Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti

A Journey of Women Empowerment and Child Care

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 4:13PM by PIB Delhi

­­­­Introduction

Government’s sustained initiatives on education, skilling and employment of women have resulted in increased opportunities for their employment, and more and more women are now in gainful employment, working within or outside their homes. Past few decades have shown a rapid increase in nuclear families. Thus, the children of such working women, who were earlier getting support from joint families while they were at work, are now in need of day care services which have to provide quality care and protection for the children. Lack of proper day-care services is, often, a deterrent for women to go out and work. To address these difficulties faced by the working mothers in giving due child care and protection to their children, day-care crèche facilities are being provided through Palna Scheme. Crèche services formalise the child care responsibilities hitherto considered as part of domestic work. Formalization of care work supports the “decent work campaign” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth. This will also enable more mothers, who will be free from unpaid child-care responsibilities, to take up gainful employment.

In 2022, erstwhile National Creche Scheme was reorganized and renamed as Palna Scheme under the sub scheme ‘Samarthya’ of ‘Mission Shakti’.  Palna is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ensuring the participation of State/ UT government to ensure better day-to-day monitoring and proper implementation of scheme, and is implemented with a funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature except North East & Special Category States where ratio is 90:10. For UTs without legislature, 100% funding is provided by the central government.

 

Objectives of the Palna Scheme

The objective of the Palna scheme is to provide quality crèche facility in safe and secure environment for children (from ages 6 months – 6 years), nutritional support, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring & immunization. Crèche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status.

Apart from the aforementioned primary objective, another objective of the component would involve monitoring compliance of the stipulations laid down in Section 11A of the Maternity Benefit Act regarding setting up of crèche facilities by the establishments. For this purpose, the States/UTs would explore the possibility of hosting an application/portal in convergence with the Labour & Employment Departments of their respective States/UTs for facilitating establishments to register on the portal and furnish details in respect of the crèches set up in accordance with the Act.

Integrated Package of Services under Palna

The Palna component under the Mission Shakti scheme aims to deliver a comprehensive set of services to children aged 6 months to 6 years. These services are designed to support early childhood care, development, and nutrition in convergence with Mission Poshan 2.0.

Key services include:

• Day care facilities, including sleeping arrangements
• Early stimulation activities for children below 3 years
• Pre-school education for children aged 3 to 6 years
• Supplementary nutrition, sourced locally
• Growth monitoring, health check-ups, and immunization support

 

As part of enhancing access to childcare facilities, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has amended the Maternity Benefit Act to mandate all establishments with 50 or more employees to provide a crèche facility.

Anganwadi cum Crèche (AWCC)

There are two types of Crèches under Palna: Standalone Crèches and Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs). As per Mission Shakti guidelines, for Standalone Creches, there is a provision of one Creche Worker and one Creche Helper. Similarly, for AWCCs, in addition to the already existing Anganwadi Worker and Anganwadi Helper, a provision for a Creche Helper and a Creche Worker has been made in Mission Shakti Guidelines. Anganwadi centres are the world’s largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile. Anganwadi cum Crèche initiative aims to increase ‘women work force participation’ in the economy. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is targeting to establish 17,000 new Anganwadi cum creches under the Palna Scheme in 2024-25. As of March 2025, 11,395 AWCCs across 34 States/UTs have been approved, as per proposals received from various States and UTs.

Crèche Workers under supervision of Anganwadi worker do proper care and safety of children attending the Creche:

• Provide proper arrangements for sleep and rest of children.
• Ensure personal hygiene and Creche helper keep personal hygiene of every child and keep washrooms clean, help for toilet training.
• Inculcate proper toilet habits and toilet training.
• Facilitate regular health check-ups and referrals in liaison with Asha/AWWs/Primary Health Centre (PHC)/AWC.
• Ensure that the food is hygienically and age appropriately cooked, stored/preserved and fed to the children at appropriate intervals.
• Follow all laid out safety procedures for taking/handing over the child and w.r.t. quality of toys and other materials given to the children.

The Anganwadi Cum creche scheme shall be implemented with the intra-ministerial convergence specially with Integrated Child Development Services and Poshan. It complies with legislations under Labour Laws as well as Maternity Benefits Act. As of February 2025, 1,761 AWCCs are operational with 28,783 current beneficiaries.  Besides this, 1,284 Standalone Creches are also operational across the country with 23,368 current beneficiaries.

 

Creche Operation under Palna Scheme

The Mission Shakti Guidelines state that the crèche timings need to be flexible depending on the local requirements. Crèches shall be open for 26 days in a month and for seven and half (7.5) hours per day as per the work schedule of majority of the mothers in the area. The Standard Operating Procedures for AWCCs also state that the Creche timings may be decided by State/ UT governments as per local need, however, it has to be ensured that timing should facilitate working mothers.

