Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories – High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh.
MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system.
Complimenting DRDO, Indian Navy and the Industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat said, with this validation trial, the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Navy.
The Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey visited Eastern Coalfields Limited today. The Minister was welcomed by Shri Satish Jha, CMD, ECL and other senior officials of ECL. Shri Dubey chaired a comprehensive review meeting, assessing ECL’s performance in production, dispatch, safety and other operations. The Minister emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, directing ECL to further integrate eco-friendly practices and sustainable mining technologies into its operations. Further, he offered key directives and strategic guidance to strengthen ECL’s operational efficiency and future growth, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to energy security. The Minister also paid floral tribute at the Martyrs’ Corner, commemorating the brave souls of ECL.
Shri Dubey visited the Sonepur Bazari Area of ECL, accompanied by Shri. Satish Jha, CMD, ECL, Functional Directors and senior officials of ECL. Minister inaugurated the Bhatmura Rehabilitation Site, marking a significant step towards R&R and community development. He also reviewed ongoing activities at the site.
The Minister also visited the CHP-SILO of Sonepur Bazari Area. He engaged in conversation with the field staff and officials, emphasizing the importance of performance efficiency and strict adherence to safety protocols while ensuring speedy despatch of coal. A plantation drive programme was also held at the CHP-SILO site.
The Minister also had a brief discussion over the mine plan of Sonepur Bazari Project with CMD, ECL, Functional Directors and Area General Manager, focusing upon optimum capacity utilization of equipment, improvement in production and dispatch along with proper safety measures to be considered during production. He further reaffirmed Ministry’s commitment to energy security by providing important strategic directions to improve ECL’s operational effectiveness and future expansion.
During his visit, the minister also felicitated employees of Sonepur Bazari Mine, recognizing their exemplary performance. He expressed confidence in Team ECL and their demonstrated commitment to achieving future production targets.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the courage, discipline and cultural richness of the Moran community, saying their contributions are not only significant to Assam but also admired across India.
Speaking at the 57th Foundation Day celebrations of the All Moran Students’ Union at Doomdooma, today, Shri Sonowal highlighted the BJP-led government’s continued efforts to preserve and promote heritage, art and culture of the Moran community while ensuring their holistic development.
“The valour, commitment, and fearlessness of the Moran community are recognised nationwide. With strong spiritual values and cultural traditions, the community has played a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of Assam,” the Union Minister said.
As part of the celebrations, Shri Sonowal inaugurated two major traditional cultural events— ‘Gos Tolor Bihu’ and ‘Kheri’, the latter performed by over 1000 participants. Shri Sonowal praised the All Moran Students’ Union for its tireless, uncompromising work over nearly six decades in addressing core community issues and contributing to the broader Assamese identity. “The youth of the Moran community possess immense talent, skill and resolve. We must equip them with modern thinking, scientific knowledge and technological tools so that they can thrive in today’s competitive world,” Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The Union Minister further said, “The contributions of the Moran community to Assam’s public life are invaluable. They have consistently played a key role in the process of building the greater Assamese identity. Their unmatched sacrifices, bravery, patriotism, and work culture symbolise pride for our nation. Since coming to power, the BJP government has prioritised the protection, preservation, and promotion of the Moran heritage and cultural legacy while working toward the community’s all-round development. Their contributions have received due recognition and respect. In today’s competitive world, we must equip our new generation with modern perspectives, scientific thinking, and technological proficiency. The youth of the Moran community have remarkable skill, talent, expertise, and determination. It is our collective responsibility to recognise these qualities and work continuously for their advancement, enabling the community to shine brighter.”
Shri Sonowal also paid homage to historic figures Bodoucha and the warrior Veer Raghav Moran, describing them as ideals of Assamese public life. He also mentioned the spiritual significance of the ‘Dharma Huchari’ and ‘Gos Tolor Bihu’, noting that this great community has upheld its rich traditions and heritage for centuries. He expressed hope that in the coming days, the Moran community will bring greater glory to Assam and India through their industrious spirit. Emphasising the ecological importance of ‘Gos Tolor Bihu’, he said the celebration underscores the community’s long-standing commitment to nature conservation and biodiversity.
The Dibrugarh Lok Sabha MP called on the Moran community to continue playing an active role in building a self-reliant and developed India, and he commended the student union’s leadership in empowering youth and strengthening society.
Prominent attendees included MLAs Bolin Chetia and Ponakan Baruah; CEM of Moran Autonomous Council, Arunjyoti Moran; Chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), Rituparna Baruah; Chairman, Assam State Housing Board (ASHB), Pulak Gohain; Assam Olympic Association (AOA), General Secretary, Lakshya Konwar; and Tinsukia Municipal Board, Chairman, Pulak Chetia, along with several other community leaders and dignitaries.
A special programme focused on the ‘National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), through the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was organized on May 5, 2025, at the DIET Auditorium in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and honored sanitation workers.
The aim of the NAMASTE programme is to socially and economically empower the workers engaged in sanitation work, enabling them to have safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Minister said that this is not just a government scheme, but a resolution to bring real change in the lives of the people in society who work the hardest. He appreciated the social organizations and citizens for participating in this public-sensitive programme and becoming a part of this social change.
