Source: Government of India
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 8:36PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid his respects at the ‘Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial’ in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo, today.
The IPKF Memorial commemorates the soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
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MJPS/SR
(Release ID: 2119368) Visitor Counter : 63
Source: Government of India
Second Fund of Funds for Startups worth ₹10,000 crore approved to boost deep-tech and early-stage innovation
Startup India Desk to be set up to serve as a helpline for startups
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:08PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal conferred the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards on the concluding day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi today. Addressing a packed audience of entrepreneurs, innovators and ecosystem enablers, the Minister lauded all participants, stating that each one of them is a “Maharathi”—a skilled warrior and vital contributor in India’s startup revolution.
“Maharathi is every one of the 2,400 participants of this grand challenge. Every one of the 3,000 exhibitors at Startup Mahakumbh is on the path to success,” said Shri Goyal, as he acknowledged the immense talent and potential of India’s startup ecosystem.
He encouraged young founders to set ambitious goals and rise beyond the limitations of the present. “The potential you hold will make you a great contributor to India’s journey in this Amrit Kaal. Let the Startup Mahakumbh ignite aspirations that go beyond the current realm of reality,” he added.
Comparing the scale of the event with previous years, the Minister informed that while last year saw around 3,000 visitors, this year the Mahakumbh witnessed a record footfall of 2.3 lakh visitors, underlining India’s exponential growth trajectory in the innovation space.
Shri Goyal also shared that 40% of the applicants for the Maharathi Grand Challenge were from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and many were women-led startups. “Women are taking a lead in India’s development and contributing with great enthusiasm,” he remarked.
The Minister emphasised that the Government is creating an enabling environment for startups through landmark reforms in Ease of Doing Business. “Over 40,000 compliances have been simplified or removed, and many laws have been decriminalized so that startups can work freely and fairly,” he said.
Announcing a key initiative, Shri Goyal revealed that a dedicated Startup India Desk will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to serve as a helpline for startups across India, accessible via a simple 4-digit toll-free number in regional languages.
He also said that the Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, has been approved by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This year, ₹2,000 crore will be disbursed to SIDBI as the first installment. A significant portion of the fund will be reserved for seed funding of small startups and to support deep-tech innovation.
“Through this fund, we aim to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, quantum computing, machine learning, precision manufacturing and biotech,” he stated.
The objective is to provide early-stage financial support to budding entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing traditional forms of capital. This allocation will empower startups working on disruptive technologies by enabling them to scale prototypes, undertake research and development, and accelerate go-to-market strategies.
The fund will especially focus on startups operating in cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, precision manufacturing, biotech, and semiconductor design, where long gestation periods and high capital requirements often pose hurdles. By mobilising patient capital, the Government aims to build a strong pipeline of indigenous technology solutions that can address national priorities and position India as a global innovation leader.
This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to nurturing a self-reliant and forward-looking startup ecosystem, where young innovators from every corner of India have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Shri Goyal further urged SIDBI to establish at least one support centre in every state to provide basic infrastructure and shared facilities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Recalling his interaction with a startup that had invested in its own 3D printer due to the lack of shared facilities, the Minister stressed the importance of accessible prototyping resources.
“We must unlock India’s full potential through facilitation, not regulation. The Government is here to support your journey, not control it,” he concluded.
Shri Goyal called upon India’s youth to lead the way in emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors and deep-tech, and shape the nation’s path to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Abhishek Dayal / Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas
(Release ID: 2119385) Visitor Counter : 78
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, attended Grand Finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, celebrating India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event showcased some of the country’s brightest student innovators who presented their pioneering solutions on a national platform.
The Futurepreneurs Challenge, a key highlight of the event, featured 10 standout student teams who presented their groundbreaking innovations in a rapid-fire format before Shri Jayant Chaudhary and an esteemed audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Shri Chaudhary personally congratulated and felicitated the top 10 startups, recognizing them as emerging changemakers in India’s startup journey.
The top prize went to Chitkara University, Chandigarh, for Stick Buddy, a smart assistive device designed for the visually impaired, featuring obstacle detection, time-date updates, and emergency alerts. Tula’s Institute, Dehradun, took second place with Pragati, an AI-powered nurse robot that conducts health check-ups through a simple handshake, offering real-time alerts, especially for underserved regions. Vignan Pharmacy College, Andhra Pradesh, secured third place with Magna Pads, an innovative menstrual care product that combines pain relief with diagnostic capabilities to detect conditions like anemia and PCOS.
