Category: MIL-OSI

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Opening remarks by SED at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Opening remarks by SED at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting 
 
Chairman,
 
     Education is the key to nurturing talent. The Government attaches great importance to education and has all been investing heavily in education. The Government’s expenditure on education is $112.4 billion in 2025-26, accounting for about 13.7 per cent of the total government expenditure. It includes $102.9 billion of recurrent education expenditure, around 17.5 per cent of the total government recurrent expenditure, taking up a significant share of the overall government expenditure. In line with the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, we remain committed to education, striving to promote high-quality education and develop Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talents.
 
     To enhance the quality of education, we will continue to implement new measures in 2025-26 to create new impetus for high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy. The new measures include –
 
     To support post-secondary, and vocational and professional education and training, we will launch a new round of the Research Matching Grant Scheme totalling $1.5 billion to attract more organisations to support research endeavours of institutions, increase the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme to 400 places per year, set up the Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies to offer scholarships to up to 1 200 local students pursuing designated taught postgraduate programmes each academic year, and endeavour to develop Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub and to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
 
     To support the development of the self-financing sector, we have introduced a bill to amend the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) into the Legislative Council for scrutiny, with a view to further enhancing the governance and competitiveness of self-financing post-secondary institutions. At the same time, we will gradually increase the admission quota for Mainland, Macao and Taiwan students for self-financing post-secondary institutions with the approval to admit Mainland students to degree programmes to 40 per cent, and to implement the new round of the Land Grant Scheme and the Start-up Loan Scheme, so as to promote the accelerated expansion of capacity and enhancement of quality of the self-financing post-secondary education sector.
 
     For primary and secondary education, we will continue to enhance the quality of teaching, promote national education, national security education and patriotic education, adopting all-round, comprehensive, cross-key stage and interdisciplinary approaches to support schools to integrate national education into daily learning and teaching and strengthen students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country. At the same time, funds are earmarked under the Language Fund for establishing two grants to enhance the effective use of English and Putonghua among students. Additionally, the “Pilot Scheme on Other Languages for Junior Secondary Students”, supported by the Quality Education Fund, will support junior secondary students to learn other languages, further harnessing the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. We have also launched the “AI for Science Education” Funding Programme to promote pedagogical innovation and the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)-assisted teaching in Junior Secondary Science.
 
     In order to foster mental health of students, teachers and parents in a more holistic manner, we have launched the 4Rs Mental Health Charter in 2024, extending the Three-Tier School‑based Emergency Mechanism and implementing enhanced measures with a view to strengthening the support of students with high risks. For special education, we will replace the Personal Care Worker Grant with the Personal Care Enhancement Grant for Boarders to provide flexibility to relevant special schools in providing personal care services for boarders.
 
     To enhance the effective use of public resources, the Education Bureau (EDB) will optimise and consolidate the use of education resources as appropriate, without affecting the quality of education and the teaching profession, and streamline procedures to improve efficiency. The key measures to be implemented in the 2025-26 financial year include –
 
     The recurrent funding of University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and Vocational Training Council will be reduced by two per cent in each of the coming three academic and financial years respectively (in line with the Government’s reduction in operating expenditure). In addition, UGC-funded universities will return a total of $4 billion of its General and Development Reserve Fund balance to the Government on a one-off basis. We believe that universities will make effective use of valuable public resources to preserve the quality and standard of teaching and research, and at the same time seize the opportunity of building our nation into a leading country in education and strive to develop Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub.
 
     We will also adjust the general subvention for publicly-funded schools and kindergartens by about two per cent, consolidate some grants and adjust the disbursement arrangements. We will set up a task force to revamp and consolidate various grants to schools in innovative ways, such as disbursing grants to schools in the form of a block grant, so that schools may utilise the resources more flexibly based on their development needs and priorities.
 
     In support of the Government’s Productivity Enhancement Programme, we reduced our recurrent expenditure by one per cent (about $1 billion) and an additional $1.5 billion (totalling $2.5 billion) in 2024-25. Such savings were wholly achieved by the EDB internally, with no reduction in funding/subvention to schools and subvented organisations (including UGC-funded universities), nor subsidies for students/parents. In the 2025-26 financial year, we will continue to support the Productivity Enhancement Programme by further reducing our recurrent expenditure by two per cent and an additional $4 billion at the same time (totalling $6.2 billion). The EDB is determined to ride out the difficult times hand in hand with the education sector.
 
     In line with the targeted poverty alleviation strategy of the current-term government and to enhance the effective use of public resources, we will adapt to evolving circumstances and abolish the non-means-tested $2,500 student grant from the 2025/26 school year. For students from families with financial difficulties, we will provide them with a safety net and appropriate assistance through various means/asset-tested financial assistance measures, including Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme, Grant for School-related Expenses for Kindergarten Students, School Textbook Assistance Scheme, Student Travel Subsidy Scheme, Subsidy Scheme for Internet Access Charges, School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes and Free Lunch at Schools etc., to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to receive quality education without being affected by financial difficulties.
 
