Our Prime Minister Has Exemplified Kautilya’s Philosophy in Action – Vice-President Our Prime Minister, a Great Visionary, Believes In Big Scale and Massive Transformation, Says VP
VP Quotes Kautilya – “A Neighbouring State Is an Enemy, and Enemy’s Enemy Is a Friend”
Kautilya Declared—“The Happiness of the King Lies in the Happiness of His People”; This Is the Nectar of Governance, Says VP
Democracy Did Not Start With the Constitution; It Is Rooted In Expression and Dialogue—Anant Vaad of Vedic Culture, highlights VP
Vice-President Interacts With the Kautilya Fellows from the India Foundation in New Delhi
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 2:33PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “Our Prime Minister has exemplified in action Kautilya’s philosophy. Kautilya’s thought process is a treatise in governance, virtually encyclopedic for every facet of governance—statecraft, security, role of the king—now those elected. In our multipolar world of shifting alliances….we had a concept—fly-by-night concept. Same can be seen with the alliances. Kautilya imagined then that this will be ever shifting. Let me quote Kautilya: ‘A neighboring state is an enemy, and enemy’s enemy is a friend.’ Which country knows better than Bharat? We always believe in global peace, global fraternity, and global welfare.”
Our Prime Minister has exemplified Kautilya’s philosophy in action.
Kautilya had imagined that alliances would be ever-shifting. He said, “A neighboring state is an enemy, and enemy’s enemy is a friend.” Which country knows this better than Bharat?
Interacting with the Kautilya Fellows from the India Foundation in New Delhi today, Shri Dhankhar said, “Our Prime Minister, a great visionary, believes in big scale. He believes in massive transformation. And after a decade of governance, the results are written on the wall. It is after a long gap of several decades, that we have a Prime Minister continually in the third term. And that is making all the difference.”
Kautilya had one great emphasis, the Vice-President said, “Democracy has to be participatory; development equally has to be participatory. He laid great emphasis on individuals contributing for national welfare. A nation is defined by decorum, discipline — that is individualistic in nature. Similarly, I quote Kautilya: ‘Just as one wheel alone does not move a cart’…..Administration cannot be accomplished single-handedly.”
He highlighted how these ethos are reflected in contemporary governance, “This nation has an administration which is innovative. In the country, we had some districts that were lagging behind. Bureaucrats did not venture into those areas. Prime Minister Modi created a nomenclature for those districts: ‘Aspirational Districts’. And now, those ‘Aspirational Districts’ have turned out to be lead districts in development. Prime Minister Modi suddenly thought that people are going to metros. Tier 2, Tier 3 cities must also be hubs of economic activity. He devised a mechanism of smart cities. Smart cities were not in the context of infrastructure or beauty. It was in the context of facilities being available for entrepreneurs, for students.”
Reflecting on the foundational principles of power and governance, the Vice-President said, “Power is defined by limitations. Democracy is nurtured when we are ever mindful of the limitations of power. If you go deep into Kautilya’s philosophy, you will find all this converges only to one essence, nectar of governance—welfare of the people.”
Power is defined by limitations. Democracy is nurtured when we are ever mindful of the limitations of power. Kautilya’s philosophy converges to one essence: the nectar of governance, which is welfare of the people.
Quoting Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Shri Dhankhar noted, “Kautilya declared, ‘The happiness of the king lies in the happiness of his people.’ If you look at constitutions of any country that are democratic, you will find this philosophy is the underlying spirit and essence of democratic governance and democratic values.”
Democracy is nurtured best when expression and dialogue complement each other. This distinguishes democracy from any other form of governance.
In India, democracy did not start with our Constitution coming into force or with the nation getting independence from foreign rule.… pic.twitter.com/lsPP5Rcfpe
Concluding with a reflection on India’s civilizational ethos, the Vice-President remarked, “Democracy is nurtured best when expression and dialogue complement each other. That distinguishes democracy from any other form of governance. And in India, democracy did not start with our Constitution coming into force or we getting independent from foreign rule. We have been a democratic nation in spirit for thousands of years. And this expression and dialogue, complementary mechanism—Abhivyakti, Vaad Vivaad—has been known in Vedic culture as Anant Vaad.”