The Creche Workers and Creche Helpers under Palna are honorary workers. There is no provision of salary or wages to the Creche Workers or Creche Helpers. However, the scheme guidelines have provision for grant of honorarium to Creche Workers and Creche Helpers. The amount of honorarium is governed through the type of Creche, and is detailed as below:

 

 

Palna as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is implemented through the respective State/ UT Government. The respective States/ UTs may provide additional amount of honorarium to Creche Worker/ Helpers, as a Top-Up from their own funds. There is no bar or restriction from the Central Government about this.

 

The funds allocated and released under Palna scheme since its introduction, are detailed as under:

                        (Amount in Crores)

                                                                                                                                     *Data as on December 19, 2024

 

To maintain quality care and individualized attention, each crèche is ideally limited to a maximum of 25 children. To ensure ease of access and continued breastfeeding for infants, crèches must be situated close to either the:

• Residential areas of the children
• Workplaces of the mothers (preferably within 0.5–1 km walking distance)

This proximity supports parental engagement and provides convenience in emergencies or regular pick-up and drop-off.

Conclusion

 

By providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children aged 6 months to 6 years, the Palna scheme ensures that children receive holistic care, nutrition, education, and health services. With convergence across key ministries and flexibility to adapt to local needs, Palna strengthens the foundation for a healthier, more inclusive, and gender-sensitive society.

References

https://wcdhry.gov.in/gallery/haryana-creche/

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100650

https://missionshakti.wcd.gov.in/statisticsPalna

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1989473

https://wcd.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/WCD/universal-tab/palna_scheme_under_mission_shakti.pdf

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2115235

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU4233_BcWNDn.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3455_1Tt0mw.pdf?source=pqals

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/mar/doc202435319501.pdf

https://missionshakti.wcd.gov.in/public/documents/whatsnew/Approved_AWCC_Sop.pdf

https://wcd.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/WCD/universal-tab/palna_scheme_under_mission_shakti.pdf

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2119769) Visitor Counter : 62

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:43PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa today in Colombo.

He wrote in separate posts on X:

“Glad to meet Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa. Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines. Our cooperation and robust development partnership are guided by the welfare of the people of our two countries.

@sajithpremadasa”

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119401) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas during the long weekend of the Ching Ming Festival holiday by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed “Pipepurge”, in Causeway Bay last night (April 4). A total of three fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued.
 
     During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at a bar in Causeway Bay, and issued three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against the operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.
 
     Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
 
     In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
 
     “The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences,” the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying said.
 
     Dr Fung reminded the public that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
     A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
 
     She cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:06AM by PIB Delhi

Greeting everyone on the occasion of National Maritime Day, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthen the maritime sector and ports for India’s progress.

In a post on X, he stated:

“Today, on National Maritime Day, we recall India’s rich maritime history and the role played by this sector in nation-building.

We will continue to strengthen the maritime sector and our ports for India’s progress.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119129) Visitor Counter : 68

Source: Government of India

MoPNG Drives Energy Innovation with Strong Presence at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Oil & Gas PSUs Showcase Innovation Initiatives at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:54AM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has actively participated in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, being held from April 3-5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Oil and Gas PSUs have established robust frameworks to incubate, mentor, and fund innovative startups. A total of 32 PSU-backed startups are participating in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. ONGC’s startup fund has seen a 450% growth in valuation over five years, with WellRx—its first oilfield startup under the Startup India Policy—expanding its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil has funded 42 startups under its IndS_UP initiative, generating 86 intellectual properties and 635 jobs. Oil India supports deeptech ventures such as Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control for oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, which develops sustainable waste management solutions for the oil and gas sector. 

Expert participation from PSU officials added significant value to Startup Mahakumbh 2025, offering startups access to decades of industry experience and strategic insights. A total of 14 senior executives from leading PSU oil and gas companies shared their expertise on research monetization, EV innovation, manufacturing integration, and mobility solutions. Chairman, ONGC was part of opening pleanary session. Other sessions featured insights  on investment strategies for electrification, policy incentives for EV innovation, acceleration of last-mile EV mobility etc.. The event also hosted an incubation roundtable titled “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” featuring senior executives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL. 

