Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam pioneers sustainable water management through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bonds

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad has taken a landmark step in promoting sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience by successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).

This isn’t just another infrastructure project—it is a game-changer that reflects Ghaziabad’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens. The funds have been directed towards the development of an advanced TSTP, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse wastewater on an unprecedented scale.

The Green Municipal Bond marked a new chapter in India’s financial landscape, providing a sustainable model for funding urban infrastructure. With support from the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh*, this project is more than just a water treatment facility; it is a blueprint for future cities across India to combine financial discipline with environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), a technological marvel that utilizes advanced Membrane Filtration Technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These cutting-edge technologies work together to ensure that treated water meets the highest standards, making it suitable for reuse in industrial processes.

With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD, the TSTP is connected to a sprawling 95 km pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. The plant ensures that wastewater no longer goes to waste but is instead transformed into a valuable resource that supports the city’s industrial sector, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.

The project’s success lies not only in its technological and environmental achievements but also in its innovative financial structure. The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding. This public-private partnership approach helped streamline the project’s implementation while ensuring financial discipline. GNN’s success in raising ₹150 crore through the Green Bond issuance demonstrated investor confidence in the city’s sustainable approach and has brought a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

GNN also contracted with over 800 firms, to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water, further establishing the city’s leadership in urban water management. Ghaziabad’s innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. The city was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, a recognition that acknowledges the city’s excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

A team of 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP plant and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad’s commitment to smart cities and sustainable development.

With its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India’s quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.

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SK

(Release ID: 2125188) Visitor Counter : 78

A High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah approves Rs. 153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024

Source: Government of India

A High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah approves Rs. 153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters

During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

A High-Level Committee (HLC), under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, has approved Rs.153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024. This assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is subject to an adjustment of 50% of the opening balance for the year available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters.

The additional assistance is over and above the funds released by the centre to the states in the SDRF, already placed at the disposal of the states. During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states. Additionally, Rs. 4984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 19 states and Rs. 719.72 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to 08 states has also been released.

Similarly, during the financial year 2025-26, the Central Government has released Rs. 895.60 crore to 01 state under SDRF and Rs. 929.633 crore under NDRF to 07 states, so far.

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RK/VV/RR/PS

(Release ID: 2125242) Visitor Counter : 46

Read this release in: Hindi

First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

Source: Government of India

First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

“Anusandhan National Research Foundation”, “Wadhwani Foundation” Forge Landmark Pact to Translate Research into Real-World Solutions

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top ministers, a pivotal public-private research partnership is unveiled at Innovation Conclave

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to accelerate the transformation of India’s research ecosystem, the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” (ANRF) and the “Wadhwani Foundation” exchanged a landmark “Letter of Intent” at the “Innovation Conclave” “YUGM” held at Bharat Mandapam here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.

The partnership signals a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation, aimed at co-funding and scaling up research that can drive tangible societal impact. The agreement is also the inaugural step in ANRF’s strategy to foster expansive public-private partnerships across critical sectors of national relevance.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been at the forefront of India’s science and innovation transformation, said the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment where research transcends academic silos and reaches the ground. “This is a step towards institutionalizing synergy between government, industry, and philanthropy,” he said, underlining the need for collaborative models that amplify both funding and outcomes.

The ANRF, established under the National Education Policy 2020, was envisioned as a transformative body to democratize research, catalyze innovation, and bridge the long-standing gaps between academia, policy, and industry. With this new partnership, ANRF aims not only to fund cutting-edge science, but also to translate research into scalable, impactful solutions by aligning with national priorities and global challenges alike.

Wadhwani Foundation’s involvement adds a crucial layer of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation-driven development, especially among youth and start-ups. Together, the two entities will work to raise the scale and impact of late-stage translational research—projects that are often closest to delivering real-world outcomes but remain underfunded.

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come—emphasizing inclusivity, interdisciplinary, and grassroots reach. In line with ANRF’s broader vision, this partnership aims to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities across the country, including tier-2 and tier-3 institutions, thereby fostering a more distributed and resilient research culture.

The announcement at Conclave, a platform designed to bring together thought leaders across government, academia, and industry, set the tone for a new era in Indian innovation policy. As India strives to become a global research hub, this partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting the focus from fragmented efforts to outcome-oriented, collaborative science.