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) strongly refutes the recent claims made in the newspaper “The Morning Standard” on 7th May 2025, under the caption “Potash reserve found, AAP Govt. says Centre discriminating on exploration.” GSI clarifies that decisions on exploration activities, including those pertaining to potash, are based entirely on scientific merit, geological data, and techno-economic feasibility—not on regional preferences.
GSI, a premier scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines, has been undertaking potash exploration in Punjab as part of its long-term national strategy. Potash-bearing formations in Punjab are part of the larger Nagaur-Ganganagar Evaporite Basin (NGEB), the majority of which lies in Rajasthan, with a smaller extension into Punjab.
GSI has carried out five reconnaissance (G4 stage) exploration projects in the districts of Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka in Punjab since 1985-86. These studies revealed the presence of potash mineralization at significant depths ranging from 630 to 770 metres, primarily associated with halite, clay, and dolomite.
Two new G4 stage exploration projects have been taken up by GSI in the current Field Season 2025-26 in Rajpura-Rajawali and Gidranwali-Azimgarh blocks, Fazilka District, Punjab, covering 128 sq. km with 5100m of drilling across six boreholes. These projects were initiated based on the request of the Government of Punjab during the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), held in January 2025 at Bhubaneswar clearly demonstrating the GSI’s responsiveness to State inputs.
Exploration work in these two blocks is currently in progress, and based on the outcome and promising indicators, GSI will consider scaling up these blocks to G3 and G2 stages in future programmes. Additionally, GSI is undertaking gravity-magnetic surveys under its National Geophysical Mapping Programme (NGPM) in the region to delineate mineralised zones, given that the area is mostly covered by thick soil and Quaternary sediments.
GSI reaffirms its commitment to the mineral development of all Indian states, including Punjab. In addition to the ongoing potash projects, GSI has regularly included Punjab in its national exploration strategy.
GSI urges all stakeholders to appreciate that scientific exploration is a technical endeavour driven by geological evidence, resource viability, and national priorities.
H.E. Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (May 8, 2025).
Welcoming Dr. Araghchi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President noted that his visit is taking place on the special occasion of 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The President said that relations between India and Iran go back thousands of years. In every aspect of art and culture, whether it is language and literature or music and food, we can see glimpses of each other’s heritage.
The President said that our bilateral relations are built on a strong foundation of regular high-level exchanges. Over these 75 years, ties between India and Iran have grown in diverse areas – be it cultural cooperation, trade and energy partnership, or strategic coordination at regional and global forums. The two countries have not only maintained a long-standing friendship but have also worked together for regional peace and prosperity. She welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the two sides in realizing the full potential of the Chabahar Port.
The President also thanked Iran for its message of solidarity and compassion following the Pahalgam terrorist attacks.
The President expressed confidence that this visit will further strengthen India-Iran bilateral relations.
Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav Reviews Preparations for International Day of Yoga 2025 IDY 2025 will not just be successful, but inspirational for the entire world: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare chaired a review meeting on 7th May in New Delhi to assess the ongoing preparations for the upcoming International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, which will be celebrated on 21st June 2025 across the globe.
During the meeting, the Minister reiterated the Government’s vision to make this year’s celebration of yoga truly extraordinary and globally impactful.
Addressing the officials, Union Minister Ayush stated that “we will work with utmost sincerity and commitment to ensure that International Day of Yoga 2025 is not only a grand success but also serves as a source of inspiration for the entire world”.
He encouraged all stakeholders to approach the event with renewed energy and unity, stating that the efforts should reflect the spirit of ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. He added that “Let us reach every corner of the country and every part of the globe with the message of holistic well-being through yoga.”
The meeting saw participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush. The review focused on the planning and implementation of major initiatives such as:
Yoga Sangam – Integration of yoga with institutions like schools, hospitals, and corporates
Harit Yoga – Promoting eco-consciousness through yoga-linked plantation drives
Yoga Connect – Engaging global and diaspora communities in yoga celebrations
Yoga Bandhan – Fostering social unity and shared wellness through mass participation
Shri Jadhav also emphasized the importance of engaging the youth, educational institutions, and community leaders to amplify the message and participation in IDY 2025.
