Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ between April 08-10, 2025 from the Su-30 MKI aircraft. During the trials, the weapon was integrated to multiple stations in different warhead configurations, with land target on Island. The trials successfully demonstrated range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.
LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000 kg class glide bomb, designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Senior officials of DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated and reviewed these trials.
The system has been realised with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners – Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge and various MSMEs. The trials are paving the way towards induction of the weapon into the IAF. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance contributed towards Certification and Quality Assurance.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development trials of ‘Gaurav’. He said the development of LRGB will further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to a great extent.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the entire DRDO team on conducting the successful release trials.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) had an exchange with patient groups today (April 11), elaborating on the enhanced patient protection measures under the public healthcare fees and charges reform. Approximately 70 representatives from different patient groups attended the meeting in person and online. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive and both parties anticipated continuous communication, enabling better and more comprehensive patient protection.
The exchange highlighted the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, the new cap on spending for public healthcare services and the expansion of the safety net. These initiatives aim to allowing the patient groups to understand more deeply that their protection will be bolstered after the full implementation of the fees and charges reform. The Director (Strategy and Planning) of the HA, Dr Ching Wai-kuen, said in the meeting, “With the public healthcare fees and charges reform plan announced earlier, the HA anticipates enhanced medical protection to poor, acute, serious, critical patients, rationalised public hospital service subsidisation and reduced wastage and misuse. Thus, the sustainability of public healthcare system will be enhanced.”
The Chief Manager (Allied Health) of the HA, Ms Priscilla Poon, who spoke in the meeting said, “We understand that chronic patients are concerned on the fees and charges reform. Representatives from patient groups could learn more about the details of the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism through the exchange, including relaxing the income and asset limits, extending the scope of coverage for period waivers and refining the definition of households. No patients will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means. In addition, the new cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services (excluding self-financed drugs and medical devices) can provide extra protection for critically ill patients.”
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Limited, Mr Yuen Siu-lam, attended the meeting and said, “The meeting allowed us to clearly understand how the Government strengthened protection to patients in need under the new fees and charges arrangement. Measures including relaxing financial assessment criteria of the medical fee waiving mechanism and safety net, accelerating the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to the safety net and the introduction of the cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services. These measures will ascertain that patients, especially those who are critically ill, will not be impoverished because of an increase in medical fees. This conveys an important message to chronic patients. We look forward to continuous communication with the HA.”
The HA is formulating the details of the public healthcare fees and charges reform. The HA will continue to communicate with patient groups on various platform, while also to elaborate the content of the reform, including the implementation arrangements for the enhanced patient protection measures, through networks between hospitals and patients. Moreover, the HA will further deliberate the fees and charges reform implementation arrangement with patients through different publicity channels, including media, social media and other promotion materials. While the new arrangements and other enhancement measures related to the public healthcare fees and charges reform will take effect in January 2026, the current fee schedule and financial criteria for application of medical fee waiver would continue to adhere to existing standards. Details of implementation will be announced gradually by the end of this year. Patients can then proceed with relevant applications based on their individual needs. Public hospital staff will be available to assist patients to ensure smooth processing.
The HA will also maintain active communication with other stakeholders, including Legislative Council members and patient rights groups, to understand their concerns.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, welcomes Hurriyat affiliate organization Jammu and Kashmir Mass Movement’s decision to reject separatism and declaring complete commitment to the unity of Bharat Under the Modi govt the spirit of unity rules J&K
Till now as many as 12 Hurriyat-linked organizations have broken off from secessionism, resting trust in the Constitution of India
This is a victory of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today welcomed Hurriyat affiliate organization Jammu and Kashmir Mass Movement’s decision to reject separatism and declaring complete commitment to the unity of Bharat.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that under the Modi govt, the spirit of unity rules Jammu and Kashmir. He said that another Hurriyat affiliate organization, Jammu and Kashmir Mass Movement, has rejected separatism, declaring complete commitment to the unity of Bharat. He added that he sincerely welcomes their move.
Union Home Minister said that till now as many as 12 Hurriyat-linked organizations have broken off from secessionism, resting trust in the Constitution of India. He said that this is a victory of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Under the Modi govt the spirit of unity rules J&K.
