small farmers, agricultural innovation and technological cooperation and advancing partnership with BRICS countries.

Altogether, Shri Chouhan’s visit to Brazil is not just a diplomatic but also a concrete initiative towards technological innovation, production increase and global partnership for Indian agriculture, which can yield direct benefits to the farmers.

The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, was attended by Agriculture Ministers/Senior Officials from India, host Brazil and BRICS member countries including Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. The main theme of the meeting was “Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries”.

Besides participating in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, Shri Chouhan’s visit is expected to give a new direction to agricultural cooperation between India and Brazil. This will boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The Union Minister expressed his desire to share knowledge with Brazil on climate-friendly soyabean varieties, mechanization, precision farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He also expressed his desire to learn from Brazil’s agricultural model, mechanization, irrigation and research and implement it in Indian agriculture so that maximum benefits can be transferred to the farmers.

Cooperation in the areas of biofuel, bioenergy, supply chain integration and agricultural machinery was discussed during the meetings which would enable Indian farmers to have access to global technology. Joint efforts of the two countries will also strengthen global food security as Brazil has achieved tremendous growth in agricultural exports in the last 50 years, an inspiration for India as well.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also held bilateral meetings with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero and Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira. During these meetings, the issues of enhancing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, agro-technology, rural development and food security were discussed. The Union Minister also met 27 members of Brazil’s agribusiness community at Sao Paulo. During this meeting, possibilities of cooperation on agricultural trade, production technology, food processing, biofuel, technological innovation and supply chain integration were discussed.

Union Minister Shri Chouhan visited soyabean production plant, tomato farm and other institutes in Brazil and closely observed the latest technologies related to mechanization, irrigation and food processing. Currently India imports soyabean oil, but now both the countries are jointly exploring the possibilities of investing and setting up technology and plants for soyabean production and processing. This can boost soyabean production and export in India. Shri Chouhan said that there is a plan to work together with Brazil to increase soybean production and processing in India. Besides, possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in mechanization and seed research will also be explored.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s routine of planting a sapling every day continued in Brazil as well. He participated in the tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, promoting environmental protection and respect for motherhood. Shri Shivraj Singh also met the Indian diaspora at Sao Paulo in Brazil and appreciated their role in bilateral relations. He said that this is the Amrit Kaal of our independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In 2047, we will complete 100 years of independence and our goal is to make India a developed nation by then.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh said, “During my stay in Brazil, I got the  opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security.”

This visit is an important step towards India-Brazil agricultural cooperation, partnership with BRICS countries and accelerating innovation and sustainable growth in Indian agriculture, Shri Singh added.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2123055) Visitor Counter : 63

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 15th National Games Beach Volleyball test event held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay between April 18 and 20 concluded successfully, the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) said today.

The three-day test event, with the participation of nine men’s teams and eight women’s teams, was organised by the NGCO and co-organised by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, with the China Volleyball Association as adviser.

Participating teams in the men’s and women’s tournaments first competed in the group stage before they reached the knockout round. Wong Pui-lam and Chong Kei-loi finally triumphed in the men’s tournament, while Tsang Ngok-ling and Wong Man-ching claimed the championship title in the women’s tournament.

The test event covered a wide array of areas, including the operation and procedures of events, organisation of competition, setup of function rooms, information systems, medical services, security, broadcast arrangements, sports presentation and award presentation, and volunteer services.

Around 1,300 national games volunteers participated in the three-day test event, providing services including assistance at the event, audience services inside and outside the venue, assistance at accreditation and security check counters.

Among the volunteers, around 170 were on duty daily throughout the event and responsible for rendering support at the competition venue, such as levelling sand at the main court and side court, retrieving balls and operating manual scoreboards.

The NGCO and related government departments and units, including the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department and the Auxiliary Medical Service as well as the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, conducted a simulation exercise on April 19 at the venue to enhance the capabilities of each department and unit in dealing with contingencies during the event.

NGCO Head Yeung Tak-keung said that it will review the event procedures and other details with various related organisations and government departments, with a view to better preparing for the official events to be held in November.

Click here for information on the National Games.

Source: Government of India

WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge Announces Top 50 Digital Poster Winners

Final Awards to Be Revealed at WAVES in Mumbai

10 Selected to Compete at Live Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition at WAVES

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Mumbai

 

April 17, 2025

The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) has announced the Top 50 digital poster winners of its Film Poster Making Challenge following an overwhelming response from artists across India. The competition received 542 digital submissions reflecting the passion and innovation of emerging visual storytellers. In the Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition, 10 entries have been chosen from different art institutions across the country. The winners will be selected at the live finale set to take place during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai.

Digital Poster Making Competition

The jury comprising Aditya Arya, Photographer and Founder Director, Museo Camera Gurugram, and Ananda Moy Banerji, Artist Printmaker and Vice Principal, South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, along with co-organisers Imagenation Street Art and National Film Development Corporation-National Film Achieves India conducted a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. From a preliminary shortlist of 197 posters, the jury selected the final top 50 based on creativity, originality and storytelling impact.

Among the top 50, three standout finalists have been identified (in alphabetical order):

• Saptosindhu Sengupta
   
• Shivangi Sarmah Kashyap
   
• Suresh D Nair
   

The final rankings of the top three will be announced at the WAVE Summit scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. The 50 winning posters will also be digitally exhibited at the summit offering participants a valuable platform for visibility and recognition.

