Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses 17th Civil Services Day

The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years: PM

India’s aspirational society – youth, farmers, women – their dreams are soaring to unprecedented heights,To fulfil these extraordinary aspirations, extraordinary speed is essential: PM

Real progress does not mean small changes but full-scale impact; Clean water in every home, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur and benefits of digital economy for every village, this is Holistic Development: PM

Quality in governance is determined by how deeply schemes reach the people and their real impact on the ground: PM

In the past 10 years, India has moved beyond incremental change to witness impactful transformation: PM

India is setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency and innovation: PM

The approach of ‘Janbhagidari’ turned the G20 into a people’s movement and the world acknowledged,India is not just participating, it is leading: PM

In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems, it is about multiplying possibilities: PM

We have to increase the competence of civil servants so that we can prepare a future-ready civil service; That is why I consider both Mission Karmayogi and Civil Service Capacity Building Programme very important: PM

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 1:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed Civil Servants on the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. He also conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the occasion of Civil Services Day and highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, as it marks the 75th year of the Constitution and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Recounting Sardar Patel’s iconic statement on April 21, 1947, where he referred to civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’, Shri Modi emphasized Patel’s vision of a bureaucracy that upholds discipline, honesty, and democratic values, serving the nation with utmost dedication. He underscored the relevance of Sardar Patel’s ideals in the context of India’s resolve to become a Viksit Bharat and paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel’s vision and legacy.

Reflecting on his earlier statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing the need to strengthen the foundation of India for the next thousand years, Shri Modi noted that 25 years have already passed in this millennium, marking the 25th year of the new century and the new millennium. “The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years”, he highlighted. Quoting ancient scriptures, he said just as a chariot cannot move with a single wheel, success cannot be achieved solely by relying on fate without effort. Underscoring the importance of collective effort and determination in achieving the goal of a developed India, he urged everyone to work tirelessly, every day and every moment, towards this shared vision.

Mentioning the rapid changes occurring globally, noting how even within families, interactions with younger generations can make one feel outdated due to the fast pace of change, the Prime Minister highlighted the swift evolution of gadgets every two to three years and how children are growing up amidst these transformations. He emphasized that India’s bureaucracy, work processes, and policymaking cannot operate on outdated frameworks. He remarked on the significant transformation initiated in 2014, describing it as a grand endeavor to adapt to the fast-paced changes. He highlighted the aspirations of India’s society, youth, farmers, and women, stating that their dreams have reached unprecedented heights and stressed the need for extraordinary speed to fulfill these extraordinary aspirations. The Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious goals for the coming years, including energy security, clean energy, advancements in sports, and achievements in space exploration, emphasizing the importance of raising India’s flag high in every sector. Underscoring the immense responsibility on civil servants to ensure that India becomes the world’s third-largest economy at the earliest, he urged them to prevent any delays in achieving this critical objective.

Expressing happiness over the theme of this year’s Civil Services Day, ‘Holistic Development of India’, Shri Modi emphasized that this is not just a theme but a commitment and a promise to the people of the nation. “Holistic development of India means ensuring that no village, no family, and no citizen is left behind”, he stressed, remarking that true progress is not about small changes but about achieving a full-scale impact. He outlined the vision of holistic development, which includes clean water for every household, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur, and the benefits of the digital economy for every village. He highlighted that quality in governance is not determined by the mere launch of schemes but by how deeply these schemes reach the people and their real impact. The Prime Minister noted the visible impact in districts like Rajkot, Gomati, Tinsukia, Koraput, and Kupwara, where significant progress has been made, from increasing school attendance to adopting solar power. He congratulated the districts and individuals associated with these initiatives, acknowledging their excellent work and the awards received by several districts.

Highlighting that over the past 10 years, India has progressed from incremental change to impactful transformation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s governance model is now focused on Next Generation Reforms, leveraging technology and innovative practices to bridge the gap between the government and citizens. He noted that the impact of these reforms is evident in rural, urban, and remote areas alike. He remarked on the success of Aspirational Districts and emphasized the equally remarkable achievements of Aspirational Blocks. He recalled that the program was launched in January 2023 and has shown unprecedented results in just two years, highlighting significant progress in indicators such as health, nutrition, social development, and basic infrastructure across these blocks. Citing examples of transformational changes, he said that in the Peeplu Block of Tonk district, Rajasthan, measurement efficiency for children in Anganwadi centers increased from 20% to over 99%, while in the Jagdishpur Block of Bhagalpur, Bihar, registration of pregnant women during the first trimester surged from 25% to over 90%. He further added that in the Marwah Block of Jammu & Kashmir, institutional deliveries rose from 30% to 100% and in the Gurdih Block of Jharkhand, tap water connections grew from 18% to 100%. He emphasized that these are not just statistics but evidence of the government’s resolve for last-mile delivery. “With the right intent, planning, and execution, transformation is possible even in remote areas”, he added.

Underlining India’s achievements over the past decade, emphasizing transformative changes and the nation’s attainment of new heights, Shri Modi remarked, “India is now recognized not merely for its growth but for setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency, and innovation”. He identified India’s G20 Presidency as a significant example of these advancements, noting that, for the first time in G20’s history, over 200 meetings were held across more than 60 cities, creating a broad and inclusive footprint. He underscored how the approach of public participation transformed the G20 into a people’s movement. “The world has acknowledged India’s leadership; India is not just participating, it is leading”, he affirmed.

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing discussions around government efficiency, emphasizing that India is 10-11 years ahead of other nations in this regard. He remarked on the efforts made over the past 11 years to eliminate delays, introduce new processes, and reduce turnaround time through technology. He noted that over 40,000 compliances have been removed, and more than 3,400 legal provisions have been decriminalized to promote ease of business. He recalled the resistance faced during these reforms, with critics questioning the need for such changes. However, he emphasized that the government did not succumb to pressure, asserting that new approaches are essential for achieving new results. He further highlighted the improvement in India’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings as a result of these efforts and noted the global enthusiasm for investing in India. The Prime Minister urged the need to capitalize on this opportunity by eliminating red tape at the state, district, and block levels to achieve set goals effectively.

“The successes of the past 10-11 years have laid a strong foundation for a developed India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that the nation is now beginning to construct the grand edifice of a developed India on this solid base but acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. He noted that India has become the most populous country in the world, emphasizing the prioritization of saturation in basic amenities. He urged a strong focus on last-mile delivery to ensure inclusivity in development. He highlighted the evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, remarking that the Civil Service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant. Shri Modi stressed the need for setting new benchmarks, moving beyond comparisons with previous benchmarks. He urged measuring progress against the vision for a developed India by 2047, examining whether the current pace of achieving goals in every sector is adequate, and accelerating efforts wherever necessary. He underscored the advancements in technology available today and called for leveraging its power. Highlighting the accomplishments of the past decade, Shri Modi mentioned the construction of 4 crore houses for the poor, with a target of building 3 crore more, connecting over 12 crore rural households to tap water within 5-6 years, with the aim of ensuring every village household has a tap connection soon. He further mentioned the building of over 11 crore toilets for the underprivileged in the past 10 years, while targeting new goals in waste management and providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for millions of underprivileged individuals. Shri Modi emphasized the need for renewed commitments to improve nutrition for citizens and declared that the ultimate goal must be 100% coverage and 100% impact. He highlighted that this approach has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the past decade and expressed confidence that it will lead to a poverty-free India.

Reflecting on the past role of bureaucracy as a regulator that controlled the pace of industrialization and entrepreneurship, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation has moved beyond this mindset and is now fostering an environment that promotes enterprise among citizens and helps them overcome barriers. “Civil Services must transform into an enabler, expanding its role from merely being the keeper of rule books to becoming a facilitator of growth”, he said. Citing the example of the MSME sector, he highlighted the importance of Mission Manufacturing and how the success of this mission is heavily reliant on MSMEs. The Prime Minister pointed out that amidst global changes, MSMEs, startups, and young entrepreneurs in India have an unprecedented opportunity. He stressed the necessity of becoming more competitive in the global supply chain and noted that MSMEs face competition not just from smaller entrepreneurs but also globally. He remarked that if a small country provides better ease of compliances to its industries, it could outpace Indian startups. Thus, he emphasized the need for India to continuously evaluate its position in global best practices. The Prime Minister asserted that while the goal of Indian industries is to create globally best products, the goal of India’s bureaucracy must be to provide the world’s best ease of compliance environment.

