India’s coal production and dispatch witnessed steady growth in April 2025, compared to the same period last year. This reflects the continued efforts of the Ministry of Coal and its subsidiaries to ensure consistent supply and operational stability in the sector.
The overall coal production in India during April 2025 reached 81.57 MT (Provisional), marking an increase over the 78.71 MT produced in the corresponding period of the previous year. Production from Captive/Other entities mines during April 2025 in FY 2025-26 stood at 14.51 MT (Provisional), registering a significant rise from 11.46 MT recorded during the same period last year. This surge highlights the growing contribution of captive mining to India’s overall coal output.
India’s total coal dispatch during April 2025 reached 86.64 MT (Provisional), demonstrating a steady increase from 85.11 MT recorded during April 2024 in FY 2025-26.
As on 30.04.2025, the coal stock held by coal companies witnessed a notable surge, reaching 125.76 MT in FY 2025-26, as compared to 102.41 MT during the corresponding period of the previous year. AtCoal India Limited (CIL) alone, the total coal stock stood at 105 MT in FY 2025-26, marking a 22.10% growth over the 86.60 MT recorded during the same period last year. This surge reflects an impressive annual growth rate of 22.8% underscoring the robust performance and efficiency of the coal sector.
The Ministry of Coal remains committed to achieving sustainable growth, improving coal availability, and reducing dependence on imports. With the positive momentum, the coal sector continues to play a pivotal role in powering India’s growth story.
Envisioned by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, WAVES is an important platform for the Entertainment Industry: Shah Rukh Khan Time to Create Affordable Cinema Experience for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: Shah Rukh Khan
WAVES is a timely initiative converging all media platforms together: Deepika Padukone
India’s soft power is poised to take the next leap with WAVES in the years to come: Karan Johar
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:50PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
Actor and filmmaker Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his gratitude on behalf of the film industry to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for conceptualizing and bringing together the WAVE Summit that has the potential to further strengthen the entertainment industry. He mentioned how relevant this platform is for the industry and that it will provide much-needed synergy and support from the government on various fronts.
Speaking about the immense possibility India holds as a film-shooting destination, Khan shared how India could be the next destination for international filmmakers to ‘Shoot in India.’ Further, he emphasized on how various forms of agreements with international film bodies and industries could go a long way in shaping and strengthening India’s entertainment industry.
Khan also stressed upon making the Indian cinema more affordable for the viewers of tier-2 and tier-3 cities. He ideated on bringing single-screen cinema experience to these cities which would help films to reach a larger audience.
Actor Deepika Padukone also shared the view in terms of importance of WAVES and called it a timely intervention bringing together various mediums of media and entertainment industry. She said the various verticals of the sector were so far working in silos with less convergence while WAVES has a wider scope and has possibilities of weaving together films, OTT, Animation, AI, and other immersive technologies.
While speaking on the sidelines of the Day-1 of WAVE Summit, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone had an immersive interaction with filmmaker Karan Johar in a jampacked session named ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler.’ They contemplated on their journey in the film industry and on how they carved out a niche for themselves. Shah Rukh Khan shared his views on the ‘outsider-insider’ tags and called the youth to treat the film industry as any other profession where hard work and perseverance has no substitute.
Talking of the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry in the time of social media and image management, Khan suggested the newcomers to focus on their skills rather than merely focusing on their image. Padukone added that the time is to distinguish oneself through their unique strengths and abilities.
In his concluding remarks, filmmaker Karan Johar called India a soft power which is poised to take the next leap with WAVES in the years to come.
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Shuchita/ Darshana | 127
50 Days to International Day of Yoga 2025: Nashik prepares to celebrate “Yoga Mahotsav” tomorrow Global recognition of Yoga stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and is a matter of immense national pride: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Ayush Minister
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi
The holy city of Nashik, renowned for its spiritual heritage and as the site of the revered Mahakumbh, is all set to host a grand celebration—Yoga Mahotsav 2025— on 2nd May to mark the 50-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY). The event is being organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
The Mahotsav will begin with a mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM on May 2, 2025, at Gauri Maidan, Ramkund Parisar, Panchavati, in the gracious presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with several dignitaries, Yoga practitioners, and citizens from all walks of life.
As Nashik prepares for the upcoming Mahakumbh 2027, hosting this milestone event imbues the countdown to IDY 2025 with spiritual resonance, echoing the energy of a city where wellness, tradition, and sacredness converge.