International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21st, has grown into a global cultural and wellness movement since its inception by the United Nations in 2015 at the initiative of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Shri Ram Madhav, Director, India Foundation. His public life has been dotted with contributions all throughout for larger public welfare but he can legitimately be counted as authentic part of Indian intelligentsia.
Distinguished guests from abroad, and Distinguished members of this group.
Greetings to our foreign guests to Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, Global epicenter of culture. We legitimately take pride in being a civilization of thousands of years old and we are unique in several ways, you would have already got some inkling of it. My very distinguished predecessor Venkaiah Naidu ji, a tall figure in Indian politics set very high benchmark as Chairman, Rajya Sabha. He started a bond as he has the good fortune to host two cohorts. Anything done by him carries sublimity and worth. I am delighted to continue this bond which will be enduring, and it is the fifth one. I am particularly fascinated by the name Kautilya fellowship program and more fascinated by the demographic upper sealing it has for 35 years. 35 years would mean all of you can qualify in the right age to be member of Lok Sabha, 25 years is the age.
At 30 you can be a member of the upper house. Unfortunately, you can’t contest the election to be the President. There you have to be more than 35 years of age. You are in a land which basically believes in universal brotherhood–Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. When India hosted and set very high benchmark for G20, the G20 motto was One Earth, One family, One future. This has been exemplified by us over thousands of years, and also in contemporaneous times. At the moment we have global turbulence, Global disturbance. There are global conflagrations, nations are getting ambitious, they are getting in expansion mode and therefore Kautilya’s words of wisdom have great relevance.
Wisdom of Kautilya stands out not as ancient relic but as living guidance. I am sure you must have all studied on Kautilya and his thought process. His philosophy, his Arthashastra remains unmatched in its precision on governance, revealing a mind that understood powers essential in nature and while never forgetting its purpose. Power is defined by limitations. Democracy is nurtured ever mindful of the limitations of power. If you will go deep into Kautilya’s philosophy you will find all this converges only to one essence- nectar of governance, welfare of the people. Kautilya declared, “The happiness of the King lies in the happiness of his people”
If you look at Constitutions of any country that are democratic, you will find this philosophy is the underlying spirit and essence of Democratic governance and democratic values. This people centric foundation reminds us that legitimacy flows not on account of being elected to governance, not on account of being in seat of power but it flows when you get involved passionately in mission mode with deep commitment to execution and public welfare activities.
Democracy is nurtured best when expression and dialogue complement each other, this distinguishes democracy from any other form of governance and in India democracy did not start with our constitution coming into force or we getting Independence from foreign rule. We have been a democratic nation in spirit for thousands of years and this expression and dialogue, complementary mechanism, अभिव्यक्ति, वाद-विवाद has been known in Vedic culture as Anantvad. I am therefore extremely optimistic, brimming with confidence that a world that I described is so torn. If young minds can get together from several countries, get to know each other and that too in Land of Civilization, cradle of Civilization, crucible of innovation where the only thought process resonating over the years is welfare of all.
You would have felt by now, Atithi Devo Bhava. Guest for us is God. You would have felt it on any part of the country. The format will be different, mechanism will be different but the spirit will be the same. I therefore beseech you to look at Bharat, what it was, lost way somewhere in between. There was a time when India contributed to the extent of one third of the global economy, there was a time when India was global destination for knowledge & wisdom. Our educational institutions – Nalanda, Takshashila to name only two, were glorified but about 1300 years ago Nalanda was put in flames. Precious library was lost, Marauders came, they made an effort to revenge our culture, tyrannical, barbaric in their approach but the land survived.
You see recent decades, we were a fragile economy counted or stigmatized as being part of fragile five. Now we are the fourth largest global economy on way to becoming the third. You have to understand Bharat at the moment. No nation in the world has grown so exponentially in last decade as Bharat. Among the larger economies, our pace of growth, our economic upsurge has been at the front. This has converted Bharat into the most aspirational nation in the world at the moment. And primarily because of the segment you represent. Bharat’s demographic dividend is envy of the world. You all are stakeholders in governance in future of the world more than us. You have to drive the growth engine for larger prosperity of the world. Today you see a Bharat at the moment where developmental impact is being felt in the villages.
Imagine all village households having access to minimum 4G internet technology. Imagine a nation which contributes more than 50% of global technological transactions. Imagine a country of 1.4 billion which just a decade ago did not have all households connected to electricity, to pipe water, had no toilet facility, no gas connection. Now they have.