     In the coming year, we will continue to adopt an innovative approach to consolidate and optimise the use of education resources, and to enhance teaching effectiveness. Building on Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages under “one country, two systems”, we will pave way for accelerated education development from a holistic and long‑term perspective, and nurture our younger generation to become virtuous and knowledgeable lifelong learners who love the country and the city and are ready for future challenges and opportunities.
 
     This is the end of my introduction. Thank you, Chairman.
Issued at HKT 20:57

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INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN SHARE TIMELESS TIES OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

Source: Government of India

INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN SHARE TIMELESS TIES OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN NEED TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND PEACEFUL NUCLEAR ENERGY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA UPHOLDS UNIVERSAL ETHOS OF ‘VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM’ AND ‘SARVJAN HITAY’: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS PRESIDING OFFICERS OF PARTICIPATING PARLIAMENTS IN TASHKENT ON THE SIDELINES OF THE 150TH ASSEMBLY OF IPU

LOK SABHA SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF INDIAN DELEGATION PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES AT THE BUST OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SHRI LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI IN TASHKENT

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 11:02PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today said that India and Uzbekistan share timeless ties of history and heritage.  He emphasized that this age-old cooperation between the two countries need to be expanded in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors. Shri Birla made these remarks during his meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Tashkent on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union, today.

Underlining India’s ancient democratic traditions, Shri Birla mentioned that guided by the Constitution, India has continually expanded its democratic values and prioritized social inclusion. He added that India has strengthened democracy at the grassroots level by ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in its local level governance. Shri Birla informed that by introducing the “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” as the first law in the new Parliament building, India not only reiterated its commitment to its democratic ethos but also ensured greater representation of women in state and central legislatures. 

Shri Birla observed that India the values of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and “SarvajanHitaya” (For the Welfare of All) are inseparable part of Indian tradition and the Constitution of India is also inspired by these values. Mentioning that last year, India marked the completion of 75 of Constitution, Shri Birla noted that the numerous enabling laws passed by the Indian Parliament have been pivotal in realizing wide ranging socio-economic changes in India.

Stressing on the elevation of Indo-Uzbek relationship to a Strategic Partnership and the addition of new dimensions in recent years, Shri Birla underlined that both nations have strengthened cooperation in various areas like, economy, defense, education, and trade. He noted India is now one of Uzbekistan’s 10 largest trade partners. Shri Birla also highlighted the importance of increasing Parliamentary cooperation between the two Parliaments to exchange ideas on mutual interests and strengthen people-to-people contacts. He proposed promoting parliamentary exchanges in order to help both countries’ officials better understand each other’s systems and best practices.

In addition, Shri Birla appreciated the growing interest in Indian culture in Uzbekistan, particularly in music, dance, and yoga, as well as the increasing number of Indian students in Uzbek educational institutions. He expressed confidence that this meeting would enhance the diplomatic and parliamentary relations between India and Uzbekistan, marking a new chapter in their collaborative efforts.

Shri Birla and members of Indian delegation also paid floral tributes at the bust of the former Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent. 

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES UZBEKISTAN FOR SUCCESSFULLY HOSTING 150TH IPU ASSEMBLY

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla also met Chairperson of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, H.E. Ms. Tanzila Norbaeva in Tashkent on Sunday on the sidelines of the 150th IPU. He congratulated the Chairperson for successfully hosting the Assembly and for the warm welcome accorded to the Indian Parliamentary Delegation. Mentioning Uzbekistan’s progress in various sectors, Shri Birla highlighted the growing and strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Shri Birla noted that both countries share deep historical connections and have fostered collaboration in various multilateral forums such as the SCO, the UN, and BRICS. Shri Birla also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR EXPANDING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND ISRAEL

A day before at Tashkent, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with Speaker of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) H.E. Mr. Amir Ohana. On this occasion, Shri Birla fondly recalled the pleasant memories of their previous meeting in New Delhi in April 2023 and acknowledged Mr. Ohana’s extraordinary contributions to Israel’s development.

He highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel, based on shared democratic values and mutual aspirations. He added that both countries have strengthened their ties through high level leadership meetings and collaborative efforts in various sectors, such as technology, agriculture, and defense. He commended the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between India and Israel, recognizing it as a significant step toward enhancing parliamentary cooperation.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR REGULAR DIALOGUES AND SHARING BEST PRACTICES BETWEEN PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND KAZAKHSTAN

On Sunday, on the sidelines of the 150th IPU Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Chairperson of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. YerlanKoshanov. Shri Birla at the congratulated Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of its Constitution and highlighted that India also celebrated 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution the previous year, marking a significant milestone in both countries’ democratic journeys.

