Month: May 2025

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India calls for preventive measures by 11 States to protect the lives of vulnerable people from heat waves in this summer

Highlights the NCRB data of 3,798 deaths between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes

Emphasizes the risk to the economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and particularly the homeless, due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources

Calls for action taken reports to deal with the heat waves as per the existing SOPs in the States, or the NDMA guidelines

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

In view of the heatwaves during summer particularly in the northern, central and western parts of the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the 11 states to take immediate preemptive measures to protect the vulnerable people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources. Highlighting NCRB data about the reported deaths of 3,798 persons between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes, the Commission has emphasized the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures.

The Commission in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, has called for provisioning of shelters, supply of relief materials, amendment of working hours and availability of standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses.

In its communication to the States, the Commission has reiterated the NDMA guidelines to mitigate the impacts of heat waves, which include:

• Establishing and implementing standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses and treatment protocols;

• Activate public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies;

• Supply fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies; and

• Amend working hours, provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.

These states have been asked to submit action taken reports to protect the lives of those vulnerable to heat waves as per existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to States to mitigate the impact of heat waves.

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NSK

(Release ID: 2125777) Visitor Counter : 140

Source: Government of India

Three new initiatives by ECI

Electronic obtaining data of Death registration for updation of electoral rolls BLOs to get standard photo ID

Voter Information Slips to be made more elector friendly

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

The Election Commission of India has introduced new initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls, making the voting process more convenient for citizens. These measures are in line with the initiatives as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi in March this year.

The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023). This will ensure that the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) receive timely information about registered deaths. This will also enable Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to re-verify the information through field visits, without waiting for a formal request under Form 7.

To make Voter Information Slips (VIS) more voter friendly, the Commission has also decided to modify its design. The serial number and part number of the voter will now be displayed more prominently, with increased font size, making it easier for voters to identify their polling station and for polling officials to locate their names in the electoral roll efficiently.

The Commission has also directed that all BLOs, who are appointed by the EROs under Section 13B (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, be issued standard photo identity cards to ensure that citizens can recognise and interact confidently with BLOs during voter verification and registration drives. As the first interface between the voters and the ECI in performing election related duties, it is important that BLOs are easily identifiable to the public while conducting house-to-house visits.

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PK/GDH/RP

(Release ID: 2125769) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:28PM by PIB Delhi

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command today.

A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was commissioned into the MADRAS Regiment in December 1987. He is qualified on Higher Command Course and has also attended course at National Defence College, New Delhi.

The General Officer has a rich operational experience. He commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade and Division along the Line of Control and has Commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.

The General Officer has a varied exposure in staff and instructional appointments including being a staff officer in UN Mission. He has held important appointments at Military Operations Directorate and Military Secretary Branch in the Army Headquarters. He was also the Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), prior to taking over as GOC-in-C, Northern Command.

On assuming the command, the GOC-in-C conveyed his greetings to all ranks and expressed his commitment to take forward the excellent work by his predecessors and all ranks of Northern Command.

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SC                                                                                                                            

(Release ID: 2125755) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, relinquished the Command of Indian Army’s Northern Command on 30^th April 2025, after completing an illustrious career of four decades in the Indian Army. In a solemn ceremony on his departure, the GOC-in-C paid homage to the Bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. An alumnus of Sainik School, Bijapur and NDA, Khadakwasla, the General Officer was commissioned into 1 ASSAM Regiment on 8^th June 1985. He has a rich and versatile experience of Conventional and Counter Terrorism/ Insurgency operations in Northern and Eastern Command theatres of the country. His command appointments were all in J&K that includes command of a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, an Infantry Brigade, a Division and a Corps.

He assumed the appointment of GOC-in-C, Northern Command on 19^th February 2024. During his command, he provided Strategic guidance and Operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic Counter-Terrorism operations in J&K. He ensured a balanced operational situation on the borders and hinterland. Under his leadership, training was evolved to align with the changing operational dynamics, preparing personnel for both current and futuristic challenges.

Under his command, efforts were also made to galvanise resources as per Veterans Engagement programs to assist Veterans, ‘Veer-Matas’ and ‘Veer Naris’ within Northern Command Areas. Other key areas of focus under his leadership were facilitating upliftment of the youth, women empowerment and development of the local communities to include ‘Gujjars’ and ‘Bakkerwals’ through Operation Sadhbhavna. Multiple infrastructure projects were undertaken for upliftment of the local communities.

In his farewell address the General officer complimented all ranks for their selfless service and exhorted them to continue their good work in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. The Indian Army wishes the General Officer and his family very best in their future endeavours.

