Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired a crucial stakeholder meeting at Delhi Airport to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing upgradation work on runway 10/28 and the impact of unexpected westerly wind patterns. The meeting had participation of all the stakeholders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with representatives from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), all the airlines and the CISF.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that smooth operations at Delhi Airport are of paramount importance and directed all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the challenges effectively. He emphasized on the need for comprehensive planning that factors in both the ongoing runway upgradation and potential weather-related disruptions.
Reiterating that passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has given strict instruction to all stakeholders to take timely, pre-emptive measures based on weather updates and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.
Addressing the workforce readiness, the Minister called for enhanced coordination amongst the stakeholders to prepare for any unforeseen challenges, ensuring seamless airport operations despite 1 of the 4 runways under upgradation. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) and AAI teams have been encouraged to leverage their expertise for maintain operational efficiency during this critical period.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressing confidence in the collective capabilities said, “I am confident that with collective efforts and robust coordination, Delhi Airport will continue to deliver a world-class experience to its travelers, even amidst the challenges posed by infrastructure enhancements and unexpected weather conditions.”
The meeting focused on the importance of transparent and timely communication with passengers to alleviate any inconvenience during this period. The discussion concluded with a clear emphasis on meeting the runway upgradation timelines while minimizing disruptions to airlines and inconvenience to passengers.
The Ministry remains committed to prioritizing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains a benchmark for excellence.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 20) detected one drug trafficking case involving a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.75 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million.
A female passenger, aged 27, arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dubai of United Arab Emirates, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Prime Minister hosts the U.S. Vice President and family PM recalls his successful visit to Washington D.C. in January and his discussions with President Trump
Following up on their meeting in February this year in Paris, PM and Vice President Vance reviewed progress in bilateral relations
They welcome progress in the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies
The two leaders exchange views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest
PM extends best wishes to the Vice President and family for a pleasant stay
PM conveys greetings to President Trump and looks forward to his visit to India later this year
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Vice President of the United States of America, the Honorable J.D. Vance today, accompanied by the Second Lady Mrs. Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the U.S. Administration.
Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the U.S., leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.
They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas.
The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.
Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice President, Second Lady and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India.
Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.
PoshanTracker Application receives the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the Innovation category (centre) on 17th Civil Services Day Breakout Session on Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0” held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi
There is a need for inter-departmental convergence, community participation, and tech-driven approaches—like the Poshan Tracker—for enhancing service delivery and impact: Smt Annpurna Devi
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 9:29PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of the 17th Civil Services Day the PoshanTracker Application of Ministry of Women and Child Development, received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the Innovation category (centre). The award was received by the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, on behalf of the Ministry.
On the day a dedicated breakaway session titled “Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0” was also held from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi.
Discussion Key highlights included:
Shri Anil Malik, Secretary, MWCD, presented an overview of national strategies and key milestones achieved in advancing women and child nutrition.
Dr. Bharati Kulkarni, Director, National Institute of Nutrition emphasized the importance of evidence-based, locally adapted nutrition interventions.
Smt. Leena Johri, Principal Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, and Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami, Principal Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, shared state-level innovations and success stories under POSHAN 2.0.
In her keynote address, Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi stressed the need for inter-departmental convergence, community participation, and tech-driven approaches—like the Poshan Tracker—for enhancing service delivery and impact. She reinforced the shared mission of ensuring a well-nourished, healthy future for India’s women and children. She also mentioned about the role of Poshan Tracker beneficiary module for citizen ownership and empowerment.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Gyanesh Bharti, Additional Secretary, MoWCD appreciating the unwavering commitment of all participants to building a stronger, healthier India.
The breakout session was also attended by more than 500 participants across the country through webcast.
His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See passed away today, the 21st April, 2025. As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner:
Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday, the 22nd April, 2025 and Wednesday, the 23rd April, 2025.
One day’s State Mourning on the day of the funeral.
During the period of the State Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st January, 2025
Particulars
Wireless
Wireline
Total
(Wireless+
Wireline)
Broadband Subscribers(Million)
904.02*
41.15
945.16
Urban Telephone Subscribers(Million)
631.60*
32.24$
663.83
Net Addition inJanuary, 2025 (Million)
5.17
-4.06
1.11
Monthly Growth Rate
0.82%
-11.18%
0.17%
Rural Telephone Subscribers(Million)
525.41*
2.79$
528.20
Net Addition in January, 2025 (Million)
1.18
-0.18
0.99
Monthly Growth Rate
0.23%
-6.21%
0.19%
Total Telephone Subscribers(Million)
1157.00*
35.03$
1192.03
Net Addition in January, 2025 (Million)
6.35
-4.24
2.10
Monthly Growth Rate
0.55%
-10.80%$
0.18%
Overall Tele-density@(%)
82.06%
2.48%
84.54%
Urban Tele-density@(%)
125.02%
6.38%
131.40%
Rural Tele-density@(%)
58.07%
0.31%
58.38%
Share of Urban Subscribers
54.59%
92.03%
55.69%
Share of Rural Subscribers
45.41%
7.97%
44.31%
In the month of January 2025, 14.14 million subscribers submitted their requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from 1079.19 million at the end of December-24 to 1093.33 million at the end of January-25, since implementation of MNP.