Since the United Nations adopted June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, at the behest of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has led a global movement promoting the timeless wisdom of Yoga. Over the past decade, the Ministry of Ayush has successfully coordinated ten editions of IDY, engaging millions of people worldwide and showcasing Yoga as a powerful tool for unity, health, and harmony.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, urged the citizens of Nasik to participate in the event and said, that “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative led to the United Nations declaring June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. This global recognition of Yoga stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and is a matter of immense national pride. IDY symbolizes global unity, wellness, and harmony, with annual Mass Yoga Demonstrations led by the Prime Minister. With the same spirit and enthusiasm, preparations for IDY 2025 are already in full swing.”
The Ministry of Ayush invites every citizen to be a part of this transformative celebration. As the countdown to June 21, 2025 progresses, the message is clear: Yoga is not just a practice—it is a movement for national health, inner peace, and global well-being.
To mark the importance of 11th edition of IDY 2025, and the rich legacy of previous 10 editions of International Day of Yoga the Ministry of Ayush has curated ten Signature Events, each designed to reach diverse sections of society and promote Yoga as a way of life.
Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary presides over the 69th Foundation Day of Directorate of Enforcement (ED), in New Delhi, today Contribution of Directorate of Enforcement will be extremely important in an economically secure India: MoS Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary
Between 2014 to 2024, 5,113 new PMLA investigations initiated: ED Director Shri Rahul Navin
ASG Shri S.V. Raju urges ED officers to stay abreast of changing ML scenarios and elaborated on using the various tools available under PMLA
Shri Chaudhary also releases the ED Annual Report for FY 2024-25
ED also confers 23 awards under various categories to its officers and Zonal Units
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:28PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary presided over the 69th Foundation Day of Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in New Delhi, today.
Also present on the dais were Shri S.V. Raju, Additional Solicitor General; Shri Rahul Navin, Director, ED; Shri Subhash Aggarwal and Shri Prashant Kumar, Special Directors, ED; and Shri Naval Kishore Ram, Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
The 69th Foundation Day celebrations were also attended by ex-Directors of ED; heads of various investigative agencies; international delegates from various organisations; all India officers of JD and above level; senior officials of Government of India; and also from Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
In his address on the occasion, Shri Chaudhary said, “The vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is that no economic offender should be able to deprive the common and poor citizens of their rights, and prevention is essential for this as well as ensuring that the offender receives appropriate punishment. The role of the Enforcement Directorate is extremely important in both areas.”
Shri Chaudhary also stated that as India is marching towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the nature of the economy and economic activities will also change, and complexities will also increase, which might result in evolution of the nature of economic crimes. The Minister emphasised on the critical role the Enforcement Directorate will play in the future.
“The vision of a developed India inherently includes the vision of a secure India. The contribution of the Enforcement Directorate will be extremely important in an economically secure India,” the Minister added.
In his address on the occasion, Shri Navin emphasised on the significant step-up in enforcement activity from 2014 to 2024, with 5,113 new PMLA investigations were initiated averaging more than 500 cases per year. Building on this momentum, Shri Navin noted that in the Financial Year 2024-25, 775 new PMLA investigations were launched, 333 Prosecution Complaints were filed, leading to 34 individual convictions.
During this period, Shri Navin said that ED has issued 461 provisional attachment orders valued at Rs. 30,036 crore – a 44% increase in the number of attachments and a striking 141% rise in their total value compared to the previous year. As on 31st March, 2025, the total value of assets under provisional attachment stood at Rs. 1,54,594 crore.
Shri Navin also apprised the gathering that with the approval of the courts, restitution of Rs. 15,261 crore was done in 30 cases during F.Y. 2024-25 and this process is likely to accelerate in FY2025-26.
“The ED has filed 333 prosecution complaints last year, taking the total cases under various stage of trial to 1,739 as on 31st March, 2025; and of the 47 cases decided so far, there have been only 3 acquittals, yielding a commendable conviction rate of 93.6%,” Shri Navin added.
In his address on the occasion, Shri S.V. Raju highlighted the growing use of cryptocurrency and hawala traders as tools for Money Laundering (ML) and urged the ED officers to stay abreast of the changing ML scenarios and elaborated on the tools under PMLA.
On the occasion, Shri Chaudhary also released the Annual Report for FY 2024-25.
During the celebrations, the officers of the ED were also conferred various awards under the following categories:
President’s Medal for Meritorious Service: Shri Abhishek Goyal, former Special Director, ED, was handed over the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2024 for his exemplary investigation work.
