[PRESS RELEASE]- The Government of the Independent State of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its joint commitment and partnership to strengthen relations and cooperation between both countries and to facilitate exchange of visits between citizens of both countries including promotion of people to people linkages and sub-national cooperation.
An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival. On conclusion of the signing, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa delivered a few remarks followed by an Address by His Excellency Ambassador Fei . Both the Hon Prime Minister and Ambassador acknowledged that the visa exemption arrangement would benefit both countries substantially through ease of international travel. It was further recognized that this important development would also align with this year’s 50th Anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975.
The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was one of the discussion issues at the bilateral meeting between the Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa and the President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Xi Jinping during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China from 20-28 November last year.
Aside from the Mutual Visa Exemption, the culmination of the Bilateral Meetings between the Hon Prime Minister and the Chinese Leaders included the signing of the:
• Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
• MOU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development
• MOU on Establishing a Working Group on Promoting Unimpeded Trade
• MOU on the Global Development Initiative
• MOU on Education Collaboration and Exchanges
• Handover Certificate for the Fingerprint Testing Laboratory
The collaborative efforts and cooperation between the Governments of Samoa and China illustrate a shared commitment and mutual trust to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Government of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China will continue to pursue greater collaboration that will deliver on joint interests and agreed commitments to address key national development priorities that are in line with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, and for the benefit of our two Peoples.
CAPTION- An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival.
Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda Inaugurates World TB Day 2025 Summit Our TB elimination strategy is based on ‘whole of the society’ and ‘whole of the government’ approach: Shri JP Nadda
“Over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs, or community screening and awareness camps were organised in the districts bringing essential TB services directly to the doorsteps of crores of people”
Under the 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, 12.97 crore people were screened for TB with over 7.19 lakh TB patients notified across India
Approximately 2.85 lakh of the notified patients were asymptomatic, who might have otherwise gone undetected without the stratified screening strategy of the campaign
With a proven blueprint derived from the campaign’s success, Union Health Minister announces nationwide expansion of the campaign, highlighting its efficient case finding, leveraging of technology and ensuring timely treatment initiation
State/UTs awarded for exemplary performance during the 100 Days intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and in the TB Mukt Gram Panchyat Initiative
A digital Coffee Table Book and Guidance document on ‘differentiated TB care’ launched at the event
Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:26PM by PIB Delhi
“Our TB elimination strategy is based on ‘whole of the society’ and ‘whole of the government’ approach”. This was stated by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare during his address to the World TB Day 2025 summit, here today. The theme for this year’s World TB Day summit is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.
The Union Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to achieving a TB-Mukt Bharat in his address. While presiding over the Summit, he lauded the 100 Days Intensified TB Elimination campaign’s strategy to deploy cutting-edge technologies, including handheld X-ray units and upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) some of which were deployed using mobile vans (Nikshay Vahans). This helped the campaign shatter geographical barriers and brought vital screening and diagnostic services to remote and underserved areas. He mentioned that over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs, or community screening and awareness camps were organised in the districts bringing essential TB services directly to the doorsteps of crores of people.
The Union Minister noted that TB treatment coverage in India has increased from 59% to 85%. He informed that 12.97 crore people were screened for TB with 7.19 lakh new cases detected. Among the notified TB cases, approximately 2.85 lakh were asymptomatic cases who might have otherwise gone undetected without the stratified screening strategy of the campaign. More than 5,000 MLAs and 10,000 Gram Panchayats participated in the campaign. Citing these successes, he announced the Ministry’s plans to scale the campaign nationwide. Stating that TB is not over yet, he announced further scaling up of the TB elimination campaign to cover all districts in India.
Shri Nadda highlighted that 22 line ministries supported the 100-days campaign and more than 30,000 elected representatives were mobilized for the common cause, demonstrating that the fight against TB is a collective mission. He informed that in just 100 days, over 1,05,181 new Ni-kshay Mitras have registered and distributed over 3,06,368 food baskets among TB patients and their family members.
He noted that during the recently concluded 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign, modern technology was leveraged to improve case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and ensure timely treatment initiation, particularly for vulnerable populations. “The campaign strategically screened vulnerable populations, including asymptomatic individuals, household contacts of TB patients, those with a history of TB, undernourished individuals, and those with chronic comorbidities such as diabetes and HIV”.