Key Highlights of the Programme were:
Distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
Distribution of Sewing Machines to beneficiaries.
Teachers and staff of DIET created attractive Rangoli in honor of the sanitation workers.
So far, 73,768 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been profiled across the country. Out of these, 45,871 have been provided with PPE kits, 354 with safety equipment, and 27,103 beneficiaries have received Ayushman cards. In Budaun and Shahjahanpur districts, the profiling of a total of 324 SSWs has been completed and provided with PPE kits and Ayushman cards during the program. Sewing machines for self-employment were also distributed to some beneficiaries from Shahjahanpur.
Secretary, DFS reviews performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan Shri. M. Nagaraju urges RRBs to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi
Sh. M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, reviewed performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan in Mumbai.
Chairman, NABARD and officials of DFS, Sponsor banks, SIDBI, Reserve Bank of India and Chairpersons of all RRBs were also present.
With the implementation of One State-One RRB, RRBs have been urged to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes. RRBs have grown in their reach to more than 22,000 branches, covering 700 districts of the country and more than 92% of its branches are in rural/semi urban areas. RRBs have recorded consolidated net profit of ₹7,148 crore in FY 2024-25. Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) has reached a new low of 5.3%, lowest in a decade period. Secretary, DFS urged the rural banks to continue to focus on their amalgamation process and long-term sustainability.
Secretary, DFS asked Sponsor Banks to guide RRBs in their amalgamation process and provide level playing field for long term sustainability. Sponsor banks should continue to facilitate technology upgradation in RRBs and to complete integration process adhering to the strict timelines of 30-09-2025. He also suggested Sponsor Banks and RRBs to also address HR related issues emerging in the process.
He asked sponsor banks and RRBs to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Sponsor banks in consultation with RRBs to draft a roadmap for RRBs for next 5 years.
India’s first mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates listed on the National Stock Exchange Secretary, DFS stresses the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of the economy
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi
Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance listed India’s first Mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates (PTC) structured by RMBS Development Company Limited on the National stock Exchange on 05 May 2025. Listing was done by Shri M. Nagaraju by ringing the bell. The listing ceremony was attended by several Heads of Banks, Housing Finance Companies and other financial institutions.
These PTCs are backed by pool of housing loans originated by LIC Housing Finance Limited. The issue of Rs. 1,000 crores (1,00,000 PTCs of Face value of Rs. 1,00,000/-). was fully subscribed.
This is the first issue of a PTC where the coupon was discovered on the “Electronic Book Provider (EBP)“ platform of the National Stock Exchange. The final maturity of the PTC issued will be nearly twenty years and the coupon is 7.26% per annum. The rating of the Instrument is AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings. These PTCs are issued in demat form and are transferable. As the PTC is listed on a stock exchange, they can be traded in the secondary market.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nagaraju stressed the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of our economy. He stated that housing finance has many forward and backward linkages with many other industries including the infrastructure. With a country of such vast population, housing needs have to be addressed at the earliest to achieve overall economic development.
He stated that securitization can act an integrating factor for housing finance market and the debt market. Reiterating the importance of RMBS, he stated that it could act as a catalyst for the growth of the housing finance sector.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews implementation of three New Criminal Laws in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta Implementation of New Criminal Laws brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will enhance efficiency and accountability of Police at the grassroots level
There should be continuous monitoring of the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 Days, with strict adherence to timelines
In heinous crime cases, efforts should be made to increase conviction rates by at least 20 per cent
e-Summons to be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today chaired a review meeting in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta to review the implementation of three new criminal laws in the national capital. The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics. The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of the National Capital Territory, Commissioner of Delhi Police, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Director of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Delhi Government.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah stated that the implementation of the three new criminal laws, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will enhance the efficiency and accountability of the police at the grassroots level. Home Minister issued directives to ensure accountability of officers in the implementation of these new criminal laws. Shri Shah emphasized that the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 days must be continuously monitored, with strict adherence to their timelines. He further directed that efforts be made to increase the conviction rate in cases of heinous crimes by at least 20 per cent.
Union Home Minister stated that e-Summons should be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations. He also called for expediting the appointment process in the Directorate of Prosecution and ensuring that decisions regarding appeals in any case are made by the Directorate of Prosecution itself.
NCA-F Hosts Workshop on AI Standards for Telecommunications & ICTs BIMSTEC Nations and Global Experts Convene to Shape Ethical, Inclusive AI Standards
India Aims to Lead in both AI Standardization and Manufacturing, affirms Member (F), DCC ,Sh Manish Sinha
Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals”
Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, stresses that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi
A four-day workshop on “AI Standards for Increasing the Efficiency of Telecommunications & ICTs: Shaping the Future Responsibly” was inaugurated today at the National Communications Academy–Finance (NCA-F) in New Delhi. Organized jointly by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office & Innovation Centre and the NCA-F, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, the event brings together participants from BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka & India— and Maldives; alongside international experts, regulators, industry associations, startups, and academia to collaborate on building trustworthy and globally harmonized AI standards for telecommunications and ICT.
The inaugural session featured keynote addresses by eminent dignitaries, including Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT; Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU; Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, and Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F. The session set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure & Bridging the Standardization Gap.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT, welcomed the participants and praised the collaborative efforts between NCA-F and the ITU Area Office, recognizing it as a model of institutional partnership. He acknowledged the significance of guests staying on campus, which fosters closer interaction and deeper engagement, enhancing the quality of participation throughout the workshop. He also emphasized the critical importance of consensus within the ITU framework for developing AI standards that are both inclusive and globally harmonized, ensuring that these technologies benefit all nations. He also spoke about India’s commitment to economic inclusivity, particularly through initiatives like Digital Bharat Nidhi.
Furthermore, Shri Manish Sinha highlighted India’s dual focus on advancing AI standardization while also strengthening its manufacturing sector. He underscored the Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) pivotal role in promoting ethical AI development through fairness assessments and rating mechanisms and acknowledged the valuable contributions of TSDSI in creating technical standards that ensure AI systems are secure, interoperable, and globally aligned.
He urged all participants to engage actively in shaping practical AI standards, build strong cross-border partnerships, and envision future-ready, ethical AI applications that can accelerate sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the workshop would serve as a launchpad for regional cooperation and innovation in AI-driven telecom and ICT solutions.
Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, through a recorded message, reinforced the importance of multilateral collaboration: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals,” he said. “By investing in standards today, we secure a future where AI can drive growth across all our member nations in a responsible and interoperable way.”
Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, thanked BIMSTEC, NCA-F, the department of telecom, & the Government of India for hosting the workshop, emphasizing that AI has moved from research to everyday life, with a projected $15 Trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. She highlighted the workshop’s aim to develop inclusive, interoperable, and responsible AI standards, and stressed that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability.
Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F, in her Welcome Address emphasized, “AI is a transformational force—but without strong, inclusive standards, it risks leaving many behind.” She highlighted NCA-F’s collaboration with the ITU Local Area Office to bridge the standardisation gap through stakeholder workshops, adding, “Standardization is not just a technical process; it is a commitment to safety, ethics, and equitable access in a rapidly evolving digital world.”
The Director General, NCA-F, also stressed the importance of participative engagement and ethically grounded contributions from all member states to ensure equity in AI standardization. Reflecting India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. She warmly welcomed participants and underscored the value of mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.
Over the four days, the workshop will feature simulation exercises, expert panels, country presentations, hands-on sessions on drafting and negotiating technical contributions, and field visits.
About NCA-F
NCA–Finance (NCA-F), part of Department of Telecommunication’s National Communication Academy, is an UTKRISHT-graded premier Central Training Institute, recognized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). It provides induction and in-service training to officers of the Indian Posts & Telecom Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) and other officials across DoT and DoP. NCA-F’s core training areas include telecom policy, spectrum management, revenue assurance, USOF projects, financial regulations, and digital inclusion. It also emphasizes leadership and soft skills development, and regularly hosts national and international workshops in collaboration with institutions like ITU, WHO, TRAI, RBI Staff College, LBSNAA, and IIT Bombay.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, announced today the resumption of the morning flight service between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, set to begin on June 1, 2025. This route will significantly enhance connectivity within Andhra Pradesh, linking Vijayawada, with the state’s financial hub, Visakhapatnam.
The newly revised flight schedule is designed to provide greater convenience for frequent flyers. The morning flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, will depart from Vijayawada at 7:15 AM and reach Visakhapatnam by 8:25 AM. The return flight will depart Visakhapatnam at 8:45 AM and arrive in Vijayawada at 9:50 AM.
Speaking on the development, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, said “Regional connectivity is a cornerstone of our vision for inclusive growth and ease of travel. The reinstatement of this crucial flight link between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam will significantly benefit passengers, boost economic engagement between the two cities, and support the broader development goals of Andhra Pradesh.”
విజయవాడ – విశాఖపట్నం మధ్య ఉదయపు విమాన సర్వీసులను జూన్ 1వ తేదీ నుండి పున:ప్రారంభించనున్నట్లు వెల్లడించిన కేంద్ర పౌర విమానయాన శాఖ మంత్రి శ్రీ @RamMNK. ఈ మార్గం ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్ర ఆర్థిక రాజధాని విశాఖపట్నం నగరం నుంచి రాజధాని విజయవాడ ప్రాంతం మధ్య కనెక్టివిటీని పెంచుతుంది. pic.twitter.com/QUHehS6F5z
— PIB in Andhra Pradesh (@pibvijayawada) May 5, 2025
This initiative underscores the government’s focus on improving regional connectivity, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as part of the broader vision to enhance transportation infrastructure across India.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three workers and injuries to three others in an explosion at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Telangana, calling for a detailed report within two weeks
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:03PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three workers died and three others were injured in an explosion that occurred at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant at Katepalli village in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana. Reportedly, the incident happened on 29th April, 2025.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana and the Director General of Police, Telangana, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured persons.
According to the media report, carried on 29th April, 2025, the explosion caused the complete collapse of the mixing unit structure of the plant. Reportedly, the company has been manufacturing explosives for both commercial and leading organisations, including DRDO.