Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 6,900 crore contracts for 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems & High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles to enhance Indian Army’s operational readiness

Capital procurement pacts worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore signed in FY 2024-25 till date

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced System Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles respectively at a total cost of about Rs 6,900 crore. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi on March 26, 2025.

With the signing, total contracts worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore have been signed by MoD for capital procurement till date in the current Financial Year 2024-25. During the contract signing, the Project Director of ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune who played a pivotal role in the realisation of the project was felicitated by the Defence Secretary as an honour for his immense contribution.

The 155 mm/52 Calibre ATAGS will replace the vintage and smaller calibre guns and enhance the artillery capabilities of the Indian Army. The procurement of this gun system marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Artillery Regiments, enhancing operational readiness. ATAGS, renowned for its exceptional lethality, will play a crucial role in bolstering the Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes.

Being the first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector by the Indian Army, the project will provide a boost to the Indian gun manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing eco-system as a whole. This project is a proud flag-bearers of Aatmnanirbhar Bharat by significantly contributing to employment generation and economic growth in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative.

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VK/SR/Savvy

 

(Release ID: 2115365) Visitor Counter : 3636

Source: Government of India

Railway Electrification Gains Momentum: 100% Network Electrified in 22 out of 29 States/UT, Work Progressing Rapidly in the Remaining 7 States

 136 Crore Liters Reduction in Traction Fuel Consumption from 2018-19 to 2023-24

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

Currently, about 98% of the Indian Railways’ (IR) Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified and balance sections have been taken up. Significant progress has been made in railway electrification in recent years, a comparison of electrification before and after 2014 is as follows:

 

 

State wise percentage of tracks already electrified till date are as under:

 

About 96% electrification work of the railway lines situated in Tamil Nadu has been completed. The electrification work in the balance sections situated in Tamil Nadu has been taken up at a cost of  Rs. 444 crore.

CO₂ emissions in transportation by railways as compared to transportation by road is as under:

Further, electrification of railway tracks reduces dependency on fossil fuels, decreased diesel consumption resulting in lower carbon emission. Electrification enables better haulage capacity and higher train speeds, leading to reduced travel time and enhanced efficiency. IR has witnessed reduction in fuel consumption for traction purpose by 136 crore liters during 2023-24 as compared to 2018-19.

Mission 100% Electrification is a highly challenging project, as it involves electrifying railway lines that are already in operation and encountering unforeseen various challenges during execution. To expedite railway electrification work, various steps have been taken by Indian Railways which include among others; formation of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal to resolve the constraints being faced during commissioning, ensuring effective project monitoring mechanism, assured funding and enhanced financial powers to field units.

The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various factors like forest clearances by officials of forest department, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect the completion time of the project(s).

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2115511) Visitor Counter : 224

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) at Leh, an autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Ayush for the preservation, promotion and development of Sowa-Rigpa hosted a special yoga event in Leh at Institute campus on March 25 as part of the activities being organised to mark the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga – 2025.

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) hosted a special yoga session in Leh, Ladakh, at an altitude of 11,562 feet

Against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 11,562 feet (3,524 meters), the team of NISR including staff and students conducted the yoga session as per the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush.

(A Yoga session was conducted by all the staff and students of National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, NISR)

With snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and an aura of serenity, Leh provided the perfect setting for this event. Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, NISR said, “Yoga is not just a practice; it is a way of life that nurtures both the body and the mind. In today’s fast-paced world, it serves as a powerful tool to achieve inner balance, mental clarity, and physical well-being. Through yoga, we cultivate resilience, harmony, and holistic health—not just for individuals but for society as a whole. At the majestic heights of Leh, we reaffirm that yoga transcends boundaries, uniting us all in the pursuit of wellness and peace.”

Ms. Tsewang Lhamo, the Yoga instructor from Mahabodhi International Yoga and Meditation Centre Leh also participated in the event and stated, “Yoga plays a vital role in our daily lives by promoting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Regular practice enhances flexibility, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. It also fosters mindfulness, helping individuals maintain inner peace and harmony amidst the challenges of everyday life.”