Number of active wireless (Mobile) subscribers (on the date of peak VLR#) in January 2025 was 1065.01 million.
Note:
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also.
$ Decrease in wireline Telephone subscription is due to accounting of 5G FWA Telephone subscription under wireless w.e.f Januray’2025, earlier being erroneously reported under wireline.
@ Based on the projection of population from the ‘Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011 – 2036’.
# VLR is acronym of Visitor Location Register. The dates of peak VLR for various TSPs are different in different service areas.
The Urban/Rural subscribers, net addition & monthly growth have been calculated considering the revised Subscribers reported by BSNL for the month of December 2024.
Information in this Press Release is based on the data provided by the Service Providers.
Broadband Subscribers
As per the information received from 1180 operators in January 2025, in comparison to 1192 operators in December 2024, the total Broadband Subscribers increased from 944.96 million at the end of December-24 to 945.16 million at the end of January-25 with a monthly growth rate of 0.04%. Segment-wise broadband subscribers and their monthly growth rates are as below: –
Segment–wise Broadband Subscribers and Monthly Growth Rate in the month of January, 2025
Segment
Subscription
Subscribers
(in million)
% Change
Dec-24
Jan-25
Wired subscribers
Fixed (wired) Broadband
(DSL, FTTx, Ethernet/LAN, Cable Modem, ILL)
41.19
41.15
-0.09%*
Wireless Subscribers
Fixed Wireless Broadband
(FWA-5G, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Radio, Satellite)
5.21
4.98
-4.39%
Mobile Broadband
(Handset/Dongle based)
898.57
899.04
0.05%
Total Broadband Subscribers
944.96
945.16*
0.04%
* This report is prepared considering the last reported (Nov’2024) internet subscription data submitted by M/s Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd. and M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., as they did not submit the requisite data in the prescribed format for Dec-2024 & Jan-2025.
Market Share of Top Five Broadband (Wired+Wireless)
98.43%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
The graphical representation of the service provider-wise market share of broadband services is given below: –
Service Provider-wise Market Share of Broadband
(wired + wireless) Services as on 31st January, 2025
As on 31st January, 2025, Top Five Fixed (Wired) Broadband Service providers
S.N.
Name of the Service Provider
Subscriber base
(In million)
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
11.48*
Bharti Airtel Ltd
8.55*
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd
4.26
Atria Convergence Technologies Limited
2.28
Kerala Vision Broadband Ltd
1.28
Market Share of Top Five Fixed (Wired) Broadband Service Providers
67.67%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
As on 31st January, 2025, top five Wireless (Fixed wireless & mobile) Broadband Service providers
S.N.
Name of the Service Provider
Subscriber base
(In million)
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
465.10*
Bharti Airtel Ltd
280.76*
Vodafone Idea Ltd
126.41
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd
31.52
Intech Online Pvt. Ltd
0.09
Market Share of Top Five Wireless Broadband Service Providers
99.98%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
Wireline Subscribers
Wireline subscribers decreased from 39.27 million on December 24 to 35.03 million on January 25. Hence, the net decrease in the wireline subscriber base was 4.24 million with a monthly rate of decline -10.80%. This decrease is due to the accounting of 5G FWA subscribers’ numbers earlier being erroneously reported under the wireline category but now being accounted for under the wireless category w.e.f January 2025.
The Overall wireline Tele-density in India decreased from 2.79% at the end of December 24 to 2.48% at the end of January 25. Urban and Rural Wireline Tele-density were 6.38% and 0.31%, respectively, during the same period. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total wireline subscribers was 92.03% and 7.97% respectively at the end of January 2025.
BSNL, MTNL, and APSFL, the three PSUs access service providers, held 24.77% of the wireline market share as on 31st January 2025. Detailed statistics of the Wireline subscriber base are available at Annexure-I.