The move reinforces India’s march toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” rooted not only in self-reliance but also in scientific excellence and societal good.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125194) Visitor Counter : 22

The Holy Buddha Relic of Sarnath for Exposition to Vietnam will arrive at National Museum

Source: Government of India

The Holy Buddha Relic of Sarnath for Exposition to Vietnam will arrive at National Museum

Holy Relic will be transported to Ho Chi Minh City by a special aircraft on 1st May 2025

High level delegation will be led by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minister of Minority Affairs

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) New Delhi will be holding for the   first time an exposition of the sacred Buddha Relic of Sarnath at Vietnam during the gala celebrations of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025. 

The Holy Relic will be ceremonially brought to Delhi on April 30, 2025, amidst prayers from Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, (monastery) in Sarnath to the Varanasi airport. The Vihara is enshrined with the sacred relics of Sakyamuni Buddha. It was built by Angarika Dharmapala, who was the founder of Mahabodhi society and is still maintained and run by the Mahabodhi Society.

Upon reaching Delhi the Holy Relic will be placed in a special protected enclosure at the National Museum for prayers, chanting and meditation by the followers of Dhamma, including eminent members of the community and the diplomatic representatives from the Buddhist countries at 5.30 pm on April 30, 2025.

The following day, May 1, 2025, the Holy Relic of the Buddha will be transported from the National Museum with great reverence escorted by senior monks with full religious sanctity and protocol to Ho Chi Minh City by a special Indian Air Force aircraft.

A high-level delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, including member of the Governing Council are attending the Holy Exposition ceremonies and the Vesak celebrations in Vietnam. The delegation will be led by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minister of Minority Affairs.

The Holy Relics of the Buddha enshrined in Mulagandha Kuti Vihara were excavated in Nagarjuna Konda, a prominent site in Andhra Pradesh. It holds historical significance as a major centre of Mahayana Buddhism and is associated with the monk, philosopher Nagarjuna of second century CE. These were worshiped and venerated for ages since the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. A.H. Longhurst, the then superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted full scale excavation from 1927-31; most of the monuments at the site were constructed in third-fourth century CE; remains of more than thirty Buddhist establishments were found here. Inscription date the oldest great Stupa around 246 CE but archaeologist say the Stupa could be older.

After the excavations they were presented to the Mahabodhi Society of India on December 27, 1932, by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni, Director General of ASI, on behalf of H.E. the Viceroy of India before a distinguished gathering of Buddhists. Every year on the foundation day of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara which is celebrated in the month of November, when thousands of people from different parts of the world come to Sarnath.

The sacred Relic will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated, and worshiped at the following important sites; At Hanh Tâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh city from May 2–8, 2025 (coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025); next at the Bà Đen Mountain, Tây Ninh Province from May 9–13, 2025 (Southern Vietnam’s national spiritual pilgrimage site); from here the sacred Relic will be placed for exposition at Quán Sứ Monastery, Hanoi from May 14–18, 2025 (Headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha), and finally at Tam Chúc Monastery, Hà Nam Province from May 18–21, 2025 (the largest Buddhist centre in Southeast Asia).

The important exposition coincides with the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025 as it is being celebrated in Vietnam, an opportunity for not only the citizens of Vietnam to seek blessings of the Holy Relic but also the international delegates from over 100 countries and regions who would be participating in the Vesak Day celebrations.

Every year, since the passing of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on 15th December 1999, the thrice-sacred day of Vesak (celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha Gautama) has been celebrated internationally. The International Day of Vesak was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the first time in 2000. This had inspired annual celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) by international Buddhist communities.

The International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) has held a Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council since 2013. The main theme for the UNDV 2025 Celebrations and Academic Conference will be “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” at Vietnam Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City, Sunworld Buddhist Cultural Centre, Tay Ninh Province.

Exhibitions on the Buddha Dhamma

On the occasion International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will also be hosting three exhibitions on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma and its cultural practices from India to Vietnam. These are and electronic display of Jataka tales; the sculptures depicting different forms of the Buddha; and 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 Jataka Kathas. The IBC, in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation of Pune 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.

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2125251) Visitor Counter : 74

Digital Policy Office leads I&T industry delegation to visit Fuzhou (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Digital Policy Office leads I&T industry delegation to visit Fuzhou  
     The exhibits in the Hong Kong Pavilion mainly come from award-winning projects in local and international I&T competitions, including the Hong Kong ICT Awards, Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter, the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge, and the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards. They cover a wide range of cutting-edge technology fields, such as big data analysis, AI, blockchain, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. The applications of the exhibits are broad, spanning finance, healthcare, smart site management and digital entertainment, highlighting Hong Kong’s deep integration of the digital economy with the real economy, as well as high-quality development of new quality productive forces.
 
