Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

“Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

ANRF to Anchor India’s Scientific Future: Dr. Jitendra Singh Charts Roadmap for Cross-Ministry Collaboration

‘No More Silos’: Dr. Jitendra Singh Pitches Unified Scientific Vision

From Lab to Market: Govt Taps ANRF to Turn Research into Scalable Public Goods with commercial viability

Dr. Jitendra Singh Chairs Joint Review Meet of All Science Ministries, Charts Unified Innovation Roadmap

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:19PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move aimed at transforming India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem into a collaborative and commercially viable enterprise, 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 today called for positioning the newly constituted “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a critical organisation for all science ministries and departments across the government and declared that ANRF has been envisaged to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players.

 Chairing a high-level joint  meeting of all the science Ministries and departments in Govt of India  at the National Science Centre here today, the Minister laid out a vision for aligning research outcomes across departments with national priorities, private sector participation, and market readiness.

At the core of this shift, said Dr Jitendra Singh,  is the aspiration to build a unified research strategy that breaks silos, avoids duplication and delivers tangible, scalable benefits to society. “All the science ministries must work with the intent to deliver market-relevant, public-good products,” he  emphasised, adding that ANRF will not only act as a coordinating body but also serve as a catalyst to bring in private sector investment and innovation.

The ANRF’s newly appointed CEO, Dr.Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, outlined a bold roadmap that envisions catalytic funding models, deep private sector integration, and AI-led scientific acceleration. The agency is set to model its functioning on globally successful institutions like the NSF and DARPA, launching cross-ministerial missions focused on economic growth and societal impact.

Notably, ANRF is set to launch a “Small Business Deep Tech Innovation” programme inspired by global best practices, aimed at supporting startups and MSMEs in scaling technologies for real-world application. In a bid to maximise national research infrastructure, ANRF will also roll out a “Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure” to allow deep-tech startups and institutions to access underused equipment across the country.

The foundation’s AI-for-Science initiative is another key highlight, focusing on using AI to model scientific equations in physics, chemistry, and biology — a leap expected to drastically shorten the time from theory to practice in core scientific domains.

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of projects with visible public utility, citing CSIR’s HANSA-NG aircraft, the Department of Atomic Energy’s Bharat Small Modular Reactors, and space-based applications as models to emulate.

The HANSA-NG, a two-seater trainer aircraft developed indigenously by CSIR-NAL, is already witnessing strong market interest with 110 orders and production lined up in collaboration with Pioneer Clean Arms Pvt Ltd. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the project’s potential to reduce India’s dependency on expensive foreign pilot training, and suggested roping in private airlines and aerospace component manufacturers to scale up production beyond Bengaluru.

Similarly, the Department of Atomic Energy is developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), a 200 MW pressurised water reactor intended for industrial applications and grid-independent power generation. These initiatives demonstrate the type of innovation the Minister wants the ANRF to incubate and scale.

India’s space programme also featured prominently in the review. From the recent success of the SPADEX satellite docking to the development of reusable engine technology and advanced space exploration missions, the Department of Space reported rapid strides, including preparations for India’s human spaceflight mission by 2040.

Across the spectrum — whether it’s ocean mining technology from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, bio-manufacturing hubs by DBT, or cutting-edge chips and AI solutions in partnership with semiconductor labs — the government is pushing for synergy, scalability, and sustainability.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the future of Indian science lies in integration and innovation. “The time for working in silos is over. We must institutionalise collaboration and deliver solutions that matter,” he said, signalling a new era for India’s science ecosystem — one where policy, private investment, and research institutions converge under the stewardship of ANRF.

The meeting was attended by Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister; Hari Ranjan Rao, Additional Secretary in the PMO; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, along with other senior officials.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2122587) Visitor Counter : 63

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Tribal Affairs Reviews Tribal Welfare Schemes in Delhi

Three-Day National Review Charts Roadmap for Holistic Tribal Development

Emphasis on Ground-Level Execution of PM-JANMAN & DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

Special Focus on Education, Empowerment, and Tribal Heritage

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:13PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to the holistic development of tribal communities across the country. A comprehensive suite of initiatives—ranging from scholarships, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), Article 275(1) grants, PM-JANMAN, DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), to livelihood programs and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)—continue to drive inclusive growth and empowerment among tribal populations.

In line with this vision, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs conducted a three-day National Review and Orientation Meeting from 15th to 17th April 2025 in New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri VibhuNayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the guidance of Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri JualOram. The review brought together Principal Secretaries, Tribal Welfare Secretaries, Directors, and senior officials from States and Union Territories to evaluate progress and recalibrate strategies for accelerated implementation.

Strengthening IEC Campaign, Benefit Saturation Camp &Ground-Level Implementationof PM-JANMAN & DAJGUA

In his inaugural address, Secretary Shri VibhuNayar stressed the importance of district- and block-level capacity building and robust institutional mechanisms to ensure effective on-ground execution& IEC Campaign ofPM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.

Key Highlights:

• PM-JANMAN, launched on 15th November 2023 from Khunti (the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda), aims to uplift 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 30,000 habitations, providing comprehensive last-mile delivery of housing, water, sanitation, education, healthcare, nutrition, and digital connectivity for approximately 45 lakh beneficiaries.
• DAJGUA, a convergence-based initiative across 17 Union Ministries, targets the transformation of 63,843 tribal villages in 549 districts, impacting over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through 25 integrated interventions.
• States have been directed to achieve complete saturation of interventions under PM-JANMAN by 15th November 2025, marking the 150th birth anniversaryofBhagwan Birsa Munda.
• Emphasis was placed on village-wise tracking, physical completion, and quarterly progress reporting ending June 2025, with certification from Gram Sabhas as a mandatory milestone for saturation.
• States were encouraged to replicate best practices from high-performing districts and bring lagging areas at par through knowledge-sharing and convergence.
• States were encouraged to start IEC Campaign & Benefit saturation camp for DAJGUA in coming few weeks.
• States were encouraged to sanction interventions under DAJGUA at faster pace.

Elevating Quality of Education through EMRS

The review laid strong emphasis on improving academic and infrastructural standards in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The Ministry’s vision is to transform EMRS into centres of academic excellence, nurturing future tribal leaders and innovators.

Action Points:

• Recruitment and continuous training of qualified teachers
• Infrastructure upgrades and smart classroom facilities
• Integration of experiential learning and 21st-century skills
• Enhanced student and staff welfare mechanisms
• State-wise progress on each EMRS construction was closely reviewed

Expanding Access and Efficiency in Scholarships

To ensure no tribal student is left behind, the Secretary urged states to step up efforts to increase awareness and timely disbursal of pre- and post-matric scholarships.

Directives to States:

• Ensure timely and transparent disbursal
• Remove bureaucratic and procedural bottlenecks
• Integrate all states into the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or states having portal to integrate NSP portal throughAPI-based systems
• Ensure disbursal at the beginning of the academic year to maximize impact

Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh: A Year of Impactful Action

Recognizing the year as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, Shri VibhuNayarhas given special emphasis to States and TRIs to organize thematic events/ activities / campaigns / initiatives that honour tribal heritage while promoting social and economic inclusion. The key themes include:Education & Skill Development, Health & Nutrition, Livelihood & Entrepreneurship, Preservation of Tribal Art, Culture, and Language, Infrastructure and Service Delivery.

A whole-of-government approach—involving collaboration with Line Ministries, State Departments, NGOs, and Corporates—was advocated to ensure deeper engagement and measurable impact.

Preserving Tribal Arts, Culture, and Languages: Adi Sanskriti& Adi Vaani

The Secretary emphasized accelerating theinitiatives like Adi Sanskriti and Adi Vaani.

• Adi Sanskriti Project focuses on creating quality content for Tribal Art Academy, Digital Repository, and Tribal Haat to curate and promote tribal art, cuisine, rituals, and cultural expressions.
• Adi Vaani, an AI-driven multilingual translation platform, is being leveraged to overcome language barriers in education and governance.
• States have been instructed to identify low-resource tribal languages for AI-based documentation and development.

Combating Sickle Cell Disease: Centers of Competency

As part of the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia, the Ministry announced the establishment of Centers of Competency in tribal regions. These centres will act as hubs for screening, treatment, capacity building, and community outreach.

The three-day review culminated in a renewed commitment to inclusive, technology-driven, and community-centric approaches to tribal development. The roadmap ahead emphasizes:

• Stronger inter-ministerial convergence
• Capacity building at every administrative level
• Active community participation for sustainable outcomes
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs continues to lead with vision and resolve, ensuring that
• tribal citizen becomes a key stakeholder in India’s growth storyTop of Form    

RN/PIB

(Release ID: 2122585) Visitor Counter : 42

Source: Government of India

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Newly Developed 220-Bedded ESIC Hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand

“This ESIC hospital is not just a building but a temple” – Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Union Minister Distributes Cash Benefit Certificates/Sanction Letters to ESIC Beneficiaries and Honours Construction Workers

Posted On: 17 APR 2025 9:59PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today, on April 17, 2025, inaugurated the newly developed 220-bedded ESIC Hospital in Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand. This state-of-the-art hospital marks a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme in the state of Jharkhand. The event was graced by Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth along with Shri Pradip Verma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), and senior officers of ESIC.

During the programme, Dr. Mandaviya honoured the ESIC beneficiaries and presented them with cash benefit certificates/sanction letters. He also felicitated the construction workers involved in the construction of the hospital.

In his address, Dr. Mandaviya said that today is a momentous day for Ranchi and in the coming days, this hospital will provide healthcare services to over 5 lakh workers.

He stated that this hospital is not just a structure but a symbol of the hard work and dedication of our workers. Referring to the government’s post-COVID initiatives, he highlighted that 80 crore people are being provided with free food grains and more than 60 crore people are receiving free healthcare worth ₹5 lakh per annum under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Concluding his address, Union Minister said, “This hospital is not just a building, it is a temple. All the doctors and staff working here are like priests, and the patients who come here are akin to God for us. We will serve them with complete devotion and dedication.”

Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth congratulated everyone on the inauguration of the hospital and urged that more services be provided to the poor and underprivileged. He advocated for the early establishment of a medical college at the facility to further enhance healthcare services in the region. He also welcomed Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to the land of Jharkhand and lauded his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as the then Health Minister.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) had approved the construction of this 200-bedded hospital in June 2018 to enhance healthcare services in the region. Construction began on 31st May 2018 and has now been completed. The hospital has now been upgraded to a 220-bedded facility. It is noteworthy that ESIC has also approved the establishment of a medical college with 50 MBBS seats in October 2024, which is expected to commence operations soon.

The hospital is equipped with essential departments such as General Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, and Dentistry, along with various support services. It offers both Outpatient (OPD) and Inpatient (IPD) care. As such, the medical needs of ESIC beneficiaries will be effectively addressed. The upgraded hospital will now also provide specialty and super-specialty care, significantly enhancing access to advanced healthcare for residents of Ranchi and neighbouring districts.

Over 5 lakh insured persons (IPs) and their dependents are expected to benefit from this modernized hospital. The hospital complex includes a basement, ground floor, and four additional floors, spread over 7.9 acres. The new building has been constructed at a cost of ₹99.06 crore and covers a built-up area of 17,559 square meters.

This four-storeyed hospital houses three modern operation theatres (OTs), with provision for an additional OT. It comprises 34 wards and 6 isolation wards, 40 OPD rooms, and ample space for doctors, administrative officials, and staff.

It is worth mentioning that the ESIC Hospital in Namkum, Ranchi was originally established in 1987 with the primary objective of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to insured workers and their families. For over four decades, this hospital has catered to the healthcare needs of industrial workers in Ranchi and surrounding areas.

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HP

(Release ID: 2122581) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

​The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (April 17) welcomes and thanks the Chief Executive for his announcement of a working group led by the Chief Secretary for Administration to conduct in-depth review on the recommendations from the Office of The Ombudsman’s direct investigation operations, ensuring that these recommendations are proactively followed up. Mr Chan is very encouraged by the support and recognition of the Chief Executive on the work of his Office.

Mr Chan said, “I am grateful for the Chief Executive’s recognition of the work of my Office. The establishment of the working group fully reflects the current term Government’s commitment and determination to strengthening the departmental management systems and reinforcing performance accountability among departmental managerial staff, so as to enhance public service management and efficiency, as well as for good governance.”

The Office will fully co-operate with the working group and join hands with various government departments to strengthen the effectiveness of public administration, ensuring that the public will receive high-quality and efficient government services.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today held a seminar at the Central Government Offices to exchange views with around 100 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the subject of the unjustified imposition of tariffs by the US.

 

The seminar aimed to address the risks posed by what the Government sees as bullying and barbaric actions by the US and to unite all sectors in analysing and seizing opportunities in the new international trade order.

 

Chief Executive John Lee stated at the seminar that the recent imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” by the US on multiple countries and regions seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and recklessly undermines the international trade order.

 

He said that the move by the US to impose a 145% tariff on Hong Kong, which has zero tariffs, is fallacious and violates logic. The Government has issued several stern statements expressing its strong disapproval and urging the US to cease disrupting free trade.

 

Participants in the seminar agreed that the US tariffs represent a bullying disruption to the global trade order, severely impacting the global supply chains that many countries have worked hard to establish over the past few decades. They resolved that Hong Kong will not yield and will take the attitude of turning a crisis into an opportunity. Hong Kong, they determined, must maintain confidence, stand shoulder to shoulder with the Mainland, grasp the emerging new order, explore new trade frontiers, safeguard economic security, and promote economic upgrading and transformation.

 

Hong Kong SAR deputies to the NPC and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC will leverage influence in their respective roles, consolidate strength, and play a driving role in restructuring the trade order. They will also provide advice to the Government to jointly navigate the long battle ahead.

 

The Government said it is fully committed to leading society in a spirit of 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.

 

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Acting Secretary for Transport & Logistics Liu Chun-san and Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan also attended the seminar.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive has instructed the Chief Secretary to lead a working group that will conduct in-depth reviews of the direct investigation reports occasionally issued by the Office of the Ombudsman, the Government announced today.

 

It said this is to ensure that all heads of government departments proactively follow up on the recommendations arising from investigations, strengthen departmental management systems, and reinforce performance accountability among managerial staff.

 

Regarding a report released yesterday by the Office of the Ombudsman on its direct investigation into the government’s occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations relating to the construction industry, the Chief Secretary will meet the Ombudsman Jack Chan to discuss the investigation’s findings in depth.

 

The working group will aim to obtain a thorough understanding of the bottlenecks and core issues relating to OSH regulation in the industry, and will apply its finding in the establishment of relevant departmental management systems.

 

The Development Bureau, the Labour Department and the Buildings Departments are meticulously examining and studying the Ombudsman’s report and following up on its recommendations.

 

Additionally, the Labour Department has referred suspected criminal fraudulent acts discovered in the investigation to law enforcement agencies.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Tying in with Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) will hold its second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from April 19 to 27.

About 450 online and on-site events will be staged to encourage the public to cultivate good reading habits.

HKPL will also participate in a reading promotion event, 2025 Hong Kong Reading+, that will kick off at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin tomorrow.

Organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and sponsored by the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency, this ten-day initiative will make use of the HKPL’s electronic resources. It will also feature handicraft workshops, sessions with authors, an exhibition, music performances, and more.

On Hong Kong Reading for All Day, reading locations will be set up at selected Leisure & Cultural Services Department venues, public libraries, community libraries and other local venues, for a “Read Together for Half an Hour” event.

The Hans Andersen Club will also set up a reading location on the same day at Lok Fu Place, where it will be staging a carnival.

On April 26, a prize presentation ceremony will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) for this year’s 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition.

The public can view winning works by students from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau at the HKCL, which will hold fun day activities on April 26 and 27.

There will be sessions with authors and book making workshops at the HKCL on April 27. In addition, a pop-up library offering a virtual reality tour of China’s natural landscape and cultural attractions, and more, will be set up at D·PARK, Tsuen Wan on the same day.

Furthermore, the HKPL and RTHK Radio 5 have invited celebrities from different sectors to help celebrate the joy of reading.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With the Chief Executive in Council approving the draft Urban Renewal Authority Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme Plan(DSP), the Town Planning Board said it provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the plan’s implementation.

The development scheme area, covering about 29,315 sq m, is designated as “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (1)” and “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (2)”.

By adopting the “linked-site” approach and the “Single Site, Multiple Use” model, the DSP intends to achieve a holistic replanning of land uses in the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road area through redevelopment of various existing Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) facilities with adjoining urban fabric for a comprehensive mixed-use development.

A combination of various types of compatible uses includes residential, hotel, office, retail, G/IC, a sizeable public open space, cultural, recreational and entertainment uses.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region