MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Record 4,515 Child Adoptions in FY 2024-25, Highest in 12 years

Adoption process strengthened with increased Awareness, Identification Initiatives, and Digital Transparency

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

India’s adoption ecosystem has seen a significant boost in FY 2024-25, with a record 4,515 child adoptions, the highest since 2015-16. Of these, 4,155 were domestic adoptions, reflecting growing acceptance of legal adoption in the country. A strong identification drive by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) introduced 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool, ensuring that more children in need find loving families. Additionally, 245 new adoption agencies were set up in coordination with state governments to streamline the adoption process.

Key factors in this progress have been the intervention of Identification Cell and extensive training & awareness campaigns. CARA conducted physical state orientations across 12 states and UTs, along with 45 virtual training sessions covering adoption timelines, training of CWC members, foster care, and adoption counseling for children and prospective adoptive parents (PAPs). Moreover, as part of the Adoption Awareness Campaign, CARA partnered with 16 states to organize meets with Adoptive Parents from October, 2024 to January, 2025. In the presence of Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, Annual conclave was also celebrated in November, 2024, focusing on foster care and adoption advocacy, with over 500 stakeholders participating.

Furthering its commitment, CARA launched a comprehensive child identification exercise, adhering to the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This initiative categorized children under five groups – Orphan, Abandoned, Surrendered, Children with No Visitation, and Children with Unfit Guardians. This strategic effort aimed to bring more children into the legal adoption framework, ensuring their right to a secure and supportive home.

Under the guidance of Ministry of Women and Child Development, CARA also introduced new initiatives to enhance alternate family-based care. In 2024, CARA introduced Foster Care and Foster Adoption Modules on CARINGS portal to ensure placement of older children in family-based alternate care.

In a move towards greater transparency and efficiency, CARA implemented digital interventions to streamline adoption procedures. Enhancements were made to the CARINGS portal, incorporating Identification related initiatives pertaining to data cleansing and provisions from the Adoption Regulations, 2022. New modules for in-country relative and step-parent adoptions were introduced, reducing the average processing time to 3-4 months.

The achievements of FY 2024-25 highlight CARA’s proactive approach in strengthening India’s adoption framework. With continued collaboration between central and state authorities, CARA remains committed to ensuring every child in need finds a safe and loving home.

**** 

SS/MS

(Release ID: 2117433) Visitor Counter : 28

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

S. No.	Title of the MoU
1	Letter of Intent on Antarctica Cooperation
2	India – Chile Cultural Exchange Program
3	MoU between National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response, (SENAPRED) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on disaster management
4	MoU between CODELCO and Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL)

*****

MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2117424) Visitor Counter : 103

Source: Government of India

WAVES BAZAAR

Explore, Connect & Trade Globally

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

Explore, Connect & Trade Globally

 

Introduction

WAVES Bazaar is an innovative online marketplace connecting professionals, businesses, and creators from the global entertainment industry. It was officially launched on January 27, 2025, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism.

WAVES Bazaar is a key part of the WAVES Summit, also known as the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit. It’s a dedicated platform where industry professionals come together to connect, collaborate, and discover new business opportunities. The WAVES Summit will be held from May 1–4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, making WAVES Bazaar an important hub for global entertainment exchange.

WAVES Bazaar: A Global Marketplace

WAVES Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind e-marketplace that brings together stakeholders from across the Media & Entertainment spectrum—including film, television, animation, gaming, advertising, XR, music, sound design, radio, and more.

Whether one is a content creator looking for collaborators, a business seeking the right platform, a developer searching for investors, or an artist wanting to showcase their work to global audiences, WAVES Bazaar provides a dynamic space for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and grow their businesses. Since the launch, till date, 5500 buyers, more than 2000 sellers and approximately 1000 projects have been registered on the portal from different verticals of M&E sector.

ey Features of WAVES Bazaa

Verticals of WAVES Bazaar

WAVES Bazaar is structured into multiple verticals, each tailored to cater to a specific segment of the media and entertainment industry. These include:

How WAVES Bazaar Works

Visit the WAVES Bazaar Website: Navigate to wavesbazaar.com and explore the platform.
Sign Up & Create Your Profile: Register as a buyer, seller, or investor to access the full range of opportunities.

