Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

World Malaria Day – 2025

Towards a Malaria-Free India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

“Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge.”   Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

Summary World Malaria Day is observed globally every year on 25th April. With an 80.5% decline in Malaria cases, between 2025-2023, India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a global milestone. Malaria deaths declined by 78.38% between 2015 and 2023. 122 districts reported zero malaria cases in 2023, showing strong localized impact. Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP) -3 targets 159 high-burden districts to accelerate malaria elimination in vulnerable areas. The nationwide “Test, Treat, Track” strategy ensures early detection and timely treatment. India aims to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.

 

World Malaria Day is observed globally on 25th April each year, following its institution by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states during the 2007 World Health Assembly. The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for renewed global commitment to end malaria through innovation, collaboration, and sustained action.  

Once among the world’s highest malaria-burdened countries, India has demonstrated remarkable progress through sustained political will, grassroots participation, and targeted interventions. A defining milestone came in 2024, when India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group—

signalling a paradigm shift in the country’s malaria trajectory.  Backed by the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), India has aligned its strategy with global standards while tailoring solutions to local needs.

With an 80.5% reduction in malaria cases and 78.3% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2023, and over 122 districts reporting zero cases last year, the country is advancing with renewed momentum towards achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027 and setting a global benchmark in public health elimination efforts. India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.

Overview of Malaria

 

What is Malaria? How does it occur?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is common in tropical regions, but is preventable and treatable. Malaria does not spread from person to person, though it can also be transmitted through infected blood or contaminated needles. If left untreated, especially in cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection, it can lead to severe illness or even death within 24 hours.

 

What are its symptoms?

The most common early symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and chills, usually appearing 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may be mild, especially in people who’ve had malaria before, making early testing essential for timely treatment. Severe symptoms can include extreme fatigue, confusion, repeated seizures, breathing difficulties, dark or bloody urine, jaundice, and abnormal bleeding. Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death.

 

How can it be prevented?

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medicines. If you’re travelling to areas where malaria is common, consult a doctor about taking preventive drugs (chemoprophylaxis) in advance. To lower the risk of mosquito bites, use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially in areas where malaria is present. Apply mosquito repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin after dusk. You can also use coils, vaporizers, and window screens to keep mosquitoes away. Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings helps protect exposed skin.

 

How can it be treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to curing malaria and stopping its spread. Anyone with symptoms should get tested using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test. Malaria is a serious illness that always requires treatment with medicine. The type of medicine used depends on the type of malaria parasite, the person’s age, weight, whether they are pregnant, and if the parasite is resistant to certain drugs. The most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum is Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs). Chloroquine is used to treat Plasmodium vivax in areas where it is still effective. Primaquine is added to prevent relapses in P. vivax and P. ovale cases. Most treatments are given in pill form, but people with severe malaria may need to be treated with injectable medicines at a hospital or health centre.

 

Global Burden of Malaria

According to the World Malaria Report, the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 5 lakhs 97 thousand in 2023, compared to 6 lakhs in 2022.

In 2023, the 11 HBHI countries were responsible for 66% of global malaria cases and 68% of deaths.

India’s Commitment and National Goals

 

India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the intermediate target of zero indigenous cases by 2027. The strategic roadmap for this mission is guided by:

 

• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India (2016–2030) outlines the vision, goals, and targets for phased malaria elimination.
• The recently launched National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) builds upon earlier frameworks and aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.

Key Interventions and Strategic Approach by the Government for Malaria Control

 

To translate its malaria elimination vision into actionable outcomes, India has adopted a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy. This approach integrates disease management, vector control, and community-driven interventions to ensure lasting impact and inclusive health coverage.

Strategies for elimination of Malaria:

 

• Malaria surveillance as a core intervention for malaria elimination.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment by enhancing and optimizing case management -“testing, treating and tracking”.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria prevention by enhancing and optimizing vector control
• Accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malaria –free status.
• Promoting research and supporting the generation of strategic information for malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

Other Supportive Interventions

• Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for community mobilization. This includes mass media campaigns, community engagement, and leveraging local influencers.
• Inter-sectoral convergence involving various ministries and stakeholders to address the socio-economic and environmental determinants of malaria.
• Capacity building: Over 850 health professionals trained in 2024 and conducting studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030 categorizes regions by malaria prevalence, with Category 3 – Intensified Control Phase targeting high-burden areas. This phase focuses on aggressive disease control, district-level planning, and specific strategies for P. vivax, supported by robust systems and resources to move towards elimination.
• Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 high-burden districts across 12 states, focusing on malaria-prone and vulnerable populations to accelerate elimination efforts.
• Funding supports key interventions such as LLIN distribution, entomological surveillance, and data-driven monitoring systems to ensure sustained impact.
• Integration of malaria services under Ayushman Bharat and delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had lauded the community-led malaria control as a key driver in the 117^th edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme on 29^th December, 2024. These examples highlight the power of grassroots action in achieving a malaria-free India.

