Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chairs “Manthan Shivir” organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals in New Delhi today

Source: Government of India

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chairs “Manthan Shivir” organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals in New Delhi today
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Government committed to achieving long-term, sustainable growth in the chemical sector: Shri JP Nadda

Union Minister encourages the participants to devote time regularly on thinking innovative, out of the box ideas and solutions

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals organised a one day “Manthan Shivir” in New Delhi today, chaired by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, with discussions focussing on fostering long-term development of the Indian chemical and petrochemical sector.

The recommendations emerging from discussions on all the thematic areas were presented before the Union Minister, under whose strategic insight this initiative was implemented. The Union Minister of Chemicals &Fertilizers acknowledged that the Manthan conference is a constructive platform for engaging in thoughtful and comprehensive discussions about the sector’s future.

Shri JP Nadda congratulated the Department for organizing the Manthan Shivir and choosing topics which are of contemporary relevance to the sector. He encouraged the participants to think beyond routine administrative tasks and motivated them to devote time regularly on thinking innovative, out of the box ideas and solutions.

Thanking the representatives of the other Ministries/ Departments for their enthusiastic participation in the deliberations, he suggested that such deliberative processes following a holistic and whole-of-Government approach should be held at regular intervals to avoid policymaking in silos and to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also added that this thought process and dialogue should be institutionalised to make it a continuous process.

While acknowledging the challenges that remain, Shri J.P. Nadda  emphasized the collective commitment to achieving long-term, sustainable growth in the chemical sector and expressed confidence in the fact that with the right approach, India can build a more resilient and self-reliant industrial ecosystem.

Addressing the meeting Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemical, alluded to the critical importance of India’s chemical sector, pointing out that the industry contributes about 1.4% to GDP and accounts for almost 9% of gross value addition in manufacturing. She noted that while considerable progress has been made in terms of infrastructure development, there is need for more concerted efforts to support the development of the sector in view of ever changing geopolitical realities as well as the vision of the Government for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

During the day discussions were held which were centred on 6 thematic areas, viz. “Infrastructure Development; Sustainability, Recycling & Circular Economy; Trade Remedial Measures; Boosting Manufacturing Towards Viksit Bharat; Skilled Workforce & Training; and Road Map for Future Ready Plastic Industry”. Each of these topics were deliberated upon in a comprehensive manner by dedicated groups including representatives from other Ministries and Departments such as Revenue, Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Pharmaceuticals, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Science & Technology, Textiles, MSME, MoEFCC, NITI Aayog as well as organisations such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, Central Pollution Control Board, Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology etc.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2122551) Visitor Counter : 51

PM interacts with Delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community

Source: Government of India

PM interacts with Delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community

Delegation thanks PM for bringing about Waqf Amendment Act which was their long pending demand

Delegation shares  stories of challenges faced by the Community earlier due to claims by Waqf; says PM has brought this Act not only for minorities but for minority within minorities

Praising PM’s leadership under which they feel spirit of inclusion, community members repose faith in PM’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas

One of the key drivers behind bringing the Act was that most of the sufferers of the prevalent system were women, especially widows: PM

PM discusses his connect with the Dawoodi Bohra community and praises the contribution of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin towards bringing forth the Waqf Act

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with a Delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community members at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today.

The Delegation included business leaders, professionals, doctors, educators and various prominent representatives of the Dawoodi Bohra community. They narrated their struggles and shared stories of how properties belonging to members of their community were wrongfully claimed by Waqf. They thanked the Prime Minister for bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act and said it was a long pending demand.

They spoke about the Prime Minister’s long-standing special connection with the Dawoodi Bohra community and the positive work done by him. Speaking about the benefit of the Act for their Community, they said that the Prime Minister has brought this Act not only for minorities but for minority within minorities. While saying that India has always allowed their identity to flourish, they added that under PM’s leadership, they feel the spirit of inclusion.

Discussing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, they expressed commitment and all possible assistance in the journey towards making India developed. They also lauded his leadership which brings focus on the aspect that true development should be people-centric. They praised several key initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, support for MSMEs etc saying they have been very helpful especially for small businesses. They also appreciated steps like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and other measures towards empowering Nari Shakti.

Prime Minister spoke about the years of work behind bringing forth the Waqf Amendment Act. He spoke about difficulties faced by people due to Waqf and said that one of the key drivers behind bringing the Act was that most of the sufferers of the prevalent system were women, especially widows.