Access Service Provider-wise Market Share of wireline Subscribers
as on 31st January, 2025
Access Service Provider-wise Net Addition/Decline in wireline Subscribers during the month of January, 2025
Wireless (Mobile + 5G FWA) Subscribers
Total wireless subscribers increased from 1,150.66 million (Mobile) on December-24 to 1,157 million (mobile + 5G FWA) on January-25, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.55%. 5G FWA subscribers’ number, earlier being reported under the wireline category, has now been included in the wireless category w.e.f January 2025. Hence, due to the inclusion of 5G FWA subscriber numbers, there is an increase in the monthly growth rate. Total Wireless subscription in urban areas increased from 627.08 million on December 24 to 631.60 million on January 25, while the subscription in rural areas increased from 523.28 million to 525.41 million during the same period. The monthly growth rate of urban and rural wireless subscriptions was 0.82% and 0.23%, respectively.
The Wireless Tele-density in India increased from 81.67% at the end of Dec-24 to 82.06% at the end of Jan-25. The Urban Wireless Tele-density increased from 124.31% at the end of Dec-24 to 125.02% at the end of Jan-25 and the Rural Tele-density increased from 57.89% to 58.07% during the same period. The share of urban and rural wireless subscribers in the total number of wireless subscribers was 54.59% and 45.41%, respectively, at the end of January 25.
The details of Wireless (mobile) and Wireless (5G FWA) subscribers are detailed below: –
(A) Wireless (Mobile) subscriber
Total wireless (Mobile) subscribers increased from 1,150.66 million at the end of December-24 to 1,151.29 million at the end of January-25, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.05%. Wireless (Mobile) subscription in urban areas decreased from 627.08 million at the end of Dec-24 to 626.08 million at the end of Jan-25, however wireless (Mobile) subscription in rural areas increased from 523.28 million to 525.20 million during the same period. Monthly growth rate of urban and rural wireless (Mobile) subscription was -0.06% and 0.19% respectively.
The Wireless (Mobile) Tele-density in India decreased from 81.67% at the end of Dec-24 to 81.65% at the end of Jan-25. The Urban Wireless Tele-density decreased from 124.31% at the end of Dec-24 to 123.92% at the end of Jan-25, however Rural Tele-density increased from 57.89% to 58.05% during the same period. The share of urban and rural wireless (Mobile) subscribers in total number of wireless (Mobile) subscribers was 54.38% and 45.62% respectively at the end of January-25. Detailed statistics of wireless (Mobile) subscriber base is available at Annexure-II
• As on 31st January 2025, the private access service providers held 91.96% market share of the wireless (Mobile) subscribers, whereas BSNL and MTNL, the two PSU access service providers, had a market share of only 8.04%.
The graphical representation of access service provider-wise market share and net additions in wireless (Mobile) subscriber base are given below: –
Access Service Provider-wise Market Shares in term of Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers as on 31st January, 2025
Net Addition/ Decline inWireless (Mobile) Subscribers of Access Service Providers in the month of January 2025
Growth in Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers
Major Access Service Provider-wise Monthly Growth/ Decline Rate of Wireless Subscribers in the month of January, 2025
Service Area-wiseMonthly Growth/ Decline Rate of Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers in the month of January 2025
Except Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, U.P.(W), Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, J & K and Kolkata, all other service areas have showed growth in their wireless (Mobile) subscribers during the month of January-25.
(B) Wireless (5G FWA) subscribers
Total wireless (5G FWA) subscribers were 5.72 million at the end of January 25, with subscriptions in urban and rural areas of 5.513 million and 0.202 million, respectively.
The share of urban and rural wireless (5G FWA) subscribers in the total number of wireless (5G FWA) subscribers was 96.46% and 3.54%, respectively at the end of January 25. Detailed statistics of the wireless (5G FWA) subscriber base is available at Annexure-V
M2M cellular mobile connections
Number of M2M cellular mobile connections increased from 59.09 million at the end of December-24 to 63.09 million at the end of January-25.
Bharti Airtel Limited has the highest number of M2M cellular mobile connections 33.04 million with a market share of 52.37% followed by Vodafone idea Limited, Reliance Jio Infocom Limited and BSNL with market share of 25.07%, 17.40% and 5.16% respectively.
Total Telephone Subscribers
The number of total telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,189.92 million at the end of Dec-24 to 1,192.03 million at the end of Jan-25, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.18%. Urban telephone subscription increased from 663.37 million at the end of Dec-24 to 663.83 million at the end of Jan-25 and the rural subscription also increased from 526.56 million to 528.20 million during the same period. The monthly growth rates of urban and rural telephone subscription were 0.17% and 0.19% respectively during the month of January-25.
The overall Tele-density in India increased from 84.45% at the end of Dec-24 to 84.54% at the end of Jan-25. The Urban Tele-density decreased from 131.50% at the end of Dec-24 to 131.40% at the end of Jan-25 however Rural Tele-density increased from 58.22% to 58.38% during the same period. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total number of telephone subscribers at the end of January-25 were 55.69% and 44.31% respectively.