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SC                                                                                                                            

(Release ID: 2125754) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan to Launch White Paper on India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative at WAVES 2025

India poised to emerge among the top five global entertainment destinations by 2030

Live Events to be one of the fastest-growing verticals in India’s M&E ecosystem

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 1:27PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 1 May 2025

 

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri L. Murugan, will unveil “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative”—a first-of-its-kind white paper commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

The White Paper will be formally released on May 3, 2025, during WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai. The White Paper presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s rapidly expanding live entertainment industry, highlighting emerging trends, growth trajectories, and strategic recommendations for the sector’s continued evolution.

India’s live events landscape is undergoing a transformation—from a fragmented sector to a structured and influential pillar of the country’s cultural and creative economy. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a defining inflection point, with international acts such as ‘Coldplay’ performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signaling India’s readiness to host global-scale events.

Key trends in the sector include the rise of event tourism, with nearly half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events—indicating the emergence of a robust music-tourism economy. Premium ticketing segments—such as VIP experiences, curated access, and luxury hospitality—have witnessed over 100% year-on-year growth, pointing to an increasingly experience-driven audience. Participation from Tier-2 cities has surged, driven by multi-city tours and the growing popularity of regional festivals.

In 2024, the organized live events segment recorded 15% growth, contributing an additional ₹13 billion in revenue—establishing it as one of the fastest-growing verticals within India’s media and entertainment ecosystem. Large-scale events in the current landscape typically generate approximately 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to employment and skill development.

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030, unlocking new avenues for economic growth, employment generation, tourism, and enhanced global cultural presence.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Darshana | 121

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(Release ID: 2125721) Visitor Counter : 99

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, Former Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission today. The Oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), seniormost Member of the Commission.

Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi did her Graduation in English and Post Graduation in History from Nagpur University. She also has an M.Phil in Public Administration and Diploma in the Russian Language.

Ms. Chaturvedi belongs to the 1989 batch of the Indian Administrative Service and was allotted Bihar Cadre. She has vast administrative experience of more than three decades in the cadre, as well as in the Government of India. In the State, she served as Principal Secretary, D/o Finance, Commercial Tax Commissioner, Secretary, D/o Finance, Vice Chairman, D/o Urban Development. At the Centre, she held the post of Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Additional Secretary, DOPT and Regional Deputy Director General in Unique Identification Authority of India. Ms. Chaturvedi, during her tenure as the Secretary, Dept of Sports, contributed significantly to many initiatives for the overall development of sports in the country. To name a few, some of her initiatives are hosting the annual Khelo India Games, the FIDE Chess Olympiad, FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, implementation of a National Sports Repository System, country-wide mapping of standard sports facilities and the enactment of the Anti-Doping bill to strengthen the nation’s fight against doping.

Ms. Chaturvedi hails from the state of Maharashtra. She is conversant

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 9:05AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted the people of Gujarat on its Statehood day today.

In separate posts on X, he said:

“On the proud occasion of their Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of Gujarat. The state has distinguished itself for its culture, spirit of enterprise and dynamism. The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress.”

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2125647) Visitor Counter : 100

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

Maj Gen Lisamma PV assumed the appointment of Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service (MNS) in New Delhi on May 01, 2025. She succeeds Maj Gen Sheena PD who superannuated on April 30, 2025 after serving for four decades. Hailing from Kollam district of Kerala, Maj Gen Lisamma PV is an alumna of School of Nursing, Military Hospital, Jalandhar.

 

After her commissioning into MNS in 1986, the General Officer obtained Bachelor’s degree in Arts & Law along with Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration. Alongside her professionally rich nursing career, she has excelled as an administrator handling various appointments such as Principal College of Nursing, Command Hospital Air Force, (Bangalore); Principal Matron, Command Hospital (Eastern Command); Brigadier MNS HQ (Eastern Command); Brigadier MNS (Admin) Integrated HQ of Ministry of Defence, and the recent appointment at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) as Principal Matron.

Maj Gen Lisamma PV’s strong resolve for evidence-based best practices through training and research, to stay relevant at all times, has been widely appreciated.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2125743) Visitor Counter : 99

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the media report about more than 100 children falling ill after consuming mid-day meal in the Mokama area of Patna, Bihar

Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary, Bihar and Superintendent of Police, Patna, calling for a detailed report within two weeks

The report to include the health status of the children

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that more than 100 children fell ill after consuming mid-day meal in a government school, in the Mokama area of Patna in Bihar on 24th April, 2025. Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it.

The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students. Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Bihar, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the children.

According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, about 500 children had consumed the mid-day meal. The news about the children falling ill due to the consumption of the mid-day meal led to the blocking of the road by the protesting villagers.

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NSK

(Release ID: 2125686) Visitor Counter : 52