Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today inaugurated the cutting-edge Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) at Udaan Bhawan in New Delhi. Widely referred to as the “Black Box Lab,” this state-of-the-art facility has been established with an investment of ₹ nine crore.

The inauguration witnessed the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Airports Authority of India, and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority. Chiefs of Flight Safety from all major scheduled airlines also attended this landmark event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the significance of this new facility in bolstering aviation safety. He stated that this achievement brings India one step closer to a safer aviation ecosystem by enabling the identification of root causes of incidents more effectively and ensuring accountability, which remains the cornerstone of aviation safety. The Minister highlighted that only through effective and independent investigations can future accidents be prevented.

The Minister lauded the contributions of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in supporting AAIB to establish advanced DFDR and CVR laboratories and equipping them to analyze retrieved flight data from aircraft. He expressed pride in HAL’s indigenous capacity to manufacture and repair FDRs, noting that India now boasts one of the most advanced avionics systems globally. Acknowledging the rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector, he underscored the need for equally robust safety measures to keep pace with the vision of achieving 350–400 airports by 2047, as envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The state-of-the-art facility will enable AAIB to repair damaged black boxes, retrieve data, and conduct thorough analyses of accidents and incidents. With the ability to correlate data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder, Radar, and Flight Data Recorder, the lab will enhance the accuracy of investigative findings. The establishment of this lab, built to international standards and comparable to those of developed nations, fulfills India’s obligations as an ICAO member state.

Director General, AAIB, Shri G V G Yugandhar stated that the lab would extend its support to neighboring nations in aviation investigations, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional safety collaboration. Additionally, with the ambitious goal of manufacturing aircraft and helicopters for commercial use, the facility will play a crucial role not only in accident investigation but also in ensuring accident prevention through required design changes and operating procedure updates.

This facility represents a critical step in strengthening India’s position as a global aviation leader. The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains steadfast in its commitment to making air travel in India both safe and comfortable, aligning with the broader national vision of a robust and secure aviation ecosystem.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2120587) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), successfully organized the 18th National Seminar at Goa University, Panaji, Goa, on 8th and 9th April 2025. The seminar focused on survey findings from NSS 78th Round: Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS), 79th Round: CAMS and AYUSH, the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), and the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).

The seminar was inaugurated by Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS) and was graced by the presence of Shri Pravin Srivastava, Former Secretary, MoSPI & Chief Statistician of India and Prof. Harilal B. Menon, Vice Chancellor of Goa University.

In his Welcome Address, ADG (CQCD), NSO highlighted the Ministry’s focus on transparency, timeliness, and digital innovation in survey implementation. The Inaugural Address by DG (NSS) emphasized MoSPI’s continued technological evolution in data collection process and initiatives such as monthly PLFS estimates, district-level labour statistics, and the upcoming Domestic Tourism and National Household Travel Surveys.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Menon underscored the collaborative role of academic institutions in advancing a culture of data-driven decision-making, calling statistics “a tool for social listening” that amplifies citizens’ voices. The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that Goa University is the first in India to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) curriculum, which mandates the submission of research papers in the final semester of all master’s programs, where NSS data plays a crucial role. He emphasized that the seminar would serve as the starting point for future collaborative efforts, which will be highly encouraged and greatly beneficial for students, researchers, and scholars alike.

Following the inaugural session, the cultural programme featured an exquisite Bharatnatyam dance performance and the vibrant Goan folk dance, Fhugdi, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.

Out of 225 participants, 125 were students, researchers, and scholars from various universities, institutes across Goa, and other organizations. Their active engagement over the two-day event made it a dynamic and impactful gathering

The seminar featured a total of five technical sessions wherein 14 papers were presented by the researchers, academia, and government officials from various institutions and discussed their research papers based on the survey findings. These papers provided rich insights into ICT skill disparities, financial inclusion, youth digital literacy, household consumption patterns, Prediction of NSS estimates using Machine Learning Approach, Exploration of features of Multidimensional Poverty using Neural Network, AYUSH healthcare usage, contract labour trends, informal sector productivity, and app-based service dynamics, among others. The robust empirical analyses underscored the value of NSS and other national datasets for informed policymaking.