Notably, the 100-days countdown to the International Day of Yoga – 2025 was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Ayush during ‘Yoga Mahotsav- 2025’ held in New Delhi. During the said event, the Ayush Minister had also informed that this year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11^th 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.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2115382) Visitor Counter : 468

Source: Government of India

DRDO & Indian Navy successfully flight-test indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

This missile system will be an excellent force multiplier for Indian Navy: Raksha Mantri

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted the successful flight-test of indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at about 1200 hrs on March 26, 2025. The flight-test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. It has established the Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability of the missile system.

During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range, and establishing the missile’s agility, reliability & pin-point accuracy. The test was conducted with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration. These elements, including missile with indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar and Weapon Control System, have performed as per expectations. The performance of the system was validated by the flight data captured by various Range Instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.

Congratulating DRDO, Indian Navy and the industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh termed the missile system as proof of India’s strong design and development capabilities in defence R&D. It will be an excellent force multiplier for the Indian Navy, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy & associated teams on this successful flight test, and stated that the missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2115509) Visitor Counter : 4553

Source: Government of India

India’s Social Security Coverage Doubles

Coverage reaches 48.8% in 2024, up from 24.4% in 2021, says ILO report

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

Summary

 

Introduction

India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, marking a significant expansion in welfare reach, according to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26. The report attributes this progress to key government initiatives, which have extended benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and employment support to millions.

As per Ministry of Labour and Employment, nearly 920 million people, or 65% of the population, are now covered by at least one form of social protection, whether in cash or in-kind, through central government schemes. India’s advancements have also contributed to a 5-percentage point increase in global social protection coverage, underscoring its role in shaping welfare outcomes at an international level.

 

Overview of the Report

The World Social Protection Report is a comprehensive assessment published periodically by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to labour rights and social justice. The report evaluates social protection systems globally, examining their coverage, effectiveness, and progress in ensuring social security for diverse populations. By offering a detailed analysis of policies and trends, it serves as a key resource for governments, policymakers, and researchers working towards stronger and more inclusive welfare systems.

             

The 2024–26 edition of the report is centred on universal social protection for climate action and a just transition. For the first time, it incorporates trend data, providing a more dynamic perspective on global progress. It presents an extensive set of global, regional, and country-level statistics on social protection coverage, benefits provided, and public expenditure. Additionally, a regional companion report for Asia and the Pacific supplements the global findings by offering a deeper analysis of social protection developments in the region. This companion report highlights key challenges, priorities, and the intersection of social protection and climate action, considering the unique socio-economic and environmental conditions of Asia and the Pacific.

 

Expanding Social Security: Key Government Initiatives

India’s social protection system has expanded significantly through various welfare programmes aimed at providing financial security, healthcare, and food assistance to millions. These initiatives have played a crucial role in improving livelihoods and reducing poverty across the country.

Here are some key social security schemes and initiatives:

 

India Launches Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise

The ILO’s assessment of 48.8% may not fully capture India’s social security landscape, as it does not account for in-kind benefits such as food security and housing support or state-administered welfare schemes. With the integration of these factors, India’s actual social protection coverage is expected to be considerably higher, reflecting ongoing reforms and data consolidation efforts.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment launched Phase 01 of India’s Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise on March 19, 2025, to create a comprehensive assessment of social security coverage. The initiative aims to consolidate data from multiple schemes for a more holistic picture of India’s welfare landscape. In the first phase, ten states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Gujarat, have been identified for data consolidation at the central level.

Building on these efforts, India has already processed over 200 crore records by using encrypted Aadhaar as a unique identifier across 34 major central schemes, including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN).

The Ministry has been engaging in a high-level dialogue with the ILO to ensure these additional welfare measures are reflected in future assessments. During a recent bilateral discussion at the 353rd ILO Governing Body meeting in Geneva, the ILO acknowledged that housing and food security are part of an extended set of indicators under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has agreed to consider such schemes in its evaluations.

With continued collaboration between the Centre, State Governments and ILO, India is set to further refine its social protection framework and present a more accurate picture of its welfare reach.

