State of art totally Indigenously developed Resource adequacy model (STELLAR) launched by Central Electricity Authority

Source: Government of India

State of art totally Indigenously developed Resource adequacy model (STELLAR) launched by Central Electricity Authority

A Useful tool for all Discoms and load Despatchers

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

An indigenously developed Integrated Generation, Transmission and Storage Expansion Planning Model with Demand Response – a vital Resource Adequacy Tool, has been launched on 11.04.2025 by Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in the presence of Sh. Alok Kumar, Ex-Secretary (Power) and partner TLG and various representatives from the State Power Utilities. It is planned to distribute this software model to all the States/ Discoms free of cost.

The indigenously developed tool is specifically designed to assist the states in carrying out a comprehensive Resource Adequacy plan in line with the resource adequacy guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023.

After the issuance of Resource Adequacy Guidelines, CEA has been carrying out the Resource Adequacy (RA) plans for all the Discoms. To begin with, CEA completed the exercise for all Discoms up to 2032, and now all of them have been updated to 2034-35. CEA has also finished the national level exercise up to 2034-35. Since the plan is dynamic and is mandated to be revised every year, it was thought to develop a common tool for all and share it with them free of cost to play with it. It will also help integrate the studies easily and bring out the optimum solutions for the country.

The model explicitly considers:

  1. Chronological operation of the power system
  2. All unit commitment constraints, including technical minimum, minimum up and down times, and ramp-up/ramp-down rates.
  3. Endogenous demand response
  4. Ancillary services, and many more.

The benefits of the tool include:

  1. Ensuring adequate resource adequacy (neither less nor more) in the electricity grid. Zero load shedding, No stressed capacity and least cost solutions.
  2. Optimisation of the cost of power system generation expansion and system operation while considering the benefit of demand response.
  3. Optimisation of energy and ancillary services.
  4. Optimisation of size and location of storage.

The software has been developed entirely in India with the active guidance of CEA, ensuring complete transparency. CEA will update and upgrade this tool based on further suggestions from the users (Discoms/ load despatchers) of this software.

The launch event highlighted the collaboration between CEA, The Lantau Group (TLG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Technical Assistance program. 

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SK

(Release ID: 2121429) Visitor Counter : 127

The Force reaches new heights at 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Officers of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau and the Police Tactical Unit Headquarters (PTU HQ) of the Hong Kong Police Force reached new heights at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, which was held between April 9 and 13 in Geneva, Switzerland, and garnered the “International Press Prize” for the first time, the “Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury”, along with one Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze international award.

     Following a highly competitive judging process with international expert judges reviewing all the entries, the Force professionally presented the innovative technological solutions. The Force focused on the themes of “Building a Secure Cyberspace” and “Applying Technology”, demonstrating four solutions in the “Hardware, Software, Cybersecurity, Blockchain & Internet of Things (IoT)” category, winning five international awards, including:

     1) Scameter Series – A multi-layered public anti-scam initiative comprising a public-facing mobile app with real-time scam detection, open-data policies sharing threat intelligence with strategic stakeholders, and partnerships with banks to send public alerts on high-risk transactions (International Press Prize & Gold Medal);

     2) CryptoTrace – Jointly developed with the University of Hong Kong, this cutting-edge virtual asset analytics platform facilitates cryptocurrency tracing, fund flow analysis, and wallet correlation, accelerating fraud detection for frontline investigators (Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury);

     3) RAPID Engine – Through multilateral collaboration and proactive detection from various sources, RAPID Engine inspects newly registered suspicious websites. Utilising AI algorithms, RAPID Engine performs real-time analysis based on multidimensional rules such as domain characteristics and suspicious codes. Threat intelligence is simultaneously updated to the “Scameter Series” and sent to multiple internet service providers for blocking, effectively enhancing the public’s ability to resist phishing threats (Silver Medal);

     4) AI Visual Intelligence-enabled Glasses for Drone Operations – PTU HQ partnered with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, jointly developed an AI-powered image analysis system integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) smart glasses. This system enables real-time display of both flight footage and AI computational results directly on the AR glasses, allowing operators to receive critical AI insights without interrupting flight control (Bronze Medal);

The awards demonstrate the Force’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to promote smart policing and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, the Force effectively employs AI to assist the public in combating fraud and enhancing law enforcement capabilities, particularly in tackling emerging types of crimes, including those related to virtual assets.