Hand-Painted Poster Art to Be Celebrated with Live Competition at WAVES

The WAVES will also host a Live Hand-Painted Film Poster Making Competition shining a spotlight on a traditional art form that once defined Indian cinema’s visual identity. Evoking the spirit of legendary artists such as MF Husain and SM Pandit, this segment honors the rich heritage of hand-painted posters.

Out of all entries, 10 student artists have been selected to participate in the live competition at the WAVES. The event will showcase their skills as they create hand-painted film posters in real time. The top three winners will be recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to this culturally significant medium.

About Film Poster Making Challenge

The WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge is part of a broader initiative to celebrate cinematic art, foster emerging talent, and bridge traditional and contemporary forms of visual storytelling. For more information and the complete list of winners, visit:
 👉 https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality.

Have questions? Find answers here  

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Riyas/Parshuram| 97

 

 

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(Release ID: 2122844) Visitor Counter : 157

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 Animation Film makers Challenge announces top 42 finalists

WAVES brings to the fore a global showcase of original Animation, VFX, AR/VR & Virtual Productions

Talented finalists of animation film-making competition to pitch their projects in WAVES 2025

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 12:03PM by PIB Mumbai

: Mumbai, April 19, 2025

The finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) being held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ of WAVES 2025 has been announced. The best 42 projects, focussing on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production, have made it to the final round. These talented participants will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects during the WAVE Summit which will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. The top 3 winners will each receive a cash prize of up to INR 5 Lakhs.

The selection of the top-42 finalists was the result of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process led by the Dancing Atoms team, in collaboration with the WAVES team. The  dedicated efforts of the participants were complemented by the discerning expertise of an esteemed panel of national and international jury members, including:

●     Anu Singh

●     Farrukh Dhondy

●     Dan Sarto

●     James Knight

●     Jan Nagel

●     Gianmarco Serra

●     Indu Ramchandani

The talented finalists, who will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects in Mumbai, are: Abhijeet Saxena, Anika Rajesh, Anirban Majumder, Anuj Kumar Choudhary, Arundhati Sarkar, Atreyee Poddar, Bhagat Singh Saini, Bhagyashree Satapathy, Bimal Poddar, Catharina Dian Wiraswati S, Gadam Jagadish Prasad Yadav, Gargi Gawthe, Harish Narayan Iyer, Harshita Das, Hirak Jyoti Nath, Isha Chandna, Jacqueline C Ching, Jyothi Kalyan Sura, Khambor Batei Kharjana, Kishore Kumar Kedari, Kiruthika Ramasubramanian, Makam Neha, Martand Anand Ugalmugle, Nandan Balakrishnan, Piyush Kumar, Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi, Prasenjit Singha, Richa Bhutani, Rishav Mohanty, Rohit Sankhla, Sandhra Mary, Sangeeta Poddar, Segun Samson, Shreeyaa Vinayak Pore, Shreya Sachdev, Shrikant S Menon, Srikanth Bhogi, Shubham Tomar, Shweta Subhash Marathe, Sundar Mahalingam, Sukankan Roy, Triparna Maiti, Tuhin Chanda, Vamsi Bandaru, Vetriveare.

 

The potential economic impact of their projects is significant, with each animated VFX feature film capable of generating employment for 100-300 individuals. WAVES AFC 2025 represents a crucial investment in creative talents of India, fostering job creation and global opportunities. The competition’s ambition extends to fostering international co-productions.

This groundbreaking global initiative, supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and spearheaded by Dancing Atoms, marks the first time all four verticals of the AVGC sector are represented under one umbrella in such a competition.

WAVES AFC 2025 garnered an overwhelming response, receiving approximately 1900 registrations and 419 diverse entries from amateur enthusiasts, talented students, and seasoned professionals worldwide. This enthusiastic participation underscores the competition’s vital role in identifying and nurturing fresh creative voices within the animation industry.

Beyond showcasing talent, the initiative has prioritized mentorship at all stages. All contestants, regardless of their final selection, benefited from invaluable masterclasses led by renowned industry leaders such as Academy Award winner Guneet Monga, acclaimed producer Shobu Yarlagadda, and Saraswathi Buyyala. These sessions focused on refining pitching skills and navigating the complexities of the industry. These projects will be pitched to various OTT platforms and key industry players. Dancing Atoms Studios founder Saraswathi Buyyala is actively engaging with embassies from 17 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom) to facilitate collaborations for these top- 42 projects. In order to promote these projects, meetings are also being scheduled with prominent distributors. The top 42 projects represent a diverse spectrum, including 12 feature films, 9 TV series, 3 AR/VR experiences, and 18 short films, offering a rich variety for potential viewers and collaborators.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s crucial support has been instrumental in elevating AFC WAVES 2025 to its current stature. The dedication to fostering original storytelling within the animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production sectors has provided invaluable resources and recognition, empowering emerging talent on a significant platform. This  competition and its rigorous screening processes and enriching learning opportunities, underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s creative potential in the dynamic world of animation. Each selected entry offers a unique narrative and showcases diverse creative approaches, including compelling international submissions. Going forward, the future of animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production storytelling will unfold at WAVES AFC 2025.

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

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Source: Government of India

PM to address programme marking Civil Services Day on 21st April

PM to confer Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address Civil Servants on 21st April, at around 11 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards will be given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They will be recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

 

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