Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Two-day International Conclave organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in Arunachal Pradesh

Namsai rich in Buddhist Heritage: ideal Centre for a Buddhist Circuit in North- East: Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister

Over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus, Bhikkhunis, Academicians and Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the Seminar

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

 Rooted in centuries old Buddhist culture and traditions, Namsai, a district in the extreme end of Arunachal Pradesh is a unique example of how an ancient way of life is still being practised here even today, explained Mr Chowna Mein, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at the international Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North- East India.

Making a strong case for initiating a Buddhist tourism circuit in the state, he said “our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals, we recently concluded the Songpa Water Festival, a Buddhist festival celebrated by the Khamti community in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in Namsai and other areas like Changlang and Itanagar, where visitors from overseas were invited to participate. It was a grand success. He added that there were several important ancient pilgrimage sites associated with Buddhism in the state too.

In fact, his tribe the Tai Khamtis were the first, according to him, to wage the first war of independence against the British in 1839. He mentioned that “We defeated the British in the Anglo- Khamti war, and as a result of this subsequently, the British burnt down our villages and scatter our tribe in several areas of North East.”

 

According to Mr Mein, they have preserved the Pali language through their Khamti script. In fact, there are just two ancient scripts in the State: theirs (the Lic Tai) and the Bhoti. Even the Ramayan and Mahabharat are written in the Khamti script (Lic Tai).

The Deputy Chief Minister also explained the enormous “good work” the Mahabodhi Society was undertaking in the region and he was hoping the region would get a skill development centre for empowerment of the youth of the region.

He was speaking at the 2-day International Conclave organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and supported by the government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Mahabodhi Society of Namsai. There were over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis, eminent members of the society, political representatives, professors, academicians from the Northeast and other regions _attending the event. Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the seminar sessions, while the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati Mr Jigme Thinly Namgyal, addressed the congregation in the inaugural session.

Emphasizing the “our dharma is our culture; which is our way of life,”Mr Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai explained that even in our weddings the Buddha’s teachings are given on how to lead our married life in society. Buddhism is in our blood stream, he noted. The dhamma address was presented by Most Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Chief Abbot of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara, Namsai.

The Secretary General of IBC Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche welcomed the guest and the Director General of IBC Mr Abhijit Halder, explained the details of the event and presented the concluding remarks. The sessions will include discussions on the following topics: Historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in the North-East of India, Art, Culture & Heritage of Buddhist Communities and a special Session on the Cultural Impact on Buddhists in the region.

Special prayers and chanting will be held tomorrow at the Golden Pagoda for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. This will be followed by a session on Vipassana. 

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123208) Visitor Counter : 98

Source: Government of India

Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector

Relief for domestic producers amid surge in steel imports

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy thanks PM Modi for decisive leadership under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, welcomed the decision to impose a 12 percent safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This measure is a timely and necessary step to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market.

“This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry.”

Shri Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his leadership and continued support in strengthening strategic sectors under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Indian steel sector remains resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2123294) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

As part of India’s commitment to regional maritime security under the vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region (MAHASAGAR)‘ and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Indian Navy successfully completed a major refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

The ship set sail for Maldives on 21 Apr upon completing her maiden Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Over the last four months since her arrival at Mumbai on 13 Nov 24, major works concerning maintenance of all machinery, weapons, and sensors, along with a habitability upgrade, were undertaken. The ship was thereafter put through rigorous harbour & sea trials, operational checks of equipment, safety audits and Operational Sea Training before her departure.

The efforts put in by various Indian Navy agencies and dockyard teams across multiple departments were instrumental in achieving this extensive refit within the stipulated timeframe. The successful refit of MNDF Huravee underscores the strong diplomatic and military cooperation between the two countries and reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner in the region.

The Make in India ship handed over to MNDF in May 2023 as a replacement for an older platform, has played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Medical Evacuation operations across the Maldivian archipelago.

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VM/SKS                                                                                                        91/25

(Release ID: 2123218) Visitor Counter : 49

Source: Government of India

Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade

Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired a crucial stakeholder meeting at Delhi Airport to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing upgradation work on runway 10/28 and the impact of unexpected westerly wind patterns. The meeting had participation of all the stakeholders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with representatives from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), all the airlines and the CISF.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that smooth operations at Delhi Airport are of paramount importance and directed all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the challenges effectively. He emphasized on the need for comprehensive planning that factors in both the ongoing runway upgradation and potential weather-related disruptions.

Reiterating that passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has given strict instruction to all stakeholders to take timely, pre-emptive measures based on weather updates and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.

Addressing the workforce readiness, the Minister called for enhanced coordination amongst the stakeholders to prepare for any unforeseen challenges, ensuring seamless airport operations despite 1 of the 4 runways under upgradation. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) and AAI teams have been encouraged to leverage their expertise for maintain operational efficiency during this critical period.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressing confidence in the collective capabilities said, “I am confident that with collective efforts and robust coordination, Delhi Airport will continue to deliver a world-class experience to its travelers, even amidst the challenges posed by infrastructure enhancements and unexpected weather conditions.”

