The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, & Employment) Policy, in August 2024, for ‘Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing’ across the country. Subsequently, The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE)’ with a new component namely Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry. With in the ambit of “High -Performance Biomanufacturing”, establishment of Bio-AI hubs for building of data driven and cutting edge paradigms in the areas of Health, Agriculture and Environment.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have issued a Joint Call for Proposals on Bio-AI for establishing मूलांकुर hubs under BioE3 Policy for Biomanufacturing. Bio-AI hubs are proposed to be established across academia and industry to provide critical and novel research leads impacting Health, Agriculture and Environment through conglomeration of AI and Biology.
The Letter of Intent (LoI) for Bio-AI is uniquely designed to utilize AI in Biology for solving key biological challenges in Biomolecular Design, Sustainable Agriculture, Synthetic Biology, Ayurveda and Genome Diagnostics. Therefore, the problem statements in these domains as well as possible research solutions are invited from multi-disciplinary teams with research expertise across fields of synthetic biology, AI/ML and Computation to address complex biological research challenges. The problem statements are to be addressed by data-driven, cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary programmatic research initiatives for projected outcomes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews DST Projects, Calls for AI led innovations, Support for Deep-Tech Startups Minister Champions India’s Own AI Open Stack to Propel Nation into Global Science Leadership
Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges ANRF to Help Medical Colleges Set Up Research Parks to Boost Clinical Innovation
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 4:53PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday chaired a comprehensive review of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), calling for bold new directions in science-driven growth, including AI-led innovations, deep tech StartUps and enhanced infrastructure sharing.
The meeting saw the Minister focus particularly on the evolving role of the newly constituted Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), as well as ongoing national missions like the Geospatial initiative.
Dr. Jitendra Singh held detailed discussions with Prof. Abhay Karandikar, ANRF’s newly appointed CEO, Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman and other senior officials of the Ministry. During the meeting, Dr. Kalyanaraman presented an ambitious vision for the ANRF, promising catalytic funding mechanisms, deep integration with private industry, and strategic missions modeled on globally successful institutions such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DARPA.
In a significant step aimed at boosting indigenous innovation, ANRF is preparing to launch a “Small Business Deep Tech Innovation” programme, which will empower startups and MSMEs to scale breakthrough technologies for real-world applications.
Recognizing the need to better utilize existing national research infrastructure, the Minister reviewed ANRF’s plan to create a “Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure,” a digital platform that would offer deep-tech startups and academic institutions access to underused scientific equipment and facilities across the country. This move is expected to democratize research capabilities, especially for smaller players who often lack access to high-end lab tools.
Among the major scientific thrusts discussed, the ANRF’s “AI-for-Science” initiative took centre stage. The programme aims to leverage artificial intelligence to accelerate discoveries in physics, chemistry, and biology by using machine learning to model complex scientific equations.
The Minister directed the ANRF leadership to kickstart a few select projects under this initiative and demonstrate tangible outcomes in the near term. He also encouraged the CEO to engage with university Vice Chancellors to raise awareness about the ANRF mission and opportunities for collaboration.
In another key direction, Dr. Jitendra Singh asked the ANRF to explore the possibility of helping medical colleges establish their own medical research parks — a move that could boost clinical innovation and local biotech entrepreneurship. The Minister further underscored the importance of building an indigenous “India AI Open Stack” — a foundational AI architecture embedded with science and engineering models tailored for Indian researchers. This, he noted, could position India as a global frontrunner in AI-driven scientific applications.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also revisited the concept of “deep science-to-deep tech acceleration,” urging the ANRF to focus on converting academic research — such as publications and patents — into commercial technologies. He emphasized the need for partnerships with top-tier industry players and the creation of venture-builder models to ensure that discoveries don’t remain confined to laboratories.
The Minister concluded by asking the ANRF to prioritize key areas of national relevance, including climate forecasting, material science, aerospace, biochemistry, and drug development. He stressed that the time has come for India to move from isolated innovation to a more integrated, impact-driven ecosystem that links research, startups, and industry.
The Result of the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2024 was declared vide Press Note dated 23.12.2024 recommending 69 candidates in the order of merit for appointment.
2. The Commission, in accordance with Rule 16 (iv) & (v) of the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2024, had also maintained a consolidated Reserve List in order of merit below the last recommended candidate.
