Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Indian Railways to Implement Access Control System with Permanent Holding Areas at 60 Stations

Indian Railways enhances crowd management with wider foot-over-bridges, CCTV surveillance and war rooms

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 8:11PM by PIB Delhi

With a view to handle heavy rush of passengers at stations during festival/Mela periods, limited Access Control System has been experimented by the Railways where during such periods, holding areas were created outside stations and passengers were allowed only when the train came to the platform.

Further, to handle heavy rush of passengers at stations, following decisions have been taken by railways –

1. Permanent holding areas at 60 stations:

1. During the festival season of 2024, holding areas were created outside stations. These waiting areas were able to hold large crowds at Surat, Udhna, Patna and New Delhi. Passengers were allowed only when the train came to the platform.
2. Similar arrangements were made during Mahakumbh at nine stations of Prayag area.
3. Based on the experience of these stations, it has been decided to create permanent waiting areas outside stations at 60 stations across the country, which periodically face heavy crowds.
4. Pilot projects have started at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad stations.
5. With this concept, the sudden crowd will be contained within the waiting area. Passengers will be allowed to go to platforms only when the trains arrive at the platform. This will decongest the stations.

2.         Access control:

1. Complete access control will be initiated at the 60 stations.
2. Passengers with confirmed reserve tickets will be given direct access to the platforms.
3. Passengers without a ticket or with a waiting list ticket will wait in the outside waiting area.
4. All unauthorised entry points will be sealed.

3.         Wider foot-over-bridges (FOB):

1. Two new designs of 12 metre wide (40 feet) and 6 metre wide (20 feet) standard FOB have been developed. These wide FOBs with ramps were very effective in crowd management during Mahakumbh. These new standard wide FOBs will be installed in all the stations.

4.         Cameras:

1. Cameras helped crowd management in a big way during Mahakumbh. A large number of cameras will be installed in all stations and adjoining areas for close monitoring.

5.         War rooms:

1. War rooms at large stations will be developed. Officers of all departments will work in the war room during crowd situations.

6.         New generation communication equipment:

1. Latest design digital communication equipment like walkie-talkies, announcement systems, calling systems will be installed on all heavy crowd stations.

 

7.         New design ID card:

1. All staff and service persons will be given a new design ID card so that only authorised persons can enter the station.

8.         New design uniform for staff:

1. All staff members will be given new design uniforms so that they can be easily identified during a crisis situation.

9.         Upgradation of station director post:

1. All major stations will have a senior officer as station director. All other departments will report to the station director.
2. Station director will get financial empowerment so that he can take on- the-spot decisions for improving the station.

10.       Sale of tickets as per capacity:

1. Station Director will be empowered to control the sale of tickets as per capacity of the station and the available trains.

In addition, for the security arrangements and to streamline passenger flow, station specific plans are made involving all the stakeholders that include Government Railway Police (GRP), Local Police and Local Civil Administration and accordingly action is taken to manage the influx of passengers. Queue System is maintained for hassle free boarding of important trains at originating stations.

GRP & RPF staffs are deployed at foot-over bridges to regulate crowd smoothly in order to avoid stampede like situation during the heavy rush period and render real time assistance to passengers. Intelligence units (CIB/SIB) and plain cloth staff are deployed for collection of information about rush and accordingly arrangements were made associating GRP/Police.

During peak rush periods, when heavy movement of passengers is anticipated, zonal Railways are authorized to restrict entry to stations by stopping issuing of platform tickets except for persons coming to the station just to assist the aged, illiterate and female passengers who are not  in a position to fend themselves at Railway stations.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2115507) Visitor Counter : 230

Source: Government of India

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 6,900 crore contracts for 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems & High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles to enhance Indian Army’s operational readiness

Capital procurement pacts worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore signed in FY 2024-25 till date

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced System Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles respectively at a total cost of about Rs 6,900 crore. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi on March 26, 2025.

With the signing, total contracts worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore have been signed by MoD for capital procurement till date in the current Financial Year 2024-25. During the contract signing, the Project Director of ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune who played a pivotal role in the realisation of the project was felicitated by the Defence Secretary as an honour for his immense contribution.