 

Conclusion

On World Malaria Day, India stands at a defining moment in its public health journey, transforming from a high-burden nation to a global exemplar in malaria control. This progress has been made possible through science-led strategies, resilient health systems, and the power of people’s participation. As the nation advances towards eliminating indigenous malaria by 2027 and achieving full eradication by 2030, the call to action is clear: we must reinvest in innovation, reimagine community partnerships, and reignite collective resolve. Under the banner of “Malaria Ends With Us” every effort counts—because a malaria-free India is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.

References

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar / Ritu Kataria / Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2124334) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Government of India

Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness

Also rolls out future roadmap for accurate forecasts

For Delhi, which has 18 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in operation, the Minister directs officials to expedite the installation of 50 additional systems, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 100 AWS, this move aims to bring Delhi’s weather forecasting infrastructure on par with global standards

Minister briefed about the progress of “Mission Mausam” initiative launched by PM Modi, which aims to revolutionize India’s weather monitoring infrastructure

India to Have 126 Doppler Radars by 2026 as Govt Ramps Up Weather Monitoring

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

 In a decisive move to strengthen India’s meteorological capabilities, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness, and also rolled out roadmap for accurate forecast.

The Minister called for expediting expansion of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage and modernization of meteorological systems across the country.

At present, Delhi has 18 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in operation. During the review, the Minister directed officials to expedite the installation of 50 additional systems, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 100 AWS. This move aims to bring Delhi’s weather forecasting infrastructure on par with global standards. These automated systems are designed to deliver highly specific, accurate, and timely forecasts, significantly enhancing the city’s capacity to monitor and respond to changing weather conditions.

Amidst the growing frequency of extreme weather events, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the urgent need for real-time, impact-based forecasting that can help minimize damage and save lives. “No weather hazard should go undetected or unpredicted,” the Minister asserted, underscoring the government’s resolve to build a resilient early warning system that reaches every corner of the country.

A key highlight of the review was the ambitious expansion of the Doppler Weather Radar network, which is set to rise from the current 37 operational radars to 73 by 2025-26, and further to 126 by 2026. The new installations are being planned in high-priority regions such as Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Port Blair, among others.

The Minister was briefed on the selection of radar sites and the overall progress of the “Mission Mausam” launched by PM Narendra Modi, which aims to revolutionize India’s weather monitoring infrastructure. The plan includes improved satellite meteorology systems, upgraded numerical prediction models, and a more robust radar-based forecasting mechanism.

“The ability to track extreme weather events with greater precision will not only boost disaster management efforts but also directly benefit farmers, fishermen, aviation, and various other sectors,” Dr. Jitendra Singh noted during the meeting, which included senior officials such as Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran and IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

The review also took stock of financial allocations and approvals pending for key weather-related infrastructure projects. Dr. Jitendra Singh urged ministries to fast-track decisions to ensure timely implementation.

With climate change intensifying the unpredictability of weather systems, the push for enhanced radar coverage and more efficient dissemination of forecasts is seen as critical for national preparedness. The meeting, according to ministry officials, marks a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

The Minister’s review has now set the wheels in motion for a more coordinated and technologically advanced response to India’s meteorological challenges.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2124379) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Evidence-based Policy Making Needed in Agriculture sector: ICAR DG Dr. M L. Jat

NAAS and TAAS sign MoU to enhance collaboration in Agricultural science and research

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) jointly organized an interactive meet and felicitation ceremony to honour two eminent agricultural scientists — Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General, ICAR—on their appointments to prestigious leadership roles in their respective institutions, in New Delhi today.

A significant highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TAAS and NAAS, aimed at enhancing collaborative initiatives in agricultural science, research, and policy development.

During the event, Dr. M.L. Jat called upon the agricultural fraternity to come together in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Amrit Kaal. He emphasized the urgent need for science and evidence-based policymaking in agriculture and bringing smile on their faces, while also underscoring the importance of creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers. It is a time for common collaborative mission to bring smiles in famers face and align our goals to our nation’s goals, he added.