Shri Nadda stated that India is one of the top global funders on TB research and congratulated ICMR for their significant research on TB. He highlighted some innovations like RT-PCR machines used during the Covid pandemic which is adapted for use in TB screening. Similarly, indigenous diagnostic kits developed by ICMR not only reduce the cost for TB detection but also improve efficiency by conducting 32 tests in one go. “Hand held x-ray machines with AI support have also played a huge role in detecting asymptomatic TB”, he added.
He concluded his address by thanking the invaluable support and involvement of elected representatives and community leaders, MPs, MLAs, Gram Pradhans and local leaders which was instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing communities against this disease. “Their dedication has fostered a sense of ownership and accountability in the community, one of the many unique strategies India has adopted to fight TB”, he stated.
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary said, “World TB Day is a day where we remind ourselves that this disease still exists while we can eliminate it”. She further stated that this is a day to chart out our task ahead. “All our stakeholders have put in a lot of effort towards the goal of eliminating TB and this should continue until we achieve the goal of TB Mukt Bharat”, she added.
A digital Coffee Table Book on TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, capturing and showcasing the implementation of the Abhiyaan through photos from the field, was unveiled on the occasion. The Union Health Minister also launched a ‘Guidance Document on Differentiated TB Care’ to ensure timely and effective care for high-risk patients. This document provides guidelines for triaging high-risk patients (for instance, those suffering from severe undernutrition or respiratory insufficiency) at diagnosis and refers to a comprehensive treatment plan for them.
State/UTs were awarded for the exemplary performance during the 100 Days intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and also for their performance in the TB Mukt Gram Panchyat Initiative.
Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and DG, ICMR; Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS); Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission; and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion. The event also witnessed participation from NTEP Staff from State and Districts, TB Champions, District Magistrates, District Collectors, MD NHMs, Medical Institutions, Civil society, WHO Consultants and development partners.
The Department of Health (DH) today (March 24) is actively following up and investigating an incident of a falling examination lamp in a treatment room at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan (HKAH-TW). In addition, the DH has issued a special alert to inform the stakeholders in Hong Kong that if they are using the same model (i.e. Polaris® 50) of examination lamp, they should contact the local supplier.
According to the HKAH-TW’s report, upon a doctor finished a procedure for a patient in a treatment room of the Urgent Care Centre last night, the examination lamp suddenly fell while a healthcare staff assisting the doctor was trying to adjust it, hitting both of them. Upon examination, neither suffered any major injuries and did not require hospitalisation for treatment. The patient, who was in the treatment room at the time of the incident, was not injured.
After the incident, the hospital stopped using the room in question in the evening of the same day, and asked the supplier to immediately send staff to inspect all examination lamps of the same model in the hospital to ensure safety. As a precautionary measure, the HKAH-TW has also requested the supplier to inspect all lights manufactured by the same supplier (Draeger Hong Kong Limited) but of different models in the HKAH-TW. The DH has requested the HKAH-TW to submit an investigation report. The DH will carefully assess the findings of the investigation and the measures taken by the hospital, and take appropriate follow-up actions to ensure patient safety and prevent similar incidents.
On the other hand, the DH has contacted the local supplier of the device to learn more about the incident. Preliminary information indicated that the medical device in question is a Class I general medical device under the Medical Device Administrative Control System. The DH will notify stakeholders of the incident, including the Hospital Authority, all private hospitals, licensed private healthcare facilities and relevant medical professional bodies, and inform them to contact the local supplier, Draeger Hong Kong Limited, as soon as possible if they are using the device concerned. The DH will also issue a special alert on the Medical Device Division’s website. The DH has requested Draeger Hong Kong Limited in writing today to proactively notify the affected customers and take follow-up action.
The DH would continue to liaise closely with the HKAH-TW and the supplier concerned, and follow up on the case to safeguard patient safety.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joins Global Maritime Leaders at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) Meets key Singapore Ministers to strengthen bilateral maritime & trade ties
Deliberates with ministerial counterparts from France, The Netherlands, Norway & Portugal on navigating Global Maritime Trends at SMW
Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal joined Global Maritime Leaders at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) to discuss, deliberate and devise strategies based on the shared vision for a secure, sustainable and prosperous maritime future. The Minister highlighted the challenges and India’s vision to channel growth of the maritime sector around that. Shri Sonowal also argued for strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains while the need for collective effort towards a green sustainable maritime future.