The 155 mm/52 Calibre ATAGS will replace the vintage and smaller calibre guns and enhance the artillery capabilities of the Indian Army. The procurement of this gun system marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Artillery Regiments, enhancing operational readiness. ATAGS, renowned for its exceptional lethality, will play a crucial role in bolstering the Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes.

Being the first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector by the Indian Army, the project will provide a boost to the Indian gun manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing eco-system as a whole. This project is a proud flag-bearers of Aatmnanirbhar Bharat by significantly contributing to employment generation and economic growth in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative.

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VK/SR/Savvy

 

(Release ID: 2115365) Visitor Counter : 3636

Source: Government of India

Railway Electrification Gains Momentum: 100% Network Electrified in 22 out of 29 States/UT, Work Progressing Rapidly in the Remaining 7 States

 136 Crore Liters Reduction in Traction Fuel Consumption from 2018-19 to 2023-24

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

Currently, about 98% of the Indian Railways’ (IR) Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified and balance sections have been taken up. Significant progress has been made in railway electrification in recent years, a comparison of electrification before and after 2014 is as follows:

 

 

State wise percentage of tracks already electrified till date are as under:

 

About 96% electrification work of the railway lines situated in Tamil Nadu has been completed. The electrification work in the balance sections situated in Tamil Nadu has been taken up at a cost of  Rs. 444 crore.

CO₂ emissions in transportation by railways as compared to transportation by road is as under:

Further, electrification of railway tracks reduces dependency on fossil fuels, decreased diesel consumption resulting in lower carbon emission. Electrification enables better haulage capacity and higher train speeds, leading to reduced travel time and enhanced efficiency. IR has witnessed reduction in fuel consumption for traction purpose by 136 crore liters during 2023-24 as compared to 2018-19.

Mission 100% Electrification is a highly challenging project, as it involves electrifying railway lines that are already in operation and encountering unforeseen various challenges during execution. To expedite railway electrification work, various steps have been taken by Indian Railways which include among others; formation of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal to resolve the constraints being faced during commissioning, ensuring effective project monitoring mechanism, assured funding and enhanced financial powers to field units.

The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various factors like forest clearances by officials of forest department, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect the completion time of the project(s).

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2115511) Visitor Counter : 224

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) at Leh, an autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Ayush for the preservation, promotion and development of Sowa-Rigpa hosted a special yoga event in Leh at Institute campus on March 25 as part of the activities being organised to mark the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga – 2025.

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) hosted a special yoga session in Leh, Ladakh, at an altitude of 11,562 feet

Against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 11,562 feet (3,524 meters), the team of NISR including staff and students conducted the yoga session as per the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush.

(A Yoga session was conducted by all the staff and students of National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, NISR)

With snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and an aura of serenity, Leh provided the perfect setting for this event. Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, NISR said, “Yoga is not just a practice; it is a way of life that nurtures both the body and the mind. In today’s fast-paced world, it serves as a powerful tool to achieve inner balance, mental clarity, and physical well-being. Through yoga, we cultivate resilience, harmony, and holistic health—not just for individuals but for society as a whole. At the majestic heights of Leh, we reaffirm that yoga transcends boundaries, uniting us all in the pursuit of wellness and peace.”

Ms. Tsewang Lhamo, the Yoga instructor from Mahabodhi International Yoga and Meditation Centre Leh also participated in the event and stated, “Yoga plays a vital role in our daily lives by promoting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Regular practice enhances flexibility, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. It also fosters mindfulness, helping individuals maintain inner peace and harmony amidst the challenges of everyday life.”

Notably, the 100-days countdown to the International Day of Yoga – 2025 was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Ayush during ‘Yoga Mahotsav- 2025’ held in New Delhi. During the said event, the Ayush Minister had also informed that this year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11^th 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.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2115382) Visitor Counter : 468

Source: Government of India

DRDO & Indian Navy successfully flight-test indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

This missile system will be an excellent force multiplier for Indian Navy: Raksha Mantri

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted the successful flight-test of indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at about 1200 hrs on March 26, 2025. The flight-test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. It has established the Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability of the missile system.