“We must study emerging agricultural demands in the context of global megatrends. Strengthening both internal systems and external capacities, and ensuring their synergy, is key to building a resilient agricultural ecosystem,” he stated. He further highlighted the challenges arising from the diversity of Indian agriculture and the necessity for well-planned, integrated approaches to address them.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak spoke on the critical role of science in societal transformation. He emphasized that every society must adopt and promote scientific thinking, and acknowledged the past successes of collaborative efforts between the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and NAAS. He expressed optimism that continued partnershipsparticularly between ICAR, CGIAR, and the Special Innovation Team (SIT)would further strengthen agricultural research and innovation in India.

Dr RS Paroda, Chairman, TAAS, stated that our agricultural challenges encompass national food security, nutritional security, and environmental sustainability. These can be addressed by mitigating climate change, transforming grey areas into green spaces, and promoting regenerative agriculture, he added.

The ceremony also featured addresses from leading agricultural experts and dignitaries, including Dr. P.K. Joshi; Dr. Ashok K. Singh; and Dr. W.S. Lakra, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to address future challenges in Indian agriculture.

The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment to innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2124346) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 6:55PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various Government departments and organisations on 26th April, 2025 at around 11 AM through video conferencing. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

In line with Prime Minister’s commitment to accord highest priority to employment generation, the 15th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. It will provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and effectively contributing to national development.

The new recruits, selected from across the country will be joining the Central Government in various Ministries/Departments including Department of Revenue, Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances and Pensions, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Posts, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Labour & Employment among others.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2124381) Visitor Counter : 129

Source: Government of India

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

TRAI convened a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCOR) on 25^th April, 2025, at its headquarters in New Delhi to deliberate issues needing cross-sectoral regulatory collaboration and formulate collaborative measures including dealing with unsolicited commercial communication (UCC)/ spam and fraudulent communications. Members of the JCoR, including representatives from RBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, SEBI, MoCA, and MeitY, participated in the meeting. Additionally, DoT, and MHA representatives attended the meeting as special invitees.

The Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR), an initiative of TRAI, was established to foster collaborative efforts among sectoral regulators from the telecommunication, IT, Consumer Affairs, and financial and insurance sectors to deliberate cross sectoral  regulatory issues in the digital world and work collaboratively on adopting appropriate regulatory measures.  Members of the committee have since leveraged this platform to reinforce their regulatory framework and ensure its effective implementation. The JCoR has provided a very useful collaborative forum to address the issue of UCC & regulatory challenges in the digital era and enhance regulatory frameworks to control UCC through collective effort.

In his opening address, TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the critical need for a collaborative approach to combat spam messages and calls creating inconvenience and defrauding the citizens, especially, the senior citizens, the progress made by JCOR in this regard and the challenges ahead.

The following are some important items deliberated in the meeting:

1. Modalities for implementation of 1600 series numbers, allocated specially for making transactional and service voice calls by the entities belonging to the government and financial sector, were discussed. The committee members agreed to take up the issue with entities within their jurisdiction for expediting its implementation in a time bound manner and regular monitoring. The CoAI also made a presentation before the committee regarding various solutions that can offer an entity one 1600 series number CLI to be presented to the recipients across all the TSPs and LSAs in the country.
2. Modalities for onboarding of senders of commercial communication on Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) platform were deliberated. JCOR members agreed to engage with the senders/Principal Entities (PEs) within their jurisdiction to onboard them on DCA.
3. During the deliberations, I4C discussed various measures to counter fraudulent communication and the problem of Digital Arrest scams. In this regard, measures such as deletion of unused message headers and content templates to avoid their misuse by spammers, prompt action on fraudulent SMS headers, blocking of the Mobile Numbers/IMEI utilized in sending fraudulent messages etc. were discussed.  The members agreed to work further on modalities for implementation of the same.
4. The issue of spam and scam through OTT and RCS communication platforms were discussed. MeitY will engage with the stakeholders in this regard to take measures analogues to those for conventional telecommunication.

The JCOR members agreed to further strengthen the collaborative efforts to address these issues collectively so as to increase cross sectoral collaboration and also protect consumers from the harms of spam and fraud while ensuring a more secure and efficient telecom commercial communication ecosystem.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124347) Visitor Counter : 58

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 7:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today issued its response to the back-reference received from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in respect of the TRAI’s recommendations dated 12.04.2024 on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases, and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector”.

 Earlier, DoT, through a reference dated 10.03.2023, inter-alia requested TRAI, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, to provide recommendations on framework for Regulatory Sandbox for emerging technologies, services and business model in telecom sector.  After a detailed consultation with stakeholders, TRAI provided its recommendations on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases, and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector” dated 12.04.2024 to DoT.

