Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, announced today the resumption of the morning flight service between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, set to begin on June 1, 2025. This route will significantly enhance connectivity within Andhra Pradesh, linking Vijayawada, with the state’s financial hub, Visakhapatnam.
The newly revised flight schedule is designed to provide greater convenience for frequent flyers. The morning flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, will depart from Vijayawada at 7:15 AM and reach Visakhapatnam by 8:25 AM. The return flight will depart Visakhapatnam at 8:45 AM and arrive in Vijayawada at 9:50 AM.
Speaking on the development, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, said “Regional connectivity is a cornerstone of our vision for inclusive growth and ease of travel. The reinstatement of this crucial flight link between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam will significantly benefit passengers, boost economic engagement between the two cities, and support the broader development goals of Andhra Pradesh.”
విజయవాడ – విశాఖపట్నం మధ్య ఉదయపు విమాన సర్వీసులను జూన్ 1వ తేదీ నుండి పున:ప్రారంభించనున్నట్లు వెల్లడించిన కేంద్ర పౌర విమానయాన శాఖ మంత్రి శ్రీ @RamMNK. ఈ మార్గం ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్ర ఆర్థిక రాజధాని విశాఖపట్నం నగరం నుంచి రాజధాని విజయవాడ ప్రాంతం మధ్య కనెక్టివిటీని పెంచుతుంది. pic.twitter.com/QUHehS6F5z
— PIB in Andhra Pradesh (@pibvijayawada) May 5, 2025
This initiative underscores the government’s focus on improving regional connectivity, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as part of the broader vision to enhance transportation infrastructure across India.
NCA-F Hosts Workshop on AI Standards for Telecommunications & ICTs BIMSTEC Nations and Global Experts Convene to Shape Ethical, Inclusive AI Standards
India Aims to Lead in both AI Standardization and Manufacturing, affirms Member (F), DCC ,Sh Manish Sinha
Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals”
Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, stresses that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi
A four-day workshop on “AI Standards for Increasing the Efficiency of Telecommunications & ICTs: Shaping the Future Responsibly” was inaugurated today at the National Communications Academy–Finance (NCA-F) in New Delhi. Organized jointly by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office & Innovation Centre and the NCA-F, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, the event brings together participants from BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka & India— and Maldives; alongside international experts, regulators, industry associations, startups, and academia to collaborate on building trustworthy and globally harmonized AI standards for telecommunications and ICT.
The inaugural session featured keynote addresses by eminent dignitaries, including Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT; Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU; Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, and Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F. The session set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure & Bridging the Standardization Gap.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT, welcomed the participants and praised the collaborative efforts between NCA-F and the ITU Area Office, recognizing it as a model of institutional partnership. He acknowledged the significance of guests staying on campus, which fosters closer interaction and deeper engagement, enhancing the quality of participation throughout the workshop. He also emphasized the critical importance of consensus within the ITU framework for developing AI standards that are both inclusive and globally harmonized, ensuring that these technologies benefit all nations. He also spoke about India’s commitment to economic inclusivity, particularly through initiatives like Digital Bharat Nidhi.
Furthermore, Shri Manish Sinha highlighted India’s dual focus on advancing AI standardization while also strengthening its manufacturing sector. He underscored the Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) pivotal role in promoting ethical AI development through fairness assessments and rating mechanisms and acknowledged the valuable contributions of TSDSI in creating technical standards that ensure AI systems are secure, interoperable, and globally aligned.
He urged all participants to engage actively in shaping practical AI standards, build strong cross-border partnerships, and envision future-ready, ethical AI applications that can accelerate sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the workshop would serve as a launchpad for regional cooperation and innovation in AI-driven telecom and ICT solutions.
Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, through a recorded message, reinforced the importance of multilateral collaboration: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals,” he said. “By investing in standards today, we secure a future where AI can drive growth across all our member nations in a responsible and interoperable way.”
Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, thanked BIMSTEC, NCA-F, the department of telecom, & the Government of India for hosting the workshop, emphasizing that AI has moved from research to everyday life, with a projected $15 Trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. She highlighted the workshop’s aim to develop inclusive, interoperable, and responsible AI standards, and stressed that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability.
Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F, in her Welcome Address emphasized, “AI is a transformational force—but without strong, inclusive standards, it risks leaving many behind.” She highlighted NCA-F’s collaboration with the ITU Local Area Office to bridge the standardisation gap through stakeholder workshops, adding, “Standardization is not just a technical process; it is a commitment to safety, ethics, and equitable access in a rapidly evolving digital world.”
The Director General, NCA-F, also stressed the importance of participative engagement and ethically grounded contributions from all member states to ensure equity in AI standardization. Reflecting India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. She warmly welcomed participants and underscored the value of mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.
Over the four days, the workshop will feature simulation exercises, expert panels, country presentations, hands-on sessions on drafting and negotiating technical contributions, and field visits.
About NCA-F
NCA–Finance (NCA-F), part of Department of Telecommunication’s National Communication Academy, is an UTKRISHT-graded premier Central Training Institute, recognized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). It provides induction and in-service training to officers of the Indian Posts & Telecom Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) and other officials across DoT and DoP. NCA-F’s core training areas include telecom policy, spectrum management, revenue assurance, USOF projects, financial regulations, and digital inclusion. It also emphasizes leadership and soft skills development, and regularly hosts national and international workshops in collaboration with institutions like ITU, WHO, TRAI, RBI Staff College, LBSNAA, and IIT Bombay.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to expandand strengthen air connectivity across the nation. Taking another step in this direction, Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu hasgranted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Greenfield airport in Kota, Rajasthan and Puri in Odishaon May 05, 2025.
Kota Airport, a long-awaited development is a result of consistent efforts by Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha and MP from Kota-Bundi, who has been actively pursuing the realization of an airport for Kota. His continued engagement with the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been one of the driving forces to expediting this approval.
The proposed airport will not only serve Kota city, known as a major educational and industrial hub, but will also cater to the growing population and economic activity in the Hadoti region. With its establishment, Kota will be able to be major destinations within India and internationally.
This decision marks a major milestone in the infrastructure development of Kota, Rajasthan and the Government’s commitment to making air travel accessible to every citizen.
Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and home to Lord Jagannath, attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world. The decision to establish an airport in Puri will provide a major boost to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in the region.
This airport will be able to enhance the direct connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities in India.This decision marks a important milestone for Puri and Odisha and is in line with the Government’s commitment to strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel accessible to all.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews implementation of three New Criminal Laws in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta Implementation of New Criminal Laws brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will enhance efficiency and accountability of Police at the grassroots level
There should be continuous monitoring of the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 Days, with strict adherence to timelines
In heinous crime cases, efforts should be made to increase conviction rates by at least 20 per cent
e-Summons to be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today chaired a review meeting in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta to review the implementation of three new criminal laws in the national capital. The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics. The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of the National Capital Territory, Commissioner of Delhi Police, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Director of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Delhi Government.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah stated that the implementation of the three new criminal laws, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will enhance the efficiency and accountability of the police at the grassroots level. Home Minister issued directives to ensure accountability of officers in the implementation of these new criminal laws. Shri Shah emphasized that the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 days must be continuously monitored, with strict adherence to their timelines. He further directed that efforts be made to increase the conviction rate in cases of heinous crimes by at least 20 per cent.
Union Home Minister stated that e-Summons should be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations. He also called for expediting the appointment process in the Directorate of Prosecution and ensuring that decisions regarding appeals in any case are made by the Directorate of Prosecution itself.