CATEGORY I: Rendering dutiful and exemplary service over a long period of time:
Shri Sujit Sadhak, Joint Director, Chennai Zonal Office-II
Shri Suram Chandra, Sepoy, Jammu Sub-Zonal Office
CATEGORY II: Displaying exceptional intelligence gathering/investigation skills leading to successful search/seizure and post action:
Shri Manoj Mittal, Deputy Director (INT-I), Headquarters Office
CATEGORY III: Exhibiting extraordinary valour and courage without paying heed to their safety and security in the line of their duty:
Jalandhar Zonal Office: Under the supervision of Shri Ravi Tiwari, Additional Director, the highest number of convictions have been secured by Jalandhar Zonal Office during the Financial year 2024-25.
Hyderabad Zonal Office: Under the supervision of Shri Rohit Anand, Joint Director, the highest number of Prosecution Complaints were filed by Hyderabad Zonal Office during the Financial year 2024-25.
Gurugram Zonal Office: Under the supervision of Shri Navaneet Agrawal, Joint Director, the highest value of properties were provisionally attached by Gurugram Zonal Office during the Financial year 2024-25.
The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving (i) acquisition of 40% shareholding of HCCH by Jubilant Beverages Limited (JBL) and (ii) proposed subscription to CCPS in JBL by Jubilant BevCo Limited and the Investors.
Jubilant Beverages Limited (JBL) and Jubilant BevCo Limited (BevCo) are newly incorporated entities that have recently commenced the business of trading of ready to cook-eat food items on purchase order basis. JBL and BevCo belong to the Jubilant Bhartia Group. The Jubilant Bhartia Group is present in diverse sectors in India such as pharmaceuticals, contract research and development services, proprietary novel drugs, life science ingredients, agri products etc.
WSSS Investments Aggregator 1 Pte. Ltd. (Investor 1) and WSSS Investments Aggregator 2 Pte. Ltd. (Investor 2) are collectively referred to as ‘Investors’. The Investors are companies incorporated in Singapore and are owned by funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM), an investment manager. GSAM is indirectly wholly owned by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc (USA) (GS). GS, a Delaware corporation, is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a range of banking, securities and investment services worldwide. GS together with its group entities comprise the GS Group (JBL, BevCo and the Investors are collectively referred to as the ‘Acquirers’).
Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Private Limited (HCCH/ Target) is a holding company having no independent activities in India and belongs to The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) group. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited (HCCB) is a subsidiary of the Target. HCCB is engaged in the preparing, packaging, supply and distribution of a variety of Coca-Cola beverages in India. It is also engaged in the preparation and distribution of beverages under the ‘Monster’ brand owned by Monster Inc.
The proposed combination relates to inter alia: (i) JBL’s proposed acquisition of 40% of the shareholding of HCCH from Hindustan Coca-Cola Overseas Holdings Pte. Ltd., and Bharat Coca-Cola Overseas Holdings Pte. Ltd.; and (ii) BevCo’s and the Investors’ proposed subscription to compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) in JBL. [step (i) and (ii) together comprise the Proposed Combination].
The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition in HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited by KKR through Hector Asia Holdings and KIA EBT II Scheme.
Hector Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. (Hector) is private company incorporated in Singapore. It is an indirectly wholly-owned by investment funds, vehicles and / or accounts advised and managed by various subsidiaries of KKR and Co. Inc (“KKR & Co.” and together with its subsidiaries, “KKR”).
KIA EBT II Scheme 1, an employee benefit scheme of KIA EBT Trust II (EBT) is an employee benefit scheme of KIA EBT Trust II, a trust settled under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Its beneficiaries are employees of KKR.
KKR is a global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds.
HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited (Target) is a publicly listed company. It is active in the business of (a) operating multi-specialty hospitals at Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Hubli and comprehensive cancer care centres; (b) providing cancer care services, diagnosis and treatment; (c) operating day care clinics, fertility centres, radiology and PET-CT facilities; (d) providing reproductive medicine services; and (e) conducting life sciences, academic research and clinical testing, and diagnostics providing precision medicine solutions.