Subsequently, DoT, through a back-reference dated 19.03.2025, asked TRAI to reconsider its recommendations dated 12.04.2024 on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector”.

After examining the issue, TRAI has finalized its response to the back-reference. TRAI’s response to the back-reference has been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in).

 For any clarification or information, Shri Abdul Kayum, Advisor (Broadband and Policy Analysis), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907757.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124383) Visitor Counter : 14

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) organised the three-day National Games in Touch: Chaoshan Exchange Tour 2025 from April 22 to 24. As the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will cohost the 15th National Games for the first time this year, the exchange tour provided an opportune time for IDYL members to gain insights into the preparations for the Games by visiting the competition venues in Shantou in person, while learning more about Chaoshan’s history and culture.
 
     Addressing the opening ceremony on the first day of the exchange tour, the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, expressed his hope that IDYL members would enhance their understanding of the motherland and national affairs by interacting with local youth through site visits, so that they could contribute to the country’s development in the future.
 
     Led by the Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, and members of the IDYL Advisory Committee, participants visited Shantou Haojiang Innovation Center, Chaoshan Historical Culture Expo Center, Shantou Sports Center, Nan’ao Island and Chaozhou Ancient City, among others. They also interacted with young entrepreneurs from Chaoshan and student athletes from Shantou Sports School. In addition, the group visited Shantou Offshore Wind Power Industrial Park, where they learned about the country’s key wind power projects and its sustainable development strategies.

     The IDYL will continue to actively organise exchange programmes on a variety of themes to deepen members’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, thereby fostering their sense of nationhood, national identity and affection for the nation.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today.

The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X :
 
“Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri @ncbn, met Prime Minister @narendramodi.”

@AndhraPradeshCM

 

 

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MJPS/VJ

(Release ID: 2124386) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

New Quantum Standards Unveiled as India Strengthens Global Quantum Leadership

TEC and C-DOT Lead the Charge in Post-Quantum Cryptography and Secure 5G Technologies

Minister Scindia Calls for Bold Steps into the Quantum Age at International Quantum Conclave

Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia: Quantum Computing Will Revolutionize Innovation and Scientific Discovery

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), hosted the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave today in New Delhi. This high-level gathering brought together national and international experts, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of quantum communication, with a strong focus on standardization, research, and secure digital transformation.

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications inaugurated the conclave. Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific advisor; Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) and Smt. Tripti Saxena, Sr. DDG & Head, TEC shared the dais.

The conclave was organised as part of India’s definite steps in taking lead in the areas of quantum communication technologies, especially in light of the National Quantum Mission launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6003.65 Crore. The mission, a key initiative under the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Council, aims to seed and scale up R&D in quantum technologies while fostering a vibrant and innovative ecosystem across academia, industry, and start-ups.

As part of the event, three significant documents were unveiled to support and promote the deployment of quantum secure technologies: the Standard on Generic Requirements for Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG), a Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and a Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC.

The Standard on QRNG provides a framework that can be used by the organizations for the evaluation of Quantum Random Number Generators. The purpose of Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is to sensitize the organizations to identify their critical digital infrastructures including data and applications and be ready for a smooth transition to quantum safe cryptography.The Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC  delves into the vulnerabilities of current cryptographic protocols within the evolving 5G core from the emergence of quantum computers and identifies key areas within the 5G Core architecture where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) can be implemented to achieve quantum security.

Delivering the Inaugural Address at the Opening Plenary of the Conclave, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, spoke about the revolutionary impact of Quantum Technoloy. He pointed out that “quantum computing isn’t just another step forward, it is a giant leap that will define innovation, accelerate scientific discovery and unlock multiple solutions to human problems that were hitherto always thought of as insurmountable”. Shri Scindia added that “the future now is no longer just digital, the future now is quantum. And the ripple effects of quantum computing are already touching not only scientific discovery but also our lives”. He concluded by saying “let’s step into the quantum age with boldness, brilliance, and a clear sense of purpose.”

Minister Scindia also led the Conclave’s participants to observe one minute silence as a mark of respect to pay homage to those killed in the Terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J & K on April 22, 2025. He condemned the terror attack what he termed as the “cowardly, heinous attack by inhuman elements that claimed innocent lives”.  He added, “My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones and each one of us extend our heartiest, from the bottom of our hearts, our deepest condolences to every single family member.”

