India Advocates Global Action on Chemicals and Waste at BRS COPs 2025 Union Minister for Environment Forest & Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav leads Indian Delegation at high-level Segment in Geneva
Shri Yadav emphasizes India’s Regulatory Framework and Global Leadership on Plastic Pollution
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi
An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India, led by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, is participating in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, taking place in Geneva from 30th April to 1st May, 2025. The theme of this year’s high-level segment is “Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes.”
During his address in opening ceremony, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized that the theme reflects the global imperative of addressing the often-unseen threats of chemical and waste mismanagement. He reiterated India’s commitment to environmentally sound policies, underpinned by a robust legal and institutional framework.
Key Interventions and Bilateral Engagements
At the ministerial roundtable on ‘Means of Implementation’, Shri Yadav highlighted that the effective execution of the BRS Conventions relies significantly on access to finance, technology transfer, capacity-building, technical assistance, and strengthened international cooperation. He outlined India’s integrated approach to implementing the conventions through national legislation such as the Environment (Protection) Act, the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, and the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, which are supported by sustained investments in institutional and technical infrastructure.
On the sidelines of the COPs, the Union Minister Shri Yadav participated in a consultation meeting organized by Norway on the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution. He apprised participants of India’s domestic initiatives such as the ban on identified single-use plastic items and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging.
Shri Yadav further underlined India’s pioneering role in international environmental governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlighting that India introduced a resolution on single use plastics at UNEA-4, bringing the issue to the center of global discourse.
During the bilateral meeting with Ms. Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland, Shri Yadav discussed matters related to the development of a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, and India’s support for the establishment of a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste, as mandated by UNEA resolutions.
Forward-Looking Engagement
The High-Level Segment of the BRS COPs features ministerial roundtables and interactive dialogues focused on collaborative global action.
India remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateral environmental cooperation and will continue to advocate for the interests of developing countries while ensuring equitable, science-based, and sustainable solutions for the planet.
Day One of National Ayush Mission Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration Our Goal is ‘Illness to Wellness’ leading to Happiness: Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav
11.56 crore benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) in 2024: Union Ayush Minister
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:24PM by PIB Delhi
Reaffirming its commitment and highlighting the strides taken by various States and Union Territories in the Ayush sector, the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 commenced today at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). The event sets the stage for a future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the two-day conclave, along with Ayush/Health Ministers and senior officials from various State and UT governments including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ayush, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Culture, Government of Sikkim; and Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram.
Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the conclave has brought together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators. It aims to strengthen the integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based for the common citizen.
Setting the tone of the conclave, the Union Ayush Minister said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had organised a NAM Conclave in 2023, where the Ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs shared valuable insights for the effective implementation of the NAM scheme. That dialogue resulted in the formulation of an action plan to improve the execution and outcomes of the National Ayush Mission. The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions.”
Encouraged by the previous success, the Union Minister added, “I am confident that this second edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave will serve as a robust platform for both States/UTs and the Central Government to jointly review the Mission’s progress, strengthen governance systems, promote innovation, streamline financial processes, and ensure rapid and effective implementation of programmes at the grassroots level. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the success of the Conclave to the teams working tirelessly at both the State/UT and Central levels. I also express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and committed team of Kaivalyadhama for their tireless efforts.”
Delivering the welcome address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the growing significance of the Ayush sector through NAM, and stated, “Since its inception in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, the National Ayush Mission has witnessed a remarkable increase in allocation, reaching ₹1275 crore in 2025–26—reflecting the immense success of the scheme and the unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards strengthening Ayush healthcare across the country. Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. According to NSSO (2022–23), nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, the Secretary further added.
Dr. Dayashankar Mishra, Minister of Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, lauded the efforts of the Union Government to boost the integrative healthcare infrastructure of the state through progressive schemes such as the National Ayush Mission. The Minister also mentioned, “Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the world, has made remarkable progress in the Ayush sector. Currently, the state has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals, offering facilities with capacities of 4 beds, 15 beds, 25 beds, and 30 beds.”
Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh mentioned, “Integrated Medicine offers a meaningful solution by combining Ayush and modern medical systems, providing dual benefits to patients.”
Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, mentioned, “Through the joint efforts of Hon’ble Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and the State Government, Ayurveda is being brought to the grassroots level. The two-day Conclave is expected to be a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. The State Government is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy aimed at the integrated growth of all Ayush systems.
Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Himachal Pradesh highlighted how with the support through National Ayush Mission the healthcare infrastructure continues to grow. He also stated, “Himachal Pradesh has developed an integrated model in the Ayush sector, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring outreach to rural areas, focusing on women’s health, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions. This progress is a meaningful step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.
Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, stated “I am pleased to note that since the establishment of our Ayush Wellness Centers, various Ayush systems have gained considerable popularity in just a few years. This progress is largely due to the unwavering support we receive from the Ministry and the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at state and central level.”
Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Sikkim, appreciated the assistance of the Union Government through the National Ayush Mission and said, “The Government of Sikkim has been constantly working to ensure delivery of healthcare in all areas of the state and the NAM scheme has helped developing the integrative healthcare infrastructure in the state to greatly complement these efforts.”
Speaking on the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared key milestones: “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility. ”
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine by the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.
The inaugural session was followed by a roundtable discussion among the participating Ayush/Health ministers from various states/UTs focused on the way forward for strengthening Ayush services in the country through NAM activities in their respective states. The session was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush wherein the ministers and concerned officials from states and UTs exchanged their experiential wisdom while pointing out respective future strategies to address the challenges and negotiate the opportunities.
During the program a special Y-Break session was also organised with enthusiastic participation from all led by Honourable Ministers and senior officials.
About the National Ayush Mission (NAM):
The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.
In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.
IPPB introduced Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana in 2023, an affordable insurance scheme aimed at providing comprehensive coverage and protection to the unorganized sector workers.
On the occasion of Labour Day, India Post Payments Bank reiterates its commitment to the welfare of Shramiks or labourers. IPPB launched the Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana (ASSY) for unorganised sector workers, a visionary and affordable insurance scheme aimed at providing comprehensive coverage and protection to the unorganized sector workers. The scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat on 8th July 2023 at Kheda, Gujarat.
Since the inception of ASSY, a total of 6,97,531 policies have been issued to labourers or Shramiks. A total of 355 claims have been settled and claim amount of Rs. 5,41,17,754 has been disbursed. The scheme is being offered through IPPB & issued by its six insurance partners including New India Assurance, Bajaj Allianz general Insurance, TATA AIG General Insurance, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Start Health.
Sharing his thoughts on Labour Day, Mr. R. Viswesvaran, MD & CEO, India Post Payments Bank said “We are committed to the welfare and upliftment of labourers. For this reason, we had implemented the Antyodaya Shramik Suranksha Yojana for the labourers which has helped lakhs of Shramiks improve their quality of life and well-being”.
With such initiatives IPPB strives to bring life changing experience and access to digital banking at the doorstep of every household of India. IPPB has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
About India Post Payments Bank
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India. IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018. The bank has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack – enabling Paperless, Cashless and Presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers’ doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device. Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages to 11 Crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages & towns in India.
IPPB is committed to provide a fillip to a less cash economy and contribute to the vision of Digital India. India will prosper when every citizen will have equal opportunity to become financially secure and empowered. Our motto stands true – Every customer is important, every transaction is significant and every deposit is valuable.
The media and entertainment (M&E) sector’s evolving landscape and the need for a balanced regulatory framework took prominence at the breakout sessions held as part of the global summit WAVES 2025 which was kickstarted in Mumbai today.
The breakout session on Regulating Broadcast in the Digital Age – Key Frameworks & Challenges featured prominent voices from international and Indian media regulatory bodies. Panelists included Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Ms. Philomena Gnanapragasam, Director, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD); Mr. Ahmed Nadeem, Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and Ms. Carolina Lorenzo, Director, International Affairs, Mediaset.
Shri Lahoti outlined India’s regulatory evolution from the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 to the digitisation of cable TV and TRAI’s current focus on consumer choice and quality of service. He emphasised TRAI’s efforts in ensuring a level playing field and advocated for deregulation wherever consumer interests are not compromised.
The Panelists discussed the rapid rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and the complexities they introduce. With India’s digital media market reaching USD 9.7 billion in 2024, the need for balanced regulation is paramount. Shri Lahoti underscored TRAI’s proposals for digital radio, simplified network architecture, and a national broadcasting policy.
Ms. Gnanapragasam highlighted the importance of media literacy in tandem with regulation. Mr. Nadeem advocated for a phased approach to regulation to encourage innovation while ensuring accountability. Ms. Carolina Lorenzo, Director, International Affairs, Mediaset, pointed to Europe’s experience with platform accountability and put light upon the emerging challenges of network effects in software and hardware in technologies such as smart TVs.