List Your Services or Project Needs: Showcase your work or explore available listings tailored to your business interests.
Connect & Collaborate: Network with industry professionals, schedule meetings, and initiate successful collaborations.

Grow Your Business: Expand your market, find new revenue streams and establish long-term partnerships.

Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old to register and use Waves Bazaar services.

WAVES Bazaar for Various Professionals

WAVES Bazaar is open to both buyers and sellers within the creative industries. Businesses and individuals seeking innovative content and services can register as buyers to explore and connect with these creators. There is no registration fee to join WAVES Bazaar.

Guidelines For Seller

Join WAVES Bazaar as a Buyer

Viewing Room & Market Screenings

WAVES Bazaar offers an advanced Viewing Room & Market Screenings feature, ensuring curated content reaches the right audience.

· The Viewing Room provides a secure digital space for buyers to preview films, animations, and gaming IPs before making acquisition or partnership decisions.

· Market Screenings include exclusive in-person and virtual screenings designed to highlight high-potential projects, attracting investors and distributors.

Conclusion

WAVES Bazaar is revolutionizing the global media and entertainment industry. It offers a dynamic digital marketplace for professionals, businesses, and creators to connect, collaborate, and grow. With opportunities across diverse sectors—from film and gaming to music and advertising—it enables seamless networking and business transactions. Serving both buyers and sellers, WAVES Bazaar is setting the stage for a new era of global entertainment exchange and creative collaboration.

References

WAVES BAZAAR

******

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

(Release ID: 2117422) Visitor Counter : 9

Source: Government of India

Led by Robust 19.72% Growth in Loading of Domestic Container; Indian Railways Registers Incremental Loading of 1.68% Across All Commodities Compared to Last Year

Gunny sacks, Hot Rolled coils, Ceramic Tiles, Wall care putty and Rice are five major commodities in domestic container; Domestic coal loading grows by 7.4% fertilizer by 1.2 %

Eastern Railway Leads with 16.11% Growth in Freight Loading Among Zonal Railways in FY 2024-25

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways is crucial for transporting bulk commodities which are essential for industry and energy – coal for power plants, iron ore and finished steel for manufacturing and construction, cement, food grains for national distribution, fertilizers for agriculture, and petroleum products. For long distances and bulk goods, rail transport has been more economical than road transport. This helps reduce overall logistics costs for businesses, making Indian goods more competitive domestically and internationally. Moreover, Railways link mines, factories, agricultural regions, and ports with markets across the country, enabling seamless supply chains.

During FY 2024-25, Indian Railways achieved approx 1617.38 MT of originating freight loading, as compared to 1590.68 MT achieved during FY 2023-24, registering an incremental loading of 26.70 MT (1.68%).

Loading for domestic Coal registered growth of 7.4% whereas loading for Domestic Container recorded growth of 19.72%. Loading for fertilizer recorded growth of 1.25%. POL loading registered growth of 0.61%. Gunny sacks, Hot Rolled coils, Ceramic Tiles, Wall care putty and Rice are five major commodities in domestic container.

In terms of loading achieved by Zonal Railways, Eastern Railway achieved growth of 16.11%. South East Central Railway (SECR) achieved growth of 7.28%. Northeast Frontier Railway achieved growth of 4.21%. Northern Railway achieved growth of 3.89%.  East Central Railway achieved growth of 2.82%. South Central Railway achieved growth of 2.14%. East Coast Railway achieved growth of 1.19%. Southern Railway achieved growth of 0.80%. South Eastern Railway achieved growth of 0.36%.

Due to impressive loading of Coal by Indian Railways, stock at power houses in India reached 57 MT.

****

Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2117417) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of additional voting rights by certain shareholders of Billionbrains Garage Ventures Private Limited (Groww) and issuance of bonus compulsorily convertible preference shares to all existing equity shareholders of Groww.

The Proposed Combination comprises of: (i) collapse of the differential voting rights held by the Founders of Groww; and (ii) the bonus compulsorily convertible preference shares to be issued to all existing equity shareholders of Groww (namely Peak XV Partners Investments VI-1, Ribbit Capital V L.P., Ribbit Cayman GW Holdings V, Ltd., and GW-E Ribbit Opportunity V, LLC, YCCG21, L.P., and YC Holdings II, LLC, Internet Fund VI Pte. Ltd., ICONIQ Strategic Partners VI, L.P. and ICONIQ Strategic Partners VI-B, L.P. and Founders of Groww).

