Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

Presently, concept design of the lead unit of Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe has been completed, which includes sizing of the nuclear reactor alongwith the primary heat transport system. Detailed engineering design of nuclear and non-nuclear systems has been taken-up by the Department.

The erection and start-up of the demonstration unit of BSMR200 is expected to be completed in 6 years’ time after financial approval. Plant commissioning followed by regular operation will be feasible at the end of 7th year. Expected cost of the lead unit is ₹5,700 Crores.

BSMR is being developed by BARC and NPCIL as all the required expertise is available in house for deployment of lead unit of BSMR. The Department will avail services of developed indigenous private nuclear vendors, who will deliver various equipment and components of BSMR 200 through competitive bidding. The construction, erection and commissioning works will be entrusted with pre-qualified EPC vendors.

BSMR is based on the globally proven pressurized water reactor technology. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions. In addition to this Nuclear safety of BSMR-based power plant will be subjected to comprehensive regulatory licensing process in vogue. Design standardization will be taken-up in the follow-on units to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimization of project timelines. BSMR will be largely indigenous, facilitating its sustainability and mass deployment. Use of imported uranium (slightly enriched) will be an option to be exercised, if required.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2118377) Visitor Counter : 38

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shinawatra,

Delegates from both countries,

Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

Sawadee Krap!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shinawatra for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me.

I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of India for the loss of life in the earthquake that occurred on March 28. We also wish for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.

Friends,

The age-old relations between India and Thailand are rooted in our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has brought our people together.

There have been exchanges of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folk lore. And, the influence of Sanskrit and Pali continues to resonate with our languages and traditions today.

I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for releasing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings as part of my visit.

Prime Minister Shinawatra just gifted me a Tri-Pitaka. On behalf of India, the land of Buddha, I accept it with folded hands. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is a matter of great pleasure that more than four million devotees got the opportunity to pay their tributes. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand for an exposition.

This year our old connection was also visible in the Mahakumbh in India. More than 600 Buddhist devotees from foreign countries, including Thailand, became part of this spiritual and cultural gathering. This event gave the message of global peace and harmony.

Friends,

Thailand holds a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. Today, we have decided to strengthen our ties into a strategic partnership. Also, we discussed establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between our security agencies.

We thanked the Government of Thailand for their cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian victims of cybercrime. We have agreed that our agencies will collaborate closely to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.

We have emphasized on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India.

We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts.

We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity.

With the aim of promoting people-to-people exchanges, India has started offering free e-visa facilities to Thai tourists.

Friends,

ASEAN is the comprehensive strategic partner of India, and in this region, as neighbouring maritime countries, we have shared interests in regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

India firmly supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. In the Indo-Pacific region, both countries advocate a free, open, inclusive and rule-based order.

We believe in development and not expansionism. We welcome Thailand’s decision to co-lead the ‘Maritime Ecology’ Pillar of the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.

Friends,

I am eager to participate in the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow. Under Thailand’s chairmanship, this forum has gained new momentum towards regional cooperation. We congratulate the Prime Minister and his team for this achievement.

Excellency,

Once again, I thank you for this warm welcome and honour. I also express my gratitude for this gift of the Tri-Pitaka.

Khop Khun Khap!

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

With just 79 days to go for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) has volunteered to play an active role in the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga . IYA representatives led by Secretary General Subodh Tiwari met senior officers from the Ministry of Ayush to discuss their plan of activities.

Representatives from 27 state chapters of the IYA actively participated in the discussions, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm for the mega International Day of Yoga 2025.

The Ministry of Ayush thanked the IYA for their proactive approach and advance  planning for IDY 2025. This collaboration is expected to enhance the celebration and promote the benefits of yoga on a global scale.

As announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, theme for IDY 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth One Health,”. The Prime Minister has also appealed to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being. IYA expressed its commitment to spread this theme through their number of institutions.

The IYA members stated that many of them have already chalked out specific plan to carry out activities related to the 10 unique signature events that have been identified to mark the 10^th anniversary of International Day of Yoga 2025.

These 10 signature events are

• Yoga Sangam – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
• Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
• Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
• Yoga Samavesh – Yoga Samavesh is an inclusive initiative promoting accessible yoga for persons with special needs, children, seniors, and marginalized groups. It features 10 key events, each focusing on a specific yoga protocol for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, mental health, and substance abuse. Over 1,000 participants will undergo a 10-day training conducted by partner organizations.
• Yoga Prabhav – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
• Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
• Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
• Yoga Unplugged – An event to attract young people to Yoga
• Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
• Samyoga – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

IYA members will strive to ensure that their IDY 2025 activities will revolve around the above signature events.

Annexure

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

• IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
• IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
• IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
• IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.
• IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
• IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
• IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
• IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
• IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
• IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2118347) Visitor Counter : 71

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

1. Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership

2. MoU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies

3. MoU between Sagarmala Division, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of the Republic of India and Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, Kingdom of Thailand for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat

4. MoU between National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), the Republic of India and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), the Kingdom of Thailand on cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

5. MoU between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

6. MoU between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) of the Republic of India and Creative Economy Agency (CEA) of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118351) Visitor Counter : 57

Source: Government of India

Raksha Mantri exhorts AMC to continue adopting latest technologies to provide quality health services to soldiers  

“Need to develop tech for both defence & civilian sectors, Civil-military convergence is crucial for overall development”

INHS Asvini, Mumbai bags RM Trophy for best hospital in AFMS for 2024

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

“The medical sector is going through a phase of technological transformation across the globe, and the Army Medical Corps (AMC) must continue adopting latest advancements to provide quality health services to our soldiers,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 261^stRaising Day celebrations of AMC at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt. on April 03, 2025.

While Raksha Mantri acknowledged AMC’s efforts of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and carrying out research in cutting-edge tech, he stressed on the need to stay abreast with evolving practices to achieve new breakthroughs in the field. He pitched for encouraging simulator-based training, wherein expertise in medical procedure is achieved through machine-based learning. He batted for additional research and training centres for the personnel to achieve this proficiency.

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the need to develop dual-use technologies, which can prove to be beneficial to both defence and civilian sectors. Civil-military convergence in the field of defence technology is crucial for the overall development, he said, while commending AMC for working with academia such as ICMR, IITs & AIIMS and medical organisations of other countries. He also urged AMC to explore the possibility of training medical professionals of other developing and under-developed countries to increase India’s stature in the field of military diplomacy.

Raksha Mantri appreciated the remarkable contribution of AMC in reforming the health sector – from infrastructure to services and policy making to implementation. He stated that AMC has strengthened the combat medical readiness of the Armed Forces by introducing Advanced Mobile Surgical Units and Rapid Response Medical teams. Indigenous Trauma Management System and AI-powered medical triage systems have improved emergency response time & patient care, he added.

Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the services of AMC are not limited to the serving soldiers, and they continuously strive for the well-being of the ex-servicemen and their families.

Raksha Mantri made special mention of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the incumbent and first female Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), describing her as a shining example of the growing Nari Shakti in the military. “Under her leadership, not only are our doctors carrying out exceptional work, the participation of women has also increased,” he said. 

On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh presented the Raksha Mantri Trophy in recognition of the outstanding performance in delivery of healthcare to Armed Forces personnel. The trophy for the best hospital in AFMS for 2024 was awarded to INHS Asvini, Mumbai, while the second-best hospital trophy was given to Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir, Haryana. These awards stand as testimony to the AMC’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and patient care.

The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other civil and military officials.

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VK/SR/Savvy/SS

(Release ID: 2118354) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on 6^th September 2023, to support the development of BESS.  As per the Scheme, VGF support will be provided for BESS approved during 2023-26. The fund disbursement will occur in 5 tranches: 10% upon financial closure of the project, 45% upon achieving the Commercial Operation Date (COD), and 15% per year over the next 3 years from COD.With the decline in battery prices, the scheme capacity has been increased from 4000 MWh to 13,200 MWh while staying within the approved budgetary allocationof Rs 3,760 Cr.

A budgetary provision of ₹96 Crore was made for 1000 MWh BESS in 2024-25, assuming 10% disbursement upon financial closure. However, with falling BESS costs, the VGF amount reduced from ₹96 lakh per MWh (estimated in 2023-24) to ₹46 lakh per MWh or 30% of capital cost, whichever is lower. As a result, the budgetary allocation was revised from ₹96 Crore to ₹46 Crore. As per scheme guidelines, 10% of VGF is to be disbursed after financial closure. Since, none of the projects could achieve financial closure, no expenditure was incurred under the scheme during 2024-25.

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for monitoring the scheme, while the Ministry of Power oversees the scheme, to ensure timely completion and efficient fund utilisation.