Each of the technical sessions was chaired by experts and professors from reputed academic institutions, as well as senior officers from the MoSPI. These included Dr. G.C. Manna, Former Chairman of the Working Group of NSS 78th Round; Shri Pravin Srivastava, Former Chairman of the Working Group of 79th Round and ex-CSI; Shri Siddhartha Kundu, ADG, Household Survey Division, NSO, MoSPI; Prof. Ankush Agrawal, Professor of Economics, IIT Delhi; Shri Salil Kumar Mukhopadhyay, ADG, Enterprise Survey Division, NSO, MoSPI; and Prof. Badri Narayan Rath, Professor, IIT Hyderabad.

A special session was also conducted featuring presentations from Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and private survey agency to discuss the utility and practical applications of NSS data in programme design and policy formulation.

All authors and presenters of papers at the two-day National Seminar were felicitated by the NSO, MoSPI through a certificate distribution ceremony.

Delivering the Concluding Remarks, Shri Pravin Srivastava, Former Secretary, MoSPI and Chief Statistician of India, praised the presenters and emphasized the importance of collaboration between official statisticians and critics. He noted MoSPI’s introduction of a new curriculum incorporating NSS data for internal research, boosting data standards. He also highlighted innovations like AI and CAPI, which have enhanced data quality and reduced respondent burden.

The seminar concluded with a collective resolve to deepen the synergy between data producers and users, strengthen the statistical system’s responsiveness, and promote evidence-based governance across sectors.

For more details on survey reports and upcoming statistical initiatives, please visit the official MoSPI website: www.mospi.gov.in

Watch the recorded sessions on MoSPI’s YouTube Channel: @GoIStats.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2120545) Visitor Counter : 52

Source: Government of India

8th Session of India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects held in New Delhi

India and Russia agree on 6 new strategic projects to boost bilateral investment cooperation

2nd Edition of India-Russia Investment Forum held alongside Working Group meeting

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 8:35PM by PIB Delhi

The 8th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects (IRWG-PIP) under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi today.

The Working Group meeting was held successfully, with the co-chairs signing a protocol highlighting multiple projects of strategic importance to both nations. The session aimed at strengthening economic ties between India and Russia by identifying and advancing collaborative projects in sectors of mutual interest.

The Working Group also reviewed the outcomes of the 7th session, and both sides agreed to include six new strategic projects aimed at deepening bilateral investment cooperation. Discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expand investment collaboration across various sectors.

On the sidelines of the 8th Session of IRWG-PIP, the 2nd Edition of the India-Russia Investment Forum was also organised, in collaboration with Invest India, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

The Session was co-chaired by Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia from the Indian side, and Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Economic Development of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Ilichev, from the Russian side.

The India-Russia Investment Forum saw enthusiastic participation from over 80 Indian and Russian businesses, including entrepreneurs, financial institutions, cargo companies, business chambers, researchers, and officials.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2120588) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chairs meeting with Odisha Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, in New Delhi to review implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the State

Odisha government should prioritize the 100% implementation of the New Criminal Laws across all levels of administration for the next six months

Next decade is crucial for the development of Odisha; considering the state’s future industrial and technological growth, New Criminal Laws will play a vital role in strengthening law & order

State’s Home Secretary should review the progress of implementing the New Criminal Laws once a week, Chief Secretary and DGP should review it every 15 days, and the Chief Minister should review on a monthly basis, setting a timeline for their implementation in the state

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 8:42PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Odisha, in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, in New Delhi today. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Odisha. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Odisha, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the government of Odisha.

 

 

During the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, said that the Odisha government should prioritize 100% implementation of the new criminal laws across all levels of administration for the next six months.