Overall Tele-density (LSA Wise) – As on 31st January, 2025
As may be seen in the above chart, eight LSA have less tele-density than the all-India average tele-density at the end of January-25. Delhi service area has maximum tele-density of 274.17% and the Bihar service area has minimum tele-density of 56.63% at the end of January-25.
Notes: –
Population data/projections are available state wise only.
Tele-density figures are derived from the telephone subscriber data provided by the access service providers and the projection of population from the “Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011 – 2036.
Telephone subscriber data for Delhi, includes, apart from the data for the State of Delhi, wireless subscriber data for the areas served by the local exchanges of Ghaziabad & Noida (in Uttar Pradesh) and Gurgaon & Faridabad (in Haryana).
Data/information for West Bengal includes Kolkata, Maharashtra includes Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh includes UPE & UPW service area(s).
Data/information for Andhra Pradesh includes Telengana, Madhya Pradesh includes Chhatishgarh, Bihar includes Jharkhand, Maharashtra includes Goa, Uttar Pradesh includes Uttarakhand, West Bengal includes Sikkim and North-East includes Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura States.
Category-wise Growth in subscriber base
Circle Category-wise Net Additions in Telephone Subscribers in the month January, 2025
Circle
Category
Net additions in the month of January, 2025
Telephone Subscriber base as on 31st January, 2025
Wireline segment
Wireless* segment
Wireline segment
Wireless* segment
Circle A
-1540337
1906719
13539282
385483296
Circle B
-1654918
2568517
9512781
468875300
Circle C
-654284
1250544
2744860
189962742
Metro
-391829
619569
9229730
112680644
All India
-4241368
6345349
35026653
1157001982
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also
Circle Category-wise monthly and yearly Growth Rates in Telephone Subscribers in the month ofJanuary, 2025
Circle Category
Monthly growth rate (%)
(December-24 to January-25)
Yearly growth rate (%)
(January-24 to January-25)
Wireline Segment
Wireless* Segment
Wireline Segment
Wireless* Segment
Circle A
-10.21%
0.50%
6.59%
-0.54%
Circle B
-14.82%
0.55%
11.42%
-0.56%
Circle C
-19.25%
0.66%
11.64%
1.46%
Metro
-4.07%
0.55%
4.39%
-1.49%
All India
-10.80%
0.55%
7.64%
-0.32%
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also
Note: Circle Category-Metro includes Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Data for Chennai has been included in Circle Category-A, as part of TamilNadu.
As can be seen in the above tables, in the wireless segment, during the month of January 2025, on a monthly basis, all circles have registered a growth rate in their subscriber base. On a yearly basis, except Circle ‘C’, all other circles have registered a decline in their subscriber base.
In the Wireline segment, during the month of January 2025, on a monthly basis, all circles have registered a decline in their subscriber base while on a yearly basis, all circles have registered growth in their subscribers.
Active Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers (VLR Data)
Out of the total 1151.29 million wireless subscribers, 1065.01 million wireless subscribers were active on the date of peak VLR in the month of January-25. The proportion of active wireless subscribers was approximately 92.51% of the total wireless subscriber base.
The detailed statistics on proportion of active wireless subscribers (also referred to as VLR subscribers) on the date of peak VLR in the month of January-25 is available at Annexure-III and the methodology used for reporting VLR subscribers is available at Annexure-IV.
Access Service Provider-wise Percentage of VLR Subscribers
in the month of January, 2025
Reliance Communication has the maximum proportion 100% of its active wireless subscribers (VLR) as against its total wireless subscribers (HLR) on the date of peak VLR in the month of January-25 and MTNL has the minimum proportion of VLR 48.31% of its HLR during the same period.
Service Area wise percentage of VLR Subscribers
in the month of January, 2025
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Intra-service area Mobile number portability (MNP) was implemented first in Haryana service area w.e.f. 25.11.2010 and in the rest of the country w.e.f. 20.01.2011. Inter-Service Area MNP has been implemented in the country w.e.f. 03.07.2015. Now, the wireless telephone subscribers can retain their mobile numbers when they relocate from one service area to another.
During the month of January-25, a total of 14.14 million requests were received for MNP. Out of total 14.14 million, new requests received from Zone-I & Zone-II were 8.16 million and 5.98 million respectively. The cumulative MNP requests increased from 1079.19 million at the end of December-24 to 1093.33 million at the end of January-25, since the implementation of MNP.
In MNP Zone-I (Northern and Western India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Uttar Pradesh-East (about 108.37 million) followed by Maharashtra (about 89.08 million) service area.