This transformation has brought about equality. This transformation has cut into inequities. Bharat is a growth story accoladed by the world. To be emulated by many nations and they have expressed desire. Global institutions, the World Bank, the IMF, they have recognised this spinal strength of human genius of Bharat. Strength and resilience of its economy. And that is why IMF declared India that is the Bharat as a global shining centre of investment and opportunity.
Boys and girls you are in this land. Our Prime Minister, a great visionary believes in big scale. He believes in massive transformation. He believes in the transformation of the world and after a decade of governance the results are writing on the wall. It is after a long gap of several decades, that we have a Prime Minister continually in the third term and that is making all the difference. And this is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Democracy is in our DNA”
Why in our DNA? Because from ancient Vedic Sabhas and Samitis to our contemporary electoral system. Boys and girls examine. This is the only country in the world that has constitutionally prescribed democratic system at the village level, at the district level, at the state level, at the national level.
This was brought in effect in our country about three and a half decades ago. We started initially with electoral system, democratic process for Parliament and state legislatures but now it has permeated and all this is Constitutionally prescribed. A stable, robust constitutional mechanism has to ensure governance at the village level, at taluk level, at district level. Let me indicate some statistics that will buttress my point. Our electoral process stands as a marvel of scale and inclusion.
The number of registered voters is 990 million. We will be touching a billion. And in the last election in 2024, 642 million people cast votes. This is twice the size of the population of United States. Globally in democratic process there is a declining trend of participation but Bharat defeats this trend. Participatory democracy is blossoming in Bharat and the turnout is rising. It is currently close to 65 percent. Our commitment to gender equity is now constitutionally codified. Women reservation in legislature and Parliament is to the extent of one third now. This is a facet of empowerment of women.
Humanity cannot grow equitably without a fair share of participation by women. But what you need to learn more particularly is reservation to the extent of one third in Lok Sabha and State legislatures is not the upper limit. In the other two third category women can participate. So their number will be more than two third, more than one third, but a striking feature of this reservation is it is horizontal and vertical. Marginalised sections, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, they will have reservation in themselves but there will be reservation for women in that category also.
So boys and girls, this is epochal development. This will be game changing and this will impact this country in a manner that we will regain our past glory as Vishwaguru. Bharat is not a nation with potential. It is a nation on the rise. The rise is unstoppable. The rise is incremental. Making India a developed nation at 2047 when we complete centenary of our independence is not a dream.
It is our destination. Everyone in the country is confident we will achieve it in 2047 if not earlier. In doing all this, our Prime Minister has exemplified in action Kautilyan philosophy. Kautilya’s thought process is a treatise in governance virtually encyclopedic for every facet of governance, state craft, security, role of the king, now those elected. In our multipolar world, we are shifting alliances; you know more than I do. We had a concept, fly by night concept. Same can be seen with alliances. But Kautilya imagined then that this will be our shifting.
Let me quote Kautilya, “Neighbouring state is an enemy and the enemy’s enemy is a friend”, which country knows better than Bharat. We always believe in global peace, global fraternity, global welfare and that is why I said our motto for G20 reflected that 100%. We must go by results. How many people have been hand held to lead a life of dignity, to come out of poverty and that is decided by certain indicators. The number is 248 million. This has been done by a multi pronged strategy. They have been hand held and they have come out. The number will keep on growing. I do not wish to take more time but indicate to you that perhaps what is your median age? 28, around. I say so because this is median age of our demographic dividend. This will take us to our destination.
I will conclude by giving you one illustration, How Prime Minister Modi followed Chanakya Kautilya. When the world faced a non-discriminatory challenge in the shape of COVID, the challenge was much bigger for a nation of 1.4 billion people, and this is what Narendra Modi did. His first step was people’s curfew. People were amazed. Why India’s Prime Minister is thinking of people’s curfew? It was not state sponsored, not administration enforced. He appealed to the people. Not a soul was on the street. There was near 100% compliance. This motivated the people. This gave strength to a leadership that had vision. Determined to fight COVID at a time when there was no vaccine. No immediate solution in sight.