He also emphasized that India’s progress in the past 75 years has been guided by constitutional values aimed at building a welfare state. Shri Birla proposed that the parliaments of India and Kazakhstan establish regular dialogues to exchange best practices and enhance cooperation. He acknowledged the growing political and economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defense, security, digital technology, energy, and space.

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AM

 

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Read this release in: Hindi

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PM to participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9th April in New Delhi

Source: Government of India

PM to participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9th April in New Delhi

In a global initiative, people from more than 108 countries to participate to foster peace, spiritual awakening, and universal harmony through the sacred Jain chant

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9th April, at around 8 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a momentous celebration of spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness that seeks to unite people through the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—the most revered and universal chant in Jainism. Rooted in the principles of non-violence, humility, and spiritual elevation, the mantra pays homage to the virtues of enlightened beings and inspires inner transformation. The Divas encourages all individuals to reflect on the values of self-purification, tolerance, and collective well-being. People from more than 108 countries will join the global chant for peace and togetherness.

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MJPS/ST/SKS

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Remarks by FS at media session (with photo/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Remarks by FS at media session (with photo/video) 
Reporter: What tools does the Government have to handle the situation of the market and will Hong Kong consider a national team investor equivalent to intervene? Should the markets keep dropping, what is the bottom line for the state of the market before countermeasures will be considered?
 
Financial Secretary: I think Julia has explained very clearly the situation in the Hong Kong stock market. Basically, the market has been functioning orderly. There are substantial selling but also buying interests. The spread between the two has been very tight, indicating that the buying power remains very strong.
 
     Hong Kong is a free port, and we encourage capital and investors from different parts of the world to take part in our capital market. Over the years, we have been taking a number of measures to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of our capital market, no matter whether it is improving the listing regime, lowering the transaction costs, expanding the markets, attracting investors and capital from around the world, or offering new products such as the ETF (exchange-traded fund) listed on the Saudi stock exchange (and investing in the Hong Kong stock market). All in all, we will persistently and consistently push forward initiatives on various fronts. With an expanding market and more participants from different parts of the world, the liquidity and resilience of our market will be enhanced. The resilience of our market has been very strong. We do not think the current volatility in the market warrants the taking of any drastic measures.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 21:29

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Poshan Pakhwada 2025 (8th April to 23rd April)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

Summary:

  • 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada is being organised from 8th April to 22nd April 2025.
  • Poshan Abhiyan aims to promote a healthy and nutritious diet among children and women with the blend of technology and tradition.
  • Poshan Pakhwada 2025 focuess on the first 1,000 Days of child’s life as it is a critical period for child development.
  • Use of technology – Poshan Tracker enables real-time monitoring of nutrition services at Anganwadi Centers.
  • Beneficiaries can now self-register via the Poshan Tracker Web App for improved access.
  • Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol helps in early detection and community-based management of malnutrition.
  • Poshan Pakhwada also focuses on childhood obesity by promoting healthier food choices.

Introduction

Every child deserves a healthy start, every mother deserves proper nourishment, and every family deserves access to nutritious food. Yet, for millions in India, malnutrition remains a silent crisis—one that affects not just individuals but the very future of the nation. Recognizing the need for transformative action, the government launched Poshan Abhiyaan on March 8, 2018—a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for women and children through a holistic approach. One of its key initiatives, Poshan Pakhwada, has emerged as a powerful platform to raise awareness and promote community participation in addressing malnutrition.

7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada

Poshan Pakhwada, an annual nutrition awareness drive, is not just another campaign—it is a clarion call for action. In 2025, the seventh edition of Poshan Pakhwada will be observed from April 8 to April 23. With themes centered on maternal and infant nutrition, digital accessibility for beneficiaries, and combating childhood obesity, the 7th Edition of Poshan Pakhwada focuses on outcome-based interventions to enhance nutritional well-being.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 Activities

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 is a step towards building a nutritious Bharat with the main focus on women and children. All the ministries and departments of the Government of India along with Anganwadi Centers across the country are organising various activities to sensitize the community to:

  • Prioritize antenatal care, proper nutrition, and regular health checkups.
  • Pledge for a healthier future – eat healthy, stay active, and spread awareness.
  • Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
  • Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
  • Register on the Poshan Tracker App.

Why the First 1,000 Days Matter?

Imagine a mother, newly expecting, eager to give her child the best start in life. The food she eats, the healthcare she receives, and the guidance she gets in these crucial early months shape not just her baby’s physical health but also shape their mental and emotional health.  The first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—are the most critical for physical growth and brain development. During this time, a baby’s body and mind grow at an incredible speed, laying the foundation for their future learning, immunity, and overall health. Good nutrition, love, care, and early learning experiences during this time can help them grow into a healthy, smart, and happy individual.

Therefore, Poshan Abhiyan has given a special emphasis on the first 1000 days of life, which is actually the magic window for any child. Through this year’s themes, Poshan Pakhwada 2025 aims to educate families about the importance of maternal nutrition, proper breastfeeding practices, and the role of a balanced diet in preventing childhood stunting and anemia. The emphasis is also on local solutions—promoting traditional nutritious foods, especially in tribal areas where indigenous diets hold the key to better health.

Technology Meets Tradition

What if every child’s growth, every mother’s health, and every meal served at an Anganwadi Center could be tracked in real time? What if technology could ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against malnutrition? This is no longer a ‘what if’, it is the reality with Poshan Tracker.

Launched on March 1, 2021, this AI-enabled platform has replaced bulky registers with real-time tracking via smartphones, empowering Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) to efficiently manage attendance, growth monitoring, meal distribution, and early childhood education—all at their fingertips. The success of the application can be traced from the fact that as on 28 February 2025, all Anganwadi Centres in India are registered on the Poshan Tracker application. For the first time, the eligible beneficiaries—pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children (0-6 years)—can self-register via the Poshan Tracker Web Application.

Through Poshan Pakhwada 2025, the government is encouraging greater participation from families as well, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to the app to monitor their own nutritional progress.

Tackling Malnutrition at the Grassroots with CMAM

Technology has made the lives of Anganwadi Workers easy by providing them with a standardized guide in the form of the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol. Launched in October 2023 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), with inputs from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the CMAM protocol is a game-changer. For the first time, Anganwadi workers have a structured approach to detect, refer, and treat malnourished children in their own communities.

During Poshan Pakhwada 2025, this protocol takes center stage. The goal is to turn every Anganwadi into a frontline nutrition clinic—where appetite tests are routine, referrals are timely, and every child gets a chance to grow stronger. Communities will be sensitized, families will be informed, and data will be fed into the Poshan Tracker to guide policy with precision.

Fighting Childhood Obesity Through Healthy Lifestyles

Malnutrition isn’t just about underweight children—it’s also about overweight children. While India continues its fight against undernutrition, there’s a growing challenge—childhood obesity. In today’s world, children are increasingly exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight has increased from 2.1% in 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 3.4% in 2019-21 at the national level.

To address the consumption of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools of India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development constituted a working group in 2015. The recommendations of the group were:

  • Ban the sale of all HFSS foods in school canteens and restrict their sale by private vendors within 200 meters of schools during school hours.
  • School canteens should always offer green category foods like fruits and vegetables.
  • Orange category foods such as confectionary and fried items are not recommended in school canteens.
  • Use of hydrogenated oils should be totally banned in school canteens.
  • Physical activity should be mandatory in schools.

In a circular dated 12th April 2012, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also issued and directed affiliated schools to ensure that junk/fast food is replaced completely with healthy snacks. The circular also directed schools to replace carbonated and aerated beverages by juices and dairy products (Lassi, Chach, Flavoured Milk etc.).

Conclusion

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 is more than just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement to transform nutrition, one mother, one child, and one meal at a time. By combining tradition with technology, empowering Anganwadi workers, and involving communities, India is taking bold steps towards a healthier, stronger generation.

But real change begins with you. Whether it’s adopting healthier eating habits, educating those around you, or ensuring every eligible beneficiary is registered on the Poshan Tracker, every action counts. This Poshan Pakhwada, let’s pledge to be a part of the solution—because a nourished India is a stronger India!

References:

Click here to see in PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Priya Nagar

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Top 5 Winners of TruthTell Hackathon Announced Ahead of Upcoming WAVES Summit 2025

Source: Government of India

Top 5 Winners of TruthTell Hackathon Announced Ahead of Upcoming WAVES Summit 2025

Teams Unicron, Alchemist, Whooshing Liars, Bug Smashers and Vortex Squad Win Rs.10 lakh for pioneering AI solutions to combat misinformation

From AI verification tools to detection systems for manipulated media, these innovations will be showcased at the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai, scheduled for 01May to 04 May

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), today announced the top five winners of the TruthTell Hackathon — a global challenge to combat misinformation and manipulated media through technology. This Hackathon is part of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. The winners were felicitated at a showcase event held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, where the top 25 shortlisted innovators demonstrated their working prototypes to a panel of industry experts.

Selected from over 5,600 registrations from across the globe, the following five winning innovators won a cumulative cash prize of INR 10 lakhs:

  • Team Unicron from Delhi won for their innovative work – Anvesha, in detecting misinformation across text, images, and videos.
  • Team Alchemist from Dehradun was recognized for VeriStream: Fact-First in Every Frame, a holistic solution that uses LangChain-powered NLP, dynamic knowledge graphs, GIS insights, and Explainable AI to detect and correct misinformation in live broadcasts.
  • Team Whooshing Liars from Bengaluru received the award for Nexus of Truth, an AI-powered tool designed to detect deepfakes, fact-check news articles, and flag false content in real time, with multilingual support and live-streaming alerts.
  • Team Bug Smashers from Delhi was awarded for Live Truth: AI Powered Misinformation Detector, a solution that combines local Large Language Models (LLM) and fact-checking APIs to provide real-time credibility scores, along with community-driven validation through GPS-based SMS verification during live broadcasts.
  • Team Vortex Squad from Bengaluru won for Real-Time Misinformation Detection and Fact-Checking System, an AI-driven tool that addresses the challenge of detecting and flagging misinformation during live events, ensuring accuracy and transparency in real time.

Each of these teams demonstrated innovative approaches aimed at improving media integrity and combating misinformation during live broadcasts. Their solutions, ranging from AI verification tools to manipulated media detection systems, will now be showcased at the upcoming WAVES Summit in Mumbai from 1–4 May 2025. The hackathon forms part of the WAVES 2025 to promote responsible innovation in the media and technology landscape.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, and Shri Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The distinguished jury for the TruthTell Hackathon Grand Finale included Shri. Jeet Vijayvargiya, Former CEO, MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), Shri. Vikram Malhotra, Director – AI Tech Strategist at Microsoft India, Shri. Alok Gurtu, Managing Partner at ABG Venture Partners, Dr. Avik Sarkar, Senior Researcher & Visiting Faculty at the Indian School of Business (ISB), and Shri Shashank Vaishnav, Co-Founder & CTO, STAGE.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA, said, ‘India has long witnessed the power of rumour – from village folklore to misguided beliefs and in today’s digital age, misinformation doesn’t walk – it flies. Therefore, stepping into the digital realm to tackle the issue of misinformation is now more crucial than ever. The rapid spread of falsehoods, especially in this digital age, presents a serious challenge. However, with the bright and innovative minds we have here today — including a remarkable 36% female participation — I am confident we will create robust, future-ready solutions. These aren’t just prize-winning ideas; they are blueprints for how India can lead the world in building ethical, AI-driven solutions for complex digital threats.”

Further congratulating the winners, Mr. Mohindroo said that the journey of the winners is just beginning and he looks forward to seeing their solutions make a real-world impact. He also stated that the ideas presented during the TruthTell Hackathon will continue to push boundaries and lead AI innovation on the global stage.

Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, GoI, stated, “In an era where AI can convincingly mimic voices, images, and even entire identities, distinguishing fact from fiction has become a pressing challenge. The TruthTell Hackathon is a significant step in addressing this issue, and I commend all the participants for their efforts in developing innovative solutions. The work being done here will contribute immensely to combating the spread of misinformation and protecting society from its harmful consequences. We are committed to supporting initiatives like this, which empower the nation to leverage AI for responsible innovation. I believe these solutions will not only be valuable to India but will also play an essential role in the global fight against misinformation.”

Congratulating ICEA for organising this hackathon, Shri Singh said that through this hackathon we are investing in preserving trust – currency of our digital future and expressed hope that the top 5 winners will further develop the best solutions to combat misinformation.

Shri Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, GoI, said, “The TruthTell Hackathon is a vital step towards addressing the challenges posed by misinformation in today’s digital age. As one of 32 challenges under ‘Create in India Challenge,’ this initiative brings together young innovators from across the globe to solve one of the most significant issues affecting the media and entertainment industry. Misinformation can derail societal harmony and disrupt lives, which is why it’s crucial for us to find technological solutions that can flag false content in real-time. I congratulate all the participants for their impressive ideas and encourage them to keep innovating. We look forward to seeing these solutions presented at WAVES 2025, where they will be showcased to an international audience, potentially influencing the future of responsible media. Together, we can shape a more informed, secure digital ecosystem for the future.”

Launched in October 2024, the TruthTell Hackathon received over 450 unique idea submissions from students and professionals across 300+ cities, with 36% of participants being women. After multiple rounds of screening and mentorship, 25 finalists were selected to participate in the on-ground finale in Delhi. They represent the incredible energy of India’s youth – from Coimbatore to Chandigarh, and from Bangalore to Bhopal.

Supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), and the IndiaAI Mission, the TruthTell Hackathon aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision to promote ethical AI and strengthen trust in digital ecosystems through innovation-led problem solving by done India’s young population.

For more information, visit https://icea.org.in/truthtell

About ICEA

ICEA is the premier industry association that works with electronics and technology companies in India. Our vision is to transform India into a global technology powerhouse by fostering seamless integration between hardware and software capabilities. Through our leadership, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that champions innovation and drives excellence.

PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dharmendra Tewari / Navin Sreejith | 87

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India launches first Digital Threat Report 2024 to support cybersecurity in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector

Source: Government of India

India launches first Digital Threat Report 2024 to support cybersecurity in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector

At launch of Digital Threat Report 2024, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan emphasizes need for unified cybersecurity framework to protect India’s financial backbone

Report Identifies Sector-wide security gaps and emerging cyber risks, empowering BFSI institutions to strengthen defenses

Report is meant to empower financial institutions to stay ahead of adversaries, adapt to emerging risks and build long-term cyber resilience: Dr. Sanjay Bahl, DG, CERT-In

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:27PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, CERT-In (MeitY), CSIRT-Fin and SISA, a global Cybersecurity company,  collaborated to launch the Digital Threat Report 2024 for the BFSI sector, a comprehensive analysis of current and emerging cyber threats and defense strategies.

The report was launched by Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Shri M Nagaraju and Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri S Krishnan along with Director General, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Dr Sanjay Bahl and Founder and CEO, SISA, Dharshan Shanthamurthy.

Collaborative cyber defence strategy

Speaking at the launch, Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, highlighted the growing cyber risks associated with the rapid digital transformation of the financial sector, stating: ” The interconnected nature of the BFSI ecosystem means that a single cyberattack can have systemic repercussions, impacting multiple entities beyond the initial target. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated cybersecurity efforts at a national and sectoral level. CERT-In and CSIRT-Fin play a vital role in mitigating these risks by collaborating with regulators, industry stakeholders, and global cybersecurity bodies to ensure timely detection, response, and recovery from cyber incidents. This report, developed in collaboration with SISA, will enable BFSI organizations to secure defenses, minimize financial stability risks, and build a collective cybersecurity strategy to counter sophisticated cyberattacks effectively

Cybersecurity is the foundation of financial stability

Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, underscored the critical need for stronger cyber defenses in financial services, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of cybersecurity on economic stability and trust – “Cybersecurity is no longer an optional safeguard but the foundation of financial stability in the digital age. As India’s BFSI sector rapidly expands, securing digital transactions is not just a regulatory necessity but an economic imperative. The Digital Threat Report 2024 for BFSI as a collaborative effort between national cybersecurity agencies and industry leaders highlights the urgency of an integrated approach – one that unifies technology, regulatory compliance, and proactive threat intelligence. It serves as a strategic blueprint, equipping financial institutions with the intelligence needed to anticipate vulnerabilities, strengthen their defenses, and build cyber resilience in an era of increasingly sophisticated threats.

The report provides a holistic analysis of the cybersecurity landscape shaping the BFSI sector. The collaborative nature of this initiative, bringing together frontline cybersecurity providers, national agencies, and financial sector incident response teams, underscores the urgency of a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to mitigating digital risks.

The BFSI sector is at the heart of global digital transformation, with digital payments projected to generate $3.1 trillion by 2028, accounting for 35% of total banking revenues. However, the rapid shift to digital transactions has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. The 2024 Digital Threat Report stands apart by not only examining current threats and emerging vulnerabilities but also offering a deep dive into adversarial tactics that impact system-level operations. It provides a unique perspective on sector-wide security gaps while delivering a forward-looking analysis of anticipated cyber risks, equipping financial institutions with the insights needed to prepare for both todays and tomorrow’s cyber threats.

Digital Threat Report 2024 offers multi-dimensional cyber insights

Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India on the occasion said, “Cybersecurity is not just about protecting individual entities – it’s about securing an entire ecosystem. In today’s hyper-connected world, threats evolve faster than ever, making collaborative intelligence-sharing essential. This report is meant to empower financial institutions to stay ahead of adversaries, adapt to emerging risks, and build long-term cyber resilience. Initiatives like these reinforce India’s commitment to setting global benchmarks in financial cybersecurity, ensuring that as digital transactions grow, they remain secure, trusted, and resilient against future threats.”

The report integrates real-world cyber intelligence from SISA’s forensic investigations, CERT-In’s cybersecurity oversight, and CSIRT-Fin’s financial sector incident response expertise, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on emerging threats. By identifying key attack vectors, evolving adversarial tactics, and persistent security gaps, the report not only outlines current challenges but also provides practical, actionable recommendations to help financial organizations implement preventive and detective security measures across people, process, and technology.

Commenting on the significance of the report, Dharshan Shanthamurthy, Founder & CEO of SISA, remarked: ” Cybersecurity resilience is built on collaboration. By integrating real-world threat intelligence, national cybersecurity insights, and financial sector incident response, this report delivers actionable intelligence that enables financial institutions to stay ahead of evolving threats. Our commitment extends beyond insights—we aim to fortify resilience in India’s BFSI sector and globally, driving a future where digital transactions are secure, seamless, and uncompromisingly protected.”

The 2024 Digital Threat Report for BFSI is a call to action for financial institutions, regulators, and security professionals to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats. As the sector faces growing challenges from AI-driven attacks, sophisticated fraud tactics, and compliance complexities, this report serves as a strategic guide to navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

About SISA:

SISA is a global forensics-driven cybersecurity solutions company for the digital payments industry, trusted by leading organizations for securing their businesses with robust preventive, detective, and corrective cybersecurity solutions. SISA’s problem-first, human-centric approach helps businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. SISA applies the power of forensic intelligence and advanced technology to offer true security to over 2,000 customers across over 40 countries.