In MNP Zone-II (Southern and Eastern India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Madhya Pradesh (about 86.03 million) followed by Karnataka (about 72.50 million).
Note: BSNL has revised the no. of rural subscribers from 29,300,726 to 29,946,250 for the month of December, 2024
Note: Peak VLR figures in some circles of some of the service providers are more than their HLR figures due to a large number of inroamers.
Annexure IV
VLR Subscribers in the Wireless Segment
Home Location Register (HLR) is a central database that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorized to use the GSM core network. The HLRs store details of every SIM card issued by the service provider. Each SIM has a unique identifier called an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is the primary key to each HLR record. The HLR data is stored for as long as a subscriber remains with the service provider. HLR also manages the mobility of subscribers by means of updating their position in administrative areas. It sends the subscriber data to a Visitor Location Register (VLR).
Subscriber numbers reported by the service providers is the difference between the numbers of IMSI registered in service provider’s HLR and sum of other figures as given below: –
1
Total IMSI’s in HLR (A)
2
Less: (B = a + b + c + d + e)
a.
Test/Service Cards
b.
Employees
c.
Stock in hand/in Distribution Channels (Active Card)
d.
Subscriber Retention period expired
e.
Service suspended pending disconnection
3
Subscribers Base (A-B)
Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a temporary database of the subscribers who have roamed into the particular area, which it serves. Each base station in the network is served by exactly one VLR; hence a subscriber cannot be present in more than one VLR at a time.
If subscriber is in active stage i.e. he is able to send/receive calls/SMSs he is available both in HLR and VLR. However, it may be possible that the subscriber is registered in HLR but not in VLR due to the reason that he is either switched-off or moved out of coverage area, not reachable etc. In such circumstances he will be available in HLR but not in VLR. This causes difference between subscriber number reported by the service providers based on HLR and numbers available in VLR.
The VLR subscriber data calculated here is based on active subscribers in VLR on the date of Peak subscriber number in VLR of the particular month for which the data is being collected. This data is to be taken from the switches having the purge time of not more than 72 hours.
Soldiers must excel in combat skills while being proficient in mental stability & spirituality to tackle complex challenges: Raksha Mantri MoD inks MoU for better mental health of ECHS beneficiaries
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 3:16PM by PIB Delhi
“To deal with challenges emanating from today’s constantly-evolving nature of warfare, our soldiers must excel in the skills of combat while being equally proficient in mental stability and spiritual empowerment,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing an event organised at the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan on April 21, 2025. He emphasised that, now-a-days, wars are being fought on cyber, space, information & psychological fronts and there is a need for the soldiers to become mentally strong as the nation can be protected with not just weapons, but also with strong personality, enlightened consciousness and awareness.
Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that while physical strength is fundamental for a soldier, mental strength is equally vital. He stated that soldiers protect the nation while serving in difficult conditions, and these challenges are overcome through an energy born out of a strong inner-self. He added that prolonged stress, uncertainty and working in difficult conditions could affect the mental health, which calls for strengthening the inner self. The Brahma Kumaris’ campaign to bolster the mental health of soldiers is a commendable step in that direction, he said.
Raksha Mantri added that this initiative will further strengthen the minds of the soldiers in view of the present global geopolitical scenario. “The theme of the campaign‘Self-Empowerment – Through Inner Awakening’is extremely interesting and relevant in today’s times. Self transformation through meditation, yoga, positive thinking and self-dialogue will provide mental, emotional & spiritual strength to our brave soldiers. Self transformation is the seed, national transformation is its fruit. In an atmosphere of global uncertainty, India can spread the message that protection of inner-self and borders is possible together,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh described spirituality and yoga, which are ingrained in India’s culture, as the biggest means to enhance mental well-being and deal with stress, anxiety and emotional turmoil. He said, an alert and strong security personnel becomes a lighthouse for the nation, which can face any storm with determination. He acknowledged the Security Service Wing of the Brahma Kumaris organisation for bolstering the security forces through residential, field & online programmes, special campaigns and force specific projects.
As part of the event, an MoU was signed between the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence and Headquarters SSW, Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation of Brahma Kumaris in the presence of Shri Rajnath Singh. The aim is to guide Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries towards achieving better mental health and reducing dependency of medicines.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) created a new record under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time in the history of independent India, the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries surpassed Rs. 1 lakh 70 thousand crore.
KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar released the provisional data for the financial year 2024-25.
In the past 11 years, production increased fourfold with a jump of 347% and sales increased fivefold with a jump of 447%.
Historical increase of 49.23% in the field of total employment generation in 11 years, KVIC is providing employment to 1.94 crore persons.