I know it because then I was boys and girls, Governor of the State of West Bengal. I was looking at the problem that was staring us. I had the good fortune to see in city of joy, Kolkata, curfew being 100% by the people but the underlying spirit of the Prime Minister was it is for the people. It is for the benefit of the people. Can there be greater awareness of the problem than this? This one step by visionary Prime Minister enlightened everyone about the gigantic scale of the problem. Secondly, lighting of candles. I as governor did it. And that was symbolising hope that there may be darkness of COVID, but there will be light. We have Indian tradition when there is some happiness lie when a child is born, how do you light a candle? How would the villagers know? So the house that is honoured by arrival of a newborn, they will take a thali, a metal plate and do it, we did that. At that time, some people did not see the underlying rationale of the Prime Minister. In retrospect they know the man was present Kautilya. He was present, Chanakya. Same about economy. Economy of this country has risen like a plateau. He realised, as Kautilya instructed in Arthashastra, if the last mile people do not rise, economy cannot get quantum jump.
Just imagine, and I will urge all of you to study, the impact of Mudra Loan. How it has converted 50% beneficiaries who are women into entrepreneurs. How it has led women and others to self-economic independence. I am extremely delighted to be amongst you because you constitute the intellectual capital of the world. This convergence is motivated by not welfare of one nation, one race, one caste, one creed, one religion. It is meant in the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family. We aspire for welfare of the entire world.
Kautilya had one great emphasis. Democracy has to be participatory. Development equally has to be participatory. He laid great emphasis on individuals contributing for national welfare. A nation is defined by decorum, discipline that is individualistic in nature. Similarly, I quote Kautilya, “Just as one wheel alone does not move a cart,” those were the days only of cart, not of automobiles.
Administration cannot be accomplished single-handedly. This nation has an administration which is innovative. In the country we had some districts that were lagging behind. Bureaucrats did not venture into those areas. Prime Minister Modi created a nomenclature for those districts. ‘Aspirational Districts’ and now those ‘Aspirational Districts’ have turned out to be leader districts in development.
Prime Minister Modi certainly thought that people are going to metros. Tier 2, Tier 3 cities must also be hub of economic activity. He devised a mechanism of smart cities. Smart cities were not in the context of infrastructure or beauty. It was in the context of facilities being available for entrepreneurs, for students, so that they do not have to go to metros.
There was a time when in this country for security purposes we used to call our villages on the border as the last village. He changed it. He changed it into first village, a vibrant village. So boys and girls, make most of your time while you are here and I am sure you will carry fond memories. Nurture the bonds you create here. These bonds will help you all your lives, trust me. Do you have an alumni culture of your cohorts? Develop that. I am extremely privileged to be part of this discourse. I will say three things and conclude. One — it is for the first time in G20, India took the initiative to make African Union a member of G20. It is for the first time that Prime Minister Modi took the initiative to put the consensus of the Global South on international radar. And last, while you were battling COVID, this country helped 100 other countries with COVID vaccine.
Delhi South CGST officials bust GST ITC fraud worth ₹7.85 crore; Chartered Accountant arrested Investigations reveal misuse of over 80 GSTINs with a core group of 31 GSTINs engaged in circular trading, with no actual supply of goods or services
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi
In a major crackdown on Goods and Service Tax (GST) fraud, the CGST Delhi South Commissionerate has uncovered a fraud on a large-scale involving fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims amounting to Rs. 7.85 crore (approx.) by a South Delhi based Chartered Accountant.
Investigations revealed misuse of over 80 GSTINs (Goods and Services Tax Identification Numbers), mainly in the Palam/Dwarka area, linked to the Chartered Accountant’s email IDs and contact numbers. A core group of 31 GSTINs engaged in circular trading was identified, with no actual supply of goods or services.
Search proceedings were conducted at 12 premises and multiple firms were found non-existent. During searches, several electronic devices relevant to investigation were seized, and statements of the relevant people were recorded. Multiple taxpayers admitted to have been relying entirely on the Chartered Accountant for GST filings, with login credentials and filings centrally controlled by him.
The offences committed by the accused are covered u/s 132(1)(b) and 132(1)(c) of the CGST Act, 2017 which is cognizable and non-bailable offence under Section 132(5) and punishable under Section 132(1)(i) of the Act ibid. Accordingly, the said Chartered Accountant was arrested under Section 69(1) of the CGST Act, 2017 and produced before Duty Magistrate on 07.06.2025 who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days till 21.05.2025.