Shri Amit Shah said that the next decade is crucial for the development of an emerging state like Odisha. Considering the state’s future industrial and technological growth, he highlighted that the three new criminal laws will play a vital role in strengthening the law and order.

 

Union Home Minister said that the state’s Home Secretary should review the progress of implementing new criminal laws on a weekly basis and the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police should review it fortnightly and the Chief Minister should review on a monthly basis, prioritizing the timelines of implementation.

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VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2120594) Visitor Counter : 46

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The search and rescue team deployed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the quake-stricken areas of Myanmar to assist in the search and rescue work, returned to Hong Kong last night after completing its mission.

Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the team at Hong Kong International Airport.

In his speech, Mr Lee said that the search and rescue team members overcame numerous difficulties and raced against time through their professional training, determined will and immense courage, fully demonstrating professionalism in fearlessly braving challenges and caring for those in distress.

Upon completion of the operation in Mantalay, Myanmar, the China and the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue teams arrived in Beijing yesterday afternoon.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung welcomed the teams at Beijing Capital International Airport then flew to Hong Kong together with the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team last night.

The Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team departed for Myanmar on March 29 to conduct search and rescue work in Mantalay – one of the worst-hit areas.

The team conducted joint operations with the China search and rescue teams for days and successfully rescued one survivor. In addition, the Hong Kong SAR team found two bodies under the debris.

The 51-strong Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team comprised firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Hospital Authority.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong disapproval of and discontent with the US’ further imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariff.

Starting May 2, the US will eliminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from Hong Kong as well as increase the tariff for mail containing goods to the US.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the US no longer upholds free trade, arbitrarily undermining the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly established by the international community, seriously impeding the multilateral trading system and globalisation process, and disrupting the global supply chain, adding that its measures are bullying and unreasonable.

It pointed out that the US’ imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariff against Hong Kong that has never implemented any tariffs is totally illogical and ungrounded, fully showing that it is a bullying act for suppressing its competitors.

The US will eliminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for postal items despatched from Hong Kong to the US from May 2, and has been continuously changing its policies unilaterally, causing a lot of confusion and inconvenience to the public.

For sending items to the US, the Hong Kong public should be prepared to pay exorbitant fees due to the US’ unreasonable and bullying acts.

Hongkong Post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the US authorities. For now, Hongkong Post will temporarily maintain postal services to the US and announce later the temporary suspension arrangement for postal services to the US.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue to closely monitor and assess any unilateral measures of the US that are inconsistent with fair trade and take actions to defend Hong Kong’s legitimate interests, including filing a complaint in accordance with the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.

Meanwhile, it will maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the unreasonable coercion of the US.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Influenza vaccines currently used in Hong Kong are safe and effective, and the side effects of flu vaccines are usually mild and transient, the Centre for Health Protection said today.

The centre made the statement in response to media enquiries on the safety of the influenza vaccine.

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Edwin Tsui noted the influenza vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most safe and effective ways to prevent seasonal flu and its complications, and can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death from seasonal influenza, adding that Hong Kong has established a pharmacovigilance system to monitor adverse events following immunisation.

He pointed out that in the past five years, over eight million doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered and there have been no deaths reported after vaccination.

Except those with known contraindications, all people aged six months and above, particularly those who have a higher risk of getting infected with influenza and developing complications, such as the elderly and children, should receive the seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Dr Tsui said: “Severe cases related to seasonal influenza involving adults and cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complication recorded in the recent flu season were significantly lower than in the influenza season before the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that this is the result of the general public’s willingness to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.”

Local data showed that the rate of severe influenza complications among children who did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccination of the current season is about four times that of vaccinated children.

Among the elderly, the rate of severe influenza including death among residents of the residential care homes aged 65 years or above who did not receive seasonal flu vaccination of the current season is 2.3 times that of vaccinated residents.

The data highlighted the important protective role of seasonal influenza vaccination against severe infection and death.