Conclusion

India’s strides in expanding social protection reflect a strong commitment to inclusive welfare and economic security. The doubling of coverage, as highlighted in the International Labour Organization’s World Social Protection Report 2024–26, underscores the impact of key initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, and the eShram portal in ensuring financial stability, healthcare, and food security for millions. The launch of the Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise further strengthens these efforts by enhancing data-driven policymaking and addressing gaps in existing assessments. As India continues to refine its social security framework in collaboration with the ILO, its approach serves as a model for balancing welfare expansion with economic growth.

 

References:

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia

(Release ID: 2115391) Visitor Counter : 439

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi led the delegation to the 14th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting convened in Lima, Peru, on August 15 and 16, sharing Taiwan’s achievements in renewable energy development, just energy transition experience, and hydrogen energy development goals. All attending member economies and industry representatives agreed that energy transition should be carried out in a just, orderly, and inclusive manner, while also recognizing the importance of clean and low-carbon hydrogen energy to reduction of GHG emissions.

This year’s meeting was chaired by Peru Minister of Energy and Mines Romulo Mucho, and all attending member economies agreed to issue a joint ministerial statement, welcoming the establishment of the “Just Energy Transition Initiative,” and endorsed the “APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific.”

In his remark during discussion on “advancing energy transitions across the APEC region,” Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan’s recognition of the importance of just energy transition to a net-zero future, and explained the government’s introduction of the innovative Aquavoltaics Development policy due to Taiwan’s limited land resources to promote a green economy and create new job opportunities. Deputy Minister Chen also mentioned that the Sixth Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards Program included “just transition” as an evaluation criterion for the first time this year and recognized cases from member economies like Taiwan, U.S., and Canada, which all incorporated methods of promoting just energy transition. Taiwan’s project received the Gold Medal in the Smart Jobs & Consumers category, and was also highlighted by Ariadne BenAissa, Lead Shepherd of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG), as a great example in enhancing just energy transition.

Regarding “importance of energy access in promoting sustainable growth,” member economies acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between ensuring energy access and ending energy poverty in the process of promoting clean energy transition. Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan’s FiT scheme that encourages renewable energy installation in indigenous and remote areas, while also expressing Taiwan’s willingness to exchange and cooperate with all member economies on energy access policies, technologies, and measures.

When discussing “policies and actions for hydrogen development in APEC economies to promote sustainable growth,” Deputy Minister Chen shared that the manufacturing sector is the focus of Taiwan’s economic development, and using hydrogen in the manufacturing process will help to realize net-zero emissions. He also expressed that international trade is the most optimal path to facilitate the development and application of hydrogen energy, and establishing basic regulations for international hydrogen energy trade is a goal all member economies should strive towards in the future. Deputy Minister Chen also voiced his support for the “APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific” proposed by host country Peru, hoping that hydrogen energy trade can be realized as early as possible with advancement in related technology and business model.

Ministry of Economic Affairs noted, during this year’s APEC EMM14, all member economies exchanged and shared concrete methods for energy sustainable development, making this a meaningful multilateral forum where Taiwan was able to demonstrate our dedicated spirit and achievements in promoting net-zero transition.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email: flliao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MIRDC’s Enduring-High-Efficiency Combustion System for Industrial Furnace (EHE Combustion System) received 2024 R&D 100 Awards. The furnace is equipped with self-recuperative burners which are operated by intelligent burner operating principle (IntelliBurn).

The burners draw furnace flue gas into their internal heat exchangers, and thermal energy from the high-temperature flue gas is transferred to combustion air. The process preheats the combustion air before it is burned. However, heat exchangers within the self-recuperative burners will gradually decrease in energy-saving efficiency because of issues such as material degradation from thermal shock, carbon accumulation and other problems. Under the IntelliBurn computational framework, the integration of AI machine learning and big data predicts heat release and determines the required furnace power. Therefore, the IntelliBurn dynamically controls multi-burners by adjusting their ignition timings and switching modes based on real-time furnace conditions for optimal performances. As a result, the EHE Combustion System achieves up to 72% waste heat recovery, Plus-Minus 3 degrees Celsius temperature uniformity, and 25% energy savings. Heat-exchange efficiency is also maintained at over 95% of initial capability of heat exchangers.