To mark the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV-2025) a vibrant exhibition on Buddha Dhamma was inaugurated today at Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the various aspects of Buddhist traditions. The inauguration of the exhibition of Vietnamese culture dazzled with pomp and tradition, featuring stunning performances and heartfelt unity. Participation of Sangha members from India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond reflected a true celebration of shared heritage and spiritual harmony. Senior Sangha members participated in “Bathing the Buddha Ceremony” during the inauguration of the UNDV 2025 Exhibition.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) also be hosting three exhibitions on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma and its cultural practices from India to Vietnam. These are an electronic display of Jataka tales, sculptures depicting different forms of the Buddha and also a comparative study of Buddhist artefacts from India and Vietnam. The analysis draws on a variety of resources to deepen understanding of this rich cultural exchange, including epigraphic inscriptions, historical texts, and visual artifacts. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of the evolution of Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam, reflecting its profound impact on art, spirituality, and cultural identity throughout history. The highlight is a display of the digital restoration of the Ajanta Cave murals, illuminating the ancient JatakaKathas.
The IBC, in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation of Nasik will unveil 8 panels and exhibit on separate TV screens showcasing the digital restoration process of the famous Bodhisattva Padmapani, a mural painting dating from the late 5th century. The mural is in Cave 1 of the Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, and it reflects the beauty and classical sophistication of the arts of India’s Gupta dynasty. The exhibition invites visitors to walk among visions of Bodhisattvas and celestial beings, as ancient narratives gently unfold. These tales remind us that compassion knows no borders, wisdom belongs to all, and peace is born from the shared dignity of every living being.
The sacred Relics ceremoniously enshrined, venerated, and worshiped at the HanhTâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City till May 8th, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. Next at the BàĐen Mountain, TâyNinh Province from May 9th to 13th, 2025 (Southern Vietnam’s national spiritual pilgrimage site), from here the sacred Relic will be placed for exposition at QuánSứ Monastery, Hanoi from May 14th to 18, 2025 (Headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha), and finally at Tam Chúc Monastery, Hà Nam Province from May 18th to 21st, 2025, the largest Buddhist center in Southeast Asia.
India’s first mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates listed on the National Stock Exchange Secretary, DFS stresses the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of the economy
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi
Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance listed India’s first Mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates (PTC) structured by RMBS Development Company Limited on the National stock Exchange on 05 May 2025. Listing was done by Shri M. Nagaraju by ringing the bell. The listing ceremony was attended by several Heads of Banks, Housing Finance Companies and other financial institutions.
These PTCs are backed by pool of housing loans originated by LIC Housing Finance Limited. The issue of Rs. 1,000 crores (1,00,000 PTCs of Face value of Rs. 1,00,000/-). was fully subscribed.
This is the first issue of a PTC where the coupon was discovered on the “Electronic Book Provider (EBP)“ platform of the National Stock Exchange. The final maturity of the PTC issued will be nearly twenty years and the coupon is 7.26% per annum. The rating of the Instrument is AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings. These PTCs are issued in demat form and are transferable. As the PTC is listed on a stock exchange, they can be traded in the secondary market.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nagaraju stressed the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of our economy. He stated that housing finance has many forward and backward linkages with many other industries including the infrastructure. With a country of such vast population, housing needs have to be addressed at the earliest to achieve overall economic development.
He stated that securitization can act an integrating factor for housing finance market and the debt market. Reiterating the importance of RMBS, he stated that it could act as a catalyst for the growth of the housing finance sector.
A Stakeholder Consultation under the Co-Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, MoA&FW and Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH was held on Monday at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi to promote the cultivation and use of medicinal plants across the country, observing participation from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Plant Medicinal Board (NPMB), State Horticulture Missions (SHMs), ICAR, State Medicinal Plant Boards, progressive farmers and leading private players from Medicinal Plant industry.
In his opening remarks, Shri. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, highlighted that there is a scope to increase domestic production of medicinal plants as inter-state trade and export of medicinal plants. He highlighted the need for better convergence between Ministry of AYUSH and Agriculture departments and collaboration with State Medicinal Plant Boards, to promote medicinal plants at national level. He also mentioned that important medicinal plants have been included under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, DA&FW. He stressed that there is a need for a mission-mode program for medicinal plant cultivation, identifying good practices of cultivation, efficient techniques, etc., which will help in the upliftment of the sector.
Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSHhighlighted that there is a huge possibility of growth in the sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown by 8 times in the last 10 years and has vast export potential. The sector has enormous economic opportunities, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for AYUSH products including medicinal plants has grown immensely.
Key objectives of the session majorly focussed on:
Exploring avenues for developing region-specific medicinal plant clusters.
Facilitating partnerships between farmers and industry players for assured procurement and end-to-end value chain development.
Discussing the establishment of dedicated mandis and marketing platforms to ensure fair prices for farmers.
Promoting research, training, and extension services to build capacity among stakeholders.
During the meeting, various participants and stakeholders suggested identifying crop-specific areas for the establishment of clusters dedicated to medicinal plants. These clusters would focus on area expansion, production, industry partnerships, farmer training and marketing through setting up specialised mandis for these crops ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), emphasized the need to identify policy interventions and financial incentives to encourage farmers to take up the cultivation of medicinal plants.
Secretary, DFS reviews performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan Shri. M. Nagaraju urges RRBs to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi
Sh. M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, reviewed performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan in Mumbai.
Chairman, NABARD and officials of DFS, Sponsor banks, SIDBI, Reserve Bank of India and Chairpersons of all RRBs were also present.
With the implementation of One State-One RRB, RRBs have been urged to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes. RRBs have grown in their reach to more than 22,000 branches, covering 700 districts of the country and more than 92% of its branches are in rural/semi urban areas. RRBs have recorded consolidated net profit of ₹7,148 crore in FY 2024-25. Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) has reached a new low of 5.3%, lowest in a decade period. Secretary, DFS urged the rural banks to continue to focus on their amalgamation process and long-term sustainability.
Secretary, DFS asked Sponsor Banks to guide RRBs in their amalgamation process and provide level playing field for long term sustainability. Sponsor banks should continue to facilitate technology upgradation in RRBs and to complete integration process adhering to the strict timelines of 30-09-2025. He also suggested Sponsor Banks and RRBs to also address HR related issues emerging in the process.
He asked sponsor banks and RRBs to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Sponsor banks in consultation with RRBs to draft a roadmap for RRBs for next 5 years.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Bun Scrambling Competition concludes successfully The event attracted around 1 650 spectators, who experienced the thrilling atmosphere of the competition. They witnessed 12 finalists scrambling up the bun tower to gather as many buns as they could within a three-minute time limit to vie for the championships.
Apart from the individual race, there was also an invitation relay in which three teams from Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macao competed against seven local teams from Cheung Chau.
The results are as follows:
Individual contest
WomenWinner of “Queen of Queens”: Kung Tsz-shan (three-time champion in the women’s division since 2016)
Winner of “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns”: Yip Kin-man (Number of buns gathered: 170)
Invitation relayShenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports AssociationZhuhai Climbing Association TeamThe Petrel Athletic Association Limited Team AIssued at HKT 2:08
A special programme focused on the ‘National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), through the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was organized on May 5, 2025, at the DIET Auditorium in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and honored sanitation workers.
The aim of the NAMASTE programme is to socially and economically empower the workers engaged in sanitation work, enabling them to have safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Minister said that this is not just a government scheme, but a resolution to bring real change in the lives of the people in society who work the hardest. He appreciated the social organizations and citizens for participating in this public-sensitive programme and becoming a part of this social change.
Key Highlights of the Programme were:
Distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
Distribution of Sewing Machines to beneficiaries.
Teachers and staff of DIET created attractive Rangoli in honor of the sanitation workers.
So far, 73,768 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been profiled across the country. Out of these, 45,871 have been provided with PPE kits, 354 with safety equipment, and 27,103 beneficiaries have received Ayushman cards. In Budaun and Shahjahanpur districts, the profiling of a total of 324 SSWs has been completed and provided with PPE kits and Ayushman cards during the program. Sewing machines for self-employment were also distributed to some beneficiaries from Shahjahanpur.