Another Hurriyat affiliate organization, Jammu and Kashmir Mass Movement, has rejected separatism, declaring complete commitment to the unity of Bharat. I sincerely welcome their move. Till now as many as 12 Hurriyat-linked…
Innovation, AI, super computers, space technology, defence are key areas for joint partnerships between India-Italy: H.E. Antonio Tajani, Deputy PM, Italy Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum is an opportunity to collectively resolve to implement the Joint Strategic Action plan 2025-29: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy, H.E. Antonio Tajani today while addressing the ‘Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum’ said that this forum is part of the strategic partnership plan signed by both the governments. “India is an important country for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Stability is crucial to strengthen the trade,” he emphasized.
Addressing the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that India is an economy with enormous potential, and we want to strengthen this cooperation. “Italy and India are natural economic partners. Together we want to strengthen our cooperation for a partnership that looks at the future through higher education, innovation and research. Today, Italy and India are closer than ever. Our bilateral trade is over $ 14 billion, and we want to invest more in India, export more to India, and attract more Indian investments in Italy,” he added.
Innovation, AI, super computers, space technology, defence are a few sectors which have potential for joint partnerships and both countries should work to attract investments in these areas, he highlighted.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said there is further scope for expansion in the bilateral trade between India and Italy if we work seamless with each other, encourage investments, promote businesses without roadblocks.
Shri Goyal further stated that Indian economy is slated to grow from $4 trillion to $30-35 trillion by 2047, our goal of Viksit Bharat makes India a compelled case to deepen the engagement between the European Union and India, particularly Italy and India. There are untapped newer areas like fashion, luxury goods, food processing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, green technology, advanced manufacturing, automobiles,” he emphasized.
Shri Goyal added that amidst all the global challenges that the world is experiencing, it is very reassuring to see the strength and depth of the Italy-India friendship. “This forum is a very timely platform and a good opportunity for all of us to collectively resolve to implement the Joint Strategic Action plan 2025-29 launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November of 2024. It is a very forward-looking, ambitious and pragmatic roadmap with a strong focus on trade, investment, innovation,” he added.
Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar said that the direction of India’s progress and capabilities of Italian industry make for a good combination. “Make In India, today offers a platform or pathway for that collaboration to unfold,” he added.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal meets with H.E Mr Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy to India Strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties discussed
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal met with H.E. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy here today to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The meeting reinforced the longstanding relationship between India and Italy, built on shared values of democracy and fair play. The two leaders discussed ways to expand economic cooperation, and explored new avenues to advance this partnership.
This high-level engagement marks a significant step to advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, agreed at the level of the two Prime Ministers in November 2024, with purposeful momentum, promoting smoother trade flows, nurturing investment opportunities, and achieving tangible outcomes, to pave the way for a prosperous, mutually beneficial partnership that benefits both our nations. It may be noted that India-Italy trade is estimated at about US$ 15 billion in 2023-2024 while Foreign Direct Investments from Italy into India are estimated at about US$ 4 billion since the year 2000.
During discussions, both leaders acknowledged the relevance of India’s dynamic and fast-growing economy while emphasizing the significance of diversifying trade relations and deepening economic ties to achieve growth and prosperity.
The leaders also discussed the progress of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and emphasized the importance of prioritizing trade issues to streamline negotiations and deliver a commercially meaningful package to build resilient value chains to provide stability to business against emerging risks.
Sectors like pharma, textiles, industry 4.0 & technological collaboration, gems & jewellery, ship building, energy transition and agri-tech and food processing were highlighted as key areas of collaboration. Italy recognized the necessity of engaging with India as a strategic partner to diversify its trade relationships. The trade barriers faced by exporters and investors were also discussed, with both sides agreeing to resolve such issues through continuous dialogue. Both Ministers earlier attended the plenary session of the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum and also interacted with Indian and Italian business leaders.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation would be held in Italy at a mutually convenient time, accompanied by a high-level business delegation to advance bilateral trade, enhance market access, and promote investments.
NITI Aayog launches a Report on “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains” Factory Floors to Global Headlines — India’s Auto Industry to shift gears and make a mark on the Global Value Chain
India’s Automotive ambition: USD 145 Billion auto component production by 2030
GVC share from 3% to 8% by 2030 — India’s Auto Sector is in the Fast Lane
Focus on competitive manufacturing, infrastructure development, R&D and Skilling to make India global manufacturing hub
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:14PM by PIB Delhi
NITI Aayog has released an insightful report titled “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”. The report was launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog in presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog and Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog. This report offers an extensive analysis of India’s automotive sector, highlighting both opportunities and challenges, and outlining a pathway for positioning India as a key player in global automotive markets.