The turnover of Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan New Delhi reached a record figure of Rs. 110.01 crore for the first time.
Chairman KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar said, ‘Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Ministry of MSME, the schemes and achievements of KVIC has established a strong foundation stone of ‘Viksit Bharat’
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 3:35PM by PIB Delhi
The Khadi and Village Industries sector, which empowers the spirit of self-reliance in the country, has not only touched new heights in the last 11 years under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), but has also brought new light to hope in the lives of crores of villagers. Khadi, the legacy of Pujya Bapu, is no longer just a fabric, but has become a symbol of the creation of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Said Shri Manoj Kumar Chairman KVIC while releasing the provisional data of Khadi and Village Industries for the financial year 2024-25 at the office located at Rajghat, New Delhi on Monday. He informed that KVIC has set a new record of production, sales and new employment generation in the financial year 2024-25. In the last 11 years, there has been an increase of 447 percent in sales, 347 percent in production and 49.23 percent in employment generation. As said, in the financial year 2023-24, there was an increase of 399.69% in sales and 314.79% in production in comparison to the year 2013-14, he added.
Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar further said that this excellent performance of KVIC has made a significant contribution towards realizing the resolution of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047 and making India the third economy of the world. He attributed this historic achievement to the inspiration of Pujya Bapu, the guarantee of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the guidance of the Ministry of MSME and the tireless hard work of crores of artisans working in the remote villages of the Country. Chairman KVIC shared that while the production of Khadi and Village Industry products was Rs. 26109.07 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it increased nearly four times to Rs. 116599.75 crore in the financial year 2024-25 with a jump of 347 percent. While the sales were Rs. 31154.19 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it increased nearly fivefold with an unprecedented growth of 447 percent to reach Rs. 170551.37 crore in the financial year 2024-25, which is the highest sale till date.
Speaking to the media, he opined that unprecedented growth has also been observed in the production of Khadi clothes in the last 11 years. While the production of Khadi clothes was Rs. 811.08 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it increased by 366 percent and increased four and a half times to Rs. 3783.36 crore in the financial year 2024-25, which is the best performance till date. There has also been a tremendous jump in the sales of Khadi clothes. While its sale was only Rs. 1081.04 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it increased by about six and a half times to Rs. 7145.61 crore in the financial year 2024-25 with an increase of 561 percent. The promotion of Khadi by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from a larger platform has had a huge impact on the sale of Khadi clothes, he reiterated.
Speaking on objective of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission he said that major objective of KVIC is to provide maximum employment opportunities in rural areas. In this area too, KVIC has set a record in the last 11 years. While the cumulative employment was 1.30 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it rose to 1.94 crore in 2024-25 with an increase of 49.23 per cent. There has also been an unprecedented increase in the business of Khadi and Village Industries Bhawan, New Delhi. While the business of Bhavan was Rs. 51.02 crore in the financial year 2013-14, it increased by almost 2 times and reached Rs 110.01 crore in the financial year 2024-25 with a jump of 115 percent. Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) scheme, a total of 1018185 units have been established, for which the Government of India has distributed margin money subsidy of Rs. 27166.07 crore against a loan of Rs. 73348.39 crore. So far 90,04,541 people are getting employment through PMEGP.
He said that with the aim of providing employment to maximum number of people in rural areas under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme, KVIC has more than doubled the budget of Rs 25.65 crore in the financial year 2021-22 by 134 percent to Rs. 60 crore in the financial year 2025-26. So far, 39244 electric pottery wheels, 227049 bee boxes and honey colonies, 2344 automatic and pedal-operated incense stick manufacturing machines, 7735 footwear manufacturing and repairing toolkits, 964 paper plate and dona manufacturing machines, 3494 AC, mobile, sewing, electrician, plumber toolkits, 4555 turnwood, wastewood craft, wooden toy making machines as well as 2367 palm jaggery, oil ghani and tamarind processing machines have been distributed under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme. If we talk about the last three financial years, a total of 22284 machines and equipment were distributed in the year 2022-23, 29854 in the financial year 2023-24 and the highest 37218 machines and equipment in the financial year 2024-25. Under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, KVIC has made a significant contribution in the creation of a self-reliant India by distributing a total of 287752 machines, toolkits and equipment so far.
Speaking on significant contribution towards women empowerment he further said that in the last 10 years, 7,43,904 trainees have been trained through 18 departmental and 17 non-departmental training centres of KVIC, out of which 57.45 percent i.e. 4,27,394 are women. Apart from this, 80 percent of the 5 lakh Khadi artisans are also women. In the last 11 years, the wages of Khadi artisans has been increased by 275 percent while in the last three years, it has been increased by 100 percent.