The case highlights a systemic abuse of the GST framework through impersonation, credential misuse, and collusive circular trading. Investigations are ongoing under CGST Act, 2017 to uncover the full scale of the fraud and identify all beneficiaries of the ineligible Input tax credit.
Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) Hon’ble Minister Reviews DNT Welfare Initiatives During Visit to Tisgaon Tanda, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 5:56PM by PIB Mumbai
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar/Mumbai, 8 May 2025
The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, visited Tisgaon Tanda village in Taluka Khultabad, District Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, today (May 8, 2025) to review ongoing development and welfare activities targeted at De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DNTs). The visit focused on assessing the implementation of the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) programme, alongside various State Government-led initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the Government of India’s commitment to the upliftment of DNT communities—among the most marginalized and socio-economically disadvantaged groups in the country. The Union Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has established the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) to ensure the focused implementation of welfare and development schemes for these communities.
During the visit, Dr. Virendra Kumar interacted directly with a wide range of stakeholders, including State Government officials, NGO partners involved in SEED implementation, DNT beneficiaries and students, Self Help Group (SHG) members, and local community leaders. These interactions provided important ground-level feedback and insights into the effectiveness and impact of the programmes.
During the visit, a range of entitlements and benefits were distributed to eligible members of the DNT communities, including:
Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Cards, ensuring access to quality healthcare services,
Kamgar Kalyan Smart Cards, facilitating access to welfare benefits for unorganized workers,
Caste Certificates, essential for availing reservations and affirmative action schemes,
Revolving Funds to Self-Help Groups, supporting income-generating activities,
Entry Point Activities aimed at confidence building and group cohesion among newly formed SHGs.
The SEED scheme targets families with an annual income of ₹2.50 lakh or less, who are not availing benefits from similar schemes of the central or state governments. The scheme includes four key components for the welfare of the DNT communities:
Providing quality coaching to DNT candidates for competitive examinations,
Providing health insurance to DNT communities,
Promoting livelihood initiatives at the community level for small groups within DNT/NT/SNT communities,
Providing financial assistance to DNT individuals for constructing houses.
This visit reaffirmed the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s dedication to ensuring inclusive development and effective delivery of welfare measures for DNT communities at the grassroots level.
A modular, flexible cattle cage developed by researchers that can be adjusted to fit different vehicles, complete with a ramp that doubles as a door can help ease transport of cattle in villages, particularly take farm animals to the cattle market.
In the heart of India’s rural landscapes, where cattle are vital companions to farmers, the journey from one town to another can often be perilous—not just for people, but for the animals.
Traditionally, cattle are transported in open or ill-fitted goods carrier trucks with no proper loading mechanisms. This exposes them to high stress, injuries, and even fatal accidents. These outdated practices also create logistical headaches for farmers and transporters, all while violating basic animal welfare norms.
An innovation by Prof. Sandip S. Patil from Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering and Research Centre in Nashik, Maharashtra has the potential to change that scenario.
Through a project funded by DST-SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment, and Development), his team has developed a cage that can make cattle transport safer, easier, and cheaper.
Fig 1:Prof. Sandip S. Patil & his team from Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering and Research Centre in Nashik, Maharashtra
This is not just a cage, but a science-driven mobility solution designed with telescopic mechanisms, foldable ramps, and reinforced metal frames, engineered to reduce injuries, lower stress, and dramatically improve loading and unloading for cattle.
It is armed with telescopic sliding, that can match the size of the vehicle, a roller-assisted movement that allows for easy cage adjustment, foldable ramp cum door that provides a seamless way to load cattle and doubles up as a safety gate, a cross-link mesh design that adds durability while improving airflow. The design was tested with field surveys, farmer feedback, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to ensure proper ventilation.
The cage can reduce animal injuries and stress during transit and has simplified handling, especially for small-scale farmers. It is cost-effective and scalable, ideal for rural and semi-urban regions, compliant with animal welfare laws, potentially reducing legal issues for transporters and adaptable to double-storied configurations, making it suitable for larger vehicles and heavier loads.