Global and Indian Automotive Landscape
In 2023, global automobile production reached approximately 94 million units. The global automotive components market was valued at USD 2 trillion, with the export share reaching approximately USD 700 billion. India has emerged as the fourth-largest global producer after China, USA and Japan, with an annual production of nearly 6 million vehicles. The Indian automotive sector has gained a strong domestic and export market presence, particularly in the small car and utility vehicle segments. Supported by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and its cost-competitive workforce, India is positioning itself as a hub for automotive manufacturing and exports.
Emerging Trends in the Automotive Sector
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable mobility, regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, and advancements in battery technology. EV sales have surged globally, reshaping the automotive manufacturing landscape.
Battery manufacturing hubs are emerging in regions like Europe and the U.S., spurring investments in industries related to lithium and cobalt mining, essential for EV production. These developments are altering traditional supply chains and creating new opportunities for collaboration and competition.
In parallel, the rise of Industry 4.0 is transforming automotive manufacturing. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics are enhancing production processes, improving productivity, reducing costs, and enabling greater flexibility. These digital advancements are not only optimizing manufacturing but also fostering new business models centered around smart factories and connected vehicles.
Challenges Facing India’s Automotive Sector
Despite being the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, India has a modest share (around 3%) in the global automotive component trade, which amounts to approximately $20 billion. The bulk of global trade in automotive components is driven by engine components, drive transmission, and steering systems, but India’s share in these high-precision segments remains low at just 2-4%. India’s automotive sector faces challenges on account of operational cost, infrastructural gaps, moderate GVC integration, inadequate R&D expenditure etc. that hinder its competitiveness in the global value chain (GVC).
Proposed Interventions for Growth
NITI Aayog’s report outlines several strategic fiscal and non-fiscal interventions aimed at enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive sector. The interventions are structured across four categories of automotive components based on their complexity and manufacturing maturity i.e. Emerging & Complex, Conventional & Complex, Conventional & Simple and Emerging & Simple.
Fiscal Interventions
Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.
Non-Fiscal Interventions
Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.
Vision for 2030
NITI Aayog’s vision for India’s automotive sector by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable. The report envisions the country’s automotive component production growing to $145 billion, with exports tripling from $20 billion to $60 billion. This growth would lead to a trade surplus of approximately $25 billion and a significant increase in India’s share of the global automotive value chain, from 3% to 8%.
Additionally, this growth is expected to generate 2-2.5 million new employment opportunities, bringing the total direct employment in the sector to 3-4 million
Conclusion
India has significant potential to become a global leader in the automotive industry. Achieving this goal requires focused efforts from the central and state governments, as well as industry stakeholders. By addressing the existing challenges and leveraging the proposed interventions, India can enhance its competitiveness, attract investments, and build a robust automotive sector capable of leading the global value chain.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY BEFORE LEAVING FOR NEW DELHI INTERACTS WITH INDIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi
Yesterday (April 10, 2025), the President addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Slovakia at Bratislava. The accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray were present on the occasion.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of Indian community members, the President said that relations between India and Slovakia are based on mutual respect and shared democratic values. She was happy to note that over the years, India and Slovakia has witnessed a steady growth in economic, political and cultural ties.
The President informed gathering about her fruitful meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia. She said that during those meetings ways to further advance our bilateral relations in various fields were discussed. She told the community members that during the interactions, Slovak leaders expressed great respect for the hard work of the Indian community and their valuable contribution to the development and progress of Slovakia.
The President appreciated the Slovak friends of India for their important role in further strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She was happy to note that India’s heritage and traditions are quite popular among Slovak people. She said that from Yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to the growing strong ties between the people of the two countries. She expressed confidence that the translation of the Upanishads into the Slovak language would provide another opportunity for the Slovak people to connect with the ancient teachings of India.
Today morning, the President interacted with the Indian Business delegation before leaving for New Delhi.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Meets Chhattisgarh CM Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Emphasis on Mining-Led Economic Growth, Critical Mineral Development, and CSR Outreach.
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 7:15PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy was on a two-day visit to South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) to review mining operations, assess CSR initiatives, and strengthen coordination with state authorities. The visit aimed to boost coal production, promote sustainable mining practices, and ensure inclusive development in the region.
On the second day of his visit to Chhattisgarh, Shri G. Kishan Reddy held a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. The deliberations focused on accelerating mining-led economic growth in the state and addressed key areas such as fast-tracking land acquisition for mine expansion, expediting environmental clearances, and the development of integrated rehabilitation and resettlement sites. The strategic importance of critical mineral development in Chhattisgarh was also a key highlight of the discussion.