                 

DPO’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion showcases over 100 achievements in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) co-organised the third edition of the InnoEX at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for four consecutive days starting today (April 13). The Digital Policy Office (DPO) set up a large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion to showcase over 100 technology solutions, including those developed by different government departments in relation to citizens’ daily lives. Through interactive experiences and on-site demonstrations, the Pavilion demonstrates the solid achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and various sectors.

On the opening day of the Pavilion, a number of officials, including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Pavilion. They were briefed by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, on how the DPO leads various government departments in leveraging I&T to enhance city management and operational efficiency, delivering enhanced public services to citizens. The DPO has all along worked in close collaboration with the local I&T industry to develop a variety of innovative solutions, with a view to continuously enhancing public services for the benefit of the public and businesses, jointly strengthening Hong Kong’s leading position as an international I&T hub.

This year’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion focuses on AI and data-driven applications, and showcases I&T solutions contributed by 20 government departments and the winning entries of international and domestic I&T competitions, including the Hong Kong ICT Awards, Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards, Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter and Open Data Hackathon, from local innovators and students. Through the exhibition, the DPO hopes to recognise outstanding local innovations, encourage and inspire industry players to develop more innovative solutions as well as promote Hong Kong’s I&T development to local industries, exhibitors and experts from home and abroad.

Following are highlights of the six areas of the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion:

Smart Living: “iAM Smart”, the one-stop personalised digital services platform that provides citizens with access to over 1 100 government, public and private online services and government e-Forms; the Hong Kong Observatory’s AI-powered weather prediction models that provide reference in preparing weather forecasts and tropical cyclone forecast tracks; and the industry’s award-winning solution, a smart packaging system from the Hong Kong Productivity Council that significantly increases packaging output of Chinese medicine and reduces manpower requirements.

Smart Mobility: Award of the Year in the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024, a solution from the MTR Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that adopts a digital twin calibrated with big data for railway planning and simulating service disruptions and congestion, thereby assisting the MTR to plan corresponding arrangements early to meet the travel needs of citizens.

Smart Environment: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Shark Species Rapid DNA Identification technology that uses AI to rapidly identify the species of shark fins and more efficiently determine whether the imported shark fins are regulated; and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s AI-powered Aqua-bot that is used in early detection and rapid response to invasive alien species to protect ecosystems in wetlands.

Smart People: The Architectural Services Department’s Wall-Climbing Robot that can move flexibly on building facades and conduct building facade assessments efficiently and accurately; the Drainage Services Department’s Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot with Embodied Intelligence, honoured with a Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, that can monitor condition of pipelines through clear 360-degree panoramic videos and AI technology; as well as the Highways Department’s adoption of geospatial and AI technologies to automatically detect various road objects and create survey maps, enhancing efficiency of road construction projects.

Smart Government: The Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s Virtual Fire Scene Incident Command Training System that allows firefighters to practice command and decision-making skills in an immersive experience; the Hong Kong Police Force’s The New Generation Scenario-based Interactive Multiplayer Simulation System that adopts multimedia broadcasting and simulated communication systems to train officers to respond to various simulated incidents; and the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service that fosters ease in cross-boundary mobility.

Smart Economy: The Lands Department’s leverage of spatial data and Geographic Information System to enhance the safety, efficiency and planning of drone operations, supporting low-altitude economy development; and the award-winning solution, Hong Kong Housing Authority Project Information Management and Analytics Platform, that implements digital project management from planning to handover stages, thereby expediting decision-making process.

The annual I&T mega event of Hong Kong, InnoEX, brings together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovation • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas: low-altitude economy, AI, robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility. Interested parties from the trade can register free of charge at the HKTDC’s website (www.hktdc.com/event/innoex/en).
 
Meanwhile, another major I&T highlight this April – the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit – a high-level conference in the global Internet field, will take place on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC concurrently. Under the theme “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the Summit will focus on forward-looking discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life, attracting around 1 000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including representatives from governments and enterprises, international organisations, internet giants, experts and scholars to attend.

              

Harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative ‘Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise’ inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania & Raksha Rajya Mantri onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam

Source: Government of India

Harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative ‘Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise’ inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania & Raksha Rajya Mantri onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam

Oneness & unity of purpose key to overcome maritime challenges and ensure a peaceful & prosperous future: Shri Sanjay Seth

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 9:26PM by PIB Delhi

The harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise (AIKEYME) was inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam on April 13, 2025. AIKEYME, co-hosted by India and Tanzania, involves participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa.

Raksha Rajya Mantri also joined the digital inauguration of Weapons Training Simulator facility established at Arusha and inauguration of Defence Expo. In the Defence Expo, 22 companies from India are participating with their key products on display.