Special Jury Awards were given to Government Polytechnic Deoria for Vayuputra, an AI-enabled agricultural drone aimed at addressing pesticide overuse and labor shortages, and Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, for Jeevitham, an AI-based child healthcare platform that offers personalized nutrition, vaccination tracking, and digital health records. Other notable finalists presented solutions for organ transplant logistics, MSME credit access, sustainable farming, migrant education, and affordable healthcare—illustrating the diverse and impactful ways young innovators are using AI to solve real-world problems.
In a compelling fireside chat with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, which was hosted by TIE Global, the theme ‘From Skills to Startups: Unleashing India’s Youth Entrepreneurs’ resonated deeply. He emphasized the unique value of these entrepreneurs, stating, “What stood out to me today wasn’t just the ideas—it was the intent. Each young entrepreneur here isn’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities. That’s the kind of mindset India needs—where skills and startups go hand in hand. Our job now is to nurture this instinct, strengthen the ecosystem, and make sure every student, every dreamer, feels confident that their idea has a place in India’s future. That’s how we build not just a startup nation, but a nation of responsible creators and leaders.
The Minister also interacted with the 15 Entrepreneurs, supported by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who exhibited at the Skill India Pavilion showcasing the power of skill-led entrepreneurship, amplifying voices from India’s heartlands and creating meaningful opportunities for youth. The pavilion became a high-impact zone for inclusive innovation, emphasizing that entrepreneurship rooted in skills is the key to building a sustainable, inclusive future for India’s youth.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a gathering of over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and 50+ global delegations, solidified India’s position among the world’s top-three startup ecosystems. Within this vibrant ecosystem, the Skill India Pavilion emerged as a beacon of decentralized, skill-driven entrepreneurship, bridging grassroots innovation with national-scale opportunities.
As the event concluded, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-ready startup ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur—regardless of geography or background—has the platform to innovate, grow, and lead.
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Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2119302) Visitor Counter : 58
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Ram Navami.
In a message, the President has said “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.
This holy festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram. The epic life journey of Bhagwan Shri Ram inspires us to follow the path of truth, dharma and ethics. This festival gives the message to serve humanity with dedication and commitment. This sacred festival motivates people to adopt life values of sacrifice, selfless love and remain committed to one’s word.
On this holy occasion, let us learn from the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram and work together for the well-being of entire humanity”.
Please click here to see the President’s message-
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MJPS/SR
(Release ID: 2119308) Visitor Counter : 16
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 8:47AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, released the 26th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data”.
The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the gender landscape in India, presenting selected indicators and data across key areas like population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making, all sourced from various Ministries/ Departments/Organizations. Utilizing official statistics, it presents gender-disaggregated data across urban-rural divides and geographic regions, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women and men.
“Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data” serves as a crucial resource, highlighting both progress in gender equality and persistent disparities. By analyzing socio-economic indicators and highlighting trends, it empowers policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to develop gender-sensitive policies fostering sustainable and inclusive development.
“Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data” is available at the website of the Ministry (https://mospi.gov.in/).
Some of the highlights of the publication are as follows:
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Samrat/Allen
(Release ID: 2119441) Visitor Counter : 70
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 9:02AM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying marked it’s noteworthy presence at the recently concluded Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held from April 3rd to 5th at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Participating as a Silver Supporting Partner, DAHD set up an engaging pavilion, showcasing innovations and initiatives in the livestock and dairy sector.
As part of its Pavilion, DAHD provided Startup Pods to 15 Startups functional in the Livestock and Dairy sector, who got an opportunity to display their product/services and network with key stakeholders while exploring avenues for scaling their impact in India’s agrarian economy. These Startups showcased innovative products and technologies for example, ensuring temperature compliance in dairy processing, AI monitoring for animal health management, sensor-based smart collar for estrus detection, milk adulteration detection kit to ensure food safety, end-to-end SaaS platform for dairy supply chain, artificial insemination gun, data integration in dairy supply chain via blockchain to improve product traceability etc. Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, visited the Pavilion and interacted with several startups, appreciating their contribution and innovations in livestock management and dairy technology.
DAHD’s Pavilion highlighted key government initiatives including the National Livestock Mission’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund. The pavilion also showcased DAHD’s efforts in delivering services directly to farmers doorstep and attracted significant interest and footfall from a wide range of stakeholders from academia, industry, and general public.
