Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal confers ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Maharathis are the warriors of India’s innovation journey: Shri Piyush Goyal

Second Fund of Funds for Startups worth ₹10,000 crore approved to boost deep-tech and early-stage innovation

Startup India Desk to be set up to serve as a helpline for startups

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:08PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal conferred the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards on the concluding day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi today. Addressing a packed audience of entrepreneurs, innovators and ecosystem enablers, the Minister lauded all participants, stating that each one of them is a “Maharathi”—a skilled warrior and vital contributor in India’s startup revolution.

“Maharathi is every one of the 2,400 participants of this grand challenge. Every one of the 3,000 exhibitors at Startup Mahakumbh is on the path to success,” said Shri Goyal, as he acknowledged the immense talent and potential of India’s startup ecosystem.

He encouraged young founders to set ambitious goals and rise beyond the limitations of the present. “The potential you hold will make you a great contributor to India’s journey in this Amrit Kaal. Let the Startup Mahakumbh ignite aspirations that go beyond the current realm of reality,” he added.

Comparing the scale of the event with previous years, the Minister informed that while last year saw around 3,000 visitors, this year the Mahakumbh witnessed a record footfall of 2.3 lakh visitors, underlining India’s exponential growth trajectory in the innovation space.

Shri Goyal also shared that 40% of the applicants for the Maharathi Grand Challenge were from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and many were women-led startups. “Women are taking a lead in India’s development and contributing with great enthusiasm,” he remarked.

The Minister emphasised that the Government is creating an enabling environment for startups through landmark reforms in Ease of Doing Business. “Over 40,000 compliances have been simplified or removed, and many laws have been decriminalized so that startups can work freely and fairly,” he said.

Announcing a key initiative, Shri Goyal revealed that a dedicated Startup India Desk will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to serve as a helpline for startups across India, accessible via a simple 4-digit toll-free number in regional languages.

He also said that the Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, has been approved by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This year, ₹2,000 crore will be disbursed to SIDBI as the first installment. A significant portion of the fund will be reserved for seed funding of small startups and to support deep-tech innovation.

“Through this fund, we aim to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, quantum computing, machine learning, precision manufacturing and biotech,” he stated.

The objective is to provide early-stage financial support to budding entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing traditional forms of capital. This allocation will empower startups working on disruptive technologies by enabling them to scale prototypes, undertake research and development, and accelerate go-to-market strategies.

The fund will especially focus on startups operating in cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, precision manufacturing, biotech, and semiconductor design, where long gestation periods and high capital requirements often pose hurdles. By mobilising patient capital, the Government aims to build a strong pipeline of indigenous technology solutions that can address national priorities and position India as a global innovation leader.

This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to nurturing a self-reliant and forward-looking startup ecosystem, where young innovators from every corner of India have equal access to resources and opportunities.

Shri Goyal further urged SIDBI to establish at least one support centre in every state to provide basic infrastructure and shared facilities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Recalling his interaction with a startup that had invested in its own 3D printer due to the lack of shared facilities, the Minister stressed the importance of accessible prototyping resources.

“We must unlock India’s full potential through facilitation, not regulation. The Government is here to support your journey, not control it,” he concluded.

Shri Goyal called upon India’s youth to lead the way in emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors and deep-tech, and shape the nation’s path to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Abhishek Dayal / Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2119385) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:53PM by PIB Delhi

The leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) from Sri Lanka met the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today in Colombo. Shri Modi announced that India will support construction  of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka.

In separate posts on X, he said:

“The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction  of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka.”

“இந்தியாவை பூர்வீகமாக கொண்ட தமிழ் மக்களுடன் சுமூகமான சந்திப்பு இடம்பெற்றிருந்தது. இச்சமூகத்தினர் 200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கும் மேலாக இரு நாடுகளுக்குமான ஒரு வாழும் உறவுப் பாலமாக திகழ்கின்றனர். இலங்கை அரசாங்கத்துடனான ஒத்துழைப்புடன் இந்தியாவை பூர்வீகமாக கொண்ட தமிழ் மக்களுக்காக 10000 வீடுகள், சுகாதார வசதிகள், புனித சீதை அம்மன் ஆலயம் ஆகியவற்றின் நிர்மாணம் மற்றும் ஏனைய சமூக அபிவிருத்தி திட்டங்களுக்காக இந்தியா ஆதரவு வழங்கும்.”

 

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119404) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

GeM Showcases Startup Power at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Unlocks New Growth Avenues for Innovation-Driven India

GeM Pavilion Sees Massive Footfall, 2500+ Queries Resolved, 1000+ Registrations Completed

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 10:05AM by PIB Delhi

The Startup Mahakumbh 2025 concluded in New Delhi on Saturday, marking significant participation and highlighting the growing strength of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the key participants was the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which showcased its role in supporting startup growth and underlined the potential of public procurement as a tool for promoting innovation and inclusive development.