The National Electricity Plan 2023 estimates that 236 GWh BESS would be required by 2031-32.  This scheme will support integration of renewable energy and help minimize costs during peak demand periods in non-solar hours.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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SK

 

(Release ID: 2118325) Visitor Counter : 113

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, today (April 3) met with the Director-General of the Customs Administration of the Netherlands, Mrs Nanette van Schelven, in the presence of the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, Mr Maurits ter Kuile, in the Customs Headquarters Building. The meeting aimed to forge closer ties and strengthen collaboration in customs affairs between the two sides.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the economic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as the on-going collaborative efforts between the two Customs administrations on customs administrative assistance and enforcement co-operation. They also discussed and exchanged views on trade facilitation and other issues of mutual concern.

Mr Chan welcomed the visit by Mrs van Schelven and Mr ter Kuile, noting that both Hong Kong and the Netherlands are key players in international trade. He emphasised that maintaining close collaboration between the two sides on customs affairs is crucial for fostering the robust development of international trade and creating more business opportunities for both economies.

​The Dutch Customs delegation will also visit the customs facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport tomorrow (April 4) to better understand the clearance operation of Hong Kong Customs for air cargoes and air passengers.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has prepared plans across key sectors namely Industry, Buildings (including appliances), Transport and Others/Miscellaneous. By implementing these plans, it is aimed to reduce the energy consumption by 89 Million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2030 as compared to the scenario in which these interventions are not carried out.

Sustainable cooling acts as a tool to address the growing cooling demand. To balance the growing cooling demand while ensuring the sustainable and energy efficient cooling solutions, two new building codes: the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings and the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) for residential buildings have been published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for adoption by States. The Air-conditioners, Ceiling Fans and Refrigerators have been brought under mandatory compliance of Standard and Labelling programme to ensure that energy efficient devices are deployed for cooling purposes.

Additionally, with the overarching goal to address the rising cooling demand, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).

Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the aegis of Ministry of Power has taken several initiatives to promote the energy efficiency in industry, transport and domestic sectors which includes;

1. Perform, Achieve and Trade scheme to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. It sets sector-specific energy reduction targets, allowing industries to earn Energy Saving Certificates for exceeding targets, which can be traded on power exchanges. This incentivizes cost-effective energy savings while providing flexibility in compliance.
2. Under the Standards and Labelling programme, the major energy consuming appliances are given star rating from 1 to 5 with 5 star as most efficient appliance. Based on star label, the consumer is encouraged for making informed choice regarding purchase of energy efficient appliances thereby saving electricity consumption.
3. The Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings and the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) for residential buildings have been published for energy savings in building sector. These codes are to be adopted and implemented by the States / local bodies.
4. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms for passenger cars for energy savings in transport sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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SK

(Release ID: 2118327) Visitor Counter : 86

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a meeting with Gorkha representatives in New Delhi to address issues concerning the Gorkha community today. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai. During the meeting, the Gorkha delegation led by Darjeeling MP Shri Raju Bista highlighted various issues related to Gorkhas and the region and urged for early resolution of the problems.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs listened to the representatives attentively and assured them that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the all-round development and security of the region are among the priorities of the Government of India. He further assured that the Central Government would resolve the issues of Gorkhas, within the constitutional framework, in coordination with the Government of West Bengal.

During the meeting, various matters were discussed in detail and it was made clear by the government that the Central Government is working with utmost sensitivity to resolve the issues related to Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars.

 

The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Registrar General of India Shri Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs Shri Roumuan Paite and other senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs. From the Gorkha side, the delegation included Darjeeling MLA Shri Neeraj Zimba, Kalchini MLA Shri Bishal Lama, GNLF Chief Shri Man Ghising, GJM Chief Bimal Gurung, CPRM President Shri J.B. Rai, GoRaNiMo Chief Shri Dawa Pakhrin, SuMuMo Chief Shri Vikas Rai, Dr. Kalyan Dewan, GJM General Secretary Shri Roshan Giri and GNLF General Secretary Shri Nar Bahadur Chhetri.

 

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RK/VV/PR/PS

 

(Release ID: 2118359) Visitor Counter : 147

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked the Prime Minister of Thailand H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali, hailing it as a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“A very special gesture!

I am grateful to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving me a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. Pali is indeed a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings. As you are all aware, our Government had conferred the status of Classical Language on Pali last year. People from all over the world have appreciated this decision and it has also encouraged research as well as study on this language.

@ingshin”

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118334) Visitor Counter : 120