Dr Tsui noted that influenza vaccines currently used in Hong Kong, including inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) and live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), are safe and effective.

Traditional IIV has been used for decades. The vaccine has proven to be safe and reliable through repeated testing and quality assessment. The safety of the newer LAIV and RIV is comparable to that of IIV.

He added that the World Health Organization has also indicated that vaccination is the most effective means to prevent serious illness arising from flu.

The side effects of influenza vaccines are usually mild and transient, and the most common include pain and redness at the injection site. Some recipients may experience fever, chills, muscle pain and tiredness. Severe adverse reactions to influenza vaccines are very rare.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Correctional Services Department today held a national security education student forum and premiered two national security education microfilms that it produced.

The two microfilms, Momentary Glory and Unfailing Love, adapted from real cases, feature stories of teenagers who were incited to commit illegal acts which endanger national security and paid a heavy price. Through the productions, the department hopes to raise public awareness of safeguarding national security, enhance citizens’ ability to think critically and discerningly, and raise their awareness of abiding by the law.

The microfilms will be uploaded to various official media platforms of the Correctional Services Department and the Education Bureau on April 15 – National Security Education Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk said that the Correctional Services Department has gone beyond the prison walls to promote community crime prevention education.

Such education helps nurture young people to love the country and Hong Kong, be law-abiding citizens, and have a positive mindset, he elaborated.

Mr Cheuk also expressed hope that students, through Momentary Glory, could understand that they should think twice and not commit crimes, in order to avoid lifelong regrets.

Today’s forum also featured a video clip of the individual on which one of the microfilms was based. In the video, he shared how he repented, as well as his feelings after being misled into committing illegal acts and ultimately being sentenced to imprisonment.

There was also an interactive session in the forum, allowing students to express their views and think from multiple perspectives.

Moreover, the department arranged for rehabilitated individuals to talk about the cost for committing crimes, and their rehabilitation experiences, with a view to reminding students to refrain from engaging in illegal activities.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today appealed to the public to stay vigilant when it comes to a forged video created by artificial intelligence circulating online about an investment plan purportedly recommended by the Chief Executive.

 

The fake video claimed that the Chief Executive urged the public to participate in an investment with high returns.

 

In addition to solemnly clarifying that the so-called remarks by the Chief Executive are fictitious, the Government strongly condemned those who have attempted to distribute fake investment advice in the name of the Chief Executive.

 

The incident has been referred to Police for a follow-up investigation, it added.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi expressing concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan

Date：2025-04-02
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

April 2, 2025  

At a regular press conference on April 1, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were paramount to Japan and the entire international community. Mr. Hayashi made the comments while addressing China’s military drills around Taiwan, stating that Japan had reaffirmed its position to China during a recent bilateral meeting between their foreign ministers. He emphasized that the Japanese government would continue to closely monitor developments arising from China’s increasing military activities around the Taiwan Strait in recent years and added that Japan would make comprehensive response preparations. 
 
When China twice launched Joint Sword-2024 military exercises targeting Taiwan last year, unilaterally raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, the government of Japan promptly and directly expressed its misgivings and concerns to China. Following China’s latest military drills around the Taiwan Strait, Japan has once again immediately conveyed its concerns to China and publicly emphasized the importance of cross-strait peace and stability.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and appreciates the Japanese government for immediately and openly expressing concern following China’s launch of military exercises designed to intimidate Taiwan, as well as for emphasizing a consistent stance on preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly urges China to return to reason, exercise self-restraint, and immediately cease unilateral actions that are detrimental to cross-strait peace and regional stability and prosperity. MOFA is pleased that the United States, Japan, and other democratic nations, as well as the European Union, are steadfastly and jointly adopting preventive measures to counter the threat that authoritarian expansion poses to global peace and stability. Taiwan will demonstrate its determination to strengthen resilience and self-defense capabilities and resist China’s rhetorical and military intimidation. It will also cooperate with like-minded partners to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.