The technology has been applied to two Taiwanese companies by renovating their old furnaces. A foundry renovates its annealing furnace for castings, and temperature uniformity of its renovated furnace improves from Plus-Minus 20 degrees Celsius to Plus-Minus 10 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the deformation and vibration modes of each casting become stable, meeting requirements of high-end machine tool models and saving over 20% energy. MIRDC also assists an aluminum company to improve its heat treatment furnace with this technology. The renovated furnace helps the company process 190 tons of large aluminum ingots and achieves 270 tons of carbon reduction annually. In the future, MIRDC will continue to put its efforts behind perfecting the technology and introduce it to more Taiwanese industries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee, on a visit to Hainan, today met Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Feng Fei and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hainan Provincial People’s Government.

Meeting this morning, Mr Lee and Mr Feng discuss ways of enhancing co-operation between the two places.

Highlighting the close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Hainan, Mr Lee said Hong Kong has long been the major source of external investment in Hainan, with many Hong Kong enterprises conducting business in the province. In 2024, more than 700 Hong Kong enterprises were operating in Hainan, and the realised direct investment from Hong Kong was RMB15 billion.

Me Lee said that thanks to customs closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the implementation of preferential policies, Hong Kong enterprises and professionals will have more development opportunities in Hainan.

After the meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Feng attended a signing ceremony for the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation.

Signed by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Hainan Vice Governor Bater, the memorandum aims to deepen co-operation in five areas – trade and investment, finance, safe flows of data, tourism, and talent exchanges.

Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong SAR Government is fully leveraging the city’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” of having strong support from the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world.

Hong Kong, he added, is committed to contributing to the introduction of international projects to Hainan and facilitating Hainan’s capital investments in overseas markets, with a view to jointly venturing into the global market with Hainan.

He stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government will promote collaborative development and mutual benefits between the Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port, thereby contributing to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive met young people from Hong Kong who are working or starting businesses in Hainan to learn about their experiences. He encouraged them to study the memorandum of co-operation signed today and seize on the opportunities it presents to realise their aspirations.

He also urged them to contribute to fostering mutual engagement and integrated development between citizens of the two places.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the organiser of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Textile Research Institute (TTRI) developed the Mushroom Leather Cultivation System, which received the 2024 R&D 100 Award for its innovation. This system utilizes a non-woven soy protein growing bed, allowing mushroom leather to grow both on the surface and within the bed, unlike traditional cotton beds that limit growth to the surface. This advancement promotes efficient rolled growth.

A key feature is the circulating conveyor belt that ensures a consistent nutrient supply through precise air spraying, preventing nutritional gaps found in other soaking methods.

TTRI’s roll-to-roll growth system can produce up to 5-6 square meters of mushroom leather, significantly more than the 0.05-0.25 square meters yielded by plate-based methods. It also enhances nutrient-to-mycelium conversion efficiency to 25%, compared to the typical 10-20% in the market. This efficient, space-saving system boosts productivity and sustainability, positioning TTRI’s Mushroom Leather as a leading eco-friendly alternative in the leather industry.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Textile Research Institute’s (TTRI) Bionic Mono-Material Leather, awarded the 2024 R&D 100 Award, features advanced SEBS Leather technology. This innovative material, made entirely from polyolefin polymer (SEBS), converts thermoplastic materials into a textile form using non-woven fabric shaping and fiber control techniques. The production process is streamlined from eight steps to four while maintaining excellent breathability and elasticity.

This technology addresses recycling challenges associated with synthetic leather by utilizing a single material. SEBS Leather is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed at least five times without losing performance, presenting a sustainable option for the industry.

In comparison to traditional leather materials, SEBS Leather reduces carbon emissions by 18% (3.7 kg for SEBS versus 4.4 kg for standard PU). Producing 100 tons of SEBS Leather saves 1,044.6 kilowatt-hours of electricity, cuts carbon emissions by 517.14 kg, and decreases sodium hydroxide solvent use by 20 to 30 tons, making it both eco-friendly and highly marketable.