Prime Minister recalled his strong bonds with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community. He praised the tradition of the community of working towards social welfare, which he has seen over the years. He also brought out the special contribution of the community towards bringing about the Act. He said when work towards bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act started, one of the first people he discussed this with was Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who was instrumental in giving detailed comments about various nitty-gritties of the Act.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122549) Visitor Counter : 126

Government holds seminar on “United Response to US’s Unjustified Imposition of Tariffs” for HKSAR Deputies to NPC and HKSAR members of National Committee of CPPCC (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Government held a seminar today (April 17) at the Central Government Offices to exchange views with around 100 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the United States (US)’s unjustified imposition of tariffs. The seminar aimed to address the risks posed by the US’s bullying and barbaric actions and to unite all sectors in analysing and seizing opportunities in the new international trade order.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, stated at the seminar that the US’s recent imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on multiple countries and regions seriously violates the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and recklessly undermines the international trade order. He pointed out that the US’s imposition of a so-called 145 per cent tariff on Hong Kong, which has zero tariffs, is full of fallacies and violates logic. The Government has repeatedly issued stern statements expressing strong disapproval and urged the US to cease disrupting free trade.

The opinions expressed at the seminar reflected that the US Government’s bullying and unjustified imposition of tariffs is a disruption to the global trade order, severely impacting the global supply chain that many countries have worked hard to establish over the past few decades. Hong Kong will not yield and will face challenges with a firm attitude of turning crises into opportunities. In the process of restructuring global trade relations and supply chains, Hong Kong must maintain confidence, stand shoulder to shoulder with our country, grasp the emerging new order, explore new trade frontiers, safeguard economic security, and promote economic upgrading and transformation.

The Government is fully committed to leading society in unity and co-operation, strengthening regional trade collaboration, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, exploring emerging markets, and driving the sustainable development of Hong Kong.

As members of the country’s major institutions, HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC are leaders from various sectors of Hong Kong. They will leverage their influence in their respective roles, consolidate strength, and play a driving role in the “long battle” of restructuring the trade order. They will also provide advice to the Government to jointly navigate through this “long battle”.

Also attending the seminar were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san; and the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan.

Under the guidance of the Chief Executive, the current-term Government has established a regular exchange mechanism with HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC to enhance the Government’s communication and collaboration with them. This includes exchanges and meetings on a regular and non-regular basis, seminars and exchange sessions on various issues and policies. An exchange and liaison office and an exclusive contact point for the NPC deputies and CPPCC members have also been set up to better collect their views and recommendations. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will continue to take forward the regular exchange mechanism for strengthening the organisation and unity of patriots with affection for the country and our city.

     

SANSKRIT IS NOT MERELY A CLASSICAL LANGUAGE, BUT ALSO A PROFOUND MEDIUM OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

Source: Government of India

SANSKRIT IS NOT MERELY A CLASSICAL LANGUAGE, BUT ALSO A PROFOUND MEDIUM OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

STUDENTS MUST DON THE MANTLE OF SANSKRIT’S AMBASSADORS TO ILLUMINATE THE WORLD WITH RADIANCE OF INDIA’S TIMELESS KNOWLEDGE TRADITION.: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

LOK SABHA SPEAKER GIVES AWAY DEGREES AND GOLD MEDALS TO MERITORIOUS SCHOLARS

LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES INVITEES AT SEVENTH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF JAGADGURU RAMANANDACHARYA RAJASTHAN SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 7:48PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla extolled the eternal essence of Sanskrit today, calling it not merely a classical language, but also a profound medium of scientific inquiry and philosophical clarity. as the world rediscovers India’s wisdom through Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedantic philosophy, it becomes our sacred duty to awaken the younger generation to the treasures enshrined in Sanskrit, he remarked. Shri Birla made these remarks while speaking at the seventh convocation of the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur today.

Shri Birla noted that at a time when the most prestigious universities across the globe are delving into Sanskrit research, we must weave this ancient language into the fabric of modern innovation and technological advancement. He lauded the university’s pioneering initiatives, such as the scientific teaching of yoga, digitization of ancient manuscripts, and the introduction of online learning modules, calling them visionary steps toward cultural resurgence. He said that students must become torchbearers of Sanskrit’s timeless glory.

