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
Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 206 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:
AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend due to variable surface wind and unfavorable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 206 for 24.03.2025 (in ‘Poor’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM predicts AQI to remain in this range.
As per the unanimous decision of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300), to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, with immediate effect. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been addressed to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period.
Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:
Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
Plant more trees.
Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles.
A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. These steps are:
Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises. Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.
Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.
Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.
Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.
Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.
No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.
Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non‑compliant and illegal industrial units.
Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. – strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.
Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.
Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.
Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.
Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and non-development areas.
DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.
Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.
Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel – based appliances.
Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.
All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.
The comprehensive schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Bank of China (Hong Kong) 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 website or login screen 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
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has invited inputs from citizens for Mann Ki Baat programme that will take place on 30th March 2025.
Shri Modi also expressed his happiness on getting wide range of inputs for this month’s Mann Ki Baat.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“Happy to be getting a wide range of inputs for this month’s #MannKiBaat, which will take place on the 30th. These inputs highlight the power of collective efforts for social good. I invite more people to share their ideas for the episode.
Happy to be getting a wide range of inputs for this month’s #MannKiBaat, which will take place on the 30th. These inputs highlight the power of collective efforts for social good. I invite more people to share their ideas for the episode. https://t.co/anPo1hmZ5k
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), hosted WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai on 23rd March 2025. WAM! is one of the WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit – Create in India Challenges. Around 300 participants competed across three key categories, Manga, Webtoon, and Anime, at the latest edition in Mumbai. The event also featured a Voice Acting showdown with 34 participants and an electrifying Cosplay contest with 45 participants.
Winners of WAM! Mumbai 2025
Voice Acting Competition
Winner: Chinchakar Ganesh Sanyog
Runners-up: Aditi Joshi & Payal Vishal
Cosplay Contest
Winner: Kaizad Sheshbaradaran as Okarun
First Runner-up: Yash Mokal as Monkey D. Luffy
Second Runner-up: Esha Joshi as Robin
Manga Category
Student Winner: Jay Kumar Nagori
Professional Winner: Hriday Biswas
Webtoon Category
Professional Winner: Eesha Chavan
Anime Category
Student Winner: Chinmay Narote
Professional Winner: Reubun Saldhana
Winners in the Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories received prizes including pen tablets, art supplies, official merchandise, and cash prizes. Additionally, Anime category winners will receive English, Hindi, and Japanese dubs for their pilot episode. Toonsutra has confirmed the distribution of the Webtoon winners’ work on their platform.
In a special segment, attendees got an exclusive first look at TRIO, India’s first anime currently in development. The event also featured notable industry leaders, including: Sushil Bhasin – President, Media & Entertainment Association of India; Abhishek Dutta – Associate Vice President – Acquisition & Programming (Kids Cluster), Star India Pvt Ltd; Sumeet Pathak – Actor, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Gulmohar Media; Ankur Javeri – Actor, Voice Artist, and Founder & Past President of the Association of Voice Artists; Jazyl Homavazir – 2D Animation Professional and Creator of India’s first Manga – Beast Legion; Dakshata Pawar – COSPLAY Artist and Founder of MAGE.
The previous editions of WAM were conducted in Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, and Delhi.
For More Details: Ankur Bhasin; Secretary, Media & Entertainment Association of India +91 98806 23122 ; secretary@meai.in
The Government of India is set to host the first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a landmark event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, from May 1st to 4th, 2025, in Mumbai. Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, WAVES – as a global platform – offers the ultimate platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the global M&E landscape.
With a vision to position India as a global creative powerhouse, WAVES aims to set new benchmarks in creativity, innovation, and influence on the world stage. The summit will magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound And Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR).
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Chong Hing Bank 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 17:20
Over the past ten years, Indian Navy has deepened its partnerships with maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR), to enhance maritime security in consonance with the GoI’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Indian Navy has been collaborating with navies of IOR countries on several initiatives such as joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, information sharing, HADR efforts, capacity building and other diplomatic engagements. With SAGAR entering its second decade, and the announcement of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) by Hon’ble Prime Minister, during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025, Indian Navy is launching its maiden initiatives of IOS Sagar and AIKEYME, which are aimed at consolidating Indian Navy’s stature as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in Indian Ocean Region.
IOS Sagar
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, is an initiative towards continued cooperation with IOR nations. One Indian Naval ship (INS Sunayna) is being deployed to the Southwest IOR with a combined crew of India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka , South Africa). The ship is planned to be deployed for over a month in April 2025, and would be undertaking port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria and Male and Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles.
The personnel from FFCs would undergo a training capsule of two weeks at various naval professional schools at Kochi, including training at Sea. The FFC personnel would be engaged in wholeship activities, watch keeping and other events related to their respective branches/ trade. The participants of IOS Sagar are also planned to witness harbour phase activities of Exercise AIKEYME at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
AIKEYME
India and Africa give immense importance to maritime security and have reiterated their commitment to increase cooperation in tackling maritime security threats such as piracy, illegal activities including trafficking, unregulated and unreported fishing through sharing of information and surveillance. A large scale multilateral maritime engagement exercise with African Countries, titled as ‘Africa India Key Maritime Engagement’ also known as ‘AIKEYME’, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit is an initiative in this direction to enhance interoperability with the navies/ maritime agencies. The maiden edition of the exercise is being co-hosted by Indian Navy and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF) and would be conducted at/ off Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and is planned to be inaugurated by Hon’ble RM Shri Rajnath Singh in mid-April 2025. The exercise is planned over six days and includes participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa in addition to the co-hosts. The Harbour Phase of the exercise would include TableTop and Command Post exercises on Piracy and Information sharing, along with training on Seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS). The Sea Phase comprises Seamanship evolutions, Search and Rescue, VBSS, Small Arms firing and Helicopter Operations.
Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving suspected scheduled dried shark fins, electronic products and cigars by fishing vessel Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation in Tuen Mun that night and spotted a suspicious fishing vessel berthing at a shore where suspected smuggling activities have taken place. Later, the vessel left Tuen Mun and headed towards the waters west of Hong Kong. Customs officers later intercepted the vessel near the waters around Tai O for inspection and found the batch of suspected smuggled goods inside a hidden compartment on the vessel.
During the operation, four male crew members aged between 31 and 53, who were suspected to be connected with the case, were arrested.
They were charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargoes. They will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 25).
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). Issued at HKT 18:15