Peak XV Partners Investments VI-1 is an investment fund of Peak XV Partners, a venture capital and growth investing firm primarily focused on investing in startups in India and South East Asia region.

Ribbit Capital V L.P., Ribbit Cayman GW Holdings V, Ltd., and GW-E Ribbit Opportunity V, LLC (collectively, Ribbit) is a global investment organization that invests in early-stage companies.

YCCG21, L.P., and YC Holdings II, LLC (collectively, YC) is a startup accelerator and early-stage venture investor.

Internet Fund VI Pte. Ltd. (Tiger Global) is held by funds ultimately managed by Tiger Global Management, LLC and is primarily an investment holding company.

ICONIQ Strategic Partners VI, L.P. and ICONIQ Strategic Partners VI-B, L.P. (collectively referred to as ICONIQ) are private equity funds managed by ICONIQ Strategic Management, LLC.

Groww, through its affiliates, operates an online trading platform and mobile application called “Groww”, which inter alia allows investors to invest in stocks, mutual funds and other financial instruments. Groww, through its affiliates, also has its own asset management business (as a mutual fund house).

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

 NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117414) Visitor Counter : 54

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of certain CCPS B of API Holdings by 360 ONE and Claypond Capital.

360 ONE Large Value Fund – Series 13 (360 ONE LVF), which is a scheme of 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (Fund), acting through its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (AAML) (360 ONE LVF, Fund, and AAML are referred to as “360 ONE”). 360 ONE LVF is registered with the SEBI as a Category II AIF and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The Fund is managed by its investment manager, i.e., AAML. AAML provides investment management services to schemes of the Fund other Category I and Category II AIFs of the 360 ONE Group. It also undertakes co-investment portfolio management services

Claypond Capital Partners Private Limited (Claypond Capital) is a private limited company incorporated in India. Claypond Capital ultimately belongs to the Pai Family Group. It is engaged in the provision of consulting and advisory services to customers in India.

API Holdings Limited (API Holdings/Target) is a company incorporated in India. It is directly or indirectly engaged in various activities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in India.

The proposed transaction consists of the following steps: (a) 360 ONE proposes to acquire certain class B compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS B) of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG Family Office LLP (MEMG LLP) (Proposed 360 Transaction); and (b) Claypond Capital proposes to acquire certain CCPS B of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG LLP (Proposed Claypond Transaction) (Proposed 360 Transaction and Proposed Claypond Transaction are collectively referred to as the “Proposed Combination”).

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

 NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117415) Visitor Counter : 47

Source: Government of India

Government has Strengthened IBC with Six Amendments and 122 Regulatory reforms since its inception

Over 8,000 CIRPs initiated, rescuing 3,485 debtors and realization of ₹3.58 lakh crore

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

The legislative intent of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is to provide a consolidated framework for reorganization, insolvency resolution and liquidation of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals for maximization of the value of assets. Further, IBC has had a significant impact on the health of the country’s banking sector and redefined the debtor creditor relationship. 

 According to the RBI Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India (December 2024), the IBC emerged as the dominant recovery route, accounting for 48% of all recoveries made by banks, followed by the SARFAESI Act (32%), Debt Recovery Tribunals (17%), and Lok Adalats (3%) in the Financial Year 2023-24.   Additionally, a report by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) (August 2023; available at www.ibbi.gov.in), analysed the financial performance of firms that underwent resolution under the IBC and found significant improvements in the profitability, liquidity, and overall financial health of resolved firms in the post-resolution period. These findings underscore the positive impact of IBC on business continuity and value preservation.

 Till 31st December 2024, 8175 Corporate Insolvency Resolution Processes (CIRPs) have been initiated. Of these, 3485 Corporate Debtors (CDs) have been rescued which includes 1119 through resolution plans; 1236 through appeal or review or settlement and 1130 through withdrawal under section 12A. Further, 2707 CDs have been referred for liquidation.  In 1119 cases that have yielded resolution plans, the realisable value for the creditors have been ₹3.58 lakh crore. This amounts to 162.79% of liquidation value and 87.58% of fair value.