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, in his Special Address said that under the transformative leadership of Honerable Prime Minister, India is committed to leading the Quantum technology transformation. He informed that “Through the national quantum mission, we are investing deeply in quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Our vibrant startup ecosystem, our world-class research institutions, and our industry pioneers are already delivering indigenous quantum solutions ready for deployment”. The Minister exhorted all researchers, engineers, and visionary entrepreneurs, to ignite their curiosity, expand horizons, and challenge conventional thought.

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India , Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, in his address highlighted that the conclave is taking place in the year 2025 which has been declared as the Year of Quantum by the United Nations General Assembly. Prof. Sood dwelt on the evolution of Quantum Technologies over the last 100 years stating that “today we are in the second revolution of Quantum Mechanics of the newest technology frontier where we now have the tools to controlling the quantum systems.”

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) expressed the hope, “this Quantum Conclave will help us redefine boundaries, foster collaboration—especially since this is an interdisciplinary field—and develop recommendations so that the government is able to take note of them and adapt our policies accordingly.”

This conclave aimed to create greater awareness about R&D, standardization and testing of quantum-safe technologies, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.

The technical sessions featured thought-provoking talks and presentations by leading experts and organizations from India and abroad, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO C-DOT; Dr. Anandaraman Sankaran – Senior Manager, QKD Technical Marketing, Japan; Dr. Ray Harishankar – IBM Quantum Safe, USA; Dr. Kaveh Delfanazari –Senior Lecturer (Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering) University of Glasgow, UK; Mr. Rowan Högman (Advanced technology Director) M/s Ericsson, Sweden; Dr. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research institute, Bengaluru;   Prof. Anil Prabhakar, IIT Madras; and several others.

The conclave also featured exhibition from R&D institutions [C-DOT, CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science] and industries/start-ups [QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Qutess Labs & New Age Instruments & Materials Pvt. Ltd.] offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements in quantum communication and related technologies taking place in India.

The conclave sought to mobilize contributions in international standard organizations. Additionally, it provided a platform to identify existing standardization gaps and foster contributions to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) creation in quantum communication technologies.

About:

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), is a standards setting organisation for Telecom and related ICT products under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India. It is responsible for formulation of standards, specifications, test procedures, service specifications and technical regulations for Telecom/ICT sector. TEC is actively involved in the standardisation activities on Quantum Technology at domestic as well as international level participating and contributing to ITU, IEEE, etc. TEC has released standards on “Quantum Key Distribution System” and “Quantum-safe and Classical Cryptographic Systems”. TEC has also constituted a “National Working Group on Quantum Technology” (NWG-QT) with members from academia, industry/startups, R&D organizations, service providers, Govt. Organizations, etc. to have a focused and coordinated approach for development of standards on Quantum Technology.

 

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124350) Visitor Counter : 114

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 7:38PM by PIB Delhi

The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) organized a review meeting for the officers of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) 2023 batch to share insights from their six-month On-the-Job Training conducted at various Sub-Regional and Regional Offices under the Field Operations Division of MoSPI.

The event commenced with a warm welcome extended to Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI; Shri PR Meshram, Director General (Data Governance); Ms. Puja Singh Mondal, Additional Secretary, MoSPI; Shri K.B. Surwade, Additional Director General (Capacity Development Division); Smt. Sunitha Bhaskar, Additional Director General (Field Operations Division); Dr. JS Tomar, Deputy Director General (NSSTA) and other senior dignitaries from the ISS fraternity.

The officers of the ISS 2023 batch had the valuable opportunity to interact with Dr. Saurabh Garg and other senior dignitaries, where they shared their field experiences, key learnings, challenges encountered, and provided constructive suggestions for further improvement.

Simultaneously, the ISS 2025 batch officer trainees, who joined the service on 21st April 2025 at NSSTA, were also present. This event served as their first occasion to engage with senior officers before the commencement of their training journey.

During the interaction, the Secretary, MoSPI acknowledged the rich field insights and thoughtful suggestions shared by the ISS 2023 officers based on their postings across the country. He emphasized the critical role of data and statistics in today’s world, and referenced the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address on Civil Services Day, underscoring the vital importance of evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in governance. He notably remarked, “As part of the country’s statistical system, it is essential that we measure what we treasure, and treasure what we measure.”

This event at NSSTA successfully created a collaborative platform for both the 2023 and 2025 ISS batches to interact with one another and engage in meaningful discussions with senior officials from the Ministry and the Field Operations Division, fostering a spirit of learning and mentorship.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2124392) Visitor Counter : 135