In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 Mar 25, the Government of India has launched Operation Brahma for rendering assistance to Myanmar. Under MEA’s direction, the HADR efforts are being progressed in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF.
Indian Navy ships Satpura and Savitri, from the Eastern Naval Command, have sailed for Yangon on 29 Mar 25, as part of the Indian Navy’s immediate response towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). In addition, Indian Navy Ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on 30 Mar 25, to assist in the HADR operations. Approximately 52 Tons of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores. The Indian Navy remains committed to India’s resolve to remain the ‘First Responder’ in the region.
‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ – Theme for IDY2025: PM in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ It is a matter of pride for all of us that today the curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising, all over the world: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Prime Minister appeals to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being
Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 7:04PM by PIB Delhi
In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, the PM mentioned, “The theme of Yoga Day 2025 has been kept as ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. That is, we wish to make the whole world healthy through yoga.”
Notably, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), a premier institute under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has been entrusted with the responsibility of organising activities to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY) this year on a grand scale. The institute recently unveiled the 100-day countdown to IDY2025 during the Yogamahotsav event held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 March, 2025.
During the 120th episode of the popular radio program, the Prime Minister said, “Today along with fitness, the count also plays a big role. Count the number of steps taken in a day, count the number of calories eaten in a day, count the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to the International Yoga Day. Now less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated 10 years ago on the 21st of June, 2015. Now this day has taken the shape of a grand festival of yoga. This is such a priceless gift from India to humanity, which is going to be very useful for future generations.”
As the world gears up for International Yoga Day (IDY) 2025, the theme “Yoga for One Earth One Health” takes center stage and a wide range of activities revolving around it is being held. The 2025 theme highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being, aligning with global calls for sustainability and unity. It builds on a decade of success since the United Nations recognized June 21 as International Day of Yoga, following India’s proposal in 2014.
During the Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister also stated, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that today the curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising, all over the world. A large number of youths are adopting yoga and Ayurveda as an excellent medium for wellness. For example, there is a South American country, Chile. Ayurveda is rapidly becoming popular there. Last year, during my visit to Brazil, I met the President of Chile. We had a lot of discussions about the popularity of Ayurveda.
While acknowledging the fast growing popularity of Ayush systems across the globe and the contribution of key stakeholders in this, the PM said, “I have come to know about a team named ‘Somos India’. In Spanish, it means – ‘We are India’. This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for almost a decade. Their focus is on treatment as well as educational programs. They are also getting information related to yoga and Ayurveda translated into the Spanish language. If we talk about last year alone, about 9 thousand people participated in their myriad events and courses. I congratulate all the people associated with this team for their efforts.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also appealed to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being.
10 unique signature events to guide events to International Day of Yoga 2025
This year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:
● Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 10,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
● Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
● Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
● Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
● Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
● Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
● Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
● Yoga Unplugged– An event to attract young people to Yoga
● Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
● Samyogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.
Annexure
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:
● IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
● IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
● IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
● IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.
● IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
● IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
● IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
● IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
● IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
● IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.
Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik chairs the 3rd meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of distribution utilities in the country Inflation-indexed and cost-reflective power tariffs need of the hour
Use of AI and digital innovations for financial viability of power sector
Need to review Net-metering and RPO provisions
Prudent O&M cost and reasonable Return on Equity (RoE) should be allowed in Annual Revenue Requirement
Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 10:48AM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, chaired the third meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of electricity distribution utilities in Lucknow today.
Shri A. K Sharma, Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Energy Minister, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Energy Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of State for Energy, Maharashtra and Shri Somendra Tomar, Minister of State for Energy, Uttar Pradesh attended the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Central Government, State Governments, State Power Utilities of Member States, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd and REC Ltd.
In his opening remarks, Union Minister of State welcomed Energy Ministers from the Member States and thanked Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, for hosting the meeting. He highlighted about the discussions held during the first two meetings of the GoM and the collective efforts required from the member States for improvement of power distribution sector. He highlighted the need for designing a mechanism for financial restructuring of liabilities of distribution utilities, lowering interest burden on utilities, development of storage solutions, facilitating daytime power supply for agriculture to lower the overall power purchase costs and reduce subsidy burdens.
The Minister also highlighted the need for implementing AI and digital innovations and need for ensuring cost-reflective tariffs for financial viability of power sector. He added that implementing these measures shall help utilities improve the financial sustainability. He also emphasized the need for a scheme similar to UDAY.
In his address Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh thanked the Union Minister of State for having the 3rd meeting of the Group of Ministers in Lucknow. He highlighted the achievements of the State of Uttar Pradesh in the power sector including adoption of RE technologies. He commended that the measures taken by the Government of India will have far reaching impact on making country’s distribution sector stronger and healthier. He emphasised on the need for expeditious growth of renewable sources of energy coupled with energy storage solutions so as to meet the future challenges of energy transition and growing power demand. Hon’ble Minister mentioned about the importance of the Government of India’s role in aiding human resources development for achieving better outputs.
Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power, GoI made a presentation highlighting key areas of intervention identified during first two meetings of the GoM and proposed measures to be taken by the stakeholders (Central Govt., State Govts. and Regulatory Commissions) to address the viability concern for deliberation.
TATA power distribution, Odisha, as a special invitee, shared the best practices adopted and their journey toward making their DISCOMs profitable.
The member States actively participated in the meeting and presented the overview of State DISCOMs. They gave valuable suggestions for improving the financial condition of DISCOMs. States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu made presentations on the subject.
The contours of the Action plan identifying the ways to reduce the outstanding debts and losses of the distribution utilities and the means to bring them into profits, were discussed in detail.
Emphasis was placed on the need for review of regulators’ performance for determining tariffs. The support from Government of India for Privatisation initiatives by State was suggested. The need for regulators to adapt to the latest developments in the sector including the current levels of RE integration, the requirements of capacity building and O&M costs, while finalizing the tariff, was also discussed. It was discussed that delays in payment of Government department dues and subsidies are forcing DISCOMs to resort to working capital loans, which are not being passed on in tariff. There are also delays in passing on of Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustments in tariffs thus creating need for working capital which are not considered in Annual Revenue Requirements of the Utilities. To avoid future tariff shocks, it was suggested to link tariffs to annual inflation-linked tariff hike.
The Group of Ministers reiterated its commitment and expressed resolve to take necessary measures for improving the financial viability of DISCOMs.
In his Closing remarks, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State emphasized on the need for States to demonstrate greater political will and determination to make the power sector viable and urged the member States to work upon the ideas that have emerged during the meeting. It was recommended to invite All India DISCOM Association (AIDA) to the next GoM meeting for their suggestions.
It was also unanimously decided to have 4th meeting of GoM in Andhra Pradesh in the month of April.
Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 to Kick Off in New Delhi from April 1st to 3rd, 2025 A Landmark Moment in Youth-Led Nation-Building and Governance
From Debate to Resolution: Youth to Deliberate on One Nation, One Election and Viksit Bharat
Youth to Experience Parliamentary Proceedings Firsthand: A Transformative Insight into Governance
Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the leadership of Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is organizing the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament from 1st – 3rd April 2025. This event, a reimagination of the traditional Youth Parliament, serves as a powerful platform to connect young individuals with politics and public policy, fostering their engagement in governance and nation-building.
For the first time since COVID-19, all District Nodal Rounds (300) were conducted in person, ensuring greater participation and direct engagement. Over 75,000 young people from every State and Union Territory submitted their video entries through the MY Bharat portal, showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment to shaping the nation’s future. The entire selection process was conducted digitally, reflecting the growing integration of technology in governance initiatives.
The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is structured into three key stages:
District Nodal Rounds:
The discussion on One Nation, One Election reached every town and village through massive dialogues held at 300 district nodes.
To qualify, candidates uploaded a 1-minute video answering the question: “What does Viksit Bharat mean to you?”
State Rounds:
Held in over 17 State assemblies and other government establishments, these rounds marked a historic milestone in bridging the gap between youth and governance.
Sessions were presided over by State Speakers and Governors, lending credibility and significance to youth discussions.
National Round (1st – 3rd April 2025):
The top 3 candidates from each State/UT (totaling 108 youth) have been selected to participate at the national level.
Participants will engage in high-level discussions and activities, including
Question Hour: Focused on One Nation, One Election and Viksit Bharat, culminating in a resolution.
Masterclass: Conducted by a senior Member of Parliament, equipping youth with essential oratory and leadership skills.
Parliamentary Experience: Attending sessions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for firsthand exposure to governance.
PM Sangrahalaya Visit: Providing insights into India’s political journey and leadership stories.
Awards Ceremony: On 3rd April, the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards and National Youth Awards will be conferred.
The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is more than just a programme—it is a transformative movement. The ideas and discussions generated through this initiative will extend far beyond Central Hall, resonating across the nation and paving the way for a new era of youth-led policy engagement and national progress.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.
In her message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad, especially Muslim brothers and sisters.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting and prayer during the holy month of Ramadan. This festival strengthens the spirit of brotherhood, cooperation and compassion. This festival also promotes social bonding and inspires us to build a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society. Eid is an occasion to promote the spirit of empathy, compassion and charity.
May this festival bring peace, progress and happiness in lives of all and give us strength to move forward with positive attitude”.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a prestigious multi-national air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. The exercise will take place at Andravida Air Base, Greece, from 31 March 2025 to 11 April 2025. The IAF contingent will include Su-30 MKI fighters along with combat enabler IL-78 & C-17 aircraft.