Emphasising the need for civil servants to acquire skills that not only help them understand technology but also enable its use for smart and inclusive governance, Shri Modi remarked, “In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems; it is about multiplying possibilities.” He stressed the importance of becoming tech-savvy to make policies and schemes more efficient and accessible through technology. He highlighted the need for expertise in data-driven decision-making to ensure accurate policy design and implementation. Observing the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Physics, predicting a forthcoming revolution in technology that will surpass the digital and information age, Shri Modi urged civil servants to prepare for this technological revolution to deliver the best services and fulfill citizens’ aspirations. Underscoring the importance of enhancing the capabilities of civil servants to build a future-ready civil service, he highlighted the significance of Mission Karmayogi and the Civil Service Capacity Building Program in achieving this goal.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to closely monitor global challenges in rapidly changing times, highlighting that food, water, and energy security remain major issues, particularly for the Global South, where ongoing conflicts are exacerbating difficulties, impacting daily lives and livelihoods. He further stressed the importance of understanding the growing interconnection between domestic and external factors. He identified climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and cybercrime threats as critical areas requiring proactive action, urging India to stay ten steps ahead in addressing these challenges. He underlined the need to develop localized strategies and build resilience to effectively tackle these emerging global issues.

Reiterating the concept of “Panch Pran” introduced from the Red Fort, emphasizing the resolve for a developed India, liberation from the mindset of servitude, pride in heritage, the power of unity, and the honest fulfillment of duties, Shri Modi remarked that civil servants are the key carriers of these principles. He stated, “Every time you prioritize integrity over convenience, innovation over inertia, or service over status, you propel the nation forward.” He expressed his complete trust in the civil servants. Addressing young officers embarking on their professional journeys, he highlighted the societal contributions to individual success. He remarked that everyone seeks to give back to society in their own capacity. He emphasized the privilege civil servants have in being able to contribute significantly to society, urging them to make the most of this opportunity provided by the nation and its people.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to reimagine reforms for civil servants, calling for an accelerated pace and expanded scale of reforms across sectors. He highlighted key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy goals, internal security, terminating corruption, social welfare schemes, and targets related to sports and the Olympics, urging the implementation of new reforms in every domain. He remarked that the achievements so far must be surpassed manifold, setting higher benchmarks for progress. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of human judgment in a technology-driven world, urging civil servants to remain sensitive, listen to the voices of the underprivileged, understand their struggles, and prioritize resolving their issues. Concluding his address, he invoked the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava,” likening it to the ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” and called on civil servants to see themselves not just as administrators but as architects of a developed India, fulfilling their responsibilities with dedication and compassion.

Union Minister of State for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary – 2 to Prime Minister, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary, Shri T V Somanathan and Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Shri V Srinivas were present on the occasion. 

Background

Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards were given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They were recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2123113) Visitor Counter : 39

Source: Government of India

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s Brazil visit becomes important on many counts

Participates in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting; also initiates important steps towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes on promoting production and export of soya in India

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies

Joint efforts will strengthen global food security: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shri Shivraj Singh expresses concerns for small farmers in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting

Posted On: 20 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is schedule to return from his Brazil visit on Monday morning, 21 April. His Brazil visit is important on many counts. Besides leading the Indian delegation at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, the Union Minister’s visit is an important step towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil. During Brazil visit, the Union Minister stressed on promoting production and export of soya in India. He intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies. He said that joint efforts of various countries will strengthen global food security.

During his Brazil visit, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh mainly expressed his concerns related to small farmers of India. He said that unless the small farmers are protected and empowered, the goal of global food security will remain incomplete. The Union Minister said that India is fully committed to inclusive, equitable and sustainable agriculture. Echoing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, he said that India always follow the message of trust and cooperation with all countries. He called for enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, innovation, capacity building and trade facilitation so that farmers and agricultural enterprises of various countries can benefit. On the BRICS platform, India called for further strengthening cooperation in agricultural technology transfer, research, food processing and trade.  Shri Chauhan’s address, on behalf of India, focused on global food security, empowerment of small farmers, agricultural innovation and technological cooperation and advancing partnership with BRICS countries.