For Digital Threat Report, click here  

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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2119801) Visitor Counter : 113

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Indigenous Wireless charger for electrical vehicles with ability to charge 90% battery in 3 hours to become a reality; CDAC & VNIT Nagpur’s technology passed on to an Indian firm to commercially develop it

Source: Government of India

Indigenous Wireless charger for electrical vehicles with ability to charge 90% battery in 3 hours to become a reality; CDAC & VNIT Nagpur’s technology passed on to an Indian firm to commercially develop it

Meity join hands with Railways to make an indigenous propulsion system of locomotives boosting railway electrification and industry adoption; Uses high power converters & advanced controlling management systems

Using CDAC green technology Kerala’s K-DISC marks a milestone in sustainable power innovation making its building energy efficient through Low Voltage Direct Current.

Research must lead to real-world applications with industry Collaboration: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY

MeitY secretary stresses indigenization in power electronics to boost ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goals

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Shri S. Krishnan announced the signing of ToT/MoA/MoU among industries for commercialization of technologies developed under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi. During the meeting, the Secretary, MeitY, addressed the need for indigenous technology in the areas of Power Electronics.

The highlights of the event showcased the development of MeitY-supported technologies under the NaMPET programme. These technologies have been developed, deployed, tested, and certified for commercialization. The details of the transfer of technology (ToT), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY are as follows:

Wireless Charger for Electric Vehicle

Transfer of technology for the indigenous 1.5 kW Wireless Charger technology, developed by C-DAC (T) and VNIT Nagpur, to M/s Global Business Solution Pvt. Ltd: It is capable of operating on a 230V, 50Hz AC single-phase supply and charges a 4.8kWh onboard battery pack at 48V with 30A current in approximately 3 hours, achieving a maximum efficiency of 89.4% within a coil separation of 7.5–12.5 cm. The charger incorporates Silicon Carbide-based MOSFETs operating at 88kHz and includes safety features such as short-circuit and open-circuit protection.

MoA for the development of an Indigenous Propulsion System for Electric Locomotives

Collaboration through MoA signed between C-DAC, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and industry partners for the indigenization of Indian Railway propulsion system: The collaboration marks a transformative step in India’s rail electrification efforts by developing an indigenous propulsion system for 3-phase electric locomotives with the Indian Railways aiming for full electrification by 2030. The proposed propulsion system integrates two high-power 2.5 MVA Traction Converters, three 130 kVA Auxiliary Converters, and an advanced Train Control and Management System (TCMS), providing enhanced performance, reliability, and operational flexibility for modern locomotives. The industries undertaking the MoA are M/s Daulat Ram Engineering Services Pvt Ltd (Bhopal), M/s JMV LPS Ltd (Noida), and M/s Electro-waves Electronics Pvt Ltd (HP) which demonstrates the strong industry-academia-government synergy driving this initiative. These partners will play a crucial role in testing, product engineering, and prototype deployment, ensuring successful field validation by Indian Railways, ensuring structured industry adoption and commercial rollout.

MoU with K-DISC for LVDC Systems

Collaboration through MoU signed between C-DAC and Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) for the deployment of green and sustainable grid solutions:  The 48V Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) system, developed by C-DAC under the NaMPET programme with the support of MeitY, has emerged as a game-changing technology for energy conservation, green energy integration, and cost-effective power distribution. Recognizing its potential, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has implemented this system at its headquarters, making it the first administrative building in Kerala to be powered by 48V DC that could lead to 20–30% energy savings, contributing to Kerala’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050 and India’s broader Net Zero 2070 vision.

The ToT/MoU/MoA signing of the above technologies was done at MeitY, New Delhi, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY, with dignitaries from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, Ministry of Railway and industry representatives in the areas of EV chargers, Smart Metering, Rail Propulsion and Renewable Energy

About NaMPET

The NaMPET is a unique mission-mode programme of MeitY involving research, development, deployment, demonstration, and commercialization of technologies in the Power Electronics (PE) domain. The programme is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, as the nodal agency with participating agencies from academia, R&D organizations, and Industries. The main focus areas of the programme include Microgrid for powering remote Villages, Green Energy for Community buildings, Empowerment of e-mobility ecosystem, Smart Power Quality Centre in the Distribution Grid, High Voltage Power Electronics for Food processing, Agriculture, Industry, and Health, Technology marketing, and Promotion of Start-ups with the platform for technology outreach.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2119868) Visitor Counter : 43

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New magnetic nanoparticles may help treat Cancer

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

An efficient magnetic system has been developed with newly systhesised nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles that can treat cancer by increasing temperature  of tumour cells through a procedure called magnetic hyperthermia for treating cancer.

Cancer has been considered as one of the most threatening diseases for humanity. Of several available treatment methods, the most effective treatments for cancerous cells are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. All of the cancer treatment methods have demonstrated multiple side effects.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can lead to nausea, exhaustion, hair loss, and an elevated risk of infection. Although targeted medicines have demonstrated efficacy, they may not be appropriate for all cancer forms and may require following specific conditions. Most cancer treatments are costly and hence may be inaccessible to many.  