3. Now as per the requisition placed by the Ministry of Mines, the Commission hereby recommends 03 candidates which comprises 01 candidate (01 OBC) of Geophysicist, Group ‘A’/Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group ‘A’, and 02 candidates (OBC-01, EWS -01) of Chemist, Group ‘A’/ Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group ‘A’, for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2024 from the candidates of Reserve List. A list of these candidates is enclosed. The Ministry of Mines will communicate directly with these recommended candidates.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A woman who went missing in Western District has been located.
Li Tsoi-kam, aged 74, went missing after she left her residence on Ko Shing Street on May 3 afternoon. Her family then made a report to Police.
The woman was located in Nam Shan Estate, Sham Shui Po this afternoon (May 5). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) successfully conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) on the use of face authentication during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2025 in New Delhi.
This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), marking a significant step towards enhancing exam security and candidate verification processes using advanced biometric technology.
The PoC was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of Aadhaar-based face authentication as a means of verifying the identity of candidates appearing for one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
During the PoC, Aadhaar Face Authentication technology was deployed at select NEET centres in Delhi, and was integrated seamlessly with NIC’s digital infrastructure, and NTA’s examination protocols.
The face authentication was performed in real-time, using Aadhaar’s biometric database, making the process contactless and more streamlined. The results of the PoC showed a very high level of accuracy and efficiency in candidate verification.
This initiative also showcased the potential of Aadhaar face authentication as a secure, scalable, and student-friendly solution for identity verification in large-scale examinations. It also indicated the potential of its future use cases, and how it can play a role in significantly curbing attempts of impersonation during entrance exams.
The collaborative effort reflects government’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation for improving transparency and security in public services.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Bun Scrambling Competition concludes successfully The event attracted around 1 650 spectators, who experienced the thrilling atmosphere of the competition. They witnessed 12 finalists scrambling up the bun tower to gather as many buns as they could within a three-minute time limit to vie for the championships.
Apart from the individual race, there was also an invitation relay in which three teams from Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macao competed against seven local teams from Cheung Chau.
The results are as follows:
Individual contest
WomenWinner of “Queen of Queens”: Kung Tsz-shan (three-time champion in the women’s division since 2016)
Winner of “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns”: Yip Kin-man (Number of buns gathered: 170)
Invitation relayShenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports AssociationZhuhai Climbing Association TeamThe Petrel Athletic Association Limited Team AIssued at HKT 2:08
A Stakeholder Consultation under the Co-Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, MoA&FW and Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH was held on Monday at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi to promote the cultivation and use of medicinal plants across the country, observing participation from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Plant Medicinal Board (NPMB), State Horticulture Missions (SHMs), ICAR, State Medicinal Plant Boards, progressive farmers and leading private players from Medicinal Plant industry.
In his opening remarks, Shri. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, highlighted that there is a scope to increase domestic production of medicinal plants as inter-state trade and export of medicinal plants. He highlighted the need for better convergence between Ministry of AYUSH and Agriculture departments and collaboration with State Medicinal Plant Boards, to promote medicinal plants at national level. He also mentioned that important medicinal plants have been included under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, DA&FW. He stressed that there is a need for a mission-mode program for medicinal plant cultivation, identifying good practices of cultivation, efficient techniques, etc., which will help in the upliftment of the sector.
Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSHhighlighted that there is a huge possibility of growth in the sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown by 8 times in the last 10 years and has vast export potential. The sector has enormous economic opportunities, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for AYUSH products including medicinal plants has grown immensely.
Key objectives of the session majorly focussed on:
Exploring avenues for developing region-specific medicinal plant clusters.
Facilitating partnerships between farmers and industry players for assured procurement and end-to-end value chain development.
Discussing the establishment of dedicated mandis and marketing platforms to ensure fair prices for farmers.
Promoting research, training, and extension services to build capacity among stakeholders.
During the meeting, various participants and stakeholders suggested identifying crop-specific areas for the establishment of clusters dedicated to medicinal plants. These clusters would focus on area expansion, production, industry partnerships, farmer training and marketing through setting up specialised mandis for these crops ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), emphasized the need to identify policy interventions and financial incentives to encourage farmers to take up the cultivation of medicinal plants.