The session concluded with consensus on the need for cohesive regulation while protecting the interests of the consumer and reducing regulatory complexity.
Need to transform global IP ecosystem; IP acts as catalyst for employment, development and innovation for all countries: Daren Tang, Director General, WIPO The session on “The Role of IP & Copyright for Audio-Visual Performers and Content Creators” sparks insightful dialogue at WAVES 2025
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:06PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
A panel discussion titled “The Role of IP & Copyright for Audio-Visual Performers and Content Creators” was held today at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) currently underway at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. This session brought together influential voices from the global entertainment, legal and creative industries to discuss the role of intellectual property (IP) rights in empowering creators in the digital age.
The panel addressed the evolving legal landscape and highlighted the urgent need for stronger awareness and protection of IP rights, especially for performers and content creators whose work is increasingly vulnerable to unauthorised use and exploitation.
Shri Ameet Datta, veteran lawyer, moderated the session, steering a dynamic discussion among an esteemed panel of experts and creators. The panel included Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), who offered a global perspective on policy frameworks and WIPO’s efforts to strengthen protections for performers worldwide. He said that India’s IP journey in last 5 decades is extraordinary and its creative economy grows tremendously. He said that there is a need to transform global IP ecosystem as IP acts as catalyst for employment, development and innovation for all countries. Talking about WIPO’s creative economy data model, he said that it is helping policy makers, economists and creators of its member states to find better metrics to measure creative economy.
Feroz Abbas Khan, acclaimed director and playwright, shared insights from his decades-long experience in theatre and the challenges of safeguarding original creative works. He said that IP is about human dignity and society should first respect the work of artists.
Steve Krone, noted film and television producer, emphasized the importance of copyright in protecting investments in audio-visual storytelling and the need for standardized global enforcement mechanisms. He said that copyright is not just about money but about controlling the works of creators from exploitation.
Anjum Rajabali, veteran screenwriter, spoke about the creative process and the necessity for writers to understand and claim their rights in an increasingly complex content economy. He said that today access is far easy and restrictions should be there.
Throughout the session, the panellists delved deeply into copyright ownership, licensing, moral rights, the impact of AI and the balance between access and protection in a rapidly digitising world.
WAVES 2025 Opens with discussion on “Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul” “WAVES is a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. I’m glad to be part of it:” Hema Malini
“I don’t differentiate between art and commercial cinema – it’s storytelling that moves people:” Mohanlal
“Acting has been my first love since childhood:” Chiranjeevi
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:32PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
The first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) commenced in grand style at the iconic Jio World Centre, Mumbai, with a power-packed panel discussion titled “Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul.” The session brought together some of India’s most revered cinematic icons in a captivating discussion on storytelling, creativity, and cultural legacy.
The inaugural panel featured acclaimed luminaries – Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, and was moderated by superstar Akshay Kumar.
Speaking on the occasion, dream girl, Hema Malini expressed heartfelt admiration for the initiative, stating, “it’s a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. I’m glad to be part of it. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi – his vision and leadership have made WAVES a remarkable platform for creators and innovators.”
Celebrated Malayalam Actor Mohanlal shared insights on the evolving nature of cinema. He said that the line is very thin between art cinema and entertainment cinema as art films have also entertainment value. “I don’t differentiate between art and commercial cinema – it’s storytelling that moves people”, flagged the ace actor.
Veteran actor Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt reflection on his cinematic journey, marked by unwavering passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. Recounting his early aspirations, he said, “Acting has been my first love since childhood. I was always driven by the desire to hit the bull’s eye. I constantly asked myself—what unique element can I bring to become a better actor?”
Emphasizing his commitment to authenticity, Chiranjeevi expressed a deep desire to stay grounded and relatable. “I’ve always wanted audiences to see me as the boy next door. That’s why I strive to keep my performances as natural and genuine as possible,” he affirmed. He also paid tribute to the legends who shaped his craft, acknowledging the profound influence of cinematic icons like Mithun Chakraborty, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan on his evolution as an artist.
The discussion was a poignant blend of personal reflections and shared legacies, offering the audience a rare glimpse into the minds and hearts of India’s cinematic greats.
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in Kolkata; New Multi-Office Facility brings MCA Departments Under One Roof New Seven-Storey Corporate Bhavan Features Smart Design and Green Infrastructure
Country’s First Facilitation Centre of Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) also Launched at Corporate Bhavan, Kolkata; aims to Connect Youth with Corporate Internship Opportunities
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in New Town, Kolkata today. This new facility will house different offices of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, including Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of Companies, Official Liquidator, SFIO, NCLT (Kolkata Bench) and IBBI under one roof.