During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range, and establishing the missile’s agility, reliability & pin-point accuracy. The test was conducted with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration. These elements, including missile with indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar and Weapon Control System, have performed as per expectations. The performance of the system was validated by the flight data captured by various Range Instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.

Congratulating DRDO, Indian Navy and the industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh termed the missile system as proof of India’s strong design and development capabilities in defence R&D. It will be an excellent force multiplier for the Indian Navy, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy & associated teams on this successful flight test, and stated that the missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2115509) Visitor Counter : 4553

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi led the delegation to the 14th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting convened in Lima, Peru, on August 15 and 16, sharing Taiwan’s achievements in renewable energy development, just energy transition experience, and hydrogen energy development goals. All attending member economies and industry representatives agreed that energy transition should be carried out in a just, orderly, and inclusive manner, while also recognizing the importance of clean and low-carbon hydrogen energy to reduction of GHG emissions.

This year’s meeting was chaired by Peru Minister of Energy and Mines Romulo Mucho, and all attending member economies agreed to issue a joint ministerial statement, welcoming the establishment of the “Just Energy Transition Initiative,” and endorsed the “APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific.”

In his remark during discussion on “advancing energy transitions across the APEC region,” Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan’s recognition of the importance of just energy transition to a net-zero future, and explained the government’s introduction of the innovative Aquavoltaics Development policy due to Taiwan’s limited land resources to promote a green economy and create new job opportunities. Deputy Minister Chen also mentioned that the Sixth Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards Program included “just transition” as an evaluation criterion for the first time this year and recognized cases from member economies like Taiwan, U.S., and Canada, which all incorporated methods of promoting just energy transition. Taiwan’s project received the Gold Medal in the Smart Jobs & Consumers category, and was also highlighted by Ariadne BenAissa, Lead Shepherd of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG), as a great example in enhancing just energy transition.

Regarding “importance of energy access in promoting sustainable growth,” member economies acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between ensuring energy access and ending energy poverty in the process of promoting clean energy transition. Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan’s FiT scheme that encourages renewable energy installation in indigenous and remote areas, while also expressing Taiwan’s willingness to exchange and cooperate with all member economies on energy access policies, technologies, and measures.

When discussing “policies and actions for hydrogen development in APEC economies to promote sustainable growth,” Deputy Minister Chen shared that the manufacturing sector is the focus of Taiwan’s economic development, and using hydrogen in the manufacturing process will help to realize net-zero emissions. He also expressed that international trade is the most optimal path to facilitate the development and application of hydrogen energy, and establishing basic regulations for international hydrogen energy trade is a goal all member economies should strive towards in the future. Deputy Minister Chen also voiced his support for the “APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific” proposed by host country Peru, hoping that hydrogen energy trade can be realized as early as possible with advancement in related technology and business model.

Ministry of Economic Affairs noted, during this year’s APEC EMM14, all member economies exchanged and shared concrete methods for energy sustainable development, making this a meaningful multilateral forum where Taiwan was able to demonstrate our dedicated spirit and achievements in promoting net-zero transition.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email: flliao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MIRDC’s Enduring-High-Efficiency Combustion System for Industrial Furnace (EHE Combustion System) received 2024 R&D 100 Awards. The furnace is equipped with self-recuperative burners which are operated by intelligent burner operating principle (IntelliBurn).

The burners draw furnace flue gas into their internal heat exchangers, and thermal energy from the high-temperature flue gas is transferred to combustion air. The process preheats the combustion air before it is burned. However, heat exchangers within the self-recuperative burners will gradually decrease in energy-saving efficiency because of issues such as material degradation from thermal shock, carbon accumulation and other problems. Under the IntelliBurn computational framework, the integration of AI machine learning and big data predicts heat release and determines the required furnace power. Therefore, the IntelliBurn dynamically controls multi-burners by adjusting their ignition timings and switching modes based on real-time furnace conditions for optimal performances. As a result, the EHE Combustion System achieves up to 72% waste heat recovery, Plus-Minus 3 degrees Celsius temperature uniformity, and 25% energy savings. Heat-exchange efficiency is also maintained at over 95% of initial capability of heat exchangers.