From Regional Roots to National Spotlight WAM! to Crown India’s Best Creators at WAVES 2025
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi
After months of regional contests and thousands of entries, finalists from 11 cities across India have been selected to take part in the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) national finale. The prestigious event will take place at WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind media and entertainment summit, from May 1–4 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
WAM! is organized by the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India as part of WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit). WAVES is India’s biggest platform for the AVGC-XR sector-Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. At the center of WAVES is the Create in India Challenges (CIC). Season 1 of CIC has made history with around 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants. After a detailed selection process, 750+ finalists have been chosen from 32 unique challenges.
Among the standout segments under CIC is WAM!. Over the last decade, anime and manga have grown rapidly in India. What started as a niche interest is now a major cultural wave. India has around 180 million anime fans, making it the second-largest anime market after China. The growth is not just in fans, but also in numbers. In 2023, the Indian anime market was worth $1,642.5 million. It is expected to reach $5,036 million by 2032.
WAM! tapped into this growing creative energy by offering structured opportunities for Indian creators to develop and pitch original IPs (Intellectual Property). It fills a gap in India’s media industry by promoting original, culturally-rooted IPs. With the rise of global anime and growing digital literacy, WAM! gives students and professionals a platform to showcase ideas. It provides a clear path to develop pitch-ready IPs, access to industry mentorship and support from the government.
To bring this vision to life, the competition was held across multiple verticals: Manga (Student & Professional), Anime (Student & Professional), Webtoon (Student & Professional), Voice Acting, and Cosplay. The participants—carefully chosen across student and professional categories. WAM! followed a ground-up approach with contests held across 11 cities: Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The winners from each city were selected by a distinguished jury comprising industry experts from animation, comics, media and entertainment sectors. Their expertise ensured the selection of high-potential talent representing a diversity of voices and storytelling traditions. The regional rounds highlighted India’s rich linguistic and artistic diversity, proving that creative talent knows no boundaries.
Building on this strong foundation, the national finale is not just about celebration-it’s a launchpad. Designed to help participants become industry-ready professionals, it will feature live pitching sessions, networking with production studios, and showcase opportunities with international media giants.
The shortlisted creators now head to Mumbai for the WAM! National Finale at WAVES 2025, where they will present their work to an international jury and live audience. The finale promises high-stakes excitement, with winners receiving:
All-expense-paid trip to Anime Japan 2026 in Tokyo
Anime dubbing in Hindi, English, and Japanese by Gulmohar Media
Webtoon publishing by Toonsutra
WAM! is more than a competition, it is a cultural movement aiming to address a key gap in India’s media landscape: the lack of globally scalable, original content rooted in Indian stories. As WAVES 2025 approaches, the excitement builds. It’s a celebration of talent, originality and the transformative power of storytelling.
Cruise Tourism in India: A Voyage of New Possibilities Sailing the waters and rediscovering Bharat
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
Cruise tourism is a nature-driven travel experience that unlocks a country’s rivers, seas, and canals for themed journeys across all budgets. It offers safe and comfortable access to even remote destinations, promoting inclusivity and ease of travel. By tapping into natural waterways, it boosts both national and international connectivity while driving local economies through job creation in hospitality, entertainment, culture, and beyond.
India has significant capabilities in cruise tourism for coastal & river sector. This is due to the presence of:
12 Major and 200 Minor Ports along the 7500 km long coastline across the west and east
Network of more than 20000 kilometres long navigable 110 waterways connecting around 400 rivers.
There are multiple states, union territories and 1300 islands in India which are along the coastline or along the banks of states and interstate rivers or national waterways.
Steps Taken By The Indian Government to Boost Cruise Tourism
Cruise Bharat Mission
The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched on September 30, 2024, from the Mumbai port. Aimed at the boosting the tremendous potential of cruise tourism in the country, the programme aims to propel country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029.
In FY 2023- 24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs.
CBM provides for a framework for inter-ministerial approach for crafting interventions along policy, regulatory, and other aspects governing cruise sector and enable responsible involvement of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.
Cruise Bharat Mission will also result in over 1.5 million river cruise passengers over more than 5,000 Kms of Operational Waterways in India.
The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029.
Maritime India Vision 2030: The Government of India’s vision is to make India a significant player in the global cruise market, both for ocean and river cruises. Indian cruise market has the potential to grow by 8X over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes.
In order to promote India as the global destination for cruise tourism under MIV 2030, interventions have been identified across three key areas:
Oceanic and Coastal Cruise
Island and Infrastructure Development
River and Inland Cruise
Additional steps taken to boost cruise tourism:
Cruise vessels receive berthing priority over cargo ships.