The meeting was attended by senior dignitaries including Shri Amitabh Jain, Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh; Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Shri B.P. Pati, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited; Shri Harish Duhan, CMD, SECL; and other senior officials from both central and state governments.
Earlier in the day, Shri Reddy interacted with NEET aspirants supported under SECL’s flagship CSR initiative, ‘SECL Ke Sushrut’. The scheme offers free residential coaching to meritorious students from coal belt regions aspiring to pursue careers in medicine. The Minister lauded the students’ achievements and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to foster educational opportunities for youth in coal-bearing areas.
At the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Raipur, the Minister also met with young beneficiaries and families under ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan’, a CSR program providing free treatment and surgeries for congenital heart defects (CHD). Shri Reddy commended SECL for its life-saving initiatives and reiterated that coal PSUs will continue to support health and social welfare through meaningful interventions.
In a separate review meeting with officials from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister assessed ongoing exploration activities and survey progress. Strategies for unlocking the mineral potential of Chhattisgarh through advanced exploration and better coordination were discussed.
The visit of the Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy underscores the Government’s strong commitment to harnessing the potential of mining for inclusive and sustainable development. It reflects a clear vision of aligning the coal sector’s growth with national priorities of sustainability, social equity, and regional progress. By bridging policy with grassroots impact from accelerating mineral exploration to empowering young aspirants and saving lives through healthcare the visit reaffirms the Government’s unwavering resolve to transform mining regions into hubs of prosperity, resilience, and inclusive growth
The Department of Commerce and DGFT are actively tracking developments in global trade, particularly in relation to tariff changes, import surges, and export-related challenges. Given the evolving trade landscape and the introduction of various tariff and counter-tariff measures, there may be both new export opportunities and heightened
import pressures from specific countries or product sectors. Exporters and importers experiencing such shifts are encouraged to share their inputs and suggest potential support measures. In this context, DGFT has operationalised a dedicated ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating emerging trade issues.
The ‘Global Tariff Challenges Helpdesk’ would look into issues relating to Import and Export Challenges, Import Surges or Dumping, EXIM Clearance, Logistics or Supply Chain Challenges, Financial or Banking issues, Regulatory or Compliance Issues, and Other Issues or Suggestions. The Help desk would also collect and collate trade-related
issues concerning other Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Central Government and State Governments and will co-ordinate to seek their support and provide possible resolution(s).
Export-Import community may submit information on the DGFT website and submit information relating to their issues on which support is required using the following steps—
Navigate to the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) — > Services — > DGFT Helpdesk Service
‘Create New Request’ and select the Category as ‘Global Tariff and Trade and Issues’
Select the suitable sub-category (Import Challenges, Export Challenges, Import Surges or Dumping, EXIM Clearance, Logistics or Supply Chain Challenges, Regulatory & Compliance Issues, and Other Issues and Suggestions), enter the other relevant details and submit.
Alternatively, issues may be sent to email id: dgftedi[at]nic[dot]in with the subject header: ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’, or call the Toll-Free No at 1800-111-550
The status of resolutions and feedback may be tracked using the status tracker under the DGFT Helpdesk Services. Email and SMS would also be sent as and when the status of these tickets are updated. Trade stakeholders are encouraged to make appropriate use of these support facilities.
The following is the list, in order of merit, of 792 candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Written Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission on 1st September, 2024 and the subsequent Interviews held by the Services Selection Board, Ministry of Defence for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy for the 154th Course and the Naval Academy for the 116th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). For detailed information regarding the date of commencement of the above courses, please visit the websites of Ministry of Defence i.e., www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, www.joinindiannavy.gov.in andwww.careerindianairforce.cdac.in.
2. The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.
3 The candidature of all the aforesaid candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth, educational qualifications, etc. claimed by them directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No.III, Wing–I, R.K Puram, New Delhi -110066, wherever this has not already been done, and NOT to UPSC.
4. In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate the Army Headquarter directly at the address given above.
5. The result is also available on the UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in. Marks of the candidates will be available on the website after 15 days from the date of declaration of final results.
6. For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day. In addition, for SSB/interview related matter, the candidates may contact over telephone No. 011-26175473orjoinindianarmy.nic.in for Army as first choice, 011-23010097 or Email:officer-navy[at]nic[dot]in or joinindiannavy.gov.in for Navy/Naval Academy as first choice, and 011-23010231 Extn.7645/7646/7610 or www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in for Air Force as first choice.