     Addressing the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion yesterday morning, Mr Wong said that this year marks the first time for the DPO to lead a delegation to showcase technology at the Summit’s Hong Kong Pavilion. The exhibition not only provides a valuable opportunity for Hong Kong’s I&T industry, allowing the Mainland I&T industry and investors to gain an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s excellent services and leading products, but also helps Hong Kong enterprises tap into the enormous Mainland market and its diverse business opportunities. In addition, the exhibition showcases the remarkable innovative capabilities of Hong Kong’s I&T industry, highlighting the city’s potential to integrate into the overall I&T development of the country. 
 
     Yesterday afternoon, Mr Wong visited the Fujian Artificial Intelligence Computing Center to gain an in-depth understanding of the Center’s facilities and technology applications, as well as the status of its support for the development of the AI industry. He then visited the Fujian Big Data Trading Center to learn about the Center’s experiences and practices in promoting the development of the data trading business. Finally, he visited China Unicom’s Fuzhou Smart Cloud Data Center to learn how the enterprise built a green and low-carbon data centre with high computing power and high security, as well as its latest technology deployment in promoting “Hong Kong data stored in Fujian, Hong Kong data computed in Fujian”.
 
     Yesterday evening, Mr Wong attended the Digital China AI City Summit organised by Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd. He shared the latest developments in AI applications by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as well as the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline released by the DPO on April 15, showcasing Hong Kong’s proactive measures in promoting the development of digital government and AI.
 
     Mr Wong attended the opening ceremony of the Summit this morning (April 29). The Summit, under the theme “Digital Intelligence Leads High-quality Development”, was co-organised by the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Data Administration, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Fujian Provincial People’s Government, and undertaken by the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government and relevant units. In the afternoon, Mr Wong attended a sub-forum on e-government services, hosted by the CAC, where he delivered a keynote speech on strategies for enhancing public services through digital empowerment in Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Wong concluded his visit today and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.
Issued at HKT 19:26

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Shipping Ministry hosts Workshop on Digital Transformation to achieve Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised one-day workshop on IT Procurement and Project Management in New Delhi, aiming to enhance digital efficiency and streamline IT implementation across India’s maritime and shipping ecosystem.

The workshop was virtually inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who emphasised the transformative role of technology in modernising port operations and enhancing service delivery for stakeholders.

Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed the participants and underlined the importance of innovation, collaboration, and capacity building in accelerating the digital transformation within the maritime sector. 

The event witnessed active participation from senior officials of the Ministry, various ports, and associated organisations.  In-depth sessions during the workshop focused on challenges in IT projects, identifying root causes, and exploring actionable solutions to improve project outcomes. Case studies from ongoing projects of the Ministry were discussed to draw practical insights.

Key highlight of the event was a presentation on the proposed Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)—envisioned as a dedicated center for IT project delivery, to be developed with support from CDAC.

Live demonstrations were held to showcase innovative digital tools, including SPARSH (Dashboard for Ports) and Counsello, AI-powered platforms developed by startups.  Draft IT Procurement Guidelines were also introduced during the session, with participants encouraged to share feedback based on their on-ground experience. The discussions were led by Shri R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IT), MoPSW, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building resilient and future-ready digital systems.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by the Secretary, MoPSW, emphasising the need for effective project execution and integration of next-generation technologies such as AI, ML, and other indigenous software solutions. 

A vote of thanks was delivered by the Deputy Director (IT), acknowledging the contributions of all participants.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2125263) Visitor Counter : 33

Subsidised sale flats of three Dedicated Rehousing Estates open for application in early May to households affected by Government development projects

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Development Bureau announced today (April 29) that the subsidised sale flats of three Dedicated Rehousing Estate (DRE) projects, constructed by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), will be open for application from May 2 to 22. Out of the three DRE projects, two are located in the New Territories, and one is located in urban area.

The three projects are “Sierra Terrace” located at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, “Eminence Terrace I” at Tin Sam Road, Hung Shui Kiu, and “Delight Terrace” at Muk Chun Street, Kai Tak. Application is open to eligible households affected by Government development projects in the New Territories and urban area, or the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)’s redevelopment projects of the Civil Servants’ Co-operative Building Society (CBS) buildings (Note 1). The HKHS and the Lands Department will gradually issue letters to notify relevant households of the application arrangements and details.

The sale of DRE subsidised sale flats is one of the compensation and rehousing options available to non-owner households affected by Government development projects that need to relocate (Note 2). Eligible owner-occupiers affected by the URA’s CBS redevelopment projects may also choose to purchase subsidised sale flats in an urban DRE as one of the compensation and rehousing options.