Fig 2:Modular Cage withadjustable ramp for ease of loading and unloadingas per the specified guidelines obtained from the user
This system can also be used in dairies, Gaushalas, veterinary operations and for safe and efficient short-distance livestock movement and can help communities by cutting losses, saving labour, and promoting humane transport practices.
The design has been recognized with patents and academic publications, including two Indian patents in 2024 for modular and double-storey versions.
Trial of the transport cage carried out in Ambad Village, Nashik. Plans are underway to scale the project through CSR funding and wider implementation efforts.
SECL Organizes First ‘Sneh Milan Mela to Build Stronger Community Relations Initiative Aims to Foster Local Cooperation for Smoother Land Acquisition and Accelerated Development in Mining Areas
Employment Letters Issued to 86 Local Youths as Part of Inclusive Growth Efforts
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 6:46PM by PIB Delhi
In a novel initiative to foster goodwill and deeper engagement with local communities, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) recently organized its first-ever ‘Sneh Milan Mela’ in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh under its Bhatgaon Area.
The event, which brought together SECL employees, their families, and nearby villagers, is part of SECL’s broader approach to build trust and cooperation essential for smooth land acquisition to facilitate the expansion of mining operations.
The vibrant gathering featured cultural performances, including songs, dances, and a highlight puppet act with the social message of drug de-addiction. Women employees and local participants set up food stalls offering traditional cuisines, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Over 600 attendees including SECL employees, and members of nearby communities joined the celebration, which emphasized unity and shared progress.
The Mela aligns with the vision of Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy who during his recent visit to SECL reached out to people on ground zero, had lunch with coal miners and underscored the importance of grassroots engagement and worker welfare.
As part of its ongoing rehabilitation efforts, SECL also distributed employment letters to 86 local youths affected by land acquisition for the Mahamaya Open Cast Project in Bhatgaon Area.
The appointment letters were presented at a formal event graced by Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Chhattisgarh. She praised SECL’s initiatives to empower affected families and called on youth to contribute to the region’s growth.
SECL is actively working to expand its operations, particularly in its three flagship mega projects Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda which together contribute over 70% of the company’s coal production. Facilitating community cooperation is key to these expansions.
In FY 2024–25 alone, SECL provided employment to 807 people in lieu of land acquisition, the highest such figure in the company’s history underscoring its commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.
SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan said, “At SECL, our mission goes beyond mining. We are deeply committed to improving the lives of people in our operational areas through sustained employment and community engagement. Events like Sneh Milan Mela reflect our holistic approach to development where building trust with communities is as vital as operational efficiency in driving long-term progress.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government posts third batch of land resumption notices for Second Phase development of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area The 18 private lots to be resumed this time include part of the sites previously opened for in-situ land exchange application but eventually did not receive any application, and a site with unsuccessful completion of in-situ land exchange application as the application was deemed withdrawn. The land concerned has to be resumed to allow the Government to carry out works.
The above 18 private lots will revert to the Government upon the expiry of a period of three months from the date of affixing the notices (i.e. August 9, 2025). The Government will release ex-gratia land compensation to the relevant land owners after land reversion.
The land reversion date is the date of vesting of the ownership of the land in the Government. It is not the departure deadline of the affected households and business undertakings. Three months before the departure deadlines of the affected households and business undertakings, the LandsD will again post notices in relevant areas in accordance with the applicable procedures. It is estimated that the affected households and business undertakings will have to move out as early as December this year. The LandsD is handling the compensation and rehousing matters of the affected persons at full stream, and will endeavour to arrange rehousing for or release compensation to eligible persons before the departure deadline. The LandsD and its appointed Community Liaison Service Team will maintain communication with the affected households and business undertakings, and provide updated information as necessary.
The first two batches of land resumption notices involving about 176 hectares and 17.7 hectares of land for the Second Phase development of HSK/HT NDA were posted on May 30 and September 19, 2024 respectively. The said land was reverted to the Government on August 31 and December 20, 2024 respectively, and is gradually being handed over to the Civil Engineering and Development Department for site formation and engineering infrastructure works.
Upon full development, the HSK/HT NDA will provide about 66 700 additional housing units capable of accommodating a population of about 184 000, and create about 150 000 job opportunities. Issued at HKT 21:17