Nanomagnets have opened up a targeted heat generation process (hyperthermia) that can be used in treating cancer cells with comparatively less side effects and is controlled by the magnetic field from outside. Tuning the physical properties of nanomagnets is essential to make them usable for hyperthermia applications. Due to the direct impact of various physical parameters of nanomagnets on the self-heating efficacy, it is challenging to create and control biofriendly coated magnetic nanoparticles with an effective heat generation efficiency.

A team of scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury in collaboration with NIT Nagaland synthesized nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles with varying rare-earth Gd dopant contents using the conventional chemical co-precipitation route.

These magnetic nanoparticles’ inhomogeneous in fluid form was used further to generate heat under the applied alternating magnetic field subjection. The heat generation method of magnetic nanoparticles can be used in treating cancer cells by elevating the cell temperature up to 46oC for a specific duration, causing necrosis in the injured cells when applied to particular cancer locations. Thus, superparamagnetic nanoparticles act as nano-heaters and can potentially be utilized in magnetic hyperthermia applications for treating cancer and offering alternative cancer therapy.

This research by the team consisting of Dr. Mritunjoy Prasad Ghosh, National Post-Doctoral Fellow (N-PDF) and Mr. Rahul Sonkar research scholar from IASST Guwahati was recently published in Nanoscale Advances, a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.               

              [Gd doped cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles]

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2119803) Visitor Counter : 60

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Sarbananda Sonowal unveils advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity at Cochin Shipyard

Source: Government of India

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity at Cochin Shipyard

Presides over Steel Cutting Ceremony and sets up Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) 

“PM Narendra Modi ji’s leadership for shipbuilding through budgetary support must be effectively utilised towards building Atmanirbhar Bharat”: Sarbananda Sonowal 

Union Minister reviews progress of construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) at CSL

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:57PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Cochin Shipyard as he unveiled advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity of the country. 

Shri Sonowal remarked that this is a movement towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

The Union Minister inaugurated the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, an advanced, Industry 4.0-ready facility that will significantly enhance CSL’s shipbuilding capabilities. Fully IoT-enabled, the system allows real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and increased production efficiency, directly aligning with the objectives of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal said, “The launch of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India’s shipbuilding and green maritime journey. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, these initiatives reinforce our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector. The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not just a technological advancement, but a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement.”

The Union Minister also presided over the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship sustainability initiative by the Ministry. 

CSL is the first Indian company to undertake the construction of these hybrid and electric propulsion tugs, with a total of 16 vessels planned across major ports in India. The project is being executed in collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd., the Indian Register of Shipping, and other global experts, marking a major step in India’s green maritime transition.

Speaking during the visit, the Union Minister said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as the Pride of India, a testament to our indigenous shipbuilding excellence and self-reliance. From building the iconic INS Vikrant to delivering over 175 vessels and completing more than 2,500 ship repair projects, CSL reflects the transformative vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji towards self-reliance. Under his leadership, India’s maritime sector is scaling new heights — through world-class infrastructure, national expansion, and institutions like METI that are shaping the skilled maritime workforce of tomorrow.”

The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of the construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (12,000 cu.m), being built by CSL for the Dredging Corporation of India in partnership with IHC Holland. The dredger is a strategic national asset that will reduce dependency on foreign services while enhancing coastal access and maritime infrastructure in line with the ‘Maritime Amritkaal Vision, 2047’.

Highlighting the immense importance of human resources in the maritime sector, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited’s innovation-led initiatives like the USHUS Marine Startup Programme reflect the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a tech-driven maritime sector. With investments in AI, deep-tech, and renewables, these startups are fuelling job creation and maritime innovation. CSL’s strong focus on skilling—through partnerships with Maersk and initiatives like ASAP Kerala—is building a future-ready workforce and strengthening India’s global leadership in shipbuilding and marine excellence.”

The Union Minister’s visit comes at a pivotal time, first after the Union Budget of 2025–26 with its transformational scope of the budget, including the ₹25,000 crores Maritime Development Fund (MDF) expected to mobilise ₹1.5 lakh crore in maritime investments by 2030. Other budget initiatives such as the revamped SBFAP 2.0, infrastructure status for large ships, and targeted support for shipbuilding clusters are poised to revolutionise the sector.

Shri Sonowal highlighted the importance of new policies like, Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 among others aimed at simplifying maritime regulations, promoting Indian-flagged vessels, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing seafarer welfare. With a 46% increase in the Ministry’s budget allocation and a 143% surge in R&D funding. The Minister called this a historic moment for the Indian maritime industry.

The visit concluded with a renewed call to accelerate India’s maritime journey—driven by bold ambition, anchored in Atmanirbhar Bharat, guided by Maritime India Vision 2030, and propelled by the transformative spirit of Maritime Amritkaal.

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GDH/HR

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