The three subsidised sale flat projects open for application this round will provide a total of 1 573 units, with details at Annex. Among them, intake of “Eminence Terrace I” has already taken place since October 2024 and the HKHS will put the remaining 179 units up for sale in this round of exercise. “Sierra Terrace” is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of next year, and “Delight Terrace” is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027.

The Government has reviewed the intake programmes of DREs in the pipeline and the timeline of various development projects in the coming few years, especially the Northern Metropolis. As the Government development projects in the coming few years as well as the households needing to relocate are mostly in the New Territories, to allow for better utilisation of the DRE resources, if there are unsold units upon completion of flat selection of the urban DRE “Delight Terrace” by households affected by Government development projects in urban area and URA’s CBS redevelopment projects, “Delight Terrace” will be open for purchase to households affected by Government development projects in the New Territories.

As for the subsidised rental units of the three abovementioned DREs, intake of “Eminence Tower 1” in Hung Shui Kiu has taken place since March this year, while “Sierra Tower” at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, is expected to be ready for intake in October this year. The Lands Department and the HKHS will continue to process applications for these rental units in an orderly manner upon receipt. The rental units in the DRE in Kai Tak are expected to be completed and ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027, and the Government and the HKHS will notify relevant households of the application arrangements nearer the time. 

Note 1:
Households eligible to apply include:
(i) Non-owner households affected by the Government development projects in the New Territories and urban areas that need to relocate (including those temporarily rehoused in transitional rental housing units of the HKHS or the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA), and those currently residing within the development areas of the relevant Government development projects with the process of granting compensation and rehousing commenced – for the applicable project list, please refer to the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/land-acq-clearance/land-resumption-clearance/clearance-rehousing/Cat2(en).pdf);

(ii) Eligible CBS owner-occupiers affected by the Kau Pui Lung Road/Chi Kiang Street Development Scheme and Shing Tak Street/Ma Tau Chung Road Development Project.

Note 2:
Other compensation and rehousing options available for non-owner households affected by Government development projects include rehousing to the public rental housing units of the HKHA (subject to a comprehensive means test) or rental units in DREs of the HKHS (on a non-means tested basis), and receiving ex-gratia cash allowances.

Scientists Chart the Sun’s Subsurface Weather Tied to Its 11-Year Activity Cycle

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

An international team of solar physicists have traced giant tides of plasma beneath the Sun’s surface at a region called near-surface shear layer (NSSL). The plasma currents shift with the Sun’s magnetic heartbeat and could have far-reaching influence on space weather and Earth.

The near-surface shear layer (NSSL) extending to about 35,000 km in depth is a critical region beneath the Sun’s surface. It is marked by distinct rotational behaviours that vary with depth and by changes, over space and time,  that relate to active region magnetic fields and the solar cycle.

A study led by astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have probed the dynamic “inner weather” of the Sun – plasma currents just beneath its surface at the NSSL, that pulse in step with its 11-year sunspot cycle.

In the research published last week, in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, researchers from the IIA, Stanford University (USA), and the National Solar Observatory (NSO, USA) have traced how these hidden flows shift over time, potentially reshaping our understanding of solar dynamics in general and how the Sun’s interior connects to its outer magnetic behaviour in particular.  

Employing helioseismology—an advanced technique that tracks sound waves as they travel through the Sun—the team observed changes in the movement of solar material using more than a decade of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory/ Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (SDO/HMI) and the ground-based Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG) of National Solar Observatory (NSO), USA.

Peering Beneath the Surface

The analysis led by Professor S.P. Rajaguru and PhD student Anisha Sen from IIA revealed fascinating patterns — surface plasma flows converge toward active sunspot latitudes, but reverse direction midway through the NSSL, flowing outward to form circulation cells. These flows are strongly influenced by the Sun’s rotation and the Coriolis force—the same force responsible for the spin of hurricanes on Earth.

The Coriolis effect swirls and shifts those inflows and outflows into a subtle but powerful sculptor of how the Sun spins at different depths, modifying the rotational shear (the gradient of rotation with depth). Yet intriguingly, these local currents do not power the Sun’s larger-scale zonal flows—known as torsional oscillations—suggesting that these global flows, which ripple through the Sun’s vast interior, must be powered by something deeper and more mysterious.

Fig 1: Depictions of how flow structures near the surface (0.99 solar radii) and at a deeper layer near (0.95 solar radii) develop as sunspots appear and evolve over time (over the 11-year solar cycle). The directions of swirly motions in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Sun are determined by the Coriolis force, just the same way it shapes the storm systems on the Earth.