Speaking on the Occasion, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Corporate Bhawan will become a true single-window interface for companies, insolvency professionals, auditors, startups, and investors seeking timely corporate regulatory services.
The consolidation of services at the Corporate Bhawan will help significantly cut costs, accelerate approval process, and improve operational efficiency – all of which will help enhance Ease of Doing Business, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman added.
Addressing officers of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also stated that our regulatory frameworks must not only safeguard good governance but also enable enterprise, encourage formalisation, and build trust in our systems.
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that the first ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ is also located in the Corporate Bhavan, Kolkata. It will help the aspiring Interns in getting the information and issues related to their application.
The seven stories building has a built-up area of about 13,239 square meters and the total project costed around Rs. 150.43 crores. It is designed with a focus on energy efficiency, waste recycling, smart parking, and the well-being of its occupants. Equipped with CO2 sensors in the AHU, the building ensures proper indoor air quality.
The event celebrated the launch of the first ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ on the 7th floor of the Corporate Bhawan.
The MCA CII PMIS Centre, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), aims to connect eligible youth (aged 21-24) with internship opportunities offered by participating companies. Through a dedicated three-member team, the centre will focus on identifying eligible candidates who are not in full-time education or employment, providing comprehensive guidance, and facilitating their registration and application in the PM Internship Scheme.
The PMIS Facilitation Centre shall :
− Facilitate PMIS registration and application process for eligible candidates
− Provide professional career counselling and guidance
− Match candidate qualifications and interests with suitable internship opportunities
− Create awareness about professional opportunities through outreach programmes
NHRC, India calls for preventive measures by 11 States to protect the lives of vulnerable people from heat waves in this summer Highlights the NCRB data of 3,798 deaths between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes
Emphasizes the risk to the economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and particularly the homeless, due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources
Calls for action taken reports to deal with the heat waves as per the existing SOPs in the States, or the NDMA guidelines
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi
In view of the heatwaves during summer particularly in the northern, central and western parts of the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the 11 states to take immediate preemptive measures to protect the vulnerable people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources. Highlighting NCRB data about the reported deaths of 3,798 persons between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes, the Commission has emphasized the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures.
The Commission in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, has called for provisioning of shelters, supply of relief materials, amendment of working hours and availability of standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses.
In its communication to the States, the Commission has reiterated the NDMA guidelines to mitigate the impacts of heat waves, which include:
• Establishing and implementing standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses and treatment protocols;
• Activate public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies;
• Supply fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies; and
• Amend working hours, provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.
These states have been asked to submit action taken reports to protect the lives of those vulnerable to heat waves as per existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to States to mitigate the impact of heat waves.
Three new initiatives by ECI Electronic obtaining data of Death registration for updation of electoral rolls BLOs to get standard photo ID
Voter Information Slips to be made more elector friendly
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi
The Election Commission of India has introduced new initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls, making the voting process more convenient for citizens. These measures are in line with the initiatives as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi in March this year.
The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023). This will ensure that the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) receive timely information about registered deaths. This will also enable Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to re-verify the information through field visits, without waiting for a formal request under Form 7.
To make Voter Information Slips (VIS) more voter friendly, the Commission has also decided to modify its design. The serial number and part number of the voter will now be displayed more prominently, with increased font size, making it easier for voters to identify their polling station and for polling officials to locate their names in the electoral roll efficiently.
The Commission has also directed that all BLOs, who are appointed by the EROs under Section 13B (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, be issued standard photo identity cards to ensure that citizens can recognise and interact confidently with BLOs during voter verification and registration drives. As the first interface between the voters and the ECI in performing election related duties, it is important that BLOs are easily identifiable to the public while conducting house-to-house visits.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command today.
A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was commissioned into the MADRAS Regiment in December 1987. He is qualified on Higher Command Course and has also attended course at National Defence College, New Delhi.
The General Officer has a rich operational experience. He commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade and Division along the Line of Control and has Commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.
The General Officer has a varied exposure in staff and instructional appointments including being a staff officer in UN Mission. He has held important appointments at Military Operations Directorate and Military Secretary Branch in the Army Headquarters. He was also the Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), prior to taking over as GOC-in-C, Northern Command.
On assuming the command, the GOC-in-C conveyed his greetings to all ranks and expressed his commitment to take forward the excellent work by his predecessors and all ranks of Northern Command.