Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Those behind the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam will soon get a befitting reply, Govt will take all necessary steps: Raksha Mantri

“Every Indian is united, we can never be intimidated by such terror activities”

Govt equipping Armed Forces to tackle challenges emanating from a fluid international order, says Shri Rajnath Singh

“Aim is to establish IAF as a dominant power & achieve defence sovereignty”

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

            Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has assured the people that those responsible for the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent citizens in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir will soon get a befitting reply to their nefarious acts on Indian soil. Delivering a memorial lecture on the Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh in New Delhi on April 23, 2025, Raksha Mantri reiterated India’s firm resolve of zero tolerance against terrorism and stated that the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will take every necessary and appropriate step.

            “India is an old civilisation and such a big country can never be intimidated by any such terror activities. Every Indian is united against this cowardly act. Not just those who perpetrated the attack, but even those who conspired from behind the scenes to commit such nefarious acts on the Indian soil will soon get an appropriate response,” said Shri Rajnath Singh

            In the context of cross-border-supported terrorist incidents, Raksha Mantri said “History is witness to the withering away of nations not due to the action of the adversary, but due to the result of their own misdeeds. I hope people across the border look at lessons of history more closely”.

            Shri Rajnath Singh expressed deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the terror attack at Pahalgam. “Our country has lost many innocent citizens in a cowardly attack by terrorists targeting religion. This extremely inhuman act has left us in deep pain. In this hour of grief, I pray for peace to the departed souls,” he said.

            Later, Raksha Mantri paid rich tributes to the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, terming his leadership, vision and dedication as incredible. “He was a visionary military leader who, even today, inspires the youth. If today IAF is one of the world’s strongest air forces, it is because of the vision and ethos of military leaders like Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh,” he said.

            Shri Rajnath Singh described the journey of IAF as an aspiring, inspirational, and transformational epic, which is not just about touching the sky, but also turning the dreams of national security into reality. He stated that, despite challenges, IAF has grown stronger post-independence, and is today contributing significantly to national security as a strong pillar.

            Raksha Mantri emphasised that the Government’s focus is on transforming the Armed Forces on the back of a self-reliant defence ecosystem. He reiterated the commitment towards establishing IAF as a dominant power in the region, stating that the journey towards Aatmanirbharta is a shared responsibility. Commitment, collaboration and unified vision is the need of the hour, he said. He added that India’s national security will further strengthen if IAF is well-equipped and highly technology-oriented.

            Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that national security cannot be ensured through import dependency, and the Government is working relentlessly towards achieving defence sovereignty. He stated that emphasis is being laid on manufacturing defence equipment within the country and the efforts of Ministry of Defence are yielding positive results. He termed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Light Utility Helicopter Prachand, Akash & BrahMos Air Defence weapons as shining examples of the capability of Indian designers, engineers and scientists.

            “Today, not only has there been unparalleled growth in defence manufacturing in the public sector, the private sector is also participating with great enthusiasm. As the field of defence production is becoming technology-oriented, the role of start-ups and MSMEs is also increasing rapidly. These are proving to be the backbone of defence innovation. In the times to come, the role of the private sector, start-ups and MSMEs in high-tech warfare is going to increase even more,” said Raksha Mantri.

            Terming aero-engine development as a priority area of the Government in view of the needs of IAF, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the effort is to make the engine in India on the model of co-development and co-production with full intellectual property rights. He added that special attention is being paid to the development of fifth generation fighter aircraft and LCA Mark-2. He further highlighted that self-reliance has been achieved to a large extent on many air defence systems, including Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, anti-field weapon, NG Anti-radiation missile, and Very Short Range Air Defence System, and these are at various stages of production and development.

            Raksha Mantri emphasised that due to the shift of power dynamics to Asia in the 21^st century, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the most important region strategically, and the Government is leaving no stone unturned to address the complex challenges emanating from a fluid international order and technological revolution. He pointed out that the revolutionary breakthrough in the field of technology, including the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonic Directed Energy weapons, Quantum Computing, drones, cyber & space tech, have brought unpredictability and lethality in modern-day warfare, making it unconventional & even more uncertain. He voiced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to tackle these challenges and uncertainties.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the senior civil & military officials and serving and retired IAF personnel were among those present on the occasion.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2123860) Visitor Counter : 361

Source: Government of India

World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 to Spotlight Traditional Medicine as a Key Driver of Global Health Equity

World Health Summit  Regional Meeting is a timely opportunity to advance global dialogue on traditional medicine: Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav

Ayush Participation to Highlight India’s Role in Promoting Holistic Health at WHS Regional Meeting in New Delhi

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

The World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting, scheduled to take place from April 25–27, 2025, in New Delhi, is set to provide a vital platform for shaping the global health agenda, with a special focus on the integration and scaling up of traditional medicine systems. Among the key highlights of the summit is a session titled “Restoring Balance: Scaling up Access to Traditional Medicine for Health and Well-being”, which promises to serve as a major milestone for the global traditional medicine sector.

The Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, underlined the significance of the event and mentioned, “The WHS Regional Meeting is a timely opportunity to advance global dialogue on traditional medicine. The dedicated session reflects growing global interest in holistic health. As we prepare for the 2^nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in December, hosted in Delhi and anchored by the WHO-GTMC in Jamnagar, India reaffirms its commitment to global well-being.”

Organized under the overarching theme “Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity,” the WHS Regional Meeting will bring together ministers, leading scientists, CEOs, UN officials, and civil society stakeholders to explore innovative, inclusive, and sustainable pathways to achieving health for all. Of particular significance is the dedicated session on traditional medicine, which seeks to harness the transformative potential of combining time-tested traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research.

The session on traditional medicine will delve into how holistic health systems rooted in ancient wisdom can help meet the growing global demand for person-centred care and contribute to health equity. Experts will examine opportunities to advance universal access to safe and effective traditional medicine practices by leveraging technological innovations, evidence-based research, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

This session holds particular relevance in the lead-up to the 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, to be held from December 2–4, 2025, in New Delhi. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The WHS Regional Meeting offers a crucial platform to promote evidence-based traditional medicine within global health discussions. The session on traditional medicine sets the stage for the 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in December, supported by the WHO-GTMC and reflecting India’s leadership in advancing traditional medicine globally.”

The GTMC, established under a Host Country Agreement between the Government of India through the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organisation in 2022, is the first and only WHO outposted global Centre for traditional medicine. It plays a critical role in advancing the safe, effective, and sustainable use of traditional medicine across WHO Member States by integrating indigenous knowledge systems with global health strategies.

As anticipation builds for the 2^nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, the WHS Regional Meeting in New Delhi is poised to catalyse critical dialogues and partnerships that will shape the trajectory of traditional medicine in the global health landscape. It will also amplify India’s leadership role in promoting traditional medicine, reaffirming its commitment to global well-being and sustainable health solutions rooted in cultural heritage.

The upcoming discussions are expected to pave the way for renewed international collaboration, innovation, and policy-making in traditional medicine, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO’s vision of universal health coverage.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2123865) Visitor Counter : 127

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 23) received a report of a case of severe paediatric COVID-19 and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection and reminded the public to observe personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. High-risk individuals should receive a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and receive booster doses at appropriate times to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
      
The case involves an eight-month-old girl with good past health, who developed a fever and runny nose since April 19 and sought medical attention from a private doctor the next day. She developed cough and shortness of breath on April 21 and sought medical attention from another private doctor. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan on April 22 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on the same day. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus and hMPV upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 co-infectedwith hMPV complicated with croup. She is still hospitalised and is in critical condition.
      
A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had not received COVID-19 vaccine and had no travel history during the incubation period. Two of her household contacts had presented with respiratory symptoms and had recovered.
      
“There has been a recent increase in the activity of COVID-19 in the local community. In the past few weeks, the load of SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the laboratory test positivity rate and the consultation rate of COVID-19 cases in general out-patient clinics have continued to rise. As of April 12, the viral load per capita of SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 390 000 copy/litre, which was significantly higher than the week ending March 15 previously, when it was 85 000 copy/litre,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
      
“Genetic analysis has shown that the predominant circulating strains in Hong Kong are still JN.1 and its related variants, and the vaccines currently used in Hong Kong can effectively prevent the related variants. Scientific data shows that timely booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk persons help lower the risk of severe illness and death. Members of the public who have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including infants and children) should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those at high risk (particularly the elderly and persons with underlying comorbidities) should receive a booster dose as soon as possible for effective prevention against COVID-19,” Dr Tsui added.
      
Persons with hMPV infection can present with symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath etc. hMPV infection may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. hMPV infection can occur all year round and is more common in late spring and summer locally in general.

Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent COVID-19, influenza, hMPV infection, and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following:
      

• Patients can wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses. Therefore, it is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid sharing personal items;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider to refrain from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

 
For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s website.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

As part of the  Poshan Pakhwada 2025 celebrations, various activities were organized across the country to emphasize the importance of the first 1000 days of life.

In Taloda, District Nandurbar, Maharashtra, a spirited street play (Nukkad Natak) was organized by local artists in the local dialect. The performance effectively sensitized the entire community to the significance of the first 1000 days.

In Mizoram, a vibrant Health Walk was organized to spread awareness about the importance of the first 1000 days as part of Poshan Pakhwada 2025.

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SS/MS

(Release ID: 2123836) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

Building a Self-Reliant India

5 Years of SVAMITVA Scheme

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi

 

Introduction

The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on April 24, 2020, on National Panchayati Raj Day. This year, SVAMITVA is celebrating its 5^th anniversary! The scheme helps people in villages get legal ownership papers for the houses and land they live on. It uses drones and special mapping tools to clearly mark property boundaries. With these papers, people can take bank loans, settle land disputes, and even use their property to earn more. It also helps in better village planning.

The SVAMITVA Scheme is implemented by the Survey of India (SoI) with the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) as the technology partner. The total cost is ₹566.23 crores from Financial Year (FY) 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, with an extension until FY 2025-26.

 

Key Achievements Under Scheme

 

5. On 18th January 2025, 65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards were distributed across more than 50,000 villages in 10 States (Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) and 2 Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh).
5. As of 2^nd April 2025, drone surveys have been completed in 3.20 lakh villages under the SVAMITVA Scheme. These surveys have covered an estimated area of 68,122 square kilometers, based on the average size of the inhabited areas in each village.
5. As of 11^th March 2025, 31 States and Union Territories have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Drone surveys have been completed in 3.20 lakh villages, with full coverage in the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Delhi and the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. A total of 2.42 crore property cards have been issued for 1.61 lakh villages.

SVAMITVA: Inspiring Global Land Governance Innovations

SVAMITVA is setting a global example by using technology to transform land governance and inspire other countries to adopt similar models.

5. The International Workshop on Land Governance  held from March 24-29, 2025, at Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Gurugram, brought together senior officials from 22 countries. The event showcased India’s innovative approach, including drone-based surveys, digital property records and transparent governance through the SVAMITVA Scheme.
5. At the India International Trade Fair 2024 in Bharat Mandapam, the scheme demonstrated how drones and GIS mapping are helping rural communities gain clear and legal land ownership. This not only reduces disputes but also improves access to credit and fosters economic growth, empowering rural India and enhancing property rights.

Need for SVAMITVA

For decades, many village homes and lands in India were never properly recorded. Without legal documents, people couldn’t prove ownership or use their property to get bank loans or government help. This lack of records slowed down the economic growth of rural areas and led to frequent land disputes. To solve this, the SVAMITVA Scheme gives people legal ownership papers, helping them secure their rights and build a better future.

 

Objectives of the Scheme

SVAMITVA Components

The SVAMITVA Scheme is built on key components that ensure accurate land mapping, efficient implementation, and community awareness:

• Establishment of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network: The CORS network support in establishing Ground Control Points, which is an important activity for accurate Geo-referencing, ground truthing and demarcation of Lands. 

• Large Scale Mapping using Drones: Rural inhabited (abadi) area is being mapping by Survey of India using drone Survey. It generates high resolution and accurate maps to confer ownership property rights. Based on these maps or data, property cards issue to the rural household owners. 
• Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Initiatives: Awareness program to sensitize the local population about the scheme methodology and its benefits.
• Enhancement of Spatial Planning Application “Gram Manchitra”: Leveraging digital spatial data/maps created under drone survey for creation of spatial analytical tools to support preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). 
• Online Monitoring System: Online Monitoring and reporting dashboard is monitored to track the progress of activities. 
• Project Management: Programme Management Units at the National and State levels for supporting Ministry & State respectively with scheme implementation.

Success Stories

 

The SVAMITVA Scheme is transforming rural governance by providing clear property rights and improving land management. These examples underscore the scheme’s role in driving rural progress and fostering self-reliance.

• Dispute Resolution: After 25 years of uncertainty, Smt. Sunita from Taropka village in Himachal Pradesh got legal ownership of her ancestral land through the SVAMITVA Scheme. With her property card, she settled a long-standing dispute with her neighbor, bringing peace and security to her family’s future. The SVAMITVA Scheme gave her clear ownership, improving her life.
• Financial Inclusion: Sh. Sukhlal Pargi from Falated village in Rajasthan received a Patta and Property Card through the SVAMITVA Scheme. With these documents, he was able to access financial services. He used the property card to get a bank loan of Rs 3 lakh quickly. The SVAMITVA Scheme gave him legal ownership and helped improve his financial stability.

 

 

Conclusion

The SVAMITVA Scheme is changing land ownership in rural India. It turns old challenges into new opportunities for growth and empowerment. The scheme uses technology to solve disputes and break barriers. It helps people use their land for economic progress. With drones and digital property cards, it’s about creating new possibilities. SVAMITVA is more than a government program, it’s a step toward self-reliance, better planning and a stronger rural India.

 

References

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/jun/doc20226862301.pdf

Click here to download PDF

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

(Release ID: 2123886) Visitor Counter : 160

Source: Government of India

Focused, 2-day capacity building programme for electoral field functionaries from Bihar begins

229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs take part in the training program at IIIDEM in the National Capital

Specialized one-day training programme for State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also begins

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Election Commission is organising a 2-day training and capacity building of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. This is the third such batch of BLOs to be trained from the poll-bound state of Bihar. 229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs from the State are participating in the 2-day training programme. A specialized one-day training programme for the State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also commenced today. The training programme was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi at IIIDEM, New Delhi and was followed by an interaction with the participants.

The training is planned to familiarise the BLOs with their roles and responsibilities as per statutory framework and equip them with to ensure error-free electoral rolls. They will also be trained in the IT applications designed to support their roles.

This is the latest in the first phase of the ongoing physical training programmes at IIIDEM in which 555 BLOs from poll-bound states of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam and 279 Booth Level Agents (BLA-1s) of 10 recognised national and state political parties from Bihar have already been trained. These well-trained BLOs will form a corps of Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs) to strengthen the entire network of BLOs nationwide.

The training of SPNOs and Police Officers from Bihar aims to improve coordination between election authorities and the police for enhanced electoral management, especially in the areas of law and order, vulnerability assessment, Paramilitary forces (CAPF) deployment, and model code of conduct (MCC) enforcement.

Till date over 3000 participants from 141 countries including large democracies such as Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Brazil, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Israel, Russia and South Africa have benefited from training programmes from India’s globally acclaimed election management practices at IIIDEM.

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PK/GDH/RP

(Release ID: 2123840) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun is organising an International Conference “Shaping the Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities” (SEFCO-2025) from April 23 to 25, 2025. SEFCO conference is annually organized by students and young scientists at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun which is a platform to facilitate discussions on innovative solutions, explore collaborative opportunities in energy & chemical sector.

1^st edition of “SEFCO” Conference was organized in 2017. The present 7^th edition is an international conference with a theme of “Catalysing a Sustainable Future with Affordable Energy and Chemicals.”