The meeting focused on the importance of transparent and timely communication with passengers to alleviate any inconvenience during this period. The discussion concluded with a clear emphasis on meeting the runway upgradation timelines while minimizing disruptions to airlines and inconvenience to passengers.

The Ministry remains committed to prioritizing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains a benchmark for excellence.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2123298) Visitor Counter : 23

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 20) detected one drug trafficking case involving a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.75 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million.

A female passenger, aged 27, arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dubai of United Arab Emirates, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister hosts the U.S. Vice President and family

PM recalls his successful visit to Washington D.C. in January and his discussions with President Trump

Following up on their meeting in February this year in Paris, PM and Vice President Vance reviewed progress in bilateral relations

They welcome progress in the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies

The two leaders exchange views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest

PM extends best wishes to the Vice President and family for a pleasant stay

PM conveys greetings to President Trump and looks forward to his visit to India later this year

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Vice President of the United States of America, the Honorable J.D. Vance today, accompanied by the Second Lady Mrs. Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the U.S. Administration. 

Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the U.S., leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation. 

They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas.

The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice President, Second Lady and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India.

Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.

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MJPS/VJ/SKS

(Release ID: 2123302) Visitor Counter : 250

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

The private sector taking leadership roles in public yoga activities, in pursuit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call to take the rewards of yoga to every corner of the country, is an unmissable trend in the countdown to the IDY this year.

Aligning with this trend, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) announced their early plans, with their members proudly taking up “Harit Yoga” activities. These include:

1. Yoga Retreat on 22nd April 2025 – Atmantan Wellness Centre, Mulshi, Maharashtra. An immersive yoga retreat set in the serene Sahyadri hills, offering a deep connection with nature and the self.
2. Campus event on 29th April 2025 – FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM), Greater Noida . A vibrant campus event engaging future hospitality leaders in the principles of yoga and sustainability.
3. Event on 17th May 2025 at JW Marriott, Bangalore. A flagship gathering in the heart of the city, celebrating wellness in urban life through a rich blend of yoga, dialogue, and community action.

The Federation added in their announcement that these events are not just symbolic- they represent FHRAI’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of a healthier, greener, and more mindful society. Through these collaborative efforts, FHRAI aim to amplify the message of yoga as a lifestyle, deeply rooted in Indian tradition yet universally relevant in today’s world.

Harit Yoga is one among the 10 Signature Activities being coordinated by the Ministry of Ayush in the run-up to IDY 2025, to mark the special occasion of the IDY observation completing 10 years. The project combines wellness and environmental awareness and seeks to use the medium of yoga to propagate the message of the conservation of the environment. Harit Yoga activities typically go beyond Yoga sessions, and participants will engage in eco-friendly activities like tree planting, beach clean-ups, and community-driven environmental efforts. It will also include educational campaigns covering critical topics like climate change and conservation, encouraging sustainable lifestyles. The last two weeks have seen the emergence of international participation in Harit Yoga, and it will inspire worldwide communities to join these environmentally conscious initiatives.

FHRAI has made plans to conduct yoga events on a large scale in preparation for IDY-2025. As informed by Ms. Payal Swami, Assistant Secretary General of the Federation, FHRAI is proud to stand with the Government in the yoga movement and looks forward to making their IDY events inclusive and impactful.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2123245) Visitor Counter : 173

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 9:07PM by PIB Delhi

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), organized the Data Users Conference on 21st April 2025, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai.

The conference aimed to foster constructive dialogue between data producers and data users, facilitating knowledge exchange on methodologies, insights from the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, Methodology changes in PLFS and key initiatives in macro-economic statistics including GDP and Consumer Price Indices. The event witnessed active participation from more than 250 attendees comprising policymakers, academicians, researchers, economists, industry representatives, and international organizations.

The conference was chaired by Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, who emphasized the Ministry’s core vision of ‘Data for Development’. He highlighted MoSPI’s efforts toward enhancing data credibility, timeliness, accessibility, and relevance through technological interventions for timely release of key indicators like PLFS monthly estimates, quarterly unincorporated sector surveys, and a focus on comprehensive metadata standardization. He underlined the Ministry’s commitment to integrate administrative and survey data to fill existing gaps in the statistical ecosystem. Dr. Garg mentioned that MoSPI has actively working with research institutes to promote collaborative research.

In his address, Dr. Nilkanth Mishra, Member, EAC-PM and Chairman, UIDAI, underscored the pressing need for more granular and timely data, especially in light of India’s fast-evolving digital and informal economy. Drawing from personal experiences, he highlighted the critical gaps in economic data and appreciated MoSPI’s ongoing efforts to modernize the data access for both private and public stakeholders.

Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS), elaborated on recent advancements in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), particularly the expansion of estimates of the Labour statistics to rural areas and the introduction of monthly releases of PLFS for enhanced policy responsiveness.

Prof. Basanta Kumar Pradhan, Director, IGIDR, welcomed the delegates and acknowledged MoSPI’s role in promoting an ecosystem of data-driven research and policy-making. He emphasized the importance of understanding data generation processes, recognizing limitations, and integrating user feedback to refine methodologies.

These key note addresses set the stage for technical sessions. The conference features four technical sessions.

The forenoon technical sessions covered:

• The first session has a detailed presentation on the sampling design used in NSS household surveys. The session continued with a presentation on the ‘Lessons Learned from HCES 2022-23 and 2023-24, highlighted on the key changes introduced in the most recent rounds of HCES. The presentations are followed by an enriched panel discussion and suggested to generate consumption data at sector level on quarterly basis, standardization of tools for improving the quality and exploring the scope of introducing the concepts of ‘spending’ instead of consumption as a measure of MPCE.
• Updates on the evolution of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), including the original objectives from its 2017 launch and recent changes implemented from January 2025. Key updates include generating monthly estimates of labour market indicators (LFPR, WPR, and UR) for both rural and urban areas, expanding quarterly estimates to rural regions, and allowing district-level estimates in collaboration with states.

In the afternoon session Shri N.K. Santoshi, DG (Central Statistics), MoSPI, in his  opening remarks highlighted the initiatives taken by the MoSPI for updating the base years of key macro-economic indicators viz GDP and CPI.

The afternoon technical sessions covered:

• The session includes a presentation on compilation of GDP estimates and base year revision detailing the framework of compilation, proposed improvements in base revision and issues in interpreting the estimates. This was followed by a panel discussion wherein panellist recommended to publish detailed documentation of sources and methods, need for consistent and coherent back-series data. They also welcomed the proposed use of new data sources such as GSTN, UPI etc. in the new base.
• During the session on CPI, the ongoing work on CPI revision, key upcoming changes such as the adoption of COICOP 2018, expanded service and market coverage, integration of online data sources, and improvements in the Housing Index methodology were presented. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion wherein it was suggested to release seasonally adjusted inflation data. MoSPI informed that a study in collaboration with IIT Kanpur for developing seasonally adjusted CPI figures for India is underway.

Post-panel discussions, the floor was opened for discussions, providing participants to directly engage with the speakers and panelists.    

The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of MoSPI, IGIDR, and data users to uphold and advance the quality, integrity, and usability of official statistics in India. It concluded with a call to further deepen cooperation, embrace technological advancements, and ensure data remains at the heart of evidence-based policymaking.

The Data User Conference concluded with the key take away of need for standardization between the statistical products.

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

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Samrat

(Release ID: 2123310) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

PoshanTracker Application receives the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the Innovation category (centre) on 17th Civil Services Day

Breakout Session on Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0” held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi

There is a need for inter-departmental convergence, community participation, and tech-driven approaches—like the Poshan Tracker—for enhancing service delivery and impact: Smt Annpurna Devi

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 9:29PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of the 17^th  Civil Services Day the PoshanTracker Application of Ministry of Women and Child Development, received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the Innovation category (centre). The award was received by the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, on behalf of the Ministry.

https://x.com/Annapurna4BJP/status/1914326447118057770

On the day a dedicated breakaway session titled “Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0” was also held from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi.

Discussion Key highlights included:

• Shri Anil Malik, Secretary, MWCD, presented an overview of national strategies and key milestones achieved in advancing women and child nutrition.
• Dr. Bharati Kulkarni, Director, National Institute of Nutrition emphasized the importance of evidence-based, locally adapted nutrition interventions.
• Smt. Leena Johri, Principal Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, and Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami, Principal Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, shared state-level innovations and success stories under POSHAN 2.0.

In her keynote address, Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi stressed the need for inter-departmental convergence, community participation, and tech-driven approaches—like the Poshan Tracker—for enhancing service delivery and impact. She reinforced the shared mission of ensuring a well-nourished, healthy future for India’s women and children. She also mentioned about the role of Poshan Tracker beneficiary module for citizen ownership and empowerment.

The session concluded with a  vote of thanks by Shri Gyanesh Bharti, Additional Secretary, MoWCD appreciating the unwavering commitment of all participants to building a stronger, healthier India.

The breakout session was also  attended by more than 500 participants across the country through webcast.

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SS/MS

(Release ID: 2123319) Visitor Counter : 16

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 10:09PM by PIB Delhi

His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See passed away today, the 21^st April, 2025. As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner:

1. Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday, the 22^nd April, 2025 and Wednesday, the 23^rd April, 2025.
2. One day’s State Mourning on the day of the funeral.

During the period of the State Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.

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RK / VV / RR / PS

(Release ID: 2123334) Visitor Counter : 229