MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition of 100% equity shareholding of the AAM India Manufacturing Corporation Private Limited by Bharat Forge Limited with voluntary modifications.

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) is a global provider of safety and critical forged components and solutions to various sectors including automotive, railways, defence, construction, mining, aerospace, marine, and oil & gas. It manufactures and supplies metal forging products including certain forged axle sub-components in India and outside India. Certain promoters of BFL (BNK Family) have controlling shareholding (through BF Investments Ltd.) in two joint ventures with Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC (acquired by Cummins Inc. in 2022), in India i.e., Meritor HVS (India) Limited (MHVSIL) and Automotive Axles Limited (AAL).

AAM India Manufacturing Corporation Private Limited (AAMCPL) is a company incorporated in India and is primarily engaged in the business of manufacture and sale of axles for commercial vehicles in India.

The proposed combination is an acquisition of 100% equity shareholding of the AAMCPL by BFL. Prior to BFL acquiring the AAMCPL, (a) AAMCPL will hive-off (i) its ‘Pune Business Office’ which is engaged in the provision of captive IT support and product engineering services, and (ii) components business division that purchases vehicle components and exports the same to other group entities of AAMCPL (as pass-through sales), to one or more affiliates of its parent company – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AAM Holdco), and (b) e-axle assembly lines that are currently housed in AAM Auto Component (India) Private Limited, another wholly owned subsidiary of AAM Holdco in India, will be acquired by the Target (Proposed Combination).

The Commission approved the proposed combination subject to compliance of voluntarily modifications offered by the Parties.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2123770) Visitor Counter : 83

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of the Target Business by Kandhari Global Beverages Private Limited .

Kandhari Global Beverages Private Limited (Acquirer) is an authorized bottler of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) and Schweppes Holdings Limited (SHL), and is engaged in the business of supplying and distributing non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) products in Rajasthan.

The Target Business comprise of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited’s business of preparing, packaging, supplying and distributing NAB products in North Gujarat and Union Territory of Diu (Target Business).

The proposed combination relates to acquisition of the Target Business by the Acquirer (Proposed Combination).

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2123767) Visitor Counter : 75

Source: Government of India

Union Health Ministry launches New Competency-Based Curricula for ten Allied and Healthcare Professions in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP)

New curricula designed to produce globally competent allied and healthcare professionals to address the increasing prevalence of diseases, and the growing demand for allied services

India is skilling its healthcare professionals not just for India, but for the globe. The new curricula will set a benchmark for the quality of healthcare professionals: Union Health Secretary

These curricula will ensure uniformity and an important step in the direction of actualizing the vision of ‘One Nation, One Curriculum’: Chairperson NCAHP

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:38PM by PIB Delhi

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), launched competency-based curricula for ten allied and healthcare professions. Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava inaugurated the launch event, here today. Also present were Ms Hekali Zhimomi, Addl. Secretary, MoHFW and Dr Yagna Shukla, Chairperson, NCAHP. The curricula will cover a broad spectrum of professions, including Physiotherapy; Applied Psychology and Behavioural Health; Optometry; Nutrition and Dietetics; Dialysis Therapy Technology and Dialysis Therapy; Radiotherapy Technology; Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology; Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology; Health Information Management; and Physician Associates. This strategic initiative is aimed at ensuring uniformity and excellence in the education and training of allied and healthcare professionals across the country, thereby strengthening the healthcare delivery system in accordance with the emerging needs of the nation.

In her inaugural address, Union Health Secretary underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to strengthening capacity building and improving the quality of education and training across all domains of the healthcare sector. She highlighted that “the comprehensive revision and standardization of the curricula represent a pivotal step toward establishing consistency in educational content and delivery”.

Highlighting the importance of the new curricula launched, Smt. Srivastava stated that “India is skilling its healthcare professionals not just for India, but for the globe. The curricula launched today will set a benchmark for the quality of healthcare professionals across various faculties.”

Underlining the importance of the professions for which new curriculum has been launched, Smt. Srivastava stated that “these professions play a crucial role in preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of skill-based training, better align educational outcomes with industry needs, and promote greater career mobility and professional recognition for allied health professionals nationwide.”

She further added that “the success of these curricula depends not only on their design and content but also on the strength of the systems that support their rollout. This includes adequate institutional preparedness, faculty training, infrastructure development, and continuous monitoring to uphold quality standards. Digital modules of the curriculum will be crowd sourced to make them available to all for their capacity building so that the vision of Swastha Bharat can be promoted.”

Smt. Srivastava also emphasized the critical importance of establishing robust regulatory mechanisms and investing in capacity building to ensure the effective implementation of the newly developed curricula.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yagna Unmesh Shukla, chairperson NCAHP, stated that “these curricula will ensure uniformity and an important step in the direction of actualizing the vision of ‘One Nation, One Curriculum’. It is important to note that this marks the first phase of the curriculum rollout. The release of curricula for other professional categories, as outlined under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, is currently underway and will be completed at the earliest possible opportunity.”

She further informed that “the new curricula will be mandatorily implemented from 2026.  The new curricula will be available on the NCAHP website”. She also stated that after this phase of curriculum release, other curriculums of professions scheduled under the Act will also be released at the earliest.

The newly introduced handbooks represent a significant step toward establishing a unified national standard for allied and healthcare education across the country. They provide clear and consistent guidelines regarding course content, eligibility criteria, methods of training delivery, and institutional infrastructure requirements.

The newly launched curricula are built upon the following principles:

• Standardization: Establishing minimum educational standards to ensure consistent quality of graduating professionals nationwide.
• Competency-Based Approach: Emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare settings, moving beyond theoretical knowledge.
• Holistic Development: Fostering not only clinical expertise but also essential skills such as communication, teamwork, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
• Support for Universal Health Coverage: Preparing a skilled workforce in physiotherapy and renal care to support the government’s vision of Universal Health Coverage.

The event witnessed the virtual participation of esteemed members from various State Councils, along with distinguished subject matter experts from across the allied and healthcare sectors. Their presence and contributions added significant value to the discussions, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing standardized, high-quality education and professional development within the allied and healthcare professions.

Background:

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) is an Indian statutory body which regulates and maintains standards of education and services of allied and healthcare professionals. This commission’s objective is to establish and to be equipped with interdependent, Independent and inter referral healthcare practitioner.

The newly developed curricula aim to cultivate globally competent allied and healthcare professionals, equipped to meet the rising burden of disease and the increasing demand for allied health services. These programs are structured to align with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, both nationally and internationally.

The development process involved extensive consultation with academic experts, representatives from professional associations, and key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem. A thorough review of existing educational modules was conducted, incorporating insights and feedback from senior technical advisors to ensure relevance and rigor.

Furthermore, the curricula have been carefully realigned with the regulatory standards and provisions outlined in the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. This comprehensive approach ensures that the training of allied and healthcare professionals remains current, responsive, and of the highest quality.

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HFW/ NCAHP New Curricula/23^rd April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2123765) Visitor Counter : 187

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed “Magpie” between April 3 and 17 to combat illegal activities involving party room operators providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business.

     Through intelligence analysis and with the assistance of copyright owners, Customs earlier identified a number of party rooms suspected of possessing and providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided 15 party rooms in various districts, including Central, Mong Kok, Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong, Kwai Chung and Tuen Mun. A total of 15 sets of karaoke devices used for playing suspected infringing songs and a batch of audio and video equipment were seized. The total estimated market value is approximately $430,000. Four men and four women, aged between 22 and 44, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. They were all persons-in-charge of the party rooms. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made.

During the investigation, Customs found eight party rooms located in industrial buildings and one in an office building that are suspected of breaching the lease conditions. These cases have been referred to the Lands Department for further follow-up action.

     Customs reminds business operators to comply with the Ordinance and to make enquiries to copyright owners on matters relating to the use of musical visual recordings in the course of business.

     Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of infringing activities to safeguard the rights of copyright owners.

     Under the Ordinance, any person, who without the licence of the copyright owner of a copyright work, possesses infringing copies of a copyright work for the purpose of, or in the course of, any trade or business with the view to it being used by any person commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.

   Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the (i) acquisition of certain equity shares of Bharti Axa Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC/ Target) by 360 ONE Private Equity Fund, through its schemes or affiliates (360 Fund); and (ii) subscription of certain equity shares in the Target by Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) and 360 Fund.

360 Fund, through its schemes or affiliates, proposes first to acquire equity shares of the Target from BLVPL. Subsequently, 360 ONE (defined in subsequent paragraphs), and BLVPL also propose to subscribe to certain equity shares in Target.

360 Fund is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (360 AAML) provides investment management services to 360 ONE’s entities. 360 AAML is a wholly owned subsidiary and is ultimately controlled by 360 ONE WAM Limited. (360 Fund and 360 AAML collectively referred to as ‘360 ONE’)

BLVPL is the holding company of BALIC, and both of these companies belong to the Bharti Group.

BALIC is a limited liability public unlisted company incorporated in India. BALIC is involved in the business of providing life insurance policies.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2123768) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

A highly sensitive, eco-friendly and cost-effective optical sensing platform developed for cholesterol detection can help identify early symptoms of diseases like atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer.

Detecting fatal diseases at their earliest symptoms is essential, as abnormal biochemical markers may sometimes accompany such disorders. Therefore, reliable point-of-care (POC) detection of biomarkers associated with these diseases is necessary for personalized health monitoring.

Cholesterol is an essential lipid in humans, produced by the liver. It is the precursor for vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol is necessary for animal tissues, blood, and nerve cells, and it is transported by blood in mammals. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can accumulate in the walls of arteries and contribute to severe diseases, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as ‘good’ cholesterol.

However, maintaining a balance in cholesterol levels is crucial. Both high and low cholesterol levels can lead to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. Atherosclerotic plaques form when excess cholesterol builds up on artery walls, hindering proper blood flow.

A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST, has developed an optical sensing platform for cholesterol detection based on silk fibre functionalized using phosphorene quantum dots.

A point-of-care (POC) device has been developed in the laboratory scale for detecting cholesterol using this. It can sense cholesterol in trace amounts, even below the preferred range. It can be an efficient tool for routine monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body.

The project, led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma, a retired Professor; Dr. Asis Bala, an Associate Professor; and Ms. Nasrin Sultana, a DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow incorporated the material – the silk fibre, into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing platform for cholesterol detection.

Fig: Schematic representation of the work done on the detection of cholesterol based on silk fiber functionalized phosphorene quantum dots.

The synthesized sensors were highly sensitive as well as selective for cholesterol detection. Furthermore, the electrical sensing platform generates no e-waste, a key advantage of the fabricated device. Both sensing platforms respond similarly to real-world media such as human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk. The work was published in the “Nanoscale” Journal, published by Royal Society of Chemistry.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123766) Visitor Counter : 54

Source: Government of India

Tur procurement continues in major Tur producing states

Govt. committed to purchase 100 percent of production of Tur at MSP

Tur procurement is also done on e-Samridhi and eSamyukti portals

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi

In order to incentivize the farmers contributing for the enhancement of domestic production of pulses and to reduce the dependence on imports, the Government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) equivalent to 100% of the production of the state for the procurement year 2024-25.

The Government has also made an announcement in Budget 2025 that the procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad and Masur would be undertaken 100% of the production of the State for another four years up to 2028-29 through Central Nodal Agencies namely NAFED and NCCF to achieve self- sufficiency in pulses in the country.

Accordingly, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the procurement of Tur (Arhar) in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh under Price Support Scheme during the Kharif 2024-25 season for a total quantity of 13.22 LMT. The Minister has also approved the extension of procurement period in Andhra Pradesh by 30 days beyond 90 days upto 22^nd of next month in the interest of farmers.

The procurement at MSP through NAFED and NCCF is in progress in Andhra Pradesh,Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana and a total quantity of 3.92 LMT of Tur (Arhar) has been procured in these states till 22^nd of this month benefitting 2,56,517farmers of these states. Tur procurement is also done from pre-registered farmers on e-Samridhi portal of NAFED and eSamyukti portal of NCCF.  The Govt. of India is committed to take up 100 percent procurement of Tur @ MSP offered by farmers through central nodal agencies namely NAFED and NCCF.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2123761) Visitor Counter : 15

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for March 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.4% in March 2025 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.7%). Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in March 2025 was 1.0%, also smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.3%). The comparison to the average rate of increase in January and February is to neutralise the effect caused by the different timing of the Chinese New Year between two years, which occurred in January this year but in February last year. The smaller increase in March 2025 was mainly due to the decreases in inbound and outbound transport fares and the charges for package tours. 

     Comparing March 2025 with February 2025, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.4%, the same as that in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.0%, slightly smaller than the corresponding increase in February 2025 (1.1%).  

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending March 2025 was 0.0%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.0%.   

     Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 2.2%, 1.5% and 1.3% respectively in January and February 2025, and 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.7%, 1.2% and 1.2% respectively in January and February 2025, and 1.4%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively in February 2025.   

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending March 2025, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2025 were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending March 2025 were -0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively, the same as those for the 3-month period ending February 2025.   

     Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in March 2025 for electricity, gas and water (14.0%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (4.4%), transport (1.7%), housing (1.7%), meals out and takeaway food (1.3%), miscellaneous goods (1.0%), and miscellaneous services (1.0%).   

     On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in March 2025 for clothing and footwear (-2.8%), basic food (-1.5%), and durable goods (-0.5%).   

     In the first quarter of 2025, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 2.2%, 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.6%, 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.   

     For the 12 months ending March 2025, the Composite CPI was on average 1.6% higher than that in the preceding 12-month period. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.1%, 1.5% and 1.4% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.   

Commentary

     A Government spokesman said that the underlying consumer price inflation stayed modest in March. The underlying Composite CPI increased by 1.0% over a year earlier in March, smaller than the increase of 1.3% in January and February combined. Price pressures on various major components stayed contained in general.

     Looking ahead, overall inflation should remain modest in the near term. External price pressures should be broadly in check, though escalating trade conflicts continue to warrant attention. The Government will monitor the situation closely.

Further information

     The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for March 2025 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

     For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV and radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 23) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, red flags have been hoisted at Lido Beach, Casam Beach and Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 9:00AM by PIB Delhi

Induction ceremony of 10th ACTCM Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134) was held on 22 Apr 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Chief Guest for Induction Ceremony was Cmde AKK Reddy, AGM(PR), ND(Mbi).

The contract for construction and delivery of eleven (11) Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21, an MSME Shipyard. The Shipyard has indigenously designed these Barges in collaboration with an Indian Ship Design firm and subsequently model tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam successfully to ensure seaworthiness. These barges are built in accordance with relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). These Barges are proud flag bearers of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of Government of India. Nine ACTCM Barges have already been delivered and the shipyard has also been awarded a contract for construction and delivery of four Sullage Barges to the Indian Navy thereby highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment towards encouraging MSMEs.

Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

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VM/SKS                                          

(Release ID: 2123750) Visitor Counter : 84