Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Vibrant Villages Programme -II (VVP-II) as a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding), furthering its commitment for the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 for ‘Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders’.  The Programme would help in the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I.

With a total outlay of Rs.6,839 crore, the programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the FY 2028-29.

The objective of the programme is to create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and assimilate the border population with the nation and inculcate them ‘as eyes and ears of the border guarding forces’, crucial for internal security.

The programme shall provide funds for infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages, value chain development (through cooperatives, SHGs, etc), border specific outreach activity, education infrastructure like SMART classes, development of tourism circuits and works/projects to create diverse & sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas.

The interventions would be border-specific, state and village specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach.

All-weather road connectivity for these villages shall be undertaken under the already approved PMGSY-IV under the MoRD. A High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary shall consider suitable relaxations in schematic guidelines for effective implementation of schemes in the border areas.  

The programme aims to achieve saturation in existing individual and household level welfare schemes in the identified villages under convergence as per scheme norms. The programme also aims to saturate all villages in such blocks in 4 thematic areas, namely all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms.

The programme emphasizes enhancing vibrancy in these villages by organizing activities including fairs & festivals, awareness camps, celebration of National days, regular visits by Ministers, senior Government officers from Central and State/UT Government & night stays in such villages. This would boost the tourism potential and promote the local culture and heritage of these villages.

Technology would be leveraged and information databases like PM Gati Shakti shall be used for effective implementation of the project.

VVP-II along with VVP-I is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant.

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MJPS/SKS

(Release ID: 2118730) Visitor Counter : 116

Source:

Taumeasina Island Resort, Tuesday 18 February 18:30pm

Talofa lava and good evening to you all.

I am happy to join you this evening to bid farewell to Mr. Themba Kalua, who has served with dedication and commitment as the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

Let me first of all acknowledge the successful conclusion of the Government of Samoa–UN Country Implementation Plan (CIP) Workshop today, which brought together government officials, UN agencies, and stakeholders to set the priorities for our cooperation over the next three years. I am grateful to all who contributed their time, expertise, and insights to this important process.

Mr. Kalua, your tenure has been marked by steadfast leadership in strengthening the partnership between Samoa and the United Nations. Your efforts have added to Samoa’s voice and priorities being heard in regional and global discussions; your advocacy has led to increased UN technical expertise and engagement in areas important to our national development.

Notably, your tenure, though shortened, has fostered a more coordinated and integrated UN engagement, aligning with the UN Secretary-General’s reform agenda, which Samoa has strongly supported.

I would like to highlight three significant achievements of your tenure:

1️. Advancing Samoa’s SDG Implementation & National Priorities through the joint UN technical support for the preparation of Samoa’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR), which was successfully presented at the High-Level Political Forum last year.

Additionally, we appreciate your support for the SDG Acceleration Initiative which the UN launched last year to help drive targeted actions in climate action including NDC 3.0, food systems transformation, gender-based violence, non-communicable diseases and economic development. The joint programs launched have reinforced collaborative, high-impact solutions to some of our development challenges.

2. UN’s Support to CHOGM 2024.

Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024 was a historic milestone. We thank you for your role in mobilizing and coordinating UN technical support to forums and events at CHOGM.

3. Hosting the UN Secretary-General in Samoa

Your leadership also ensured the successful hosting of the historic visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Samoa last year. This visit reinforced the importance of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the global development agenda and reaffirmed Samoa’s role as a strong advocate for climate action, resilience, and sustainable development.

We are pleased to know that you will continue to influence the global agenda in ways that matter to Samoa and other SIDS in your new post.

Congratulations on your appointment as Director for the Pact for the Future Implementation in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General.

Samoa contributed to this landmark resolution, and we look forward to working with you in your new capacity to ensure that the unique challenges and aspirations of our region remain visible and well-supported at the highest levels of the UN.

We value our partnership with the United Nations, and I am confident that the Samoa UN Country Team will continue to build upon the strong foundation you and your predecessors have helped establish.

On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I would like to express my gratitude for your service to Samoa. We wish you all the very best and look forward to continuing our collaboration in your new role.

