Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra

It is our priority that all citizens of the country get better health facilities: PM

Even during the most difficult times, new social movements kept taking place in India to keep consciousness awakened: PM

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India, this Akshay Vat is continuously energizing Indian culture and the consciousness of our nation: PM

When during efforts the focus is on we and not I, when the spirit of nation first is paramount, when the interest of the people of the country is the most important factor in policies and decisions, only then its effect is visible everywhere: PM

Wherever there is a natural disaster in the world, India stands up to serve wholeheartedly: PM

Our youth, imbued with the spirit of nation-building, are moving ahead towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 2:09PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the beginning of the sacred Navratri festival. He noted that across the country, festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Navreh are being celebrated today. He emphasized the importance of the day as it coincides with the birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Jhulelal and Guru Angad Dev. He also acknowledged the occasion as the birth anniversary of the inspirational Dr. K B Hedgewar and the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) illustrious journey. He expressed his honor in visiting the Smruti Mandir to pay homage to Dr. Hedgewar and Shri Golwalkar Guruji on this momentous day.

Highlighting the celebration of 75 years of the Indian Constitution during this period and the upcoming birth anniversary of its architect, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, next month, Shri Modi remarked on paying homage to Dr. Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi and seeking his blessings. He extended greetings to the citizens on Navratri and all other festivals being celebrated. 

Emphasising the significance of Nagpur as a sacred center of service and acknowledging the expansion of a noble initiative, Shri Modi remarked on the inspiring anthem of Madhav Netralaya, which reflects spirituality, knowledge, pride, and humanity. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an institution that has been serving millions for decades, following the ideals of Pujya Guruji, and restoring light to countless lives.

He noted the foundation stone laying of the new campus of Madhav Netralaya and expressed confidence that this expansion will accelerate its service activities, bringing light to thousands of new lives and dispelling darkness from their lives. He appreciated the efforts of everyone associated with Madhav Netralaya and extended his best wishes for their continued service.

Reiterating the emphasis laid on ‘Sabke Prayas’ from the Red Fort and highlighting the significant strides made by the country in the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister noted that Madhav Netralaya is complementing these efforts. “Government’s priority is to ensure better healthcare facilities for all citizens, even the poorest should have access to the best possible treatment”, he emphasised, mentioning that no citizen should be deprived of the dignity of life, and senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to the nation should not live in worry about medical treatment. He highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat, which has provided free treatment to millions of people. Shri Modi also noted the thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, offering affordable medicines to the poor and middle-class families, saving citizens thousands of crores of rupees. He remarked on the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in villages over the past decade, providing primary health care through telemedicine to people. He emphasized that these facilities have eliminated the need for citizens to travel hundreds of kilometers for medical tests.

Underlining the doubling of medical colleges in the country and the tripling of operational AIIMS institutions, Shri Modi said that the number of medical seats has also doubled to ensure the availability of more skilled doctors to serve the people in the future. He emphasized the Government’s efforts to provide opportunities for students to study medicine in their native languages, enabling them to become doctors. He noted that alongside advancements in modern medical science, the country is also promoting its traditional knowledge. He remarked on the global recognition being achieved by India’s yoga and Ayurveda, which are enhancing the nation’s prestige on the world stage.

Mentioning that the existence of any nation depends on the expansion of its culture and consciousness across generations, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s history of centuries of slavery and invasions, which attempted to dismantle its social structure, yet India’s consciousness remained alive and resilient. “Even during the toughest times, new social movements in India kept this consciousness awakened”, he emphasised, citing the Bhakti movement as an example, where saints like Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Maharashtra’s Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Sant Namdev, and Sant Dnyaneshwar infused life into India’s national consciousness with their original ideas. He remarked that these movements broke the chains of discrimination and united society. Underscoring the contributions of Swami Vivekananda, who shook a despairing society, reminded it of its true essence, instilled self-confidence, and ensured that India’s national consciousness remained undimmed, the Prime Minister noted the role of Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji in energizing this consciousness during the final decades of colonial rule. He remarked on the seed of thought sown 100 years ago for the preservation and promotion of national consciousness, which has now grown into a great tree. He highlighted that the principles and ideals give height to this great tree, with lakhs of volunteers as its branches. “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India, this Akshay Vat is continuously energizing Indian culture and the consciousness of our nation”, he added.

Remarking on the natural connection between vision and direction as the new campus of Madhav Netralaya begins its journey, Shri Modi highlighted the significance of vision in life, quoting the Vedic aspiration, “Pashyema Sharadah Shatam,” which means “May we see for a hundred years.” He emphasized the importance of both external vision and inner vision. Recalling the great saint of Vidarbha, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj, known as “Prajnachakshu”, the Prime Minister said, “despite losing his eyesight at a young age, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj authored numerous books”. He noted that while he lacked physical sight, he possessed profound vision, which stems from wisdom and manifests through discernment. He emphasized that such vision empowers both individuals and society. He remarked that the RSS is a sacred endeavor working towards both external and inner vision. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an example of external vision and noted that the inner vision has made the Sangh synonymous with service. 

