MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment and making India Self-Sufficient in the urea sector

Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 including 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Government had announced New Investment Policy (NIP) – 2012 on 2nd January, 2013 and its amendment on 7th October, 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 which includes 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies. The units set up through JVC are Ramagundam Urea unit of Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) in Telangana and 3 Urea units namely Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, respectively. The units set up by private companies are Panagarh Urea unit of Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (Matix) in West Bengal; and Gadepan-III Urea unit of Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (CFCL) in Rajasthan. Each of these units has installed capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonne per annum (LMTPA). These units are highly energy efficient as they are based on latest technology.  Therefore, these units have together added urea production of 76.2 LMTPA thereby total production urea production capacity (RAC) has increased from 207.54 LMTPA during 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA in 2023-24.

The Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under the policy, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on notified P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content. The P&K sector is decontrolled, fertilizer companies are allowed to fix MRP at reasonable levels.The fertilizer companies manufacture/import fertilizers and do investment as per the market dynamics.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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(Release ID: 2114993) Visitor Counter : 147

Source: Government of India

Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) provide training in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken steps to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in the pharmaceutical sector through the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector. Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the aegis of DoP have introduced topics related to AI and block chain technology in their courses and they provide training to students in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology also supports AI-based research activities in the biotech sector, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture areas, in order to leverage emerging technologies for these sectors. Further, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the assistance of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, has undertaken a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a block-chain-based track-and-trace system for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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(Release ID: 2114991) Visitor Counter : 146

Source: Government of India

Department of Pharmaceuticals hosts Industry Dialogue on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme at Bengaluru

Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world: Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted an Industry Dialogue on the scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) at Bangalore on 25th March 2025. The event served as a significant platform for representatives from industry, startups, and research institutes, including representatives from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and innovation hubs like C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), to engage in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors.

The session provided detailed insights into the PRIP Scheme, along with other government initiatives promoting and enabling research innovation in the sector. Notable initiatives such as ICMR’s Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, and Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT) programme were discussed, with an emphasis on support for patent filing, facilitating the innovation journey, clinical trials, and commercialization of R&D outcomes. The CSIR’s Innovation Complex and C-CAMP’s incubation facilities were also highlighted as key enablers for translational research and industry collaboration.

Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, underscored India’s comparative advantage in enhancing the resilience of global supply chains, a goal further supported by the PRIP Scheme. He advocated progression from “Make in India” also Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world.

In the breakout sessions, representatives from startups, Industry, academia and other stakeholders gave in-depth feedback regarding research and innovation opportunities, emerging R&D trends, strategies to enhance industry-academia collaboration. Useful suggestions were made regarding maximising funding opportunities and scaling up innovative research initiatives to drive the sector’s growth.

The stakeholders were encouraged to submit their feedback and project details through the Expression of Interest (EoI) hosted on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, which will be open till April 7, 2025. This process will help refine the implementation strategy of the PRIP Scheme, ensuring it aligns with industry need and drives sectoral growth.

The Industry Dialogue in Bangalore was an insightful and productive event, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven ecosystem in the Pharma-MedTech sector.

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(Release ID: 2114990) Visitor Counter : 151

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) held the opening ceremony of the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme today (March 25) at the Tea House Theatre of the West Kowloon Cultural District Xiqu Centre. The Arts Festival provides a platform for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to showcase their artistic talents, while the Recognition Scheme aims to foster the development of their diverse talents and encourage support of the community to inclusive workplaces, with an aim to sprinkling positivity to the society through caring and inclusivity.
 
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Vice Chairperson of the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK), Ms Grace Cheng; Head of Charities (Healthy Community) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Imelda Chan; the Commissioner for Rehabilitation of LWB, Mr Fletch Chan; the Vice-Chairman of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (RAC), Dr Kevin Lau; the Chairman of the RAC Sub-committee on Employment, Mr Alvin Miu; and the Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Rehabilitation and Medical Social Services), Mr David Ng, officiated at the ceremony. Representatives of various participating organisations also attended. Artists with disabilities presented music and dance performances at the opening ceremony fostering an inclusive community through arts.
 