Tracing the university’s genesis, Shri Birla fondly recalled that the noble vision for this institution was born in the heart of the venerable Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan, under the divine guidance of Param Pujya Narayandas Ji Maharaj. He urged the graduating students to don the mantle of Sanskrit’s ambassadors, and to illuminate the world with the radiance of India’s timeless knowledge tradition.

On this occasion, Shri Birla gave away degrees and Gold Medals to meritorious scholars of the University. Swami Avdheshanand Giri was conferred with the Revered Title of ‘Vidya Vachaspati’.  The seventh convocation of the esteemed Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University unfolded with grandeur at the Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur. Among others, gracing the august occasion were Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Bagade, and Rajasthan’s Minister for Education and Panchayati Raj Shri Madan Dilawar.

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AM

 

(Release ID: 2122538) Visitor Counter : 97

Read this release in: Hindi

TRAI releases report on Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in six LSAs covering City/ Highways/ Railway routes/ coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh LSA, Himachal Pradesh LSA, Kerala LSA, UP-West LSA, Gujarat LSA and Odisha LSA during Feb 2025.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 7:07PM by PIB Delhi

TRAI, through its appointed agency, conducted Independent Drive Tests (IDT) in cities/highways/Railway/Coastal area of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh LSA), City & Railway route of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh LSA), Alappuzha & Alappuzha Backwaters (Kerala LSA), Dehradun (UP-West LSA), Rajkot (Gujarat LSA), Highway route of Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur, Railway route from Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar and Coastal area of Paradeep (Odisha LSA). Drive tests were conducted to assess the quality of service provided by Cellular Mobile Telephone Service providers for voice and data services in February 2025.

  1. In IDT, the performance of M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., M/s BSNL/MTNL, M/s Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and M/s Vodafone Idea Ltd., providing services in a Licensed Service Area (LSA) through various technologies (like 2G/ 3G/ 4G/ 5G) for voice and data, has been measured by conducting drive test. The observations presented in drive test reports represent the performance of the service providers on the area/ route under test on the day/ time of conducting the drive test.
  2. The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Voice as well as Data service were assessed for the networks of all Telecom service providers operating in the region:
  1. Voice services:
  1. Call setup success rate
  2. Drop call rate (DCR)
  3. Speech Quality using MOS (mean opinion score)
  4. Downlink & Uplink packet (voice) drop rate
  5. Call Silence Rate
  6. Coverage (%)- Signal strength

 

  1. Data Service:
  1. Data Throughput (Downlink and uplink both)
  2. Packet drop rate (Downlink & Uplink)
  3. Video streaming delay
  4. Latency
  5. Jitter

 

  1. The details of drive tests conducted in the six areas are given below:

S. No.

City / Routes Covered

Licensed Service Area

Period of Drive Test

Distance Covered

Performance summary

(attached at)

1

Alappuzha & Alappuzha Backwaters

Kerala

11-02-2025 to 14-02-2025

City: 309 Kms

Walk Test: 3.7 Kms

Coastal: 11.7 Kms

Annexure A

2

Dehradun

UP West

04-02-2025 to 07-02-2025

City: 227.5 Kms

Annexure B

3

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

24-02-2025 to 27-02-2025

City: 158.1 Kms

Railway: 95.7 Kms

Annexure C

4

Highway: Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur,

Railway: Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar and Coastal: Paradeep

Odisha

19-02-2025 to 20-02-2025

Highway:268.5 Kms

Railway: 165.8 Kms

Coastal: 2.8 Kms

Annexure D

5

Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh

03-02-2025 to 06-02-2025

City: 391 Kms

Walk Test: 5 Kms

Annexure E

6

Rajkot

Gujarat

17-02-2025 to 20-02-2025

City: 367.8 Kms

Walk Test: 1 Kms

Annexure F

 

  1. The detailed reports are available at TRAI website www.trai.gov.in. For any clarification/information, Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I) TRAI may be contacted on email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in or at Tel. No. +91-11-20907759.

 

(Atul Kumar Chaudhary)

Secretary

Annexure-A

  1. Drive test route Map: (Alappuzha City & Alappuzha Backwaters- Kerala LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Alappuzha & Alappuzha Backwaters under Kerala LSA.

Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

  1. Performance against key QoS parameters:

CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

 

  1. Drive test route Map: (Dehradun City- UP West LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Dehradun City under UP West LSA. Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

 

  1. Performance against key QoS parameters:

CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

 

  1. Drive test route Map: (Shimla – Himachal Pradesh LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Shimla City and Railway route from Shimla to Kalka under Himachal Pradesh LSA.

Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

 

  1. Performance against key QoS parameters:

CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

 

Drive test route Map: (Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur Highway & Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar Railway Route & Paradeep Coastal area – Odisha LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur Highway & Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar Railway Route & Paradeep Coast under Odisha LSA.

Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

 

  1. Performance against key QoS parameters:

CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

  1. Drive test route Map: (Hyderabad City- Andhra Pradesh LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Hyderabad City under Andhra Pradesh LSA.  Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

 

  1. Performance against key QoS parameters:

CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

1.   Drive test route Map: (Rajkot City- Gujarat LSA)

This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Rajkot City under Gujarat LSA.

Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below

 

2.   Performance against key QoS parameters:

        CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.

 

 Summary-Voice Service

Call Setup Success Rate:  Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have call setup success rate of 99.85%, 91.75%, 99.86% and 100.00% respectively in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).

Call Setup Time: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have call setup time of 1.25, 1.56, 0.72 & 0.77 seconds respectively in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).

 Drop Call Rate: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have drop call rate of 0.00%, 0.90%, 0.14% & 0.15% respectively in Auto selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).

Call Silence/Mute Rate: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have silence rate of 0.00%, 6.95%, 0.56% & 0.56% respectively in packet switched network (4G/5G).

Mean Opinion Score (MOS): Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have MOS score of 4.02, 2.91, 3.91 & 4.53 respectively.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2122532) Visitor Counter : 77

CS leads working group to strengthen departmental management regime establishment and performance accountability

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​To enhance governance efficiency and strengthen performance accountability, the Chief Executive has instructed the Chief Secretary for Administration to lead a working group to conduct in-depth reviews of the direct investigation operation reports issued by the Office of The Ombudsman from time to time. This aims to ensure that all heads of government departments proactively follow up on the recommendations from these investigations while strengthening the establishment of departmental management systems and reinforcing performance accountability among departmental managerial staff to enhance public service management.

Regarding the report released by the Office of The Ombudsman yesterday (April 16) on its direct investigation operation into the Government’s regulation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the construction industry, the Chief Secretary for Administration will meet with the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, to discuss the investigation findings and analyses in depth. The working group will gain a thorough understanding of the bottlenecks and core issues in the Government’s regulation of OSH in the construction industry, with a view to further enhancing the establishment of relevant departmental management systems, particularly the leadership and supervisory functions of managerial staff.

The Development Bureau, the Labour Department (LD), and the Buildings Department are thoroughly examining and studying the report released by the Office of The Ombudsman and are actively following up on the recommendations. The LD has referred the suspected criminal fraudulent acts discovered during the investigation to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel at Abu Road, Rajasthan

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel at Abu Road, Rajasthan

Brahma Kumari Sansthan has created a wonderful environment of simplicity, abstinence and cooperation in the world through sacrifice, penance and its brilliance

Brahma Kumari Sansthan is working as an ambassador of Indian culture by taking the message of peace and dialogue to the whole world

Prime Minister Modi Ji has done the work of giving our Vedic tradition to the whole world by celebrating International Yoga Day on 21st June

Today, crores of people in the world are walking the path of yoga, meditation and spirituality; this will become the path of world peace in the coming times

For the last 25 years, the efforts of Brahma Kumaris to reduce the stress of security personnel and lead them towards peace are commendable

Pujya Lekhraj Kripalani Ji established Brahma Kumari Sansthan and turned each one’s soul into a lamp to help them walk on the path of light

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel in Rajasthan. Many dignitaries including Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma were present on the occasion.

In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Brahma Kumaris are working to light a lamp of peace and spiritual practice in every human being across the world through yoga and meditation. He said that efforts are made here to awaken the goodness within every person and they have been doing it for a long time now. He added that one can feel an amazingly peaceful atmosphere when they arrive here and it is because of the spiritual energy existing in this place.

Shri Amit Shah said that when one finds a Guru in personal life, he is able to lead the path of righteousness and there are many examples of it. He said that some people do such work that it turns every person’s soul into a lamp and help them walk on the path of light. He said that by establishing Brahma Kumari, Lekhraj Kripalani Ji made a big call to make every person’s soul a lamp and move forward on the path of light, which is having a huge impact on the society today.

Union Home Minister said that Brahma Kumaris have worked to create a wonderful environment of simplicity, abstinence and cooperation across the world through their sacrifice, penance and brilliance. He said that two programs have taken place here simultaneously today – first, the launch of the theme of the year 2025-26 of the Brahma Kumari Sansthan, ‘Meditation for World Unity and World Faith, and, second, the inauguration of the national dialogue on self-empowerment through inner awakening of security force personnel.

Shri Amit Shah said that after 75 years of independence, our country has come a long way and has become the fifth largest economy in the world and in a few years we will become the third largest economy. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are aiming to become the leader in every field in the world on the centenary of independence in 2047. He said that India’s goal should be to take forward our traditions, that have the ability to lead to world brotherhood, connect the soul of every human with the divine and lead every life on the path of virtue, and organizations like Brahma Kumari are doing well in this direction.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the nation’s safety today is the result of the immense sacrifice and dedication of our security forces. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of our personnel who guard the borders under the most challenging conditions. He emphasized that in matters of internal security, the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and state police forces work diligently to uphold law and order and protect the vulnerable — a responsibility that often brings significant stress. Highlighting the importance of mental and emotional well-being, he said that helping security personnel find peace in their mind, body, and soul is a crucial mission. In this regard, he praised the Brahma Kumaris for their commendable efforts over the past 25 years in reaching out to security forces, alleviating their stress, and promoting inner peace, which in turn contributes to a stronger and more secure nation.

Shri Amit Shah highlighted India’s ancient tradition of harmonizing the mind, body, intellect, and soul through yoga and spirituality. He said that this legacy has long guided us on the path of knowledge, progress, and thoughtful policymaking to solve complex problems. He noted that today India continues to share this timeless wisdom with the world. He emphasized that the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that the whole world is one family—originated from India’s Upanishads, which embraced a global sense of unity and belonging. Shri Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India took a significant step in promoting its Vedic heritage globally by establishing International Yoga Day on 21st June. He added that today millions around the world are embracing yoga, meditation, and spirituality as a way of life. He expressed confidence that this path will increasingly become a foundation for global peace in the years to come.

Union Home Minister said that the profound knowledge of the soul, God, and the cycle of creation received by Pujya Lekhraj Kripalani Ji came to be known as “Brahma,” and the Brahma Kumaris organization was founded to share this spiritual wisdom with the world. He highlighted the vital role of women in this mission, noting that for generations, the divine feminine has been revered, and women have been at the heart of the Brahma Kumaris’ leadership and service. He emphasized that true change in the world begins with self-transformation—only when an individual transforms from within can they inspire change in others. Guided by this principle, the Brahma Kumaris have spread powerful and positive thoughts around the world. The Home Minister praised the organization for promoting values such as celibacy, vegetarianism, de-addiction, simplicity, and meditation. Through these practices, they help individuals connect the soul with God and realize their inner nature as pure, peaceful, and eternal beings—all in an accessible and relatable way. He said that through the strength of womanhood, the Brahma Kumaris have become ambassadors of Indian culture, spreading the message of peace, dialogue, and spiritual harmony across the globe.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2122524) Visitor Counter : 40

Read this release in: Hindi

“HK SciFest 2025” opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public’s curiosity about scientific world (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     “HK SciFest 2025”, organised by the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM), will be held from tomorrow (April 18) to April 27. The HKScM is collaborating with over 50 partners, including government departments, universities and science organisations, launching over 100 science programmes, including science workshops, lectures, seminars, film screenings, and site visits. Most activities are free, and members of the public are welcome to join.
 
     “HK SciFest” is one of the largest popular science events in Hong Kong. Addressing the opening ceremony today (April 17), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said although Hong Kong is geographically small, the city has generated numerous scientific research initiatives and innovations that benefit the global community. Notable examples include optical fibre networks which are capable of receiving and transmitting vast amount of information in a wink, and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis that provides safer and more accurate assessments to detect the risk of genetic disease in fetuses. With the theme of “Local Contributions in Science”, this year’s “HK SciFest” aims to showcase the vibrant ecosystem of scientific research in Hong Kong, and the collective efforts of local science institutions and organisations in popularising scientific knowledge and driving the development of science and technology through a wide range of programmes.
      
Other officiating guests today included the Chairperson of the Science Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.
 
Part of the Ground Floor Exhibition Hall of the HKScM will be converted into a “Science Bazaar” with more than 10 activity booths, where members of the public can enjoy a fun and educational science experience. Activities include a virtual autonomous vehicle driving game, a drone display, a virtual reality game to tour Geoparks in Hong Kong, local animal specimens, and learning how to identify the authenticity of gems using scientific methods. There will also be hands-on science demonstrations, mini-exhibitions and mini-workshops.
 
Other highlighted activities of the festival include Croucher Science Week, which will invite science communicators from around the world to host onsite science performances and workshops to explore techniques for coral propagation and reef rehabilitation and to assemble a model electric tricycle. In addition, lectures about saving sea turtles in Hong Kong and the application of artificial intelligence in daily life, film screenings of sci-fi films “Interstellar” (2014) and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001), guided tours at the Volcano Discovery Centre, and much more. For details of the activities and registration, please visit www.hk.science.museum/scifest2025/?lang=en

                       

FIU-IND and RBI sign MoU for enhanced coordination and information exchange

Source: Government of India

FIU-IND and RBI sign MoU for enhanced coordination and information exchange

The MoU will facilitate coordinated efforts towards effective compliance with Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Financial Intelligence Unit- India (FIU-IND) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at New Delhi, today, as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective implementation of requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder.

The MoU was signed by Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Director, FIU-IND and Shri R.L.K. Rao, Executive Director, Department of Regulation, Reserve Bank of India.

According to the MoU, FIU-IND and RBI will cooperate with each other in the areas of mutual interest including the following:

  1. Each Party to the MoU will appoint a nodal officer and an alternate nodal officer to interact with the other party.
  2. Sharing of relevant intelligence and information, available in their respective databases.
  3. Laying down procedure and manner in which the regulated entities/ reporting entities report to FIU-IND under the PML Rules.
  4. Conducting outreach and training for regulated entities /reporting entities.
  5. Upgradation of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) skills in the regulated entities / reporting entities regulated by RBI.
  6. Assessment of Money Laundering/Terror Financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities in the relevant financial sub-sectors.
  7. Identification of red flag indicators for Suspicious Transactions.
  8. Supervising and monitoring the compliance of reporting entities regulated by RBI with their obligations under PMLA, PML Rules and RBI instructions.
  9. Compliance with the relevant international standards.
  10. Conduct of quarterly meeting to discuss and share information on issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Bedobani Chaudhuri, Additional Director, FIU-IND, Ms. Veena Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Department of Regulation, RBI; Mr. Avinash Kumar, Deputy Director, FIU-IND and Mr. Sanjoy Ghosh, FSE, FIU-IND, were also present on the occasion.

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2122496) Visitor Counter : 43

Automation of process of submission of Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) of various services by telecom service providers

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

Earlier, TRAI had released revised QoS Regulations namely “The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (06 of 2024)’ on 02nd August 2024. These regulations have become effective from 1st October, 2024 and applicable for both access and broadband services provided on wireline as well as wireless media.

The regulations mandate that every service provider shall create or upgrade their system within six months of notification of these regulations for collection of primary data, its storage, processing, performance report generation and their online submission to the Authority.

Accordingly, the Authority, vide Direction dated 19.09.2024 and 03.01.2025, mandated the service providers to submit the performance monitoring report (PMR) of various services like access service (wireless), access service (wireline) and broadband (wireline) service within a period of fifteen (15) days from the end of the reporting period in the prescribed format.

In a major step towards automation of processes and ease of doing business for the service providers, the Authority has implemented digital and paperless process for submission of QoS performance monitoring report by the telecom service providers. PMR data submission for access service (wireless) has been automated through Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) considering the large size of data whereas PMR for access service (wireline) and broadband (wireline) service are being submitted through a user-friendly interface provided on PMR portal. In a significant milestone, PMRs for the quarter ending March 2025 have been submitted through the automated route by all the telecom service providers.

The automation of PMR submission helps to reduce human errors in the reports, simplifies the process, and minimizes the effort required by service providers.

For any clarification/information, Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I) TRAI may be contacted on email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in or at Tel. No. +91-11-20907759.

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Samrat

(Release ID: 2122480) Visitor Counter : 20