The Prime Minister quoted scriptures, emphasizing that the purpose of life is service and altruism. He remarked that when service becomes ingrained in values, it transforms into a form of devotion, which is the essence of every RSS volunteer’s life. He highlighted that this spirit of service inspires generations of volunteers to dedicate themselves tirelessly. He noted that this devotion keeps volunteers constantly active, never allowing them to tire or stop. Recalling Guruji’s words that the significance of life lies not in its duration but in its utility, Shri Modi emphasized the commitment to duty, guided by the principles of “Dev to Desh” and “Ram to Rashtra.” He remarked on the selfless work of volunteers in various fields, whether in border villages, hilly regions, or forest areas. He highlighted their involvement in initiatives like Vanvasi Kalyan Ashrams, Ekal Vidyalayas for tribal children, cultural awakening missions, and Seva Bharati’s efforts to serve the underprivileged. Lauding the exemplary work of volunteers during the Prayag Mahakumbh, where they assisted millions through the Netra Kumbh initiative, he emphasized that wherever there is a need for service, volunteers are present. He remarked on the disciplined response of volunteers during disasters like floods and earthquakes, highlighting their selflessness and dedication to service. “Seva is a sacrificial fire, and we burn like offerings, merging into the ocean of purpose”, he quoted.

Sharing an inspiring anecdote about Guruji, who was once asked why he referred to the Sangh as all-pervasive, Shri Modi said that Guruji compared the Sangh to light, emphasizing that while light may not perform every task itself, it dispels darkness and shows others the way forward. He remarked that Guruji’s teaching serves as a life mantra, urging everyone to become a source of light, remove obstacles, and pave the way for progress. He highlighted the essence of selflessness with the principles, “Not I, but you,” and “Not mine, but for the nation.” 

Emphasising the importance of prioritizing “we” over “I” and placing the nation first in all policies and decisions, the Prime Minister said that such an approach yields visible positive impacts across the country. He highlighted the need to break the chains that have held the nation back, stressing the importance of moving beyond a colonial mindset. He noted that India is now replacing remnants of colonialism, carried for 70 years with inferiority, with new chapters of national pride. He remarked on the replacement of outdated British laws designed to demean Indians with the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. He highlighted the transformation of Rajpath into Kartavya Path, symbolizing duty over colonial legacy. He also noted the removal of colonial symbols from the Navy’s flag, which now proudly features the emblem of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He further acknowledged the renaming of islands in the Andaman region, where Veer Savarkar endured hardships for the nation and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sounded the bugle of freedom, to honor the heroes of India’s independence.

“India’s guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is reaching every corner of the world and is being reflected in India’s actions”, exclaimed Shri Modi, highlighting India’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vaccines to the world as a family. He noted India’s prompt response to natural disasters, including the recent earthquake in Myanmar under “Operation Brahma,” as well as assistance during earthquakes in Türkiye and Nepal and the water crisis in the Maldives. He emphasized India’s role in evacuating citizens of other countries during conflicts and noted that India’s progress is amplifying the voice of the Global South. He remarked that this spirit of global brotherhood stems from India’s cultural values. Highlighting India’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, brimming with confidence and an enhanced capacity for risk-taking, Shri Modi noted their contributions to innovation, startups, and their pride in India’s heritage and culture. He cited the participation of lakhs of young people in the Prayag Mahakumbh as an example of their connection to India’s eternal traditions. He remarked on the youth’s focus on national needs, their role in the success of “Make in India,” and their vocal support for local products. He emphasized their determination to live and work for the nation, excelling from sports fields to space exploration, driven by a spirit of nation-building. He expressed confidence that India’s youth will lead the nation toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The PM highlighted the synergy of organization, dedication, and service as the driving force behind this journey. He remarked that the decades of effort and dedication by the RSS are bearing fruit, writing a new chapter in India’s development.

The Prime Minister remarked on the contrasting circumstances during the establishment of the RSS in 1925, a time marked by struggle and the overarching goal of independence. He highlighted the significance of the Sangh’s 100-year journey and noted that the period from 2025 to 2047 presents new, ambitious goals for the nation. He recalled Guruji’s inspiring words from a letter, expressing the desire to be a small stone in the foundation of a grand national edifice. He emphasized the need to keep the commitment to service ignited, maintain relentless effort, and realize the dream of a developed India. He reiterated his vision, as shared during the construction of Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya, to lay the foundation for a strong India for the next thousand years. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the guidance of luminaries like Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji will continue to empower the nation. He concluded by affirming the resolve to fulfill the vision of a developed India and honor the sacrifices of generations. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govind Devgiri Maharaj, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, Dr. Avinash Chandra Agnihotri, and other distinguished guests were present during the occasion.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2116775) Visitor Counter : 149

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

Good evening, all of you. Frankly, I’m not used to such kind of order.

I’m more used to disorder in the house. And secondly, when I sit in the chair, as Chairman Rajya Sabha, on my right is the Government, on the left is the Opposition. Today there’s a strange combination, excellence, sublimity, of bar and bench on my right side.

One regret that I have, of parting with the jealous mistress, the legal profession, by becoming Governor-State of West Bengal and now the Vice-President, I did not have the occasion to appear before one of the finest judges of this country, Justice P. S. Narsimha. And similarly, I had no occasion to cross swords with another legal luminary, Shri Tushar Mehta. A source of inspiration and motivation for me.

Because rarely there is a combination where dedication, excellence, commitment, and nationalism converge. Very soothing experience. Justice P. S. Narsimha, Judge Supreme Court of India, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, I know him while he was Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court, while I was in Kolkata, because the High Court continues to be known as Calcutta High Court, exemplified highest judicial decorum and standards, and was not eyesore to anyone, fructifying, game-changing decisions.

A chairman of the National Green Tribunal, you know what he is. But I must share one thing, that is common between us. We both fear our wives. Pradeepti is here, so is Dr. Sudesh. They are our strength. Shri Tushar Mehta Ji has equal challenge in the family as we have. No issue on that. Shri Thirumal Kumar, an IAS officer, I have admired him for a long time, he knows it. So he was a little astounded that I still recollect that.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, nothing has happened to me by virtue of these constitutional offices. I am what I am. The only loss that I have is, a legal profession is known as a jealous mistress. I quoted the jealous mistress. When I joined the bar, the year I was married. So along with my wife, there was a jealous mistress.

But it was very thoughtful of the President of India, Ramnath Kovind Ji. He chose 20th of July 2019, that I forsake the jealous mistress, because that happened to be the birthday of my wife. We have in the audience distinguished Chief Justices, acting Chief Justices, judges, lawyers, environmentalists, boys and girls, but I must recognise the presence of some.

Justice Vishwanath, some other, I have one thing in common with him. We both belong to the Daughters Club. He has a daughter, and so do we have. And had the satisfaction of knowing him for long. Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, Patna High Court, I’m sure I’ll be making some mistakes. So I leave it at that. My greetings to all of you.

When I reflected on 20th of July, my wife’s birthday, it doesn’t end there. 20th of July, Neil Armstrong in 1969, landed on the moon for the first time. But my wife was born 12 years before. But what Neil Armstrong said is extremely relevant today for what we are discussing and deliberating. Neil Armstrong reflected, I quote him, “there’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

That is what we need to deal with the issue. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s a privilege to address the valedictory session of this National Conference on Environment. Grateful to Chairman Prakash Shrivastava for securing convergence of over 1,200 environmental experts, judicial and administrative minds, as also most vital stakeholders, young boys and girls.

They are supremely interested, both in democracy and environment. They will go a long way. I am confident the deliberations over the last two days must have been very fruitful and must have generated a lot of hope and possibility.

Our planet faces, in the shape of climate change, not an ordinary challenge. It’s an existential challenge. And the nature of the existential challenge is unknown to history ever before.

The situation is critical and cliffhanging and far too long, engaging the attention of everyone, governments and people all over the globe. The solution to this burning issue is complexed by the belief that someone else will fix it. This is not to be true. We’ll have to do it on our own. There is now live realisation of this menace. It has to be moderated to begin with and solved by all of us in tenement togetherness.

Resolute addressing of the problem is paramount. And neither we have the time nor we have another planet to cohabit. This problem of huge dimensions has to be fixed by all individuals acting individually, organisations and the governments with immediate, urgent, concerted and sustained effort.

Let me share with the distinguished audience. Everyone is positioned to make his or her contribution. And the contribution when converges in totality will be result-orientated. We need to realise we are trustees of everything offered by Mother Earth and there is divine ordainment that we must pass on to the future generations all this in good shape writing on the wall. Have we done it? The answer comes from within. Certainly not.

The present scenario is alarming, daunting and far distanced from what it should have been. In such a scenario an institution like the National Green Tribunal in the largest democracy habitat for one-sixth of humanity is playing vital and significant role catalysing scenarios for containment and searching for solutions. I join Justice P.S. Narsimha in complimenting Justice Shrivastava for taking this initiative and it is not a day too soon.

India happens to be the third country as was reflected not by this number as such by Shri Tushar Mehta that we have taken a number of initiatives, innovative steps, affirmative government policies in the country but we were amongst the first three in the world to have an institution and regulator like the National Green Tribunal. Distinguished audience not many countries in the world can claim to have civilisational depth which we as Bharat have thousands of years of civilisational ethos. Long before sustainability became a global buzzword much long before centuries before it became a global buzzword India lived it for centuries where every banyan tree was a temple, every river a goddess and waste an unknown concept in a civilisation that worshipped circularity.

Our Vedic literature is gold mine for nurturing of mother earth and propagating harmony between men and nature. From Ayurveda’s living harmony to Gandhi’s world has enough for need not for greed. The wise sage who transformed democratic landscape of the world bringing about change through non-violence he said the world has everything, earth has everything for need but not for greed.

India’s DNA carries the only vaccine against ecological collapse, conspicuous consumption. We only have to read what is there in our gold mine. Environmental depredation if we see the cause of it is brought about on the planet only by one species amongst living beings.

We do it, no one else does it. Distinguished audience we have to be aware the planet is not exclusive to us we are not its owners. Flora and fauna must flourish and blossom alongside and so must all other living beings.

In such a scenario men will have to learn to live in harmony with nature and other living beings. Are we doing it? No. Every technological development increasing human prowess is used to captivate and make others’ lives vulnerable to other living beings.

There will have to be individual focus on optimal utilisation of resources of nature. This has to be our habit. Our fiscal power and our fiscal capacity cannot determine the use of natural resources.

The consumption has to be optimal. We are paying heavy price already for reckless exploitation of these resources and thoughtless consumption conspicuous and lacking empathy. Distinguished audience protecting earth for future generations, an urgent need calls for sustainable practices that recognise nature’s inherent worth while reconciling conservation with development needs. It’s a delicate balance and NGT is required to navigate the fine print of it.

Human activities particularly climate change and water management now influence seismic events. Studies have revealed earthquakes we all know are normally because of tectonic processes but then the way we conserve waters, build dams and get them emptied is a cause of profound impact on geological situations and therefore there is a global need to evolve and believe in environmental ethics. This underscores human’s moral obligations to protect and preserve the environment.

This is the interconnection of all living beings. I can assure you once we lose it we know the worth of it. Let us realise the worth before we lose it forever.

Both ecological extension and conservation ethics advocate harmonious human-nature relationships and are so easy to bring about. It doesn’t call for anything but a positive mindset towards life, we have to focus on environmental preservation and prudent resource stewardship for generational sustainability. Friends, global environmental challenges necessitate cross-border cooperation and innovative strategies that simultaneously advance ecological sustainability and economic development.

No individual, no group, no nation can by itself resolve this issue. It has to be done by one and all on the planet. There will have to be convergence.

I am so glad that a step has been taken by the chairman NGT Mr. Shrivastava by having this conference. More of it and it’s kind of needed. Environmental security must inform nuclear policy also.

We all know weapon systems have huge ecological impact from manufacturing through potential deployment and pose existential risk that undermines their perpetrated security benefits. Something that is for security will result in our defacement from the planet. There has to be a thought process.

Developed nations must transcend the political boundaries, environmental thinking adopting models where planetary health becomes foundational to human prosperity and well-being. They cannot isolate themselves. Okay, we are doing fine. We have means, technological means to generate a healthy ecosystem. It can last for some years but not forever. They will have to be enveloped into the menace if they do not join the rest of the global community.

Friends, just look around. Proliferation of air purifiers, masks, water filters, generators usually witnessed in the last few decades. They represent the grievous symptoms of environmental degradation rather than solutions.

Authentic progress requires eliminating pollution sources. We have to eliminate them because they are created by us. They are man-made.

Transforming our relationship with nature and exploitation to stewardship. The Bhopal gas tragedy relations are still unlearned. The Union carbide leakage of 1984. I think if I’m not wrong it was in 2015 that Justice Shrivastava, the judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court dealt with as a commissioner what compensation could be given. It was mega environmental negligence. Even after four decades families suffered generation after generation genetic disorders and groundwater contamination.

30 years after it as I reflected Justice Shrivastava dealt with an issue for welfare of the victims. Just imagine how pathetic was the lack of awareness. We did not have an institution like NGT.

We did not have a regulatory regime that could address the issue. Things would have been very different if there had been a regulatory regime of the current level then. Distinguished audience there is a growing concern that environmental justice often follows a troubling pattern of 4Ds delay, deny, dispose, dissolve.

This cycle must be broken. I am happy to note NGT is catalysing sensitisation on all fronts on this aspect. And I am sure intervention to the NGT exercise will be scarce.

It is an expert body. I am not for a moment questioning anybody’s authority or power, sir. But then when expert bodies function and have the facility of getting expertise from people who are really knowledgeable, stalling their action delays environmental protection.

It is soothing to note that the National Green Tribunal shifts from delay to decisiveness from denial to accountability from mere disposal to true restoration and from dissolution to sustainable resolution is increasingly getting respect of the people, institutions corporate world and workers. Our environmental jurisprudence in the country has to grow by looking into our reservoir I said, gold mine reflected in our Vedic literature. Fortunately, trends are emerging that now transcend remediation to embracing ecological preservation as a fundamental mandate.

Why should we get into remediation, repair? Let us keep an eagle’s eye. Let us keep it in deep focus. Why should there be no preservation? I admire and compliment the Chairman NGT. He has made no efforts to secure scientific expertise to assist and this is turning out to be a cutting edge to NGT’s adjudicatory functions helping it play a visionary role in environmental governance. The tribunal’s environmental jurisprudence is progressively integrating emerging scientific understanding with established legal doctrines and I can share it with you. Having had modest global exposure, the tribunal’s judgments are looked at with great deference globally.

Invoking the power to interpret the Constitution, the Supreme Court has, and I would say earliest in the world, given dimensions to Article 21, that healthy environment and right to clean air are integrated inalienable facets of Article 21. Friends, despite the synergy between our constitutional values and cultural ethos, there is now an urgent need to deal with citizenry neglect that is widely evident. I reflect on occasions when no Indian who is abroad throws a banana skin out of a running vehicle. No one does it. Why do we have negligence on our holy land? Citizens must be sensitised and made aware. Such kinds of conferences as indicated by Justice Narasimha play a pivotal role because they get media attention and traction. Steps have been taken by the government, and I can share many steps that are game-changing. Toilet in the house, gas connection in the house. Just imagine making that kind of bulbs, making solar power available. Just imagine. Just a decade ago, our solar power capacity was in single-digit gigawatts. It is now beyond 100 gigawatts. We have an international solar alliance here. During G20, India took the initiative for biofuels.

So world is changing, but India is changing fastest in the last 10 years, both in economy and infrastructure. But we need to do more because we have to lead on the front foot for the entire world and humanity. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

At an individual level, we have to be constantly mindful of the environment as guided by one of the पंच प्राण, पर्यावरण संरक्षण यह हमारा धर्म है, यह हमारा कर्म होना चाहिए, यह हमारा दैनिक कर्म होना चाहिए, इसको करने से हम खुद को लाभ देते हैं, देश को देते हैं, दुनिया को देते हैं।

We should proactively try to reduce our carbon footprint. And mind you, India is the only country where the Prime Minister could declare that not only we abide by the Paris Declaration, but we will meet the target aead other nations and the world has applauded us. The way I look, Chairman Shrivastava, to NGT and for nurturing G for green and T for tomorrow. NGT for me is nurturing green for tomorrow.

Friends, this is not just wordplay. It is the vision of an institution that connects law, science, and ethics to transform our relationship with nature. Let us draw from our Vedic roots, wield cutting edge tools, and uphold climate justice with unwavering resolve.

Shanti path from Yajurveda I’ll conclude with that. Let peace prevail in the sky and space. Let peace reign and radiate in earth, in water, and in all plants. Let peace prevail everywhere.

द्यौः शान्तिः अन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः पृथ्वी शान्तिः वनस्पतयः शान्तिः। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

The earth is not for us to conquer. It is for us to cherish and pass on to posterity to future generations. The NGT which it’s blend of judicial mind and moral clarity is uniquely positioned to lead the charge under the guidance of Justice Prakash Shrivastava. I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you everyone for your patience.

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JK/RC/SM

 

(Release ID: 2116858) Visitor Counter : 125

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:

The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (April 1) to consider an application for renewal of liquor licence.

The application is:

Kowloon:
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SPICY CRABS in Jordan

The board will also consider renewal of the liquor licence (with bar endorsement) of THE POET in Central.

The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     All matches of the Hong Kong Sevens held at the Kai Tak Sports Park are scheduled to conclude after 7pm today (March 30). As more spectators are expected to disperse at the same time, the Transport Department (TD) urges those leaving the venue to take the MTR as far as possible. The TD has been steering public transport service arrangements and the overall traffic conditions have mostly been smooth so far:

     MTR: The service headway of the Tuen Ma Line will be further enhanced to about 3.5 minutes and spare trains will be deployed as needed to expedite the dispersal. The service level of the East Rail Line and the Kwun Tong Line will also be enhanced accordingly. Passengers can travel directly from Kai Tak Station or Sung Wong Toi Station to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station within 15 minutes, and it only takes some 24 minutes to Central Station via interchanging at Hung Hom Station and Admiralty Station;

     Taxis: In view of an outflux of spectators, the waiting time is anticipated to be longer and your patience is appreciated. The TD has made all-out efforts with the taxi trade to mobilise more taxis for picking up passengers, including disseminating real-time information on passengers queuing to the trade directly. The Kai Tak Sports Park Limited has also mobilised taxis via instant messaging platform; and

     Special bus routes: The route departing for Central (Causeway Bay and Wan Chai) will be advanced to commence service from 6pm while the remaining special bus routes will operate after the tournaments conclude, subject to the passenger demand and traffic conditions on-site.

     Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” (QR code displayed on-site) as well as the latest traffic news through the “HKeMobility” mobile application, radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Government of India

Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Chairs Valedictory Session of National Green Tribunal’s National Conference on Environment 2025

Two-Day Conference on Environment 2025 Concludes with Focus on Forest Conservation and Policy Advancements

The Event Highlights Crucial Role of Judicial Bodies, Government Agencies, and Experts in Shaping India’s Environmental Future

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, chaired the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal’s two-day conference on Environment 2025 today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Justice P. S. Narsimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of NGT, Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, and Sh. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

Addressing the valedictory session, Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar pointed out that neither the planet is exclusive to us nor are we the owners of it. He emphasized that Developed nations must transcend political boundaries in environmental thinking and urged for a collective commitment to live in harmony with nature and protect the environment. (Detailed Press Release:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2116844®=3&lang=1)

The second day’s proceedings began with Technical Session III, focusing on “Forest and Biodiversity Conservation”, chaired by Hon’ble Justice Anand Pathak, Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court. Experts and policymakers deliberated on the impact of human intervention on forests and biodiversity, highlighting legal and policy frameworks necessary for conservation. Justice Anand Pathak of the Madhya Pradesh High Court stated that every citizen has a duty to promote the environment by planting right trees in the right places. He proposed a range of ideas such as transforming minor penalties into plantation initiatives, corporate climate responsibility, creating National Carbon Credit Bank and establishing Sovereign Funds for conserving biodiversity. It is a need of an hour to shift from human rights to planetary rights and nurturing the thought of environmental responsibility, he added.

The Technical Session IV, titled “Reflections and Key Takeaways”, provided a comprehensive review of the discussions held in technical sessions over the two days. Chaired by Hon’ble Justice P. S. Narsimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India, and co-chaired by Hon’ble Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Judicial Member, NGT, the session summarized key environmental concerns and proposed a roadmap for legal and policy advancements. Hon’ble Justice P.S. Narsimha emphasized upon the effective execution and implementation of policies. Focusing upon the institutional integrity, he proposed to strengthen and empower the regulatory bodies to function effectively at the grassroots level.

The event was also marked by the felicitation of universities and students for their outstanding contributions towards environmental conservation and sustainable practices. This initiative was aimed at motivating young minds to continue their efforts in ensuring a cleaner and greener future.

A key moment of the session was the release of the NGT Souvenir book titled ‘Voice of Nature’, which highlights the history, activities, and achievements of NGT.

The NGT e-Journal, comprising notable NGT cases, was also launched by the Hon’ble Vice President.

Over the course of two days, the National Conference on Environment – 2025 served as a significant step towards fostering collaboration between judicial bodies, government agencies, and environmental experts. The resolutions and discussions will play a crucial role in shaping India’s environmental governance framework and will contribute to future national and international environmental initiatives.

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VM/GS

(Release ID: 2116868) Visitor Counter : 101

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 10:39AM by PIB Delhi

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, is set to celebrate its 7^th Foundation Day on April 01, 2025, at Akashwani Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi. The NESTS establishes and manages Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), which provide quality education from class 6^th -12^th to tribal students.

This foundation day celebration will be graced by the presence of Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, as the Chief Guest, along with Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, as the Guest of Honour. Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, will grace the occasion as the Special Guest. Senior officers from Ministry and the NESTS will also witness this event.

The foundation day celebrations will feature keynote addresses by dignitaries, cultural performances by EMRS students, and a special segment highlighting NESTS’ role in enabling tribal youth to compete at national and global levels while preserving their traditions. The event will also recognize outstanding EMRS students, with twelve students being felicitated in the morning session, while the staff who excelled in the Sports meet will be awarded in the evening program. A special screening will showcase the remarkable achievements of EMRS over the past year, emphasizing their impact on education, skill development, and holistic growth.

Since its inception, the NESTS has been a transformative force in tribal education, spearheading the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the country. These schools serve as centres of empowerment, providing tribal students with quality education, modern skill development, and a strong connection to their cultural heritage. With the continuous efforts of Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, and his team, under the guidance of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the NESTS has made significant strides in enhancing infrastructure, teaching and non-teaching staff recruitment, and access to quality education for tribal students.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through NESTS, remains committed to empowering tribal communities with quality education, providing them a platform to preserve their rich heritage, thrive in their homeland, and excel in the modern world.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2116701) Visitor Counter : 26

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 Mar 25, the Government of India has launched Operation Brahma for rendering assistance to Myanmar. Under MEA’s direction, the HADR efforts are being progressed in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF.

Indian Navy ships Satpura and Savitri, from the Eastern Naval Command, have sailed for Yangon on 29 Mar 25, as part of the Indian Navy’s immediate response towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). In addition, Indian Navy Ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on 30 Mar 25, to assist in the HADR operations. Approximately 52 Tons of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores. The Indian Navy remains committed to India’s resolve to remain the ‘First Responder’ in the region.

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VM/SKY                                           

(Release ID: 2116801) Visitor Counter : 148

Source: Government of India

‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ – Theme for IDY2025: PM in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

It is a matter of pride for all of us that today the curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising, all over the world: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Prime Minister appeals to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 7:04PM by PIB Delhi

In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, the PM mentioned, “The theme of Yoga Day 2025 has been kept as ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. That is, we wish to make the whole world healthy through yoga.”

Notably, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), a premier institute under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has been entrusted with the responsibility of organising activities to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY) this year on a grand scale. The institute recently unveiled the 100-day countdown to IDY2025 during the Yogamahotsav event held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 March, 2025.

During the 120^th episode of the popular radio program, the Prime Minister said, “Today along with fitness, the count also plays a big role. Count the number of steps taken in a day, count the number of calories eaten in a day, count the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to the International Yoga Day. Now less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated 10 years ago on the 21st of June, 2015. Now this day has taken the shape of a grand festival of yoga. This is such a priceless gift from India to humanity, which is going to be very useful for future generations.”

As the world gears up for International Yoga Day (IDY) 2025, the theme “Yoga for One Earth One Health” takes center stage and a wide range of activities revolving around it is being held. The 2025 theme highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being, aligning with global calls for sustainability and unity. It builds on a decade of success since the United Nations recognized June 21 as International Day of Yoga, following India’s proposal in 2014.

During the Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister also stated, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that today the curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising, all over the world. A large number of youths are adopting yoga and Ayurveda as an excellent medium for wellness. For example, there is a South American country, Chile. Ayurveda is rapidly becoming popular there. Last year, during my visit to Brazil, I met the President of Chile. We had a lot of discussions about the popularity of Ayurveda.

While acknowledging the fast growing popularity of Ayush systems across the globe and the contribution of key stakeholders in this, the PM said, “I have come to know about a team named ‘Somos India’. In Spanish, it means – ‘We are India’. This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for almost a decade. Their focus is on treatment as well as educational programs. They are also getting information related to yoga and Ayurveda translated into the Spanish language. If we talk about last year alone, about 9 thousand people participated in their myriad events and courses. I congratulate all the people associated with this team for their efforts.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also appealed to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being.

10 unique signature events to guide events to International Day of Yoga 2025

This year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

• ● Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 10,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
• ● Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
• ● Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
• ● Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
• ● Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
• ● Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
• ● Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
• ● Yoga Unplugged– An event to attract young people to Yoga
• ● Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
• ● Samyogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

Annexure

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

• ● IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
• ● IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
• ● IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
• ● IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.
• ● IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
• ● IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
• ● IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
• ● IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
• ● IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
• ● IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2116869) Visitor Counter : 116

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik chairs the 3rd meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of distribution utilities in the country

Inflation-indexed and cost-reflective power tariffs need of the hour

Use of AI and digital innovations for financial viability of power sector

Need to review Net-metering and RPO provisions

Prudent O&M cost and reasonable Return on Equity (RoE) should be allowed in Annual Revenue Requirement

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 10:48AM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, chaired the third meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of electricity distribution utilities in Lucknow today.

Shri A. K Sharma, Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Energy Minister, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Energy Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of State for Energy, Maharashtra and Shri Somendra Tomar, Minister of State for Energy, Uttar Pradesh attended the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Central Government, State Governments, State Power Utilities of Member States, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd and REC Ltd.

In his opening remarks, Union Minister of State welcomed Energy Ministers from the Member States and thanked Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, for hosting the meeting. He highlighted about the discussions held during the first two meetings of the GoM and the collective efforts required from the member States for improvement of power distribution sector. He highlighted the need for designing a mechanism for financial restructuring of liabilities of distribution utilities, lowering interest burden on utilities, development of storage solutions, facilitating daytime power supply for agriculture to lower the overall power purchase costs and reduce subsidy burdens.

The Minister also highlighted the need for implementing AI and digital innovations and need for ensuring cost-reflective tariffs for financial viability of power sector. He added that implementing these measures shall help utilities improve the financial sustainability. He also emphasized the need for a scheme similar to UDAY.

In his address Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh thanked the Union Minister of State for having the 3^rd meeting of the Group of Ministers in Lucknow.  He highlighted the achievements of the State of Uttar Pradesh in the power sector including adoption of RE technologies. He commended that the measures taken by the Government of India will have far reaching impact on making country’s distribution sector stronger and healthier. He emphasised on the need for expeditious growth of renewable sources of energy coupled with energy storage solutions so as to meet the future challenges of energy transition and growing power demand. Hon’ble Minister mentioned about the importance of the Government of India’s role in aiding human resources development for achieving better outputs.

Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power, GoI made a presentation highlighting key areas of intervention identified during first two meetings of the GoM and proposed measures to be taken by the stakeholders (Central Govt., State Govts. and Regulatory Commissions) to address the viability concern for deliberation.

TATA power distribution, Odisha, as a special invitee, shared the best practices adopted and their journey toward making their DISCOMs profitable.

The member States actively participated in the meeting and presented the overview of State DISCOMs. They gave valuable suggestions for improving the financial condition of DISCOMs. States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu made presentations on the subject.

The contours of the Action plan identifying the ways to reduce the outstanding debts and losses of the distribution utilities and the means to bring them into profits, were discussed in detail.

Emphasis was placed on the need for review of regulators’ performance for determining tariffs. The support from Government of India for Privatisation initiatives by State was suggested. The need for regulators to adapt to the latest developments in the sector including the current levels of RE integration, the requirements of capacity building and O&M costs, while finalizing the tariff, was also discussed. It was discussed that delays in payment of Government department dues and subsidies are forcing DISCOMs to resort to working capital loans, which are not being passed on in tariff. There are also delays in passing on of Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustments in tariffs thus creating need for working capital which are not considered in Annual Revenue Requirements of the Utilities. To avoid future tariff shocks, it was suggested to link tariffs to annual inflation-linked tariff hike.

The Group of Ministers reiterated its commitment and expressed resolve to take necessary measures for improving the financial viability of DISCOMs.

In his Closing remarks, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State emphasized on the need for States to demonstrate greater political will and determination to make the power sector viable and urged the member States to work upon the ideas that have emerged during the meeting. It was recommended to invite All India DISCOM Association (AIDA) to the next GoM meeting for their suggestions.

It was also unanimously decided to have 4^th meeting of GoM in Andhra Pradesh in the month of April.

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Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2116705) Visitor Counter : 216

Source: Government of India

Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 to Kick Off in New Delhi from April 1st to 3rd, 2025

A Landmark Moment in Youth-Led Nation-Building and Governance

From Debate to Resolution: Youth to Deliberate on One Nation, One Election and Viksit Bharat

Youth to Experience Parliamentary Proceedings Firsthand: A Transformative Insight into Governance

Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the leadership of Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is organizing the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament from 1^st – 3^rd April 2025. This event, a reimagination of the traditional Youth Parliament, serves as a powerful platform to connect young individuals with politics and public policy, fostering their engagement in governance and nation-building.

For the first time since COVID-19, all District Nodal Rounds (300) were conducted in person, ensuring greater participation and direct engagement. Over 75,000 young people from every State and Union Territory submitted their video entries through the MY Bharat portal, showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment to shaping the nation’s future. The entire selection process was conducted digitally, reflecting the growing integration of technology in governance initiatives.

The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is structured into three key stages:

District Nodal Rounds:

• The discussion on One Nation, One Election reached every town and village through massive dialogues held at 300 district nodes.
• To qualify, candidates uploaded a 1-minute video answering the question: “What does Viksit Bharat mean to you?”

State Rounds:

• Held in over 17 State assemblies and other government establishments, these rounds marked a historic milestone in bridging the gap between youth and governance.
• Sessions were presided over by State Speakers and Governors, lending credibility and significance to youth discussions.

National Round (1^st – 3^rd April 2025):

• The top 3 candidates from each State/UT (totaling 108 youth) have been selected to participate at the national level.
• Participants will engage in high-level discussions and activities, including

1. Question Hour: Focused on One Nation, One Election and Viksit Bharat, culminating in a resolution.
2. Masterclass: Conducted by a senior Member of Parliament, equipping youth with essential oratory and leadership skills.
3. Parliamentary Experience: Attending sessions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for firsthand exposure to governance.
4. PM Sangrahalaya Visit: Providing insights into India’s political journey and leadership stories.
5. Awards Ceremony: On 3^rd April, the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards and National Youth Awards will be conferred.

The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is more than just a programme—it is a transformative movement. The ideas and discussions generated through this initiative will extend far beyond Central Hall, resonating across the nation and paving the way for a new era of youth-led policy engagement and national progress.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2116802) Visitor Counter : 132