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Sun expected that the artistic talents of PWDs could be showcased through the Arts Festival. He encouraged them to pursue excellence and aim for professional development. Mr Sun said that PWDs possess exceptional capabilities in various fields and expressed the hope that the Arts Festival would draw greater attention across the community to the abilities of PWDs. At the same time, he called on enterprises to provide more employment opportunities for PWDs to develop their potential, thereby achieving an inclusive workplace. Mr Sun also appealed to the community to actively participate in the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and the “Caring Employer” Medal Design Competition under the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme.
 
Co-organised by LWB and ADAHK, and in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, various government departments, social welfare organisations and other institutions, the Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival presents a series of inclusive arts activities, including arts exhibition, inclusive concert, stage play, arts bazaar, inclusive arts workshops, as well as an information booth on diverse abilities and inclusive workplace, from now until April 5. For more details of the event, please visit the website of ADAHK (www.adahk.org.hk/?a=doc&id=5841).
 
To commend employers who actively engage and support PWDs and foster inclusive workplaces, LWB will launch the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme on the basis of the existing Talent-Wise Employment Charter, and collaborate with the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to jointly take forward the “Caring Employer” medal. The medal will feature different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, and social enterprises/public organisations, etc. Details will be announced in April, and applications from enterprises and organisations will be accepted by then. To allow the public to participate in the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme and raise awareness of the diverse abilities of PWDs, LWB has also launched the “Caring Employer” Medal Design Competition today, to invite members of the public, students and PWDs, who are interested in design, to participate. For more details of the Competition, please visit LWB website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/highlights/charter_scheme/s4.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), the Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province, and the Macao Fire Services Bureau jointly hold in Hong Kong “Liancheng-2025”, the 48-hour Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) joint emergency response and rescue exercise, for three consecutive days starting today (March 25). 

“Liancheng-2025”, hosted by the FSD, is participated by the fire rescue departments of the three places, as well as the Hospital Authority and the Civil Aid Service. The exercise is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. 

The exercise simulated extreme situations in Hong Kong that put a strain on rescue resources. According to the mechanism under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Emergency Management Co-operation and GBA Emergency Response Operation Co-operation Framework Agreement signed by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in June last year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government requested assistance from the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. The Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province and the Macao Fire Services Bureau promptly rendered assistance by deploying personnel, fire appliances, and equipment to Hong Kong.

The Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Angus Wong, who acted as the commander of the Hong Kong cross-border rescue team, co-ordinated and allocated firefighting and rescue personnel and resources of the three places in the rescue operations for a number of simulated incidents. 

     Witnessed by the Minister of Emergency Management, Mr Wang Xiangxi, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, four Guangdong fire appliances, with cross-boundary quota for fire appliances granted earlier, crossed the border directly with dual licence plates via the Shenzhen Bay Port into Hong Kong to participate in the exercise. It demonstrated the effectiveness of cross-boundary rescue through the cross-boundary Green Channel. 

     Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Fire and Ambulance Services Academy and the China Fire and Rescue Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further deepen their collaboration. The two institutes will co-operate in training firefighting and rescue personnel with quality, and foster innovation and development of firefighting and rescue technologies. The MOU was signed by Deputy Director General of the National Fire and Rescue Administration Mr He Ning and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, witnessed by Mr Wang and the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki.

Fire rescue departments from the two places will continue to strengthen and deepen collaboration in areas such as developing personnel training, enhancing professional training, conducting academic and technical exchange, as well as major research projects, with a view to jointly embarking on a new chapter in firefighting and rescue efforts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Over 130 influential family office principals and family members from the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East gathered at a principal dinner organised by the Government this evening (March 25) to set the stage for the third edition of the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) to be held tomorrow (March 26), reaffirming the city’s role as a premier global hub for family offices.
 
     In his welcome remarks, the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “Hong Kong is a ‘super connector’ bringing together people and ideas. We are a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, a dynamic hub where your offices and families can flourish.”
 
     The evening was graced with the presence of notable speakers, Dr Maye Musk, a best-selling author and a public speaker, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, at an inspiring fireside chat moderated by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau. The speakers shared their insights on women’s influence in leadership and legacy-building with a focus on the critical role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, innovation, and societal progress. The engrossing session fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, paving the way for insightful discussions and new partnerships at tomorrow’s summit, themed “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”.
 
     The event also charmed visitors with a captivating lion ballet performance against the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour, amazing the attendees with a unique blend of cultural richness and the city’s legendary skyline.
 