To mark the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV-2025) a vibrant exhibition on Buddha Dhamma was inaugurated today at Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the various aspects of Buddhist traditions. The inauguration of the exhibition of Vietnamese culture dazzled with pomp and tradition, featuring stunning performances and heartfelt unity. Participation of Sangha members from India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond reflected a true celebration of shared heritage and spiritual harmony. Senior Sangha members participated in “Bathing the Buddha Ceremony” during the inauguration of the UNDV 2025 Exhibition.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) also be hosting three exhibitions on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma and its cultural practices from India to Vietnam. These are an electronic display of Jataka tales, sculptures depicting different forms of the Buddha and also a comparative study of Buddhist artefacts from India and Vietnam. The analysis draws on a variety of resources to deepen understanding of this rich cultural exchange, including epigraphic inscriptions, historical texts, and visual artifacts. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of the evolution of Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam, reflecting its profound impact on art, spirituality, and cultural identity throughout history. The highlight is a display of the digital restoration of the Ajanta Cave murals, illuminating the ancient JatakaKathas.
The IBC, in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation of Nasik will unveil 8 panels and exhibit on separate TV screens showcasing the digital restoration process of the famous Bodhisattva Padmapani, a mural painting dating from the late 5th century. The mural is in Cave 1 of the Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, and it reflects the beauty and classical sophistication of the arts of India’s Gupta dynasty. The exhibition invites visitors to walk among visions of Bodhisattvas and celestial beings, as ancient narratives gently unfold. These tales remind us that compassion knows no borders, wisdom belongs to all, and peace is born from the shared dignity of every living being.
The sacred Relics ceremoniously enshrined, venerated, and worshiped at the HanhTâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City till May 8th, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. Next at the BàĐen Mountain, TâyNinh Province from May 9th to 13th, 2025 (Southern Vietnam’s national spiritual pilgrimage site), from here the sacred Relic will be placed for exposition at QuánSứ Monastery, Hanoi from May 14th to 18, 2025 (Headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha), and finally at Tam Chúc Monastery, Hà Nam Province from May 18th to 21st, 2025, the largest Buddhist center in Southeast Asia.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to expandand strengthen air connectivity across the nation. Taking another step in this direction, Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu hasgranted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Greenfield airport in Kota, Rajasthan and Puri in Odishaon May 05, 2025.
Kota Airport, a long-awaited development is a result of consistent efforts by Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha and MP from Kota-Bundi, who has been actively pursuing the realization of an airport for Kota. His continued engagement with the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been one of the driving forces to expediting this approval.
The proposed airport will not only serve Kota city, known as a major educational and industrial hub, but will also cater to the growing population and economic activity in the Hadoti region. With its establishment, Kota will be able to be major destinations within India and internationally.
This decision marks a major milestone in the infrastructure development of Kota, Rajasthan and the Government’s commitment to making air travel accessible to every citizen.
Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and home to Lord Jagannath, attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world. The decision to establish an airport in Puri will provide a major boost to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in the region.
This airport will be able to enhance the direct connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities in India.This decision marks a important milestone for Puri and Odisha and is in line with the Government’s commitment to strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel accessible to all.
Ministry of Culture Takes Steps to Halt Auction of Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong Sotheby’s responds to the legal notice with the assurance that full attention is given to this matter
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 8:35PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has taken swift and comprehensive measures to prevent the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, underscoring India’s commitment to protecting its cultural and religious heritage. These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa—widely recognized as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha—hold immense historical and spiritual significance.
The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by William Claxton Peppé in 1898. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. The majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppé’s descendants has now been listed for auction.
Upon learning of the proposed auction, the Ministry of Culture initiated the following actions:
The Ministry collected detailed background information on the auction and issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to stop the auction immediately. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also requested the Consulate General of Hong Kong to take up the matter with authorities there demanding the immediate cessation of the auction.
During a bilateral meeting on May 2, 2025, Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat raised the issue with Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, United Kingdom. The Minister emphasized the cultural and religious significance of the relics and urged immediate action to halt the auction and facilitate their repatriation.
On May 5, 2025, the Secretary of Culture convened a high-level review meeting to outline further steps. The Ministry of External Affairs has been requested to engage with embassies in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong through its Europe West and East Asia Divisions to ensure the auction is stopped.
The Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been asked to coordinate with its counterpart in Hong Kong to highlight the illegality of the auction and ensure compliance with international laws.
Ivy Wong, Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel Sotheby’s in her reply to the legal notice assured that our full attention is given to this matter.
The Ministry of Culture remains steadfast in its efforts to protect India’s cultural heritage and ensure the repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics. We call upon Sotheby’s Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artifacts to their rightful place.