Altogether, Shri Chouhan’s visit to Brazil is not just a diplomatic but also a concrete initiative towards technological innovation, production increase and global partnership for Indian agriculture, which can yield direct benefits to the farmers.

The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, was attended by Agriculture Ministers/Senior Officials from India, host Brazil and BRICS member countries including Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. The main theme of the meeting was “Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries”.

Besides participating in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, Shri Chouhan’s visit is expected to give a new direction to agricultural cooperation between India and Brazil. This will boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The Union Minister expressed his desire to share knowledge with Brazil on climate-friendly soyabean varieties, mechanization, precision farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He also expressed his desire to learn from Brazil’s agricultural model, mechanization, irrigation and research and implement it in Indian agriculture so that maximum benefits can be transferred to the farmers.

Cooperation in the areas of biofuel, bioenergy, supply chain integration and agricultural machinery was discussed during the meetings which would enable Indian farmers to have access to global technology. Joint efforts of the two countries will also strengthen global food security as Brazil has achieved tremendous growth in agricultural exports in the last 50 years, an inspiration for India as well.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also held bilateral meetings with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero and Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira. During these meetings, the issues of enhancing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, agro-technology, rural development and food security were discussed. The Union Minister also met 27 members of Brazil’s agribusiness community at Sao Paulo. During this meeting, possibilities of cooperation on agricultural trade, production technology, food processing, biofuel, technological innovation and supply chain integration were discussed.

Union Minister Shri Chouhan visited soyabean production plant, tomato farm and other institutes in Brazil and closely observed the latest technologies related to mechanization, irrigation and food processing. Currently India imports soyabean oil, but now both the countries are jointly exploring the possibilities of investing and setting up technology and plants for soyabean production and processing. This can boost soyabean production and export in India. Shri Chouhan said that there is a plan to work together with Brazil to increase soybean production and processing in India. Besides, possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in mechanization and seed research will also be explored.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s routine of planting a sapling every day continued in Brazil as well. He participated in the tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, promoting environmental protection and respect for motherhood. Shri Shivraj Singh also met the Indian diaspora at Sao Paulo in Brazil and appreciated their role in bilateral relations. He said that this is the Amrit Kaal of our independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In 2047, we will complete 100 years of independence and our goal is to make India a developed nation by then.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh said, “During my stay in Brazil, I got the  opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security.”

This visit is an important step towards India-Brazil agricultural cooperation, partnership with BRICS countries and accelerating innovation and sustainable growth in Indian agriculture, Shri Singh added.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2123055) Visitor Counter : 63

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 15th National Games Beach Volleyball test event held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay between April 18 and 20 concluded successfully, the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) said today.

The three-day test event, with the participation of nine men’s teams and eight women’s teams, was organised by the NGCO and co-organised by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, with the China Volleyball Association as adviser.

Participating teams in the men’s and women’s tournaments first competed in the group stage before they reached the knockout round. Wong Pui-lam and Chong Kei-loi finally triumphed in the men’s tournament, while Tsang Ngok-ling and Wong Man-ching claimed the championship title in the women’s tournament.

The test event covered a wide array of areas, including the operation and procedures of events, organisation of competition, setup of function rooms, information systems, medical services, security, broadcast arrangements, sports presentation and award presentation, and volunteer services.

Around 1,300 national games volunteers participated in the three-day test event, providing services including assistance at the event, audience services inside and outside the venue, assistance at accreditation and security check counters.

Among the volunteers, around 170 were on duty daily throughout the event and responsible for rendering support at the competition venue, such as levelling sand at the main court and side court, retrieving balls and operating manual scoreboards.

The NGCO and related government departments and units, including the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department and the Auxiliary Medical Service as well as the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, conducted a simulation exercise on April 19 at the venue to enhance the capabilities of each department and unit in dealing with contingencies during the event.

NGCO Head Yeung Tak-keung said that it will review the event procedures and other details with various related organisations and government departments, with a view to better preparing for the official events to be held in November.