 To facilitate expeditious resolution process under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) and to ensure proper implementation of the provisions of IBC, the Government has made six amendments to the IBC and 122 amendments in regulations since inception of IBC. Further, regular training and capacity-building programs for insolvency professionals, adjudicating authorities and other stakeholders are held to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the IBC ecosystem.  Leveraging information technology such as digital platforms for automation and streamlining processes is another initiative to make the system more efficient, accurate, and faster, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra stated this in a written reply in Rajya Sabha  today.

****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117411) Visitor Counter : 61

Source: Government of India

Banking Regulation Amendment Act 2020 has enhanced RBI’s Supervision Over Co-operative Banks

RBI’s 2024 Master Direction on Fraud Management aims to enhance accountability and strengthen governance in Co-operative banks among many other steps

Amendments in Multi-State Co-operative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 Strengthen  Governance and Transparency of cooperative societies; provision of Ombudsman

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:28PM by PIB Delhi

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has been amended to provide additional powers to RBI for more effective regulation of Co-operative banks vide Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020. The major amendments pertain to areas such as management, audit, capital, reconstruction/ amalgamation, etc. The provisions of the Act have been brought into force for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) with effect from 26.06.2020. Post these amendments, interalia, the governance/management related provisions of the BR Act, (such as Section 10,10A,10B,35B,36AB, etc.), have become applicable to co-operative banks.

Further, the following measures are in place to prevent corruption and irregularities in cooperative banks:

•  RBI has issued Master Direction on Fraud Management for the Regulated Entities viz.  Cooperative Banks in 2024 which contain comprehensive guidelines related to reporting of fraud, following of principles of natural justice, governance mechanism, implementation of early warning mechanism, staff accountability, fixation of responsibility of third parties and role of external and internal auditors, among others. 
• The Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework requires the identified UCBs to initiate and implement remedial measures in a timely manner, to restore their financial health and protect the interests of the depositors.
• RBI has implemented a financial safety net for the account holders of banks (including cooperative banks) in the form of Deposit Insurance through DICGC.
• RBI through “RBI Kehta Hai” has issued awareness material / useful information on aspects such as different types of frauds and their modus-operandi.
• Amendment has been brought in the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability, reform electoral process and incorporate provisions of 97th Constitutional Amendment in the Multi State Cooperative Societies.
• Following the amendment in the Multi–State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, Cooperative Ombudsman has been appointed under Section 85A of the said Act. The Ombudsman office deals with complaints or appeals, from members of the MSCS regarding their deposits, equitable benefits of the Multi–State Co-operative Society’s functioning or any other issue affecting the individual rights of the concerned member.
• The Cooperative Election Authority has been set up to strengthen governance and accountability, with a mandate to conduct free and fair election in all Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
• NABARD has framed guidelines for banks to report frauds to law enforcement agencies, viz State Police, State CID/Economic Offense Wing of the State, etc. for further investigation and appropriate action.

The Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) is responsible for strengthening of cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach upto the grassroots to realise the vision of “from cooperation to prosperity”. They also promote the cooperative-based economic development model, including the creation of appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework to help cooperatives realise their potential. MoC also organizes training of personnel of co-operative institutions, including education of members, office bearers and non-officials.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117408) Visitor Counter : 68

Source: Government of India

UIDAI’s AI-Powered Aadhaar Face Authentication sees over 130.5 Crore transactions, revolutionizing biometric verification

Face Authentication solution sees 21.6% monthly growth in March, serving millions nationwide and becoming trusted solution for fintech, government services and more

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

The AI and machine learning (ML) based Aadhaar Face Authentication solutions developed in house by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been witnessing a massive growth with over 78% of the total transactions coming alone in the FY 25 fiscal year, ended 31 March 2025.

Transforming service delivery across India

Since the face authentication solution was introduced in October 2022, UIDAI has recorded a cumulative transaction number of over 130.5 crore, of which close to 102 crores have been recorded in the 2024-25 financial year. It indicates the growing usage, adoption of this solution and how it is benefiting Aadhaar number holders seamlessly.