As a strategic presenting partner, GeM engaged with a wide range of startups, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders during the event. Its participation reflected an ongoing effort to support the growth of Indian startups by facilitating access to government markets, encouraging new opportunities, and contributing to the broader vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The event saw sector-focused pavilions that celebrated India’s strength in DeepTech, AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Gaming, and more. GeM’s presence underscored its mission to bridge the gap between innovators and government buyers, enabling faster scale, market validation, and meaningful contribution to India’s global innovation standing.

GeM’s impact at the Mahakumbh was further amplified through a high-energy panel discussion that drew a packed audience and featured sharp insights from GeM leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. The panel covered key themes such as:

• Charting India’s Growth Story
• Boosting State Procurement Through Startups
• Emerging Technology as a Service
• Driving Startup Growth via GeM Categories
• Unlocking Opportunities with Central Government Buyers

The sessions reinforced GeM’s role in transforming public procurement into a launchpad for India’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the theme of government-startup collaboration, CEO, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Shri Ajay Bhadoo said, “Let’s work together and unlock the true potential of public procurement in driving startup growth, inclusive development, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

His keynote address underlined the transformative potential of platforms like GeM in scaling innovative homegrown solutions and supporting startups with policy-driven opportunities.

During the three-day event, GeM responded to over 2500 startup queries, facilitated 1000+ startup registrations and cataloguing, and hosted more than 1500 interactive sessions—including one-on-one mentoring and group engagements—focused on onboarding and skilling through GeM’s Learning Management System (LMS).

GeM’s Pavilion hosted over 70 innovative startups, including 30 startup pods awarded free of cost to winners of GeM’s Start-o-nauts Challenge. So far, GeM has enabled over ₹38,500 Crore in transactions for 30,000+ startups, reinforcing its position as a true catalyst in India’s innovation ecosystem.

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Abhishek Dayal / Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2119462) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned in completely elaminating Naxalism

Before 31 March, Naxalism will become history in the entire country including Chhattisgarh

Naxalism ruined many generations, now it should not take more time to eliminate this problem

Chhattisgarh government has made satisfactory progress on both development and security fronts

The ongoing fight against Naxalites must not scattered

Coverage area of the ‘NiyadNellanar’ scheme should be expanded from a 5-km to 10 km radius around security camps

It must be ensured that people in Naxal-affected areas receive equal opportunities for development

Coordination among states police and central agencies should improve to nab those Naxals fleeing from one state to another

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 11:25PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Directors General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as well as the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the meeting, the Union Home Minister said that the double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned in completely elaminatingNaxalism. He said that before 31 March, Naxalism will become history in the entire country including Chhattisgarh.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said Naxalism ruined many generations, now it should not take more time to eliminate this problem. He said, the ongoing fight against Naxalites must not scattered.

Shri Amit Shah said, Coordination among states police and central agencies should improve to nab those Naxals fleeing from one state to another. 

Shri Amit Shah said, Chhattisgarh government has made satisfactory progress on both development and security fronts. He said, coverage area of the ‘NiyadNellanar’ scheme should be expanded from a 5-km to 10 km radius around security camps. Shri Shah said, it must be ensured that people in Naxal-affected areas receive equal opportunities for development. The Union Home Minister said that the momentum of the anti-Naxal operation should not diminish under any circumstances.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2119424) Visitor Counter : 20

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 11:24AM by PIB Delhi

​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura and offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree.

​The tree is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri from India in the 3rd Century BCE. The temple stands as a testament to the strong civilizational linkages that form the foundation of the close India-Sri Lanka partnership.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2119476) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 11:27AM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, visited the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi on 5th April 2025 to assess the ongoing research efforts and field-level innovations aimed at enhancing fodder availability and sustainable grassland management across the country. Accompanied by Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, the Union Minister interacted with scientists and reviewed a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the latest fodder technologies and best practices being promoted by the institute.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh expressed concern over the prevailing national green fodder deficit, currently estimated at 11%, and stressed upon the need for technology-led interventions to address this challenge. He noted that while only 8.5 million hectares are presently under cultivated fodder, the country possesses approximately 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that can be harnessed efficiently. He emphasized, “Efficient utilisation of these underused resources is essential for achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity.” 

The Union Minister praised IGFRI’s research and development work and called for speedy dissemination of its technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across states. He particularly emphasized the importance of perennial grasses that are tolerant to abiotic stress, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate degraded lands, contribute to ecological balance, and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. Reiterating government’s  commitment to building a resilient livestock sector, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that science, innovation, and cooperative governance would be the cornerstones of advancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan. He also held discussions with IGFRI researchers, encouraging the institute to position itself as a central knowledge and innovation hub for fodder development and grassland improvement in India.

Among the key technologies demonstrated during the visit were livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) tailored for all categories of farmers; apomictic breeding in perennial grasses to ensure genetic uniformity and sustainability; development of specialized fodder farm machinery aimed at reducing manual labour; seed standards and certification systems for quality assurance in forage crops; and the innovative use of drones for seed pellet-based grassland rejuvenation at scale.