Click here for information on the National Games.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 10:45AM by PIB Delhi

The second edition of the Tri-services Future Warfare Course will be held at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from April 21 to May 09, 2025. The course is being conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and coordinated by the Tri-services think-tank, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).  

Building on the success of the first course held in September 2024, this expanded three-week program continues the vision of Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to prepare officers for the complex challenges of modern warfare. The course maintains its rank-agnostic approach, albeit with an enhanced and diverse participation. 

This edition features an enhanced curriculum covering specialised subjects and domain-specific warfare developments in military operations. It focuses on developing an erudite understanding on how war fighting is being impacted by technology, necessitating a relook at the thinking, concepts, doctrines, strategies and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. It will align operational priorities with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry and enable a free-flowing discussion on the various facets of modern and futuristic war fighting.

 The attendees in the course range from Major Generals to Majors and their equivalent officers from other Services, along with representatives from other Departments under the Ministry of Defence, including DRDO, as well as the defence industry incorporating start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and private industry.  

This second edition continues the larger mission of making the Armed Forces ‘future ready’ fostering Jointness and Integration among the Services and developing strategic leaders equipped to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of modern warfare.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2122831) Visitor Counter : 38

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 10:50AM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alerted the public about online booking frauds, especially those targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across the country. These frauds are being perpetrated through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, Facebook posts, and paid advertisements on search engines like Google.

These scams involve the creation of professional-looking but fake websites and social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts offering services such as:

• Helicopter booking for Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam
• Guest house and hotel booking for pilgrims
• Online cab/taxi service bookings
• Holiday packages and religious tours

 

Unsuspecting individuals, upon making payments through these portals, often realize they have been duped when no confirmation or service is received, and the contact numbers go unreachable.

People are advised to exercise extreme caution:

1. Always verify the authenticity of websites before making any payments.
2. Verify before clicking on “sponsored” or unknown links on Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
3. Cross-check bookings only through official government portals or trusted travel agencies.
4. Report such websites immediately at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 in case of any frauds.
5. Kedarnath Helicopter booking can be done via https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in
6. Somnath Trust’s official website is https://somnath.org and guest house booking can be done via same.

To contain the scams, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre is taking multi-prolonged strategy.

• Scam Signal Exchange – Scam Signals are being regularly exchanged with IT intermediaries viz. Google, WhatsApp, Facebook for proactive detection.

• Enforcement – Cybercrime Hotspots are being identified and State / UTs are being originated are being sensitized.

• Cyber Patrolling – Fake websites/advertisement and impersonating social media accounts access are being disabled on to protect citizens.

• Suspect checking and Reporting feature on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is developed to facilitate hassle free reporting.

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RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2122832) Visitor Counter : 169

Source: Government of India

Data Users Conference on insights of latest survey results and key initiatives in macro-economic indicators:

Fostering Dialogue Between Data Producers and Data Users

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 11:12AM by PIB Delhi

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, in line with its continued efforts to strengthen engagement with data users and other stakeholders, is organizing a Data Users Conference in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, on the 21^st April 2025 at the IGIDR campus, Goregaon (East), Mumbai.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) conducts large-scale sample surveys to generate key economic indicators in critical areas such as employment and unemployment, consumption expenditure, and industrial statistics. It also produces essential macroeconomic indicators, including National Accounts and Price Indices. These data sets form the foundation for evidence-based policy formulation and effective governance in India.

The conference is being organized to promote dialogue between data producers and data users, fostering knowledge exchange and discussions on the latest developments in the field. The conference will focus on the following key areas:

• Sampling methodologies adopted in surveys
• Insights to the latest results of Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2023-24)
• Recent changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
• GDP compilation and base revision
• Key initiatives of CPI base updation

The Data Users Conference will be chaired by Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Neelkanth Mishra, Member, EAC to PM & Chairman, UIDAI, Prof. Basanta Kumar Pradhan, Director, IGIDR, Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General, National Sample Survey (NSS) and Shri. N.K. Santoshi, Director General, Central Statistics (CS) will grace the occasion and share their insights.

The event will host approximately 250 participants, comprising researchers, academicians, Economists, industrial associations, policymakers, representatives from international organizations, private survey agencies, as well as esteemed institutions from academia and the media. Experts and members of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) and technical committees will also be present.