In the past 3 months (January-March), nearly 39.5 crore face authentication transactions have been recorded. In March alone, the face auth solutions have recorded more than 15.25 crore transactions, a 21.6% jump over the previous month.

This achievement underscores the trust and adoption of this new biometric authentication modality across diverse sectors including fintech, finance and telecommunications.

Dozens of government services offered by both the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries. Several flagship schemes including PM Awas (Urban), PM E-Drive, PM-JAY, PM Ujjwala, PM Kisan, PM Internship, are using Aadhaar face authentication.

Face authentication is also working as a robust alternative and helping senior citizens and all those who have issues with the quality of their fingerprints due to several reasons including manual work or health issues.

As of now, 102 entities both in government and private sector are using Aadhaar face authentication. This AI based modality works both on Android and iOS platforms. It is safe against any video replay attacks and static photo authentication attempts by anti-social elements and a contactless, anytime- anywhere modality.

This authentication modality enables users to verify their identity with just a face scan, ensuring convenience while upholding stringent security standards.

***

Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith  

(Release ID: 2117407) Visitor Counter : 83

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

The identification of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) is based on the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC)-2011 and due verification by the respective Gram Sabhas and completion of an Appellate Process. These parameters/criteria were applied on SECC 2011 database & Awass+2018 to identify the eligibility of beneficiaries under PMAY-G.

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of PMAY-G for 5 more years (FY 2024-25 to 2028-29) to provide assistance for the construction of 2 crore additional rural houses. The Cabinet has also approved the updating of the Awaas+ List using modified exclusion criteria. A new survey is being conducted by the states/UTs using the technology-based (eKYC face based authentication) solutions to maximize transparency and ensure sanctity in the process right from the identification to completion of the houses as per the detailed below:

1. Awaas+ 2024 app- a unique app specially designed under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), having features of assisted survey through pre-registered surveyors, housing technology selection, face authentication, Aadhar based e-KYC, data capture of household, conditions of the existing house, time stamped, and geo tagged photo capture of existing house proposed site of construction. The app works in online as well as offline mode. “Self-Survey” facility is available for eligible household in Awaas+2024 app Survey for next phase of PMAYG (2024-29).
2. Usage of AI/ML model to curb fraudulent activity and provide information about possible malpractices.
3. Recommendation System – This module identifies various house attributes such as pucca wall, pucca roof, kutcha wall, kutcha roof, logo, window, door, and person in the uploaded photos of a completed house and recommends a final photograph for approval.
4. e-KYC feature – The app is integrated with Aadhaar and uses AI-enabled face authentication technology to conduct verification of PMAY-G beneficiaries.
5. Liveliness Detection: Eye Blink/ Motion detection feature in Awaas App for identification of the beneficiaries.
6. 100% Aadhaar-Based Payments: Directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts.

The unit assistance provided to beneficiaries under PMAY-G is as per the approval of the Union Cabinet and at present the unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in North Eastern States, Hilly States (including UTs of J&K and Ladakh) is provided. The funding pattern between the Centre and the State for the NER States and Himalayan States [Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir (UT)] is 90:10 whereas for the rest of the States is 60:40 and for Union Territories without legislature, 100% funding are borne by the Centre.

In addition to the unit assistance, the beneficiaries are facilitated with 90/95 man days of unskilled labour wages through mandatory convergence with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Support of Rs. 12,000 for construction of a toilet is also provided through Swacch Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGS or any other dedicated source of funding.

Some of the States/UTs are also providing top-up financial support over and above unit assistance to the PMAY-G beneficiaries for the house construction. To further support affordability, the scheme incorporates State-specific housing designs and promotes the use of local materials, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Under the scheme, to provide PMAY-G beneficiaries with the maximum number of benefits from different schemes, convergence with other schemes is encouraged. The guideline aids with the construction of toilets to be leveraged through convergence with SBM-G, MGNREGS, or any other dedicated source of funding. Convergence for piped drinking water, electricity connection, LPG gas connection, solar lanterns and cleaner cooking energy, solar roof-top, fulfilment of requirement of construction material through MGNREGS and linkage with SHGs platform for livelihood opportunities under Government programs is also being done.

This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

Pawan Singh Faujdar/Sreenivasa Rao

 

(Release ID: 2117394) Visitor Counter : 98