In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri emphasised on oneness, and unity of purpose to overcome the vast maritime challenges and to ensure a peaceful & prosperous future. He recalled the age-old relations between India & Africa and reiterated the principle of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region) for further strengthening the bond with our friends in Africa.

Shri Sanjay Seth stressed on the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” highlighting the need for enduring partnerships in maritime security. He expressed gratitude to Tanzania for hosting AIKEYME 25, marking a significant step towards long-term collaboration.

Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania thanked India for co-hosting the Exercise and she termed the Exercise a strategic initiative to build strong maritime partnership. She underscored the necessity of a collective approach to address challenges such as piracy and trafficking.

Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to hosting future editions of AIKEYME and detailed the collaborative framework for regional maritime security, emphasizing innovation and information sharing. Her remarks firmly established that the relationship extends beyond military affairs, advocating for a broader regional cooperation.

Dignitaries present included the Chief of Defence Force, Tanzania People’s Defence Force, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, and the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, reinforcing the importance of bilateral defence relationships. The event was punctuated by a parade of a 50-man guard and the stirring performance of the Indian Navy Band, embodying the spirit of maritime cooperation.

Raksha Rajya Mantri also briefly interacted with the crew of participating countries of the Exercise and IOS SAGAR ship. He did a walkaround of INS Chennai. He gifted 15 sets of Parachutes, books for NDC and a Tri-Services War Gaming Simulator to Tanzania as a token of strong bonds and friendship between the two countries.

The exercise represents commitment of the participating countries to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean. A new chapter has been added today to the growing relations between India and Africa. AIKEYME 25 and IOS SAGAR symbolize a transformative journey towards enhanced multinational collaboration in securing the seas, forging connections that transcend borders.

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VK/SR/VM/Savvy

(Release ID: 2121495) Visitor Counter : 88

Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 (English only) (with video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 (English only) (with video) 
Deputy Director Liu Guangyuan (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ms Li Ran (President of the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities), academics and scientists, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
I am pleased to join you, virtually, at the opening ceremony of this year’s Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum. For those speakers, academics, scientists and guests coming from abroad, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong.
 
I am glad to note that many brilliant minds are brought together by the event today, from Nobel laureates, Turing laureates, and some 50 internationally renowned academics and scientists, to more than 600 leaders of innovation and technology enterprises from around the world.
 
You come from a wide scope of disciplines in frontier technologies and strategically important industries, such as life and health technology and artificial intelligence. We look forward to your insights at the upcoming conference and forum, bringing us inspiration and enlightenment for our innovation and technology (I&T) journey ahead.
 
You gather today in Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis dedicated to innovation and technology. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to promoting scientific progress, technological breakthroughs, and realising the boundless potential of talent like yourselves.
 
Innovation and technology form an important engine for economic development. And Hong Kong provides the ideal environment for I&T growth. Hong Kong is proud to be home to five of the world’s top 100 universities, with many academic subjects within the world’s top 10. Our universities and research institutions attract some of the world’s top scholars. Beyond our scientific excellence, Hong Kong’s world-class business environment also makes it easy for us to foster a vibrant I&T ecosystem here, where research and development, entrepreneurship, and I&T collaboration flourish.
 
Hong Kong is dedicated to develop into an international I&T centre. We will set up an Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, worth HK$10 billion, or over US$1.2 billion, to channel more market capital into emerging and future industries of strategic importance.
 
We will also launch an I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme, which will provide nearly US$4 million in funding, on a one-to-two matching basis, to each professional start-up service agency joining the Scheme. It will help to enrich our start-up ecosystem and widen their business network. These efforts bring together our prowess as an international financial and trade centre, and build the momentum for the future growth of our vibrant I&T scene.

Innovation does not exist in isolation. It thrives through exchange, dialogue, and collaboration – precisely the spirit of this conference. Over the next few days, Hong Kong will usher in a rich line-up of I&T activities to foster exchanges on various strategic areas.
 
Tomorrow, the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit will take place, for the first time, in Hong Kong. InnoEx, our flagship marketing-oriented event that showcases smart solutions, will be held this coming week. All these, during our Business of Innovation and Technology Week led by the Government’s Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau.
 
I look forward to the exchange of innovative ideas among scientists, academics, industry experts, and more. While you’re here, rejoicing in these intellectually stimulating events, also enjoy all that our world city has to offer, from natural scenery, to wine and dine.
 