SOIFUA

February 28, 2025

Source:

REMARKS by the Prime Minister, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa On the occasion of the celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan hosted by the Ambassador of Japan, H.E Ryotaro Suzuki

(Friday, 21 February 2025 at 6.30-8.30pm, Taumeasina Island Resort)

Reverend Semikueva Fa’atoafe Ugapo

Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

Members of the Council of Deputies

Cabinet Ministers

Speaker of the House

Leader of Opposition

Members of Parliament

Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary

H.E Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.

I would like to thank Your Excellency, Ryotaro Suzuki, for the invitation to say a few words at this evening’s reception to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito.

The celebrations this evening, is also about the relationship that both our countries established with the aim to nurture and enhance friendly relations.

Japan and Samoa have developed strong cordial relations that have prospered over the years. Japan and Samoa established diplomatic relations in April 1973 and this year marks 52 years of mutually beneficial partnership.

Like our other development partners, Japan’s generous assistance through development cooperation has ensured that programs which Samoa could not invest in nor manage without the requisite technical expertise were well accommodated and resourced to overcome the constraints. The JICA volunteer programme in Samoa is an integral aspect in our relationship. The deployment of JICA volunteers to critical areas such as education, health, water/sanitation and environmental management has contributed immensely to the development of these areas.

Japan continues to provide key economic infrastructure with related heavy-duty equipment. Last year, we signed an MoU under Japan’s Grant Assistance for

Economic and Social Development Programme for the procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoa Water Authority and the Exchange of Notes for the new Health Science Campus and resource centre at Le Papaigalagala campus

Japan is committed to funding small-scale projects that directly benefit our village communities contributing to their social and economic development. A number of valuable projects funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects recently, included the reconstruction of the Samatau Primary school, the building of the Avele College Hall, the construction of the Mental Health Facility of Goshen Trust Mental Health Services, the handover of a Mobile Dental Clinic to the Ministry of Health, the handover of water tank trucks and pumper water tanks to FESA and the handover of 5 Toyota Landcruisers to the Samoa Water Authority to assist with routine inspection and repair works. Two weeks ago, Japan and the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) signed an agreement for the construction of the Samoa Integrated Training Centre for Community Development.

Your Excellency,

Our bilateral relations have achieved much through people-to-people exchange activities and the comprehensive development efforts of both countries. The exchange of high-level visits plays a crucial role in enhancing cooperation and commitment in our bilateral relations. In February 2024, Samoa hosted the visit of Japan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Ms. Yoko Kamikawa. We also received a senior level visit from the Japanese Ministry of Justice in support of democratic governance with a reciprocal visit of our Minister of Justice and delegation to Japan.

In July last year, I attended the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo and had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with Prime Minister Kishida discussing cooperation that are aligned with the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” which would translate to activities addressing country needs and the delivery of assistance bilaterally.

These are, but a few highlights of the remarkable partnership our two countries have engaged in recently that continue to foster effective cooperation for the development of Samoa and reap mutual benefits for our two countries.

Your Excellency,

To conclude, I would like to offer our warmest congratulations on the celebration of his Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s birthday.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to please raise your glasses with me and let us pay tribute: “for the continued good health and prosperity of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, and to continuing good relations between Samoa and Japan.”

Ia Manuia!

March 18, 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was – “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.

Prime Minister began his address by offering condolences on the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. He thanked Prime Minister Shinawatra for successfully steering the Group. Highlighting BIMSTEC as a vital bridge between South Asia and South-East Asia, Prime Minister underlined that the Group had become an impactful platform for regional cooperation, coordination and progress. In this regard, he called for further strengthening the agenda and capacity of BIMSTEC.

Prime Minister announced several India-led initiatives towards institution and capacity building in BIMSTEC. These include setting up of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Research and Training in Agriculture. He also announced a new programme for skilling the youth – BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] under which training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, students, researchers, diplomats and others. He also offered a pilot study by India to assess regional needs in Digital Public Infrastructure and a capacity building programme for cancer care in the region. Calling for greater regional economic integration, Prime Minister offered to establish BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and to organize BIMSTEC Business Summit every year in India.

Emphasizing on the need to build upon the historic and cultural ties that bring the region together, Prime Minister announced several initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people linkages. India would be hosting a BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year and the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027 when the group celebrates its 30th anniversary. It would also host a BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. To bring the youths of the region closer, Prime Minister announced a Young Leaders’ Summit, a Hackathon and a Young Professional Visitors programme. The full list of initiatives announced by the Prime Minister may be seen here.