Hector along with EBT propose to acquire up to 54% of the diluted voting share capital of the Target from Aceso Company Pte. Ltd. in two tranches. Pursuant to the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, a mandatory tender offer in India will be triggered, requiring Hector to make an open offer to the public shareholders of the Target for acquisition of up to 26% of the expanded voting share capital of the Target. Depending on tendering of shares in the open offer, the Acquirers are expected to hold an eventual stake of between 54% of the expanded voting share capital to 77% of the expanded voting share capital of the Target (Proposed Combination)
Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 184 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In view of significant improvement in the daily average AQI of Delhi and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the actions under Stage-I of GRAP in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 02.04.2025. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the Sub-Committee observed as under:
Owing to strong winds and favourable meteorological conditions, the AQI of Delhi has shown improvement and has been recorded as 184 for 01.05.2025 (in ‘Moderate’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM also predicts AQI to remain in ‘Moderate’ category in coming days.
Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./ GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the ‘Poor’ category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEF&CC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./ GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC, across all contributing sectors.
In this context, all the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities and Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.
US Secretary of Defense dials Raksha Mantri; Extends condolences for the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam terror attack Pakistan exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism & destabilising the region; Global community must explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts: Shri Rajnath Singh
US stands in solidarity with India & supports India’s right to defend itself: Mr Pete Hegseth
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi
US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth, on May 01, 2025, called Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to express his sympathies and condolences for the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives in the recent dastardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. During the conversation, Raksha Mantri told the US Secretary of Defense that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations.
“Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism,” Raksha Mantri said. He added that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts of terrorism.
The US Secretary of Defense reiterated full support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism. US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself, he said.
To enhance road safety, enable proactive measures and bring behavioural change among road users, a day-long ‘National Brainstorming Seminar on Road Safety Policy 2025’ was organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in New Delhi.
The day-long deliberations and insightful panel discussions were held with various stakeholders to suggest, highlight and reconcile measures pertaining to various aspects of road safety that can be implemented in the National Road Safety Policy to save precious lives.
The seminar focused on eight thematic areas, which will provide action plan for road safety. Panel discussions with stakeholders and industry experts were held on various topics which included Accident Spot Rectification and Proactive Hazard Mitigation, Improving Effectiveness of District Road Safety Committees, School Zone Road Safety, Behavioural Change and Effective Communication, Evidence Driven Enforcement, Implementation of Driver Training, Licensing and Policies, Strengthening Vehicular Safety Standards, Post Crash Response, Highway Rescue and Cashless Treatment.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Ajay Tamta; Senior officials from Ministry, NHAI, Secretary PWD, Secretary Transport, ADG (Traffic) of States, Education Ministry from Government of India, World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, SaveLIFE Foundation, Road Safety Experts, DPR Consultants, Consultants, Contractors, Research institutions and NGOs were present on the occasion.
Participating in the discussions Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari shared his valuable insights to enable thought provoking and impactful deliberations on different topics. He emphasised the need to intervene at the DPR stage of road building itself, whether it is broad engineering issues or school zones. Imploring the audience to find solutions grounded in data and evidence, he highlighted how small and low-cost interventions can play a significant role in saving lives.
Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate and make roads safer for every commuter and road user.
Setting the context of the seminar, Shri V Umashankar, Secretary, MoRTH said, “Road safety is a cause that touches every citizen. This brainstorming session is an important step toward shaping the National Road Safety Policy 2025. Our goal is to have concrete, evidence-based, and implementable recommendations across all aspects of road safety. We have a clear objective to drastically reduce fatalities by 2030. With the collective participation from all stakeholders, we can make India a global model for road safety. This daylong seminar is a platform for collaborative action, and I am sure this will lead to building a safer, smarter road ecosystem across the country.”
Addressing the audience, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration), NHAI emphasised that Road safety needs to be addressed on a larger scale in a very holistic manner. Today’s seminar brings together all key stakeholders on a single platform for a focused, action-driven dialogue.
In pursuance of the Government of India’s mission of reducing road accident casualties by 50% by the end of 2030, the day-long brainstorming seminar not only addressed the vital issues in ensuring road safety for all, but also helped in outlining key aspects that will help in shaping the policy for safety of road users across the country.
Shri. Rakesh Verma, assumes charge as Director General, India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi here today. Shri Verma is a 1993 batch IAS Officer from Punjab Cadre. He holds a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi.
2. Prior to this, he was serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Earlier he also served as Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
3. Shri. Ashish Goyal, assumed charge as Director General, Media in the Election Commission of India (ECI) today. Shri Goyal is a 1996 batch IIS officer. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from Panjab University and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.
4. Prior to this, he was serving as the Director General of National Museum, Ministry of Culture with additional charge of Director, Salar Jung Museum.