Fig 2. Sketch showing the Coriolis force mediated average flow structures around active regions in the northern hemisphere of the Sun. The labels depict the signs of residuals in meridional flows, δUθ , and that in resulting residual rotational shear, δ(∂Ω/∂r), for the two depths, 0.99 and 0.95 Rsun which mark the radial boundaries of the NSSL. Figure Artwork Credit: Amrita Rajaguru}

 

Zooming In and Looking Ahead

“To validate our findings, we zoomed in on a massive sunspot region using 3D velocity maps. The localized flow patterns we observed matched the global trends—confirming both surface inflows and deeper outflows,” said lead author Anisha Sen.

“This is a stunning look into how the Sun’s inner weather patterns form and evolve,” says Professor S.P. Rajaguru one of the authors of the paper. “Understanding these hidden patterns is not just academic—solar activity influences space weather that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications on Earth. This work brings us closer to understanding and building realistic models to predict the Sun’s behaviour.” The study group also included Abhinav Govindan Iyer and other international collaborators.

These findings give us a better understanding of how the Sun’s magnetic activity is linked to its internal flows and hint that we might still be missing something lurking in deeper layers that truly drives its global dynamics.

Paper Link:  https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adc919

Media contact: Prof. S.P. Rajaguru, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, rajaguru@iiap.res.in

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125195) Visitor Counter : 80

Principal Scientific Adviser Unveils Landmark Report on ‘Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations’ (Round 2)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India today launched the (Round 2) study report on “Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations”, aimed at benchmarking and enhancing innovation performance across India’s publicly funded research ecosystem. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research (CTIER) served as knowledge partners for this study, contributing their expertise to strengthen the assessment framework.

The report was unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, during the 15th CII Global Innovation and IP Summit 2025 held in New Delhi today. The launch event was also joined by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, Shri B.N. Satpathy, PSA Fellow; Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist ’G’; Ms. Remya Haridassan, Scientist ‘D’ and Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist ‘D’ from Office of PSA and senior industry leaders, researchers, and representatives from academia and industry were also present during the launch.

The study presents a pioneering framework to evaluate innovation capacity and impact, developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders and supported by rigorous data analysis.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sood emphasised the importance of robust evaluation mechanisms in aligning national R&D efforts with socio-economic priorities. “This report serves as a strategic tool for institutional improvement and policy formulation. It reflects our collective aspiration to make Indian science and research globally competitive and socially impactful,” he said. He further said that the report is more than a diagnostic tool and is a roadmap for strengthening India’s innovation capabilities through data-driven insights and strategic benchmarking.

In her special address, Dr. Maini emphasised on the crucial role played by the publicly funded R&D institutions in translating national priorities into transformative solutions. She stated that these innovation excellence indicators offer a valuable metric for evaluating and benchmarking R&D institutes, ultimately fostering a stronger and more empowered innovation ecosystem.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Udayant Malhoutra, Chairman, CII National Committee on Design Innovation and CEO & Managing Director, Dynamatic Technologies Limited stated that India’s R&D ecosystem is increasingly driven by design-led innovation, fostering global competitiveness through collaboration and creativity.

Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies and Managing Director & Group CEO of Re Sustainability Limited stated that R&D in waste-to-worth technologies is unlocking sustainable solutions and circular economy models for a cleaner future.

In his vote of thanks, Mr Shaheen Majeed, Vice-Chairman, CII National Committee on Intellectual Property and Global CEO & Managing Director, Sami-Sabinsa Group mentioned that a strong IP framework is vital to India’s R&D growth, empowering innovation across science and industry.

This exercise reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to fostering excellence, accountability, and innovation within publicly funded research and development institutions. The study saw participation from over 240 R&D organisations across 21 Ministries.

The evaluation framework focused on six key dimensions—research output and quality, technology transfer and commercialization, collaborations and industry engagement, intellectual property generation, societal and policy impact, and human resource development and capacity building. These indicators were designed to provide a holistic view of innovation performance across institutions.

Following the report launch, the Summit featured a session that explored the crucial role of fostering R&D partnerships in creating effective co-innovation ecosystems for technological progress. A panel of experts, including Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant (Director, IIT Roorkee), Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney (Scientist H, CSIR Headquarters), Dr. Nagahanumaiah (Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute), Mr. P S Jayan (Corporate Technology Officer, Carborundum Universal), and Dr. Umish Srivastva (Executive Director, Technology Promotion & Forecasting, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd), discussed strategies and models for successful collaboration among research organisations, academia, government, and industry. The panel was moderated by Dr. Hafsa Ahmad (Scientist D, Office of PSA).

The report can be accessed on:

 

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2125267) Visitor Counter : 77

IOS SAGAR CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

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