 

The inauguration ceremony of SEFCO held on 23 April 2025 was graced by Chief Guest Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee and Guest of Honour Sh Alok Sharma, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Dr. Manoj Srivastava, Secretary, SEFCO 2025 in his opening remarks gave an overview of genesis and relevance of SEFCO and its journey since inception. Dr. Harender Singh Bisht, Director, CSIR-IIP and Chief Patron of the conference, after paying homage to his holiness Pope Francis, welcomed distinguished guests and delegates and highlighted work done at CSIR-IIP and shared his vision on the way forward.

 

 

Sh Alok Sharma in his guest of honour address highlighted the approaches and measures adopted by Indian refineries towards achieving GoI’snet-zero goal by 2070.

In his keynote address, Chief guest Prof. K K Pant emphasized various pathways of producing green and sustainable energy and chemicals. He also mentioned that new challenges emerge when the technologies are scale-up from lab to commercial level. He inspired young researchers to think out of box to overcome these challenges.

This 3-day conference will feature talks from various national and international experts, young scientists and research students from universities, research institutes and industries. Notable International speakers include Prof. Paul A. Webley from Monash University, Australia; Dr. Richard Blom from SINTEF, Norway; Prof. Samira Siahrostami, Simon Fraser University, Canada; Prof. Keiichi Tomishige, Tohoku University, Japan, and Prof. Eric van Steen, SARChI Reaction Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

More than 300 delegates from various national and international organizations are attending the conference. An exhibition showcasing CSIR-IIP’s technological achievements is part of this conference. SEFCO-2025 is supported by ONGC, EIL, BPCL, CRISTOL,IOCL, GAIL, AIRBUS, NRL, CPCL & R L Solutions.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123894) Visitor Counter : 64

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh convenes a joint meeting of Department of Biotechnology, AIIMS New Delhi, BIRAC, ICMR and Industry partners to review the indigenously developed HPV test kits for Cervical Cancer screening in India Calls Scientific Review of Indigenously Developed HPV Test Kits for Cervical Cancer Screening,

Describes it as a Milestone in Preventive Healthcare:

With 1 in every 5 women globally suffering from cervical cancer is from India. With 25% of global cervical cancer deaths occurring in India— often due to late diagnosis— Dr. Jitendra Singh stresses the critical need for preventive screening strategies

Lauds involvement of the private sector is integral to these success stories, highlighting a “whole-of-science and whole-of-government approach.”

Ultimate objective is to enable affordable, accessible, and ideally mass screening for cervical cancer highlights Dr. Jitendra Singh

Dr. Jitendra Singh calls it national responsibility to safeguard our youth and offer them timely prevention of metabolic disorders

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today convened a joint meeting of Department of Biotechnology, AIIMS New Delhi, BIRAC, ICMR and Industry partners here to review the indigenously developed HPV test kits for Cervical Cancer screening in India and described it as another milestone in preventive healthcare achieved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the ultimate goal is to position India as a global leader in preventive healthcare. He said it is now the right time to acknowledge a series of significant milestones accomplished by the team at DBT and BIRAC, including the development of the first-ever DNA vaccine, which brought India international recognition and restored esteem to Indian science in the field of healthcare.

“The DNA vaccine has projected India as a country capable of leading in preventive healthcare—a stark contrast to the outdated perception that India neither prioritized preventive, nor even curative healthcare,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

He also referred to Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, which has received encouraging feedback. Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the involvement of the private sector is integral to these success stories, highlighting a “whole-of-science and whole-of-government approach.”

Another breakthrough cited was the successful gene therapy trial in hemophilia, which earned a spot in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Notably, both the British Medical Journal and NEJM, among the world’s oldest medical journals, have acknowledged India’s pioneering healthcare research.

Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined four pillars of focus namely 1. Preventive Healthcare – As the future of healthcare lies in prevention, this will be the government’s primary focus moving forward.2. Youth-Centric Preventive Measures – Recognizing the prevalence of cervical cancer among adolescents and young women, emphasis will be on early-age interventions.3. Women’s Health –Strengthening government initiatives across ministries, including Health and Women & Child Development. 4. Private Sector Involvement – Building an ecosystem where government and private players collaborate domestically and globally.

Dr. Jitendra Singh coined the term “PPP plus PPP”, referring to Public-Private Partnerships both within and beyond national borders, a model successfully adopted by several European nations, particularly in life sciences and healthcare.

Dr. Jitendra Singh drew attention to India ranking fourth globally in cervical cancer-related morbidity, underscoring the urgent need for action. He cautioned, however, that HPV is not the sole cause of cervical cancer, but studies have shown a 90% correlation, supporting the case for targeted prevention.

The Minister said that the ultimate objective is to enable affordable, accessible, and ideally mass screening for cervical cancer. He cited his own example from 1996 of providing free insulin treatment for Type 1 diabetes through charitable collaboration with Novo Nordisk, illustrating how private companies can contribute meaningfully.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also remarked that discussions around vaccines have surged post-COVID, but emphasized the need for holistic prevention, including social, cultural, and hygienic habits—the traditional pillars of public health education.

The GCI-BIRAC-DBT program titled “Validating Indigenous Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India” successfully validated rapid, point-of-care, RT-PCR-based HPV diagnostic test kits. These kits were tested at premier R&D laboratories across the country.

According to WHO data, 1 in every 5 women globally suffering from cervical cancer is from India. With 25% of global cervical cancer deaths occurring in India—often due to late diagnosis—Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the critical need for preventive screening strategies.

The Minister pointed out that current screening methods, including VIA/VILI, Pap smears, and HPV DNA testing, are costly, resource-intensive, and moderately sensitive. The new indigenous kits are expected to significantly reduce the cost and improve accessibility for widespread use.

Tying the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India is now addressing multiple challenges simultaneously. With over 70% of India’s population below the age of 40, Dr. Singh raised concerns about rising non-communicable diseases, including early-onset Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of the middle-aged.

“It becomes a national responsibility to safeguard our youth and offer them timely prevention if we truly aim to harness their energy for building the India of 2047,” Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted.

The Minister concluded by urging continued cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the benefits of science reach the common public, making healthcare not just accessible, but affordable and proactive.

The review meeting was attended by several key dignitaries and domain experts. Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC; and Padma Shri Dr. Neerja Bhatla, a renowned expert in gynecologic oncology, were present and contributed valuable insights to the review proceedings.

Prior to the commencement of the scientific review, a two-minute silence was observed to pay solemn tribute to the lives lost in yesterday’s terror attack in Pahalgam. The gathering expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123856) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

MeitY Launches ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book

‘I Am Circular’ Highlights 30 Circular Economy Innovations from India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted the release of the ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book, curetted by the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE).  The book is a vibrant celebration of India’s innovative spirit in driving the circular economy forward.

Tech-Driven Inclusive Development

In his keynote address, Additional Secretary, MeitY and Director General, National Informatics Centre Shri Abhishek Singh emphasized the importance of enabling ecosystems that foster innovation for sustainability. “This initiative aligns with MeitY’s vision of integrating technology for responsible growth and inclusive development. The ‘I Am Circular’ book stands as a proud representation of India’s innovation potential in the domain of circular economy,” he stated.

MeitY extends its appreciation to the International Council for Circular Economy, for facilitating the successful execution of this initiative, he said. He added that ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book is not merely a publication—it is a testament to India’s creative potential, an ode to responsible innovation and a symbol of our national commitment to building a sustainable, circular future.

The event was also attended by Dr. Sandip Chhaterjee, Advisor, SERI, Mr Surendra Gotherwal, Scientist, MeitY, Mr. Pooran Chandra Pandey, Advisor, ICCE, and Mr. Ravinder Dahiya, Director, ICCE, Ms. Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Managing Director, ICCE.

About Coffee Table Book

The ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book features 30 of India’s most promising innovations identified through the nationwide ‘I Am Circular’ Challenge, an initiative designed to discover and amplify breakthrough solutions rooted in the principles of the circular economy. The selected innovations are based on three key themes: Design to Last, Work with Nature, and Use Existing Resources.

From electronic waste recycling and IoT-based circular solutions, to green materials and digital repair platforms, the innovations showcased reflect a future where resources are used responsibly, waste is minimized, and technology and sustainability converge

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2123899) Visitor Counter : 30

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region