Following the grand success of its inaugural edition, which was graced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is themed ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story.’ The event has expanded significantly, with over 3,000 startups from 11 thematic sectors participating alongside more than 1,000 investors and incubators, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has consistently supported and recognized innovation, as demonstrated during India Energy Week 2025, held from 11^th to 14^th February at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi. The ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ identified and rewarded startups making advancements in CO₂ capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. Additionally, the ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ recognized international startups pioneering AI-driven solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Other PSUs are also driving innovation. EIL’s EngSUI initiative has supported 31 startups with ₹35 crore, funding projects in industrial enzymes, compostable polymers, and carbon capture. HPCL’s HP Udgam program has provided ₹35 crore in seed funding to 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, which develops solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s Ankur program has funded 30 startups with ₹28 crore, helping them raise $132 million and achieve a cumulative valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s Pankh initiative supports startups in energy, logistics, and industrial technology, with ventures showcasing solutions in pipeline repair, biogas generation, and sustainable materials. 

Through these sustained efforts, MoPNG and its PSUs are fostering a technology-driven and sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering startups to lead India’s energy transition and innovation landscape.

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MONIKA

(Release ID: 2119137) Visitor Counter : 102

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A woman who went missing in Mong Kok has been located.
 
     Leung Yuk-lan, aged 86, went missing after she left her residence on Tai Kok Tsui Road on April 2 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police.
 
     The woman was located on Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui on April 3 evening. She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (April 5) officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong” thematic event series. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. To commemorate and celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will organise and provide a series of thematic activities for young people.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said that six decades ago, Dongjiang water was first diverted through mountains and valleys into the Hong Kong waterways, resolving the prolonged water scarcity that had plagued the city. Subsequently, the country expanded and upgraded the water supply system three times. Today, Dongjiang water accounts for over 70 per cent of Hong Kong’s freshwater supply. Every drop of water carries the profound sentiments of a national commitment spanning over half a century. Through the various activities organised under the theme of “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong”, the HYAB aims to enhance young people’s understanding of the history of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong and the significant role that Dongjiang water has played in Hong Kong, enabling the youth to appreciate the substantial support rendered by the country to Hong Kong and strengthening their awareness on cherishing water resources.
 
The Youth Link will organise the “Exchange Tour to Guangdong Province for the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong” (the Exchange Tour) on April 12 and 13 as the debut thematic activity. Around 80 Youth Link members will visit national major water conservancy projects and cultural and historical sites in Guangdong Province. Taking this opportunity, the HYAB will also arrange for the Youth Link members to meet and exchange with local youth and Hong Kong youth residing in the area.
 
Besides, the HYAB, in collaboration with the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, will lead 500 young people to visit and explore the source of the Dongjiang River at Sanbai Mountain and its surrounding regions in June this year. The HYAB will also collaborate with different youth organisations and provide funding support under the “HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland 2025-26” for around 30 exchange projects under the theme of “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong”. The visits will cover water conservancy projects and historical and cultural sites in the Sanbai Mountain in Jiangxi Province, as well as in Dongguan, Huizhou, Heyuan in Guangdong Province, enabling the young people to learn more about the history, management and protection of the Dongjiang water engineering project, as well as the culture and history along the areas. 
 
Miss Mak encouraged young people to seize these valuable opportunities and actively participate in relevant activities to learn more about the story of Dongjiang water and pass on the spirit of gratitude. Miss Mak expressed her hope to work with young people together in future in cherishing this precious resources which has not come easily, and create for a better tomorrow.
 
Other officiating guests included the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Mr Kenneth Leung; the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan; member of the YDC Mr John Li; and the Chairman of Dynamic Youth of Huizhou, also the collaborative partner of the Exchange Tour, Mr George Lau. Members of the YDC also attended the event.      

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (April 5) that the red flag at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island has been lowered.

The red flag was hoisted earlier due to big waves.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 10:20AM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) INS Sunayna will set sail from Karwar as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region). The ship is carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) and will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh from Karwar, today, 05th Apr 25. This mission will mark a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation.

IOS SAGAR is a pioneering effort aimed at bringing together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on an Indian Naval platform. The mission will serve as an opportunity to provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from the FFNs and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security.

INS Sunayna during its deployment will visit Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis and Port Victoria. The international crew aboard will undertake training exercises and apply knowledge gained from various professional training schools at Kochi. The exercises/ training planned include firefighting, damage control, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), bridge operations, seamanship, engine room management, switchboard operations and boat handling –  all of which will improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and its international partners.

IOS SAGAR will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the IOR. With this mission, India once again reaffirms its commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbors and working towards a safer, more inclusive and secure maritime environment in the IOR.

The Flag off Ceremony will be streamed live on the Indian Navy YouTube Channel.

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(Release ID: 2119169) Visitor Counter : 65