I wish you all the best in your scientific endeavours and business, and an extraordinary stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.     
Issued at HKT 16:00

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Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Söder called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences; reiterates strong collaboration between the two nations

Source: Government of India

Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Söder called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences; reiterates strong collaboration between the two nations

Long – standing Indo-German cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), underlines the potential for bilateral cooperation, says Dr Jitendra Singh

India and Germany to Deepen Cooperation in AI, Quantum Tech, Clean Energy, and Biotechnology

Dr. Jitendra Singh Hails Indo-German 2+2 University and Industry Collaboration

Highlights India emergence in Space, Nuclear and Biotech and next generation technologies such as AI, Quantum technologies

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant diplomatic and scientific engagement, Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Söder called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, and reiterated strong collaboration between the two nations.

One to one bilateral between the two leaders, was followed by high-level delegation level meeting led by the two Ministers

Welcoming the high-level German delegation, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the long-standing Indo-German cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), underlining the potential for bilateral cooperation in priority areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, Clean Energy, Electric Mobility, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Green Hydrogen.

“India has embarked on mission-mode programs under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We seek economic and sustainable solutions through scientific and technological interventions, and Germany is a natural partner in this endeavor,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Dr. Jitendra Singh applauded the Indo-German 2+2 collaboration model involving joint efforts between academia and industry from both countries, calling it a landmark step toward creating future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystems.“The 2+2 collaboration is a futuristic model. It brings together universities and industries from both countries to solve global challenges through innovation, co-development, and commercialization,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the Golden Jubilee of Indo-German S&T Partnership celebrated last year, adding that the recent Indo-German S&T Governing Body Meeting in Germany further reinforced the commitment to deepen scientific engagement. He highlighted the shared cultural and intellectual legacy between the two nations, mentioning Max Mueller’s pioneering translation of the Upanishads and the Rigveda, which laid the foundation for Indo-European scholarly ties.

Dr. Jitendra Singh spotlighted India’s remarkable progress in the biotech sector, boasting over 3000 startups and leading globally as the largest vaccine manufacturer. He noted the significance of the recently approved BIOe3 policy, which focuses on Energy, Economy, and Employment to drive the next wave of biotech innovation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined India’s emergence as a biotech powerhouse with over 3000 startups and the recent launch of the BIOe3 policy, aimed at driving Energy, Economy, and Employment through biotech innovation.

The Science and Technology Minister states that India’s Space-Tech and Nuclear sectors, now open to private players, offer tremendous collaborative opportunities. He further stated that India ranks 3rd globally in startups and unicorns, making it a vibrant destination for tech partnerships.

“India’s academic outreach to Germany continues to deepen, with over 50,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities—mostly in STEM disciplines—a number that has tripled in the last seven years”, says Dr. Singh

Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a reciprocal increase in German students studying in India, particularly in the areas of Oriental Studies, Indian Culture, and Traditional Knowledge Systems.

“Germany has emerged as a favoured academic destination for Indian youth. Now we hope to see more German students exploring India’s intellectual heritage and scientific capabilities,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh fondly recalled his recent visit to Berlin, observing the growing popularity of Indian cuisine and culture, with locals enthusiastically embracing Indian flavours in more than a dozen Indian food outlets.

The German side was represented by Dr. Markus Söder, along with Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, and other senior delegates. From the Indian side, Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST); Dr. Praveen Somasundaram, Head of International Cooperation, and Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor,Department of Biotechnology, also participated in the deliberations.

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NKR/PSM

 

(Release ID: 2121439) Visitor Counter : 85

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Undertakes ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Undertakes ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar

Over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers Joins Padyatra Honouring Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy

Youth are the torchbearers of Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy – Dr. Mandaviya

MY Bharat Youth Volunteers Organises Jai Bhim Padyatras in Every State Capital and Over 5000 Locations Nationwide

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 2:05PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a historic Jai Bhim Padyatra in Patna, Bihar today. The padyatra was flagged off by the Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav and over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers participated in the padyatra. The padyatra stood as a vibrant tribute to Babasaheb’s life and legacy, placing a strong emphasis on youth engagement and the enduring values of the Constitution.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the strength of India’s youthandcalled upon them to become torchbearers of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy for building a new India. “As the sun rose over Patna, it illuminated not only a statue but a spirit, a renewed commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals and a Viksit Bharat led by its most powerful force, its youth”, he said.

Union Minister urged the youth of the nation to draw inspiration from the vision, legacy, and exemplary works of Babasaheb Ambedkar and other great leaders in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the pioneering contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar in ensuring equal rights for women as early as 1947, a time when gender equality was not recognized in many parts of the world.