INIOCHOS is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. It serves as a platform for air forces to hone their skills, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties. The exercise will integrate multiple air and surface assets from fifteen countries under realistic combat scenarios, designed to simulate modern-day air warfare challenges
The IAF looks forward to participating in Exercise INIOCHOS 25, a platform to enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability among participating Air Forces. This exercise will provide an opportunity to train in planning and executing Combined Air operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and gain insights into operational best practices. With all operations conducted from Andravida, IAF’s participation will not only strengthen its operational capabilities but also contribute to mutual learning and enhanced coordination among participating countries.
IAF’s participation in INIOCHOS-25 reflects its commitment to global defence cooperation and operational excellence. The exercise will further reinforce India’s strategic partnerships-and bolster its capabilities in joint operations with friendly nations
A one-day National Workshop on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’, was organised by the Education Division of NITI Aayog, as a part of the NITI–State workshop series, an initiative under the State Support Mission, and in collaboration with its knowledge partners, IIT Madras, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Acumen at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai on Saturday, 29th March 2025.
The workshop brought together officers from the Centre, State and UT Governments, Institutions of National Importance, Central Universities, State Public Universities, Private Universities, Deemed Universities, International Universities, and representatives from several countries to deliberate on challenges, best practices and policy interventions for implementing internationalisation initiatives in Indian higher education at the systemic and institutional levels as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.
Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Hon’ble Member (Education), NITI Aayog delivered the Keynote Address and the Concluding Address and chaired the entire workshop’s proceedings. Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director, IIT Madras, delivered the Inaugural Address. Dr. Sonia Pant, Programme Director (Education), NITI Aayog welcomed the 140-strong audience. Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean – Global Engagement, IIT Madras, Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, and Shri Adrian Mutton, Executive Chairman, Acumen addressed the gathering on behalf of the knowledge partners’ consortium.
The workshop featured 40 speakers across 4 technical sessions on: (i) Internationalisation of Higher Education in India (in retrospect and future prospects), (ii) Academic Mobility for Learning and Research, (iii) Internationalisation of Curricula & Programmes, and (iv) Expanding Global Presence of Indian universities through Offshore Campuses and beyond. Special case studies on successes of Indian and international universities were presented including Indian universities setting up overseas campuses and international universities establishing campuses in India including at the GIFT City. Several country case studies including those of Australia, France, New Zealand, UK, USA, among others were also presented at the workshop.
As discussions proceeded, participants emphasized actionable strategies such as enhancing infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and promoting India as a destination for academic collaboration, research, and learning on a global scale.
This workshop marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards internationalisation of higher education. The insights generated will feed into the ongoing NITI policy research study that aims to position Indian higher education institutions at the forefront of global academic excellence, ensuring India-centric internationalisation, and creating world class and world ready talent to enable India to play an influential role as a knowledge economy and achieve its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (March 30) said that, following the dispersal of the Hong Kong Sevens spectators from the Kai Tak Sports Park, the overall traffic conditions have mostly been smooth.
The MTR Tuen Ma Line service has been further enhanced during dispersal, which basically met the passenger demand. In response to the passenger queue for taxi service at the Sung Wong Toi Road Taxi Pick-up/Drop-off Area during the peak period, the TD has made all-out efforts to mobilise the taxi trade for picking up passengers and the passenger queue has largely dissipated. In addition, the 10 special bus routes provided services for the outflux of spectators departing for major districts across the territory in an orderly manner.
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Maharashtra (Mumbai) from March 31 to April 1, 2025. The President will reach Mumbai on the evening of March 31 and on the next day, she will grace the closing ceremony of the commemoration of the 90th year of the Reserve Bank of India.
On the auspicious occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, I extend warm greetings to all citizens of our nation.
Eid reminds us of the strength we draw from our cultural diversity and the common bonds that unite us. The essence of this holy day transcends mere celebration; it embodies the constitutional ideals of unity, compassion, and mutual respect that form the cornerstone of our diverse democracy.
Let us celebrate the profound spirit of renewal and collective harmony that this sacred occasion represents. May the spirit of Eid inspire us to recommit ourselves to the values that illuminate our path forward and bind us as one remarkable, resilient nation.
Following is the Hindi translation of the Vice-President’s message:
ईद उल-फितर के पावन अवसर पर, मैं हमारे राष्ट्र के सभी नागरिकों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ प्रेषित करता हूँ।
ईद का यह पर्व हमें स्मरण दिलाता है कि सांस्कृतिक विविधता और एकजुटता हमारी शक्ति का केंद्र है। यह त्योहार मात्र एक उत्सव नहीं बल्कि एकता, करुणा और पारस्परिक सम्मान जैसे हमारे वैविध्यपूर्ण लोकतंत्र के संवैधानिक आदर्शों का एक प्रतीक है।
आइए इस ईद के पर्व पर, हम सद्भाव और एकता की भावना को सँजोकर उन मूल्यों के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता को पुनः व्यक्त करें जो हमारे जीवन को दिशा देते हैं और एक मज़बूत, समृद्ध राष्ट्र के रूप में हमें एकजुट बनाए रखते हैं।