On digitalisation and future ready shipping, the Union Minister reiterated how it is the core strategy of India’s maritime policy. India’s maritime policies like ONOP, NLP (Marine), and MAITRI are streamlining port services, cutting transaction times, and enabling real-time data. India is also partnering with the UAE and Singapore to create Virtual Trade Corridors for seamless cargo movement.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India’s maritime vision, rooted in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, promotes collaboration and shared prosperity. As a reliable and responsible partner, India is committed to building a green, secure, and inclusive maritime future. Alongside Singapore and global partners, we aim to drive innovation and collective action for a resilient maritime ecosystem.”
Shri Sonowal met Senior Minister and ex PM of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong at the SMW. Union Minister was ushered to the bilateral meeting with Murali Pillai, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The Union Minister also held individual meetings with other senior members of the government including Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore; Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore. Sonowal said at the SMW that India is addressing supply chain vulnerabilities by developing key corridors like IMEEC, the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the North-South Transport Corridor to secure trade routes. A USD 20 billion investment would enhance logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation. India targets a top-five global shipbuilding rank by 2047 through policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades. Ports aim to grow their global cargo share from 6% to 15% by 2047, supported by a Maritime Development Fund for fleet and shipyard expansion. The GIFT City is also rising as a global hub for maritime finance and ship leasing, offering a competitive gateway to global capital, highlighted Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at the SMW Adding further, he said, “The maritime sector faces both challenges and opportunities, from climate change and geopolitics to digital disruption and shifting trade patterns. Guided by PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, India is advancing as a modern, self-reliant, and globally connected economy. The maritime sector is key to driving growth, resilience, and sustainable connectivity. India is expanding port infrastructure, integrating logistics, and boosting ease of doing business—resulting in greater port efficiency, stronger cargo flows, and growing investor confidence.”
In his concluding remark, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Sustainability is central to India’s maritime strategy. We are advancing green port infrastructure, promoting low-emission shipping, and supporting innovation in low-carbon vessels. Three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports— Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip—will drive alternative fuel adoption and green hydrogen production. India is also leading the IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, helping developing nations in their energy transitions. Our commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, extends to developing Green Shipping Corridors, including the proposed India-Singapore Green and Digital Corridor, focused on clean energy and smart logistics. Oceans unite us. Through partnerships, we can turn today’s maritime challenges into shared, sustainable opportunities.” Sarbananda Sonowal also met Industry Captains including Jeremy Nixon, Global CEO, ONE and Masashi Hamada along with other corporate leaders from the Maritime Sector including APM Terminals, Gateway Terminals.
[GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT]- The Government of Samoa has requested official information from the Solomon Islands Attorney General’s Office on the circumstances surrounding the stop order preventing Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from departing Honiara.
Through the Prime Minister’s Office, support is arranged to ensure legal representation for Leiataualesa is available while awaiting official details from Honiara.
Leiataualesa was returning home after the Miss Pacific Pageant where he served as one of the five judges.
He was stopped at the airport.
We will keep you posted as more details are available.
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day – 2025 Towards a TB-Free India
Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:26PM by PIB Delhi
“The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of India’s dedicated and innovative efforts. Through a collective spirit, we will keep working towards a TB-free India.”
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24th to raise awareness about the need to eliminate TB, the world’s deadliest infectious disease. The day marks the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. India has been observing this day since 1982, along with the global community. Despite progress, TB still impacts millions, posing serious health, social, and economic challenges.[3] This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, highlights the importance of stronger commitments and action, especially against rising drug-resistant TB.[4]
India’s goal to eliminate TB by 2025 is one of the world’s most ambitious health missions. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), India has strengthened its TB response with advanced diagnostics, innovative policies, private sector partnerships, and a patient-first approach. Key drivers include record-high case reporting, better diagnostics, financial support for patients, and strong multi-sector collaboration. However, with global TB funding declining and shifting priorities, continued commitment is vital to meet India’s 2025 target and the UN’s goal of ending TB by 2030.
Despite global efforts, TB remains a major public health challenge worldwide, with India bearing the highest burden. Understanding both the global and national estimates is key to gauging the scale of the disease and the urgency of India’s elimination mission.
KEY INITIATIVES BY THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT TO ELIMINATE TB
To tackle this significant burden, the Government of India has implemented a range of focused strategies under its National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). These key initiatives under NTEP aim to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts, accelerating progress toward a TB-free India.