The Summit adopted the following:

i. Summit Declaration

ii. BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 document, which lays out the road map for the collective prosperity of the region.

iii. Signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, which provides for – National Treatment and assistance to vessels, crew and cargo; mutual recognition of certificates/ documents; Joint Shipping Coordination Committee; and dispute settlement mechanism.

ⅳ. Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group constituted to make recommendations for future direction for the BIMSTEC.

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118696) Visitor Counter : 96

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Business

* Establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.

* Organization of BIMSTEC Business Summit every year.

* Feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BIMSTEC region.

IT

* Pilot study to understand the needs of BIMSTEC countries to share the experience of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

* Connectivity between UPI and payment systems in the BIMSTEC region.

Mitigation and Disaster Management

* Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to cooperate in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

* Fourth joint exercises between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities to be held in India this year.

Security

* Holding the first meeting of the Home Ministers’ Mechanism in India

Space

* Setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launching of Nano Satellites, and use of remote sensing data.

Capacity Building and Training

* “BODHI”, i.e., “BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human resource Infrastructure” initiative. Under this, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year.

* Scholarships to BIMSTEC students in the Forestry Research Institute of India and expansion of the scholarship scheme at Nalanda University.

* Taining programme every year for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries.

* Tata Memorial Centre to support training and capacity building in cancer care in BIMSTEC countries.

* Establishment of Centre of Excellence for research and dissemination in traditional medicine

* Centre of Excellence in India for exchange of knowledge and best practices, research and capacity building for the benefit of farmers.

Energy

* BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has started working.

* Faster work on electric grid interconnection.

Youth engagement

* BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit to be held this year.

* The BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors programme will be launched.

Sports

* Holding ‘BIMSTEC Athletics Meet’ in India this year.

* Hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027

Culture

* BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival to be held in India this year

Connectivity

* Establishment of Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to work to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and maritime policies.

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118698) Visitor Counter : 81

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE]- The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa met for the first time with the new Governor of American Samoa, Hon. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Pulu Ae Ae Jr at 3pm the 3rd January 2025 following the Inauguration Ceremony in the morning.

The meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, AP Lutali Executive Office Building.

The Prime Minister congratulated Governor Pula and LT Pulu on this auspicious occasion and further conveyed the best wishes from the Government and people of Samoa towards their tenure in the leadership.

During his inauguration speech, Governor Pula reiterated the importance of the Atoa o Samoa relations given our common ancestry and heritage with the old saying, ‘Blood is thicker than water’.

The dialogue focused on continuing cooperation on mutual development interests such as trade, civil aviation, labor mobility, Pacific Islands Forum and collaboration in the region. Samoa will host the next Atoa o Samoa on May 2025. Honorable Mataafa attended as the Official Guest of Government from Samoa accompanied by CEO, MPMC, Agafili Shem Leo and Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio.

January 8, 2025

Source: Government of India

On the occasion of Ram Navami, PM to visit Tamil Nadu and inaugurate New Pamban Rail Bridge connecting Rameswaram to the mainland

PM to also lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu

PM to flag off Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) new train service

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:35PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu on 6th April. On the occasion of Ram Navami, at around 12 noon, he will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge – India’s first vertical lift sea bridge and flag off a train and a ship from the road bridge and witness the operation of the bridge.

Thereafter at around 12:45 PM, he will perform darshan and pooja at Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram. At around 1:30 PM in Rameswaram, he will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Pamban Rail Bridge and flag off Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) new train service. The bridge carries a deep cultural significance. According to the Ramayana, the construction of Ram Setu was initiated from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram.

The Bridge, linking Rameswaram to the mainland, stands as a remarkable feat of Indian engineering on the global stage. It is built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore. It is 2.08 km in length, features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises up to a height of 17 metres, facilitating smooth movement of ships while ensuring seamless train operations. Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, the bridge boasts increased durability and reduced maintenance needs. It is designed for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands. A special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. These projects include foundation stone for four-laning of 28 Km long Walajapet – Ranipet section of NH-40 and dedication to the Nation of 4-laned 29 Km long Viluppuram – Puducherry section of NH-332; 57 Km long Poondiyankuppam – Sattanathapuram section of NH-32 and 48 Km long Cholapuram – Thanjavur section of NH-36. These highways will connect many pilgrim centres and tourist places, reduce distance between cities and enable faster access to Medical College and Hospital, Ports besides empowering local farmers to transport agricultural products to the nearby markets and boost economic activity of local leather and small scale industries.

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118700) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken following initiative to strengthen India’s coastal security:

• ICG deploys 18-20 ships, 30-35 crafts and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance on a daily basis. ICG assets ensure maritime law enforcement to strengthen coastal security and maintain rule based order at sea. Surveillance efforts also focus on Offshore Development Area (ODA) and seas adjoining Island groups (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep). Surveillance of coastal areas through Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) and investigation by Remote Operating Station (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs) are undertaken. During the  last 10 years, ICG has conducted 3,00,296 Boarding Operations for deterrence and to establish identity of personnel, 153 Coastal Security Exercises, 451 Coastal Security Operations, 458 Security Drills and 3,645 Joint Coastal Patrol Sorties.         

          A total number of 179 boats have been seized and 1,683 personnel arrested over the last 10 years for illegally entering Indian waters. These boats were engaged in various illegal activities like poaching, narcotics smuggling, illegal immigration etc.

Funds utilised towards acquisition of ships and aircraft by ICG towards coastal security (Pan India) is Rs 12,201 crore. Fund utilised for CSN (Pan India) is Rs 1,583.8 crore.

Coastal Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Coastal States/Union Territories have been promulgated. These SOPs highlight responsibility of various stakeholder agencies, conduct of operations and response management for various coastal security States.

ICG interactions are focused on maritime safety and security. ICG conducts regular Community Interaction Programmes involving fisher folks. During the interactions, various maritime safety and security aspects are deliberated. A toll free number 1554 has also been promulgated for reporting of any eventuality at sea. Further, fishermen watch groups have been created by States for reporting of any suspicious activities along the coast. Training is imparted to ICG personnel and Marine Police personnel towards effective Coastal Security and performing their laid down role and functions.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in a written reply to Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti in the Lok Sabha today.

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SR/SS

(Release ID: 2118702) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

The two leaders discussed the situation in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, including India’s ongoing efforts under “Operation Brahma” to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance to Myanmar. The Senior General expressed his gratitude for India’s assistance efforts. Prime Minister conveyed that, as the First Responder, India stands with Myanmar in this time of crisis and is ready to deploy more material assistance and resources if required.

PM underlined the importance of early restoration of a democratic process through inclusive and credible elections, adding that India supported efforts aimed at fostering trust and advancing a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led transition towards a peaceful, stable and democratic future. Alluding to the human cost of the ongoing ethnic violence in Myanmar, PM underlined that there was no military solution to the conflict and stressed that enduring peace could only be achieved through an inclusive dialogue.

Prime Minister appreciated the support extended by Myanmar for the rescue and repatriation of Indian nationals from cyber-scam centres along the Myanmar–Thailand border. Both sides agreed on the need to cooperate in addressing insurgent activities, transnational crimes and human trafficking along the India-Myanmar border.

The two leaders also discussed the ongoing India-supported infrastructure development projects in Myanmar. Prime Minister underlined India’s readiness to support the developmental needs of all communities in Myanmar.

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118719) Visitor Counter : 93

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 11:52AM by PIB Delhi

The Annual Report of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for the year 2023-24 detailing activities of the Authority, certified accounts and the audit report thereupon has been laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 12^th March 2025 and Rajya Sabha on 20^th March 2025.

The Annual Report of TRAI details the policies and programmes, review of General environment in the telecom sector and broadcasting sector, review of working and operation of TRAI, functions of TRAI in respect of matters specified in Section 11 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997 and its organizational matters including financial performance.

A copy of the Annual Report of TRAI for the year 2023-24 has been placed on the website of TRAI (www.trai.gov.in) for information of the general public.

In case of any further clarification, Shri Yatinder Agrohi, Advisor (Administration and IR) TRAI, may be contacted at 011-26769602, email id: advadmn@trai.gov.in.
 

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2118631) Visitor Counter : 107