Calling upon the younger generation to take a solemn sankalp (pledge) to follow the ideals of these national icons, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the importance of youth-led national development. He lauded the decisive leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and called upon the youth to align themselves with the PanchPran envisioned by the Prime Minister for building a strong, self-reliant, and inclusive Viksit Bharat.

Across the nation, Jai Bhim Padyatras were held in every state capital and across 5000 locations, where MY Bharat volunteers cleaned the statues of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and paid tribute to Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring vision, renewing a collective commitment to build an inclusive, empowered, and youth-led India. Notably, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse participated in Jai Bhim Padyatra in Mumbai, further amplifying the message of unity and national participation.

A collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution by young achievers and MY Bharat volunteers reaffirmed the commitment to constitutional values. MY Bharat Youth Volunteers actively participated in the Padyatra, echoing the spirit of social harmony, democratic values, and inclusive progress through energetic and heartfelt slogans.

At several points along the route, cultural performances took place, with MY Bharat volunteers singing songs dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, adding vibrancy and emotion to the Padyatra. Water and refreshments were distributed to participants on route, ensuring their comfort and well-being. In a strong display of civic responsibility, MY Bharat volunteers were also seen actively cleaning the path and picking up litter, embodying the spirit of service throughout the Padyatra.

At the culmination of the Padyatra near the Patna High Court, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with other leaders, participated in a cleanliness drive around the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Following this, they garlanded Babasaheb’s photo and paid heartfelt tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution. All dignitaries present joined in offering floral tributes, marking a moment of collective respect and remembrance.

Joining Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were several distinguished dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Shri SamratChoudhary and Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Former Union Minister and Patna MP, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, State Ministers, Shri Nitin Nabin and Shri SurendraMehata, Member of Parliament, Smt. ShambhaviChoudhary, MLA, Smt. Shreyasi Singh and MLC, Shri Sanjay Mayukh.

Watch Jai Bhim Padyatra:

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Himanshu Pathak

 

(Release ID: 2121421) Visitor Counter : 58

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $11.9 million (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $11.9 million  
In the first case, a local female, aged 19, arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 12kg of suspected ketamine inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.
 
The arrestee has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 14).
 
In the second case, through risk assessment, customs officers intercepted a 57-year-old female passenger who planned to depart from Hong Kong to Brussels yesterday. Upon a search, Customs officers found about 7kg of suspected cocaine from her check-in luggage. The woman 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.hkIssued at HKT 19:38

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DRI thwarts major methamphetamine smuggling operation on outskirts of Mizoram with seizure of 52.67 kg methamphetamine tablets worth Rs. 52.67 crore

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant late-night operation on April 11, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a 12-wheeler truck and seized 52.67 kg methamphetamine tablets, valued at Rs. 52.67 crore in the international drug market, on the outskirts of Aizawl, Mizoram.

The operation uncovered a novel method of concealing and transporting smuggled drugs — 53 meticulously packed, brick-sized packets were found hidden within the folds of the truck’s tarpaulin cover.

 

 

The packets bore inscriptions such as “3030 Export Only” and “999”, alongside diamond symbols, and contained orange-pink tablets. Tests conducted using the NDPS Field Test Kit confirmed the tablets contained methamphetamine.

 

 

The truck, registered in Nagaland, had originated from Zokhawthar—a sensitive border town near the Indo-Myanmar frontier—and was enroute to Tripura. DRI intercepted the vehicle before it left Mizoram. Notably, the truck carried no declared goods at the time. Earlier, it had transported cement from Meghalaya to Champhai before continuing to Zokhawthar, where the contraband was loaded.

The truck’s driver and his assistant were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Preliminary investigations indicate that the drugs had been smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar via the Zokhawthar sector.

The DRI has The DRI has seized 148.50 kg methamphetamine tablets in the North Eastern Region since January 2025 till today, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating drug smuggling.

 

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2121422) Visitor Counter : 47

PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has greeted fellow-citizens on the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

In a message, the President has said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.

In his inspiring life, Babasaheb created a distinct identity of his own despite facing extreme difficulties and earned respect around the world with his extraordinary achievements.

A man of prodigious abilities and multifaceted personality, Babasaheb was an economist, educationist, jurist and a great social reformer. He was an ardent advocate of an egalitarian society and he waged a lifelong struggle for economic and social rights of women and deprived classes. He considered education as an important tool for social change and empowerment of the downtrodden. His contributions in various fields will continue to inspire future generations to work with commitment for nation-building.

On this occasion, let us pledge to adopt the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar in our lives and work to build a nation that embodies the spirit of social harmony and equality”.

Please click here to see the President’s message – 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121445) Visitor Counter : 128