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)[7]
In 2020, the Government of India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). This reflects India’s goal to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years before the global target of 2030. Here are the key targets for the Eradication of TB
The NTEP follows the National Strategic Plan (2017-2025), focusing on four key actions:
Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build(DTPB) to control and eliminate TB in India.
According to WHO’s Global TB Report, India has made significant progress in fighting tuberculosis. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the incidence rate of TB cases have dropped by nearly 17.7%, from 237 cases per 1 lakh people in 2015 to 195 in 2023. TB-related deaths have also reduced, falling from 28 to 22 per 1 lakh people during the same period.
One of its key achievements has been reducing the number of missing TB cases from 15 lakh in 2015 to just 2.5 lakh in 2023 with a decrease of 83%.
Under NTEP, India has rolled out improved drug-resistant TB treatments, including a safer, shorter all-oral Bedaquiline regimen, boosting success rates from 68% (2020) to 75% (2022). The mBPaL regimen (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid) offers 80% success for MDR-TB, cutting treatment to six months.
The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), one of the components of NTEP, aims to unite communities, businesses, and institutions to support TB patients and their families. It focuses on providing nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support to improve treatment outcomes, reduce illness and deaths, and fast-track India’s goal of TB elimination. PMTBMBA is also recognized as the world’s largest crowd-sourcing initiative for nutritional support to TB patients.
Key goals include:
Offering additional care and support to TB-affected individuals.
Promoting active community participation.
Mobilizing CSR contributions from businesses and institutions.
The NIKSHAY – TB Notification Incentive for the Private Sector, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, incentivizes private healthcare providers to report TB cases, improving TB surveillance and treatment.
Under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), financial support for TB patients’ nutrition has been increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month, providing ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per patient throughout treatment. The patient must be registered and notified on the NIKSHAY portal.
The government has introduced Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) for underweight TB patients (BMI < 18.5). Around 12 lakh patients will receive these supplements during the first two months of treatment to improve recovery rates and overall health outcomes.
Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative – Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative encourages individuals, NGOs, corporates, faith-based organizations, and others to adopt TB patients for at least six months, offering them nutritional, social, or economic support.
The scope of this initiative has now been expanded to include food baskets for household contacts of TB patients, aiming to boost immunity, lower infection risk, and reduce families’ financial burden. Additionally, over ₹3,202 crores have been disbursed to 1.13 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), supporting better nutrition and treatment outcomes. To further strengthen these efforts, the government has committed an additional ₹1,040 crores (shared 60:40 between Centre and States), ensuring enhanced support and reduced TB-related mortality.
Ni-kshay Portal
Ni-kshay Portal is a web-based patient management and surveillance system under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Developed by the Central TB Division, MoHFW, in collaboration with NIC and WHO India, it helps health workers in both public and private sectors to register TB cases, order tests, record treatment, monitor adherence, and transfer cases. It also serves as India’s National TB Surveillance System, ensuring real-time data reporting to the government.[14]
Over 1.51 crore TB patients are receiving treatment, with approximately 1.18 crore consenting to receive support. Around 1.18 crore commitments have been made by Ni-kshay Mitras, and over 2.59 lakh Mitras are registered. The initiative emphasizes public participation in TB elimination, resonating with the Prime Minister’s call for humanity. More details can be found on the Ni-kshay Dashboard[15]
Conclusion
India is making steady progress in its goal to eliminate TB by 2025 through focused interventions under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Key initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) and Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) are driving community participation and ensuring nutritional support, improving treatment adherence. The Ni-kshay Portal further strengthens surveillance and patient care. To sustain momentum, increased investments, innovation, and partnerships are crucial. With continued commitment, India is poised to become a global example in the fight against TB.
The bilateral naval exerciseVARUNA 2025, held from19 to 22 Mar 25, brought together Indian Navy and the French Navy, underscoring their enduring partnership.
This edition of the Exercise included exercises ranging across multi domain environments. The structured drills were designed to further fine-tune tactical and operational proficiency in complex scenarios. Advanced Air defence drills with the participation ofRafale-M of the French Navy and MIG-29K of the Indian Navy, simulating realistic combat scenarios, honed the ability of participating units to counter aerial threats jointly.Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises involving Indian submarine and Anti-Submarine frigates of the two forcesfocused on deepening the understanding and proficiency in underwater domain awareness and tactics. Surface warfare operations involved complex coordinated manoeuvres and simulated engagements, showcasing the combined combat power of the participating fleets.Replenishment At Sea exercises by the two Fleet Tankersproved the logistical interoperability and enhanced mutual support and endurance for sustained operations. This edition of the exercise achieved a higher degree of operational coordination between the two navies than the previous editions.