The technical sessions on National Sample Surveys will provide an overview of the sampling design, computation of multipliers, and estimation of parameters in NSS household surveys. The sessions will also highlight key lessons from the conduct of the Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) for 2022–23 and 2023–24, with insights drawn from the latest data releases. A panel discussion will follow to further explore the same. In addition, recent changes in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) methodology will be presented to enhance users’ understanding and ensure clarity in interpretation.

In the second half, technical sessions on key Macro-economic indicators will be presented on the following topics and each presentation will be followed by a Panel Discussion:

• Measurement of GDP and GDP Base Revision — Data Sources, Methodology for compilation of GDP. Sectoral Databases, Measurement Issues, Methodological Improvements proposed in base revision.
• Key initiatives on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base updation.

The Panel Discussions organised will be chaired by distinguished experts, providing a platform for critical review and discussion of the presented topics. The panels will include a diverse group of experts from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Stock Exchange, private survey agencies and academic institutions including IGIDR, IIPS, among others. Post-panel discussions, the floor will be opened for open discussions, offering participants the opportunity to directly engage with the speakers and panelists, thus facilitating dynamic exchange between data users and data producers. To streamline the interactive sessions, participants will be encouraged to submit questions via the Mentimeter platform, ensuring that discussions remain focused and engaging.

The conference aims to foster dialogue on emerging methodologies, survey practices, and the relevance of official statistics in policymaking and research, reaffirming MoSPI’s commitment to improving the statistical ecosystem of the country.

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Samrat

(Release ID: 2122834) Visitor Counter : 36

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The launching ceremony of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 and 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin was held today (April 19), marking the start of diverse reading activities of the second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from today until April 27. The event was held by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF). 

     The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, addressed the ceremony in a video message. The officiating guests at the ceremony included the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, Mr Su Rongcai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho; and the President of the HKPF, Dr Elvin Lee.

     Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW offers an array of activities suitable for people of all ages. To tie in with the HKRW, the HKPF is holding the 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 27, with activities including author sharing sessions, an exhibition, music performances, and workshops. The HKPL will also introduce its electronic resources to the public and hold handicraft workshops at the venue.

     To foster a reading habit among the public, the HKRW will hold about 450 online and on-site events, including “Reading Together for Half an Hour” activities on the Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, an array of fun day activities at the Hong Kong Central Library on April 26 and 27, and a Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on April 27.

     The HKPL, in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 5, has invited celebrities from various sectors, including artiste Alex Fong and Cantonese opera performer Law Kar-ying to share their reading experiences in short videos and audio clips.

     Collaborating with the Art Promotion Office, the HKPL has selected a number of e-books and displayed a series of artistic and creative images with QR codes at various government venues. Members of the public can scan the QR codes and instantly read the e-books, and are encouraged to utilise the HKPL’s electronic resources.

     During the HKRW, patrons borrowing physical library materials will receive a bookmark, and children aged 9 or below applying for library cards will receive a height metre.

     All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw.

     The 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Mr Gao Zhidan, at Government House today (April 19) to exchange views on Hong Kong’s preparations for the 15th National Games. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, also attended the meeting.
 
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Gao and his delegation to Hong Kong and expressed gratitude for Mr Gao’s opinions and guidance on the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said he is pleased to meet Mr Gao again since they last met during his visit to Harbin in February. He thanked the GASC for its continued support for Hong Kong’s sports development and noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to further enhance sports exchanges and co-operation, as well as integrated development between Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will press ahead with the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong and continue to conduct test events to ensure readiness for the official events. The HKSAR Government is committed to working closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to conduct a simple, safe and wonderful 15th National Games.
 

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:13PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of World Liver Day, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged all citizens to adopt mindful eating practices and prioritize healthier living. Stressing the importance of small yet impactful changes, the Prime Minister highlighted that measures such as reducing oil intake can significantly contribute to improving overall health and well-being.

Responding to a post by Union Minister, Shri JP Nadda on X, Shri Modi said:

“Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference.  Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity. #StopObesity”

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Source: Government of India

PM to address programme marking Civil Services Day on 21st April

PM to confer Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address Civil Servants on 21st April, at around 11 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards will be given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They will be recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.

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