Ms. Alka Upadhyaya underlined the significance of state-level convergence to support the wider adoption of location-specific fodder technologies. She highlighted the scope for integrating fodder cultivation in fallow spaces within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising example of such convergence. To further promote this model, she informed that a joint meeting will be held in Kerala on 8^th April 2025, bringing together representatives of the State Government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists.

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SC

(Release ID: 2119477) Visitor Counter : 41

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to the Middle East from today (April 6) to April 10, with key engagements in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to deepening economic ties with these dynamic markets and promoting the city as a premier gateway for Middle Eastern businesses seeking opportunities on the Mainland and in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
 
Hong Kong has a strong, long-standing and ever-growing relationship with the Gulf region including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marked by increasing co-operation in finance, trade, and investment. The city’s merchandise trade with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf reached US$21.6 billion in 2023. These partnerships are further strengthened through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which fosters greater connectivity and economic opportunities.
 
     “Amid an increasingly complex global landscape and geopolitical uncertainties, countries in the Middle East are actively diversifying their investments. Hong Kong, as a global financial centre and a ‘super connector’ between the Mainland, Asia, and the rest of the world, is uniquely positioned to support this shift,” said Mr Ng. “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, our city offers a robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and internationally aligned regulations. Beyond finance, Hong Kong is also a hub for trade, logistics, innovation and professional services. It serves as a gateway for Middle Eastern partners to tap into the Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”
 
As part of its commitment to financial diversification, the city has developed a supportive platform for Islamic finance, including sukuk issuance and tax law amendments to ensure a level playing field with conventional bonds and the successful launch of three government sukuk. It continues to welcome more Islamic financial institutions and products to leverage Hong Kong’s international financial platform and tap into opportunities across Asia and the Mainland.
 
During his visit to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, Mr Ng will participate in numerous high-level business roundtables co-organised with Asia House, bringing together representatives from prominent businesses, family offices, and investors. He will also meet with representatives from leading Middle Eastern companies and discuss how establishing a presence in Hong Kong can drive their global expansion strategies.
 
These engagements aim to strengthen economic ties, foster collaboration, and attract more businesses from the Middle East to invest and expand through Hong Kong. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a global financial and multinational supply chain management hub, InvestHK seeks to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive innovation and growth across regions.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 12:09PM by PIB Delhi

​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, today participated in a ceremony to inaugurate and launch two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura.

The leaders inaugurated the 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line refurbished with Indian assistance of USD 91.27 million, followed by the launch of construction of an advanced signaling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, being built with Indian grant assistance of USD 14.89.

These landmark railway modernisation projects implemented under the India-Sri Lanka development partnership represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka. They would facilitate fast and efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across the country.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2119486) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 8:47AM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, released the 26^th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data”.

The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the gender landscape in India, presenting selected indicators and data across key areas like population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making, all sourced from various Ministries/ Departments/Organizations. Utilizing official statistics, it presents gender-disaggregated data across urban-rural divides and geographic regions, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women and men.

“Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data” serves as a crucial resource, highlighting both progress in gender equality and persistent disparities. By analyzing socio-economic indicators and highlighting trends, it empowers policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to develop gender-sensitive policies fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

“Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data” is available at the website of the Ministry (https://mospi.gov.in/).

Some of the highlights of the publication are as follows:

• The primary and higher Secondary levels have consistently high GPI, indicating strong female enrolment. Upper primary and elementary levels saw fluctuations but remained close to parity.

• The LPFR in usual status for ages 15 years and above has improved from 49.8% (2017-18) to 60.1% (2023-24).

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• Women own 39.2% of all bank accounts and contribute to 39.7% of total deposits. Their participation is highest in rural areas, where they make up 42.2% of account holders.
• There is rise in DEMAT account over the years, indicating growing participation in the stock market. From March 31, 2021, to November 30, 2024, the total number of DEMAT accounts increased from 33.26 million to 143.02 million, marking more than a fourfold rise. Male account holders have consistently outnumbered female account holders, but female participation has also shown a growing trend. The number of male accounts rose from 26.59 million in 2021 to 115.31 million in 2024, while female accounts increased from 6.67 million to 27.71 million during the same period.

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• Rising percentage of female-headed proprietary establishments across manufacturing, trade, and other services sectors over the years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 has been observed.

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• The total number of electors increased from 173.2 million in 1952 to 978 million in 2024, with a notable rise in female voter registration. Female voter turnout varied over the years, reaching 67.2% in 2019 but slightly declining to 65.8% in 2024. The gender gap in voting has narrowed, with female turnout surpassing male turnout in 2024.
• Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of startups recognized by DPIIT with at least one-woman director, reflecting a positive trend in female entrepreneurship. The total number of such startups rose from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2119441) Visitor Counter : 70