The exercise achieved its aim of enhanced Jointmanship and reinforced the shared commitment to upholding the principles of a rules-based maritime order and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. The complex drills provided invaluable operational experience, strengthening the collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges. The exercise facilitated the critical exchange of Best Practices, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and enhancing the two navies’ ability to operate seamlessly in complex maritime environments. Since its inception, theVarunaexercise has been a cornerstone of India-France defence relations, with both countries recognising the importance of maritime security and collaborative defence efforts. France and India share a strong commitment to safeguarding global Sea lanes and addressing shared maritime security challenges.
The Ministry is aware that a fabricated email dated 11 February 2025 is being circulated on Facebook supposedly from the Honourable Prime Minister and addressed to FAST Party Members.
The Prime Minister and her Office have no connection to the fabricated email and disavow the views and sentiments expressed in it. All official statements from the Office of the Prime Minister are circulated through the Government Press Secretariat. And no such statement was issued.
The Ministry advises that the Facebook post is misleading and misrepresents the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa. Further, the views expressed in the fabricated email can be considered defamatory and harmful to the Members of Parliament from FAST Party.
We urge the public to be responsible and respectful with the views they share on the various social media platforms. We respectfully ask the public to refrain from sharing or posting misleading information for the safety of those who are/will be affected.
The Ministry also cautions the general public that it is an offence to dishonestly impersonate another person with the intent to cause disadvantage to the person affected and to publish false information about a person to cause harm to that person’s reputation.
It is also an offence to incite hostility by publishing anything with the intention of undermining the authority of the Government in circumstances where there is a present risk of lawlessness, violence or disorder.
PLI 1.1 Scheme Boosts India’s Specialty Steel Sector Government Expands PLI Scheme to Strengthen Domestic Steel Manufacturing
PLI 1.1 Sees ₹17,000 Crore Investment Commitment in Second Round
42 MoUs Signed Under PLI Scheme 1.1, Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance in Steel
Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi:The Ministry of Steel marked a key milestone today with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel. Addressing the gathering, Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy emphasized that the scheme is a significant step toward achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision.
“The PLI scheme is a major step towards realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliance. India is the second-largest producer and consumer of steel, yet we still import certain high-grade varieties. This scheme aims to bridge that gap by promoting domestic production,” he said.
Launched in July 2021, the PLI scheme for specialty steel covers five broad categories and 19 sub-categories. The initiative ensures that only companies registered in India and engaged in end-to-end steel production are eligible for incentives. The scheme has generated strong industry participation, prompting the government to introduce Round 2, allowing more companies to benefit.
To encourage investment and boost output, the government is offering incentives ranging from 3-4% based on investment and production targets. In the first round, 44 applications were submitted by 23 companies, with incentives already disbursed for one project. The second round has seen even greater enthusiasm, with 25 companies submitting 42 applications, committing investments worth ₹17,000 crore.
Lauding the efforts of officials in the Ministry of Steel and the MECON team for fast-tracking the implementation of PLI 1.1, Kumaraswamy said, “The dedication and efficiency shown by the ministry officials and the MECON team have been instrumental in accelerating this scheme. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative.”
The minister also made a strong appeal to domestic steelmakers, urging them to focus on specialty steel production. “Domestically, we are not manufacturing specialty steel, but I personally request our steelmakers to invest in specialty steel plants. If you succeed in producing specialty steel domestically, it will boost capacity and production in the country. I urge all stakeholders to take up this challenge and contribute to our self-reliance,” he stated.
Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Kumaraswamy reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the steel industry. “The Government of India remains firmly committed to supporting the steel sector. The PLI Scheme has created strong momentum and brings us closer to self-reliance,” he noted.
The expansion of the scheme is expected to further enhance India’s global competitiveness in specialty steel production. The minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in driving this transformative initiative and congratulated all the companies that signed MoUs under PLI 1.1.
As the PLI scheme continues to gain momentum, industry leaders see it as a catalyst for reducing dependency on imports and positioning India as a global hub for high-quality steel production. Secretary for steel Shri Sandeep Poundrik,Shri Abhijit Narendra, Joint Secretary, Shri Ministry of Steel, Mr SK Verma, MD, MECON and other officials from the ministry of steel were present at event.
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Bank of East Asia, Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 17:18