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Aditi Agrawal
(Release ID: 2119442) Visitor Counter : 62
Source: Government of India
Ministry Reiterates Commitment to Holistic Tribal Development through Enhanced Healthcare Access
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 9:05AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Tribal Affairs is committed to the holistic development of tribal communities across the country. As part of this vision, the Ministry has undertaken several proactive health initiatives to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure access to quality medical services for tribal populations, especially in remote areas.
Mission to Eradicate Sickle Cell Disease by 2047
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in July 2023. The Mission sets an ambitious target to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047, focusing on awareness generation, universal screening, and comprehensive disease management among tribal populations through a community-centric and integrated approach.
Mega Medical Camp at Sundargarh: A Collaborative Effort under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh
As part of the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi and the Government of Odisha, is organising a two-day mega medical camp on 5th and 6th April 2025 at the Sundargarh Government Medical College & Hospital, Odisha.
The camp was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri JualOram, on 5th April 2025. In his inaugural address, Shri Oram reaffirmed the Central Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare services for tribal communities. He commended the efforts of AIIMS Delhi’s team of medical experts for their dedicated service to the tribal people of Odisha.
On this occasion, the Minister also distributed wheelchairs to around 100 persons with disabilities, exemplifying the Government’s inclusive approach to healthcare. Shri Oram personally interacted with the patients, encouraging them to fully avail the specialised medical services provided.
Specialised Medical Services and Facilities
The camp features expert participation from 19 specialist departments of AIIMS Delhi, including:
Patients from 18 blocks of Sundargarh district and adjoining regions are benefiting from expert consultations, diagnostic services, and medical treatment.
In addition to consultations, the following free diagnostic services are being offered:
Patients are also receiving free medicines as per prescriptions provided by the doctors from AIIMS Delhi.
On the first day, over 1,500 patients availed these services, indicating a strong community response. The camp will continue on 6th April 2025, ensuring wider outreach and impact.
Towards Healthcare for All
This initiative represents a vital step forward in the Ministry’s efforts to realise the vision of “Healthcare for All”, especially in underserved tribal areas. The mega medical camp at Sundargarh serves as a testament to the Government’s ongoing efforts to create healthier, self-reliant, and empowered tribal communities across India.
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RN/PIB
(Release ID: 2119443) Visitor Counter : 47
Source: Government of India
ST-Led Ventures incubated at IIM Kolkata & IIT Guwahati Receive National Awards from Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Showcases 45 Startups under “DhartiAabaTribePreuners 2025” under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh at Bharat Mandapam
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 9:09AM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi ,Ministry of Tribal Affairs marked a significant milestone in empowering tribal entrepreneurship by showcasing 45 tribal-led startups from across India at the StartupMahakumbh held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized under the flagship initiative “DhartiAabaTribepreuners 2025” as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the event witnessed innovation from sectors ranging from deep tech to organic farming and green energy.
Two tribal-led startups, incubated at premier institutions—IIM Kolkata and IIT Guwahati—received prestigious national recognition from Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, affirming the growing role of tribal entrepreneurs in India’s startup ecosystem.
On this achievement, Shri JualOram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Shri VibhuNayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, congratulated the winning startups for their exemplary innovation and dedication to community-led development. They commended the efforts of all participating entrepreneurs for representing the aspirations and potential of tribal India on a national platform.
Award-Winning Startups founded by ST entrepreneurs
OurGuest Travels (Top View Pvt. Ltd.)
Incubated at IIM Kolkata | Sector: Sustainable Tourism
Based in Gangtok, Sikkim, OurGuest Travels (www.ourguest.in) was conferred the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) Award. As the first Online Travel Aggregator (OTA) from Northeast India, it offers a curated collection of homestays, farmstays, resorts, and guided experiences across Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.With over 600 homestays and 50+ guides, the platform has served more than 6,000 travelers and supports rural livelihoods and eco-tourism. This recognition is a key milestone under the Ministry’s 100-Day Agenda to build a strong tribal startup ecosystem.
Ngurie Organic Pvt. Ltd.
Incubated at IIT Guwahati | Sector: AgriTech& Organic Farming
Ngurie Organic received the AgriTech Award for its transformative work in sustainable agriculture. The startup harnesses data-driven research, precision agriculture, and blockchain-enabled transparency to empower farmers with solutions that:
Exclusive Sessions on Tribal Entrepreneurship by VC /Angel Investors
The event featured a high-impact panel titled “Investing in Bharat: Unlocking Startup Potential Beyond the Metro”, with thought leaders from India’s startup and investment ecosystem
In addition, faculty from IIT Delhi conducted a Design Thinking Workshop, guiding tribal startups to refine and scale their business ideas.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tribal Entrepreneurs
The 3-day program concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to:45 tribal startup founders,100 EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential School) students,150 tribal students availing higher education scholarships.
Participants also took part in a bootcamp at IIT Delhi and attended exposure visits across the startup ecosystem during the StartupMahakumbh.
Towards a Self-Reliant Tribal India
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through initiatives like DhartiAabaTribepreuners 2025, continues to create an enabling environment for tribal innovators—combining mentorship, funding, capacity building, and platform exposure. The presence and recognition of tribal entrepreneurs at India’s largest startup conclave reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to making tribal India a key stakeholder in the nation’s growth story.
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RN/PIB
(Release ID: 2119444) Visitor Counter : 31
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:49PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka today in Colombo. During the meeting, he conveyed condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah.
In separate posts on X, he wrote:
“It is always a pleasure to meet the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka. Conveyed my condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah, both of whom were personally known to me. Reiterated unwavering commitment to a life of equality, dignity and justice for the Tamil community within united Sri Lanka. Many projects and initiatives launched during my visit will contribute to their social, economic and cultural progress.”
“இலங்கையில் உள்ள தமிழ் சமூகத்தினரது தலைவர்களை சந்திக்கின்றமை எப்பொழுதும் மகிழ்ச்சிக்குரிய ஒரு விடயமாகும். பெருமதிப்புக்குரிய தமிழ் தலைவர்களான திரு இரா. சம்பந்தன் மற்றும் திரு மாவை சேனாதிராஜா ஆகியோரது மறைவுக்கு இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் அனுதாபம் தெரிவித்தேன், அவர்கள் இருவருமே தனிப்பட்ட ரீதியில் எனக்கு தெரிந்தவர்கள். அத்துடன், ஐக்கிய இலங்கைக்குள் தமிழ் சமூகத்திற்கு சமத்துவம், கௌரவம் மற்றும் நீதி ஆகியவற்றுடனான வாழ்க்கைக்கான எமது அசைக்கமுடியாத அர்ப்பணிப்பு இச்சந்திப்பின்போது மீண்டும் வலியுறுத்தப்பட்டது. எனது விஜயத்தின்போது ஆரம்பித்துவைக்கப்பட்ட பல திட்டங்களும் முன்னெடுப்புகளும் அவர்களது சமூக, பொருளாதார மற்றும் கலாசார முன்னேற்றத்துக்கான பங்களிப்பை வழங்கும்.”
It is always a pleasure to meet the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka. Conveyed my condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah, both of whom were personally known to me. Reiterated unwavering commitment to a… pic.twitter.com/xCjIcWkSrv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025
இலங்கையில் உள்ள தமிழ் சமூகத்தினரது தலைவர்களை சந்திக்கின்றமை எப்பொழுதும் மகிழ்ச்சிக்குரிய ஒரு விடயமாகும். பெருமதிப்புக்குரிய தமிழ் தலைவர்களான திரு இரா. சம்பந்தன் மற்றும் திரு மாவை சேனாதிராஜா ஆகியோரது மறைவுக்கு இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் அனுதாபம் தெரிவித்தேன், அவர்கள் இருவருமே தனிப்பட்ட… pic.twitter.com/bRWmY6lXH5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025
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MJPS/SR
(Release ID: 2119403) Visitor Counter : 58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for concert at Kai Tak Sports Park on April 8, 9, 11 and 12
| Type(3) Cross-boundary coach services and port traffic arrangements
The KTSP Limited will arrange cross-boundary coach services during the dispersal period on the event dates to facilitate travellers’ return to the Mainland via the LMC/HG Port. Passengers should purchase tickets prior to the concert (on-site ticket sales not available during dispersal) and board their coach at the PUDOA on the G/F, Kai Tak Stadium, via the escalator outside Gate H, 2/F. They should refer to the operators’ website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfansIssued at HKT 12:00 NNNN |