The technology has been applied to two Taiwanese companies by renovating their old furnaces. A foundry renovates its annealing furnace for castings, and temperature uniformity of its renovated furnace improves from Plus-Minus 20 degrees Celsius to Plus-Minus 10 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the deformation and vibration modes of each casting become stable, meeting requirements of high-end machine tool models and saving over 20% energy. MIRDC also assists an aluminum company to improve its heat treatment furnace with this technology. The renovated furnace helps the company process 190 tons of large aluminum ingots and achieves 270 tons of carbon reduction annually. In the future, MIRDC will continue to put its efforts behind perfecting the technology and introduce it to more Taiwanese industries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee, on a visit to Hainan, today met Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Feng Fei and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hainan Provincial People’s Government.

Meeting this morning, Mr Lee and Mr Feng discuss ways of enhancing co-operation between the two places.

Highlighting the close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Hainan, Mr Lee said Hong Kong has long been the major source of external investment in Hainan, with many Hong Kong enterprises conducting business in the province. In 2024, more than 700 Hong Kong enterprises were operating in Hainan, and the realised direct investment from Hong Kong was RMB15 billion.

Me Lee said that thanks to customs closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the implementation of preferential policies, Hong Kong enterprises and professionals will have more development opportunities in Hainan.

After the meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Feng attended a signing ceremony for the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation.

Signed by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Hainan Vice Governor Bater, the memorandum aims to deepen co-operation in five areas – trade and investment, finance, safe flows of data, tourism, and talent exchanges.

Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong SAR Government is fully leveraging the city’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” of having strong support from the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world.

Hong Kong, he added, is committed to contributing to the introduction of international projects to Hainan and facilitating Hainan’s capital investments in overseas markets, with a view to jointly venturing into the global market with Hainan.

He stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government will promote collaborative development and mutual benefits between the Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port, thereby contributing to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive met young people from Hong Kong who are working or starting businesses in Hainan to learn about their experiences. He encouraged them to study the memorandum of co-operation signed today and seize on the opportunities it presents to realise their aspirations.

He also urged them to contribute to fostering mutual engagement and integrated development between citizens of the two places.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the organiser of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Textile Research Institute (TTRI) developed the Mushroom Leather Cultivation System, which received the 2024 R&D 100 Award for its innovation. This system utilizes a non-woven soy protein growing bed, allowing mushroom leather to grow both on the surface and within the bed, unlike traditional cotton beds that limit growth to the surface. This advancement promotes efficient rolled growth.

A key feature is the circulating conveyor belt that ensures a consistent nutrient supply through precise air spraying, preventing nutritional gaps found in other soaking methods.

TTRI’s roll-to-roll growth system can produce up to 5-6 square meters of mushroom leather, significantly more than the 0.05-0.25 square meters yielded by plate-based methods. It also enhances nutrient-to-mycelium conversion efficiency to 25%, compared to the typical 10-20% in the market. This efficient, space-saving system boosts productivity and sustainability, positioning TTRI’s Mushroom Leather as a leading eco-friendly alternative in the leather industry.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Textile Research Institute’s (TTRI) Bionic Mono-Material Leather, awarded the 2024 R&D 100 Award, features advanced SEBS Leather technology. This innovative material, made entirely from polyolefin polymer (SEBS), converts thermoplastic materials into a textile form using non-woven fabric shaping and fiber control techniques. The production process is streamlined from eight steps to four while maintaining excellent breathability and elasticity.

This technology addresses recycling challenges associated with synthetic leather by utilizing a single material. SEBS Leather is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed at least five times without losing performance, presenting a sustainable option for the industry.

In comparison to traditional leather materials, SEBS Leather reduces carbon emissions by 18% (3.7 kg for SEBS versus 4.4 kg for standard PU). Producing 100 tons of SEBS Leather saves 1,044.6 kilowatt-hours of electricity, cuts carbon emissions by 517.14 kg, and decreases sodium hydroxide solvent use by 20 to 30 tons, making it both eco-friendly and highly marketable.