A rationalized tariff structure with standard port charges and nominal passenger tax has been introduced, offering 10–30% volume-based discounts.
Ousting charges have been removed to attract more cruise traffic.
Cabotage (the right to operate sea, air, or other transport services within a particular territory) laws waived for foreign cruise ships, allowing them to carry Indian nationals between domestic ports.
E-visa and visa-on-arrival facilities have been extended.
Conditional IGST exemption granted to foreign vessels converting to coastal routes, with reconversion required within six months.
A uniform SOP has been implemented for all stakeholders involved in cruise operations.
A single e-Landing Card is now valid across all ports on a cruise itinerary.
River Cruise Tourism:
River Cruise Tourism is an emerging segment in the leisure industry with a scope for high growth. Several National Waterways constituting major rivers flow through various states and districts, rich in flora & fauna and cultural heritage. Suitable locations at various National Waterways have been identified and are being explored for development of river cruise tourism in India.
Initiatives taken by IWAI towards developing river tourism are:
Developing the navigational channel on waterways along with navigational aids and carrying out dredging (process of removing sediments), if necessary, in some NWs.
Construction of vessel berthing, facilities at multiple points along the waterways for ease of movement of tourists.
Developing an ecosystem for river cruise tourism along with promotion of heritage sites and tourist attractions along the waterways.
The development of river cruise would augment existing revenue generation, employment generation, etc from tourism industry. There are few suitable terminals along rivers which promote cruise tourism. These include cruises plying along a broad stretch of the river Ganga, Brahmaputra and houseboats floating in the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala.
Besides National Waterways, IWAI has jointly cooperated with the Government of Bangladesh to develop river tourism on the IBP route. This will allow Indian cruise vessels to travel through Bangladesh while exploring heritage sites. It is expected that river cruise tourism industry in India would witness exponential growth once required infrastructure is in place.
In January 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, highlighting the country’s thriving river cruise tourism. This luxurious 3,200-kilometer journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh traversed 27 river systems across five Indian states and Bangladesh. The remarkable expedition garnered global attention and secured a spot in the prestigious ‘Limca Book of Records.’
Recent Developments
IWAI, Delhi Govt MoU to boost Cruise Tourism on River Yamuna: In March 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed an MoU with various Delhi government agencies to develop a four-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna (NW-110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur into a hub for eco-friendly cruise tourism. The project will deploy electric-solar hybrid boats equipped with bio-toilets and safety features, and install two HDPE jetties to support smooth operations—promoting sustainable, short-distance navigation and recreational tourism in Delhi.
IWAI’s MoU with J&K to boost river cruise tourism: In March 2025, The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to promote river cruise tourism across three designated National Waterways in the region. Among India’s 111 national waterways, Jammu and Kashmir is home to three- River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). Marking a major push for inland tourism, IWAI has committed approximately ₹100 crore to develop cruise tourism infrastructure and experiences across these routes.
IWAI with Govt. of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh: IWAI entered into a tripartite agreement with the Governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to start cruise operations from Kukshi to Sardar Sarovar Dam on 19th April 2024.
Conferences: Stakeholder conference was organized in Kolkata and Kochi in March-April 2024 and in Delhi on 3rd May 2024 for promoting river cruise tourism
Significant investment in River Cruise Tourism: The First Inland Waterways Development Council meeting held on the vessel “Ganges Queen” in Kolkata. The meet, with an objective to enable inland waterways as channels of economic growth and commerce in the country committed an investment Rs. 45,000 crore for development of river cruise tourism. Of this, an estimated Rs. 35,000 crore have been earmarked for cruise vessels and another Rs. 10,000 crore for development of cruise terminal infrastructure at the end of Amrit Kaal- by 2047.
The ‘River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047’ was launched at the inaugural session of IWDC (Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting. This Roadmap focuses on four vital pillars, including Infrastructure, Integration, Accessibility, and Policy for promoting river cruise tourism. As a part of the roadmap, over 30 possible routes and tourist circuits along inland waterways have been identified for further development.
Conclusion
India’s cruise tourism is charting a promising course, tapping into its vast and diverse network of rivers, coastlines and ports to offer unique travel experiences that blend leisure with cultural discovery. With major initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030, the government is laying a robust foundation to position India as a global cruise destination. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the majestic Ganga and the pristine stretches of the Yamuna and Brahmaputra, cruise tourism is not only unlocking new economic potential but also enabling inclusive growth by creating jobs and boosting local economies. As infrastructure develops and awareness grows, cruise tourism is set to become a defining pillar of India’s travel and tourism landscape, inviting the world to rediscover India.