     The WGHK will take place tomorrow afternoon with over 300 participants. The summit will not only convene principals and family members to discuss the future of wealth management in the region, but also encourage attendees to experience the city’s dynamic offerings through its vibrant neighbourhoods, dynamic arts scene and strong community spirit, which make the city an ideal destination for both families and businesses.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 emphasizes the critical importance of universal and high-quality Early Childhood Education along with the power of multilingualism and the importance of including children’s languages in primary education. To fulfil the vision of NEP 2020, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education has launched “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children” for preparing a compendium of nursery rhymes/poems in all Bhartiya Bhasha and also in English, focusing on content relevant to the Indian context. The purpose of this initiative is that the young children can have better learning at the Foundational stage by becoming familiar with the world around them through easily understandable and joyful poems and rhymes, in their mother tongue.

To further this initiative, the DoSE&L in collaboration with MyGov is inviting contribution to the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children”. The participants of the contest can send existing poems/rhymes popular in folklore (mentioning the name of the author) or newly composed joyful poems/rhymes under three categories:

• Pre-primary (ages 3-6)
• Grade 1 (ages 6-7)
• Grade 2 (ages 7-8)

Entries are invited in all Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha), also in English, and can include regional rhymes/poems that hold cultural significance in Indian context. The competition is starting from 26.03.2025 till 22.04.2025, on the MyGov website (https://www.mygov.in/). There is no entry fee for participation. Other details of the competition can be seen on MyGov website.

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(Release ID: 2114973) Visitor Counter : 112

Source: Government of India

S.

No.

Name of Project

Name of the Collaborating Institutes

Clinical Research Projects

1.

A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first

serological relapse collaborative project.

The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer & CARI, Mumbai

2.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis  on  ATT  –  A  double  blind

randomized control clinical study

K.L.E. Academy        of        Higher Education & Research, Belagavi

3.

Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru

4.

Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

NIMHANS, Bengaluru

5.

Ayurveda therapeutic regimen as on Add-on to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

NIMHANS, Bengaluru

6.

Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

All    India   Institute   of   Medical Sciences (AIIMS) , Bhubaneswar

7.

Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

Indian               Institute               of Technology (IIT) , Mandi

8.

Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis

– An exploratory randomized controlled trial

Institute of Communicative and cognitive                   Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerala

9.

Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

AIIMS, Bhopal

10.

A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya,                  Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda

College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research,                                        Bengaluru;

Adichunchanagiri            Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

11.

Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH-ICMR), Mumbai

12.

Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

13.

Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

14.

A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

15.

Efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia among non- pregnant women of reproductive age group: a community-based three arm multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Ayush-ICMR

16.

Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

17.

Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission -Utkarsh

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)’s Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi (IIPH-D)

18.

An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community-based study.

AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To ensure prompt grid connection of wind farms and adequate supply of green electricity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a symposium on September 23rd, with offshore wind farm developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid connection. Industry representatives raised topics such as follow-up actions for the Industrial Relevance Policy, geological survey regulations, and state-owned banks’ participation in financing.

The MOEA stated that it is currently in consultation with the EU under the WTO framework. Adhering to the principle of mutual trust, the consultation results need to be kept confidential, thus no detailed information can be disclosed at the moment. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the consultations is positive, with efforts being made towards settling, and the MOEA is planning to loosen up the Industrial Relevance Policy. The MOEA explained that as long as the wind farms are completed on time and connected to the grid in compliance with public interest and relevant laws, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding the Industrial Relevance Policy involving force majeure or unattributable reasons, the Industrial Development Administration of the MOEA will follow general principles and adopt a case-by-case review approach, aiming to complete relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on schedule.

In response to the industry’s proposal for state-owned banks to participate in the offshore wind farm financing, the MOEA also mentioned that it had arranged for representatives from the National Development Council, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and state-owned banks, to visit offshore wind farms by the end of September, where they exchanged views on offshore wind farm financing issues, provided practical experience to banking industry representatives, and establish trust for the fiance of offshore wind farms, thereby creating a healthy financing environment.

The MOEA emphasized that domestic corporate users have a significant and competitive demand for green electricity for exports (such as RE100) and that advanced manufacturing processes require higher proportions of green energy. Increasing the proportion of green electricity in Taiwan’s manufacturing by 2030 has become a priority. The MOEA will continue cooperating with offshore wind power developers to provide sufficient green electricity and enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw