The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, ensures food security for over 80 crore beneficiaries through scientific warehousing and smart storage solutions for food grains.
DFPD is now envisaging the Depot Darpan portal and mobile application with the objective to ensure that the Food Storage depots meet the highest quality and performance standards. It enables Depot managers to evaluate infrastructure, operational and financial performance on a near real-time basis
Depot Managers upload geo-tagged inputs of the infrastructure available in their depot, generating automated ratings and action points for timely improvements. The system ensures 100% validationby the supervisory officers and random third-party audits.
The warehouses are assessed based on two main categories:
Infrastructural aspects which include safety standards, storage conditions, environmental, technology adoption and statutory parameters.
Operational efficiency aspects which include stock turnover, losses, space utilization, manpower expenses, and profitability.
Each category is evaluated independently, and the warehouse receives a Star rating based on the composite scoring from both parameters.
Depot Darpan is uniquely integrated withsmart warehousing technologies, creating a seamless digital monitoring ecosystem that includes: CCTV Surveillance and IoT sensors, monitoring key parameters such as CO₂ & Phosphine levels, fire hazards, humidity, unauthorized entry and temperature in real time thereby, ensuring security and efficiency in food grain storage.
The IoT-Enabled Monitoring includes:
Ambient sensor – Temperature and relative humidity to monitor grain moisture and temperature
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – To monitor and indicate potential grain infestation
Phosphine gas sensor – Ensures occupational safety for workers through early warning to prevent exposure to toxic gas levels Detects fumigation leakages, increasing effectiveness of treatment
Gate Shutter sensor – Detection of unauthorized door access. – Alerts for unauthorized door openings outside designated hours. Monitors door status during fumigation processes. Ensures proper ventilation by tracking door openings as required.
Fire/smoke sensor- Provides early warning to prevent fire-related damage and ensure safety.
In addition, AI based technology for bag counting, ANPR (Automatic Number plate Recognition) for vehicle identification and tracking, and Face Recognition technology (FRS) for access control and security are also deployed in warehouses on pilot basis.
A total of around 2278 warehouses including those owned by FCI & CWC and that hired from State agencies/ private will be onboarded in this digital initiative.
Depot Darpan mobile appallows supervisory officials to track warehouse performance anytime, anywhere, supporting better decision making. Automated reports are used in regular reviews, leading to continuous and seamless improvements in infrastructure and efficiency.
Depot Darpan, a mirror of warehousing excellence, ensures improved warehousing and greater operational efficiency in the public distribution system and reinforces the commitment to the nation’s food security with every grain scientifically stored.
Depot Darpan portal and mobile application shall be formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy on 20th May, 2025.
Wheat procurement surpasses 250 LMT 21.03 lakh farmers receive MSP of Rs. 62155.96 crores during RMS 2025-26
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 1:40PM by PIB Delhi
Procurement of Wheat during RMS 2025-26 is going on smoothly in the major procuring States across the country. Against an estimated target of 312 LMT fixed for procurement of wheat during RMS 2025-26, 256.31 LMT of wheat has already been procured so far, in Central Pool. The quantity of wheat procured till 30th April this year has already surpassed last year’s total procurement of 205.41 LMT on the same date, showing an increase of 24.78 %. All the 5 major wheat procuring states Viz. Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have procured more wheat this year compared to last year.
A total of 21.03 lakh farmers have already been benefitted during RMS 2025-26 with total MSP outflow to the tune of Rs. 62155.96 crores. Major contribution in the procurement came from five procuring states Viz. Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh with procurement of 103.89 LMT, 65.67 LMT, 67.57 LMT, 11.44 LMT and 7.55 LMT respectively.
With sufficient duration of procurement period still left in RMS 2025-26, country is well on course to surpass last year’s figures of wheat procurement for the Central Pool by a substantial margin.
The positive outcome in terms of quantity of wheat procurement this year has been a result of concerted efforts by Department of Food and Public Distribution, starting from preparing State specific Action Plans based on learnings from previous years which were shared with the states well in advance. The Actionable items like awareness generation amongst farmers; Registration of farmers; Readiness of Procurement Centres; Timely payment of MSP to farmers etc were followed up with the respective states on regular basis through review meetings so that any potential bottlenecks are addressed timely. In most of the cases, payment of MSP was made to farmers within 24 to 48 hours.
Measures taken by Department of Food and Public Distribution, also include mandating stockholding limits through the wheat stock portal, according timely approvals for relaxation FAQ Norms, field visit by officers to identified districts for accessing on the ground scenario to facilitate timely action as and when required.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported police inaction in finding a missing girl from Bhopal, MP, even 18 days after the incident Reportedly, over 3,400 women and girls missing in the State over the last three years, as per MP Police data
‘Operation Muskan’ launched last year by the State police to rescue and rehabilitate the missing girls, remains ineffective
The Commission issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report within two weeks
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that even eighteen days after, a six-year-old girl went missing from an under-bridge in Koh-e-Fiza area in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the Police have no answers. Reportedly, the missing girl’s homeless mother with eight children suspects the involvement of one of the relatives in the disappearance of her daughter, but the police is not conducting a fair investigation, and no arrests have been made in the matter to date.
Reportedly, this is not just one case of disappearance, as over 3,400 women and girls have gone missing in the State during the last three years, as per the data of the Madhya Pradesh police. Allegedly, the CCTV networks are patchy, rapid-response teams are missing in action, and there is no coordination between the units.
The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, a drive under the name ‘Operation Muskan’ launched last year by the State police to rescue and rehabilitate the missing girls has not shown any results.
Nobel Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi delivered the keynote address at the Re-imagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RDGE) series organised by PDUNASS, the premier training academy of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The session was attended virtually by EPFO officers and officials from across the country.
Re-imagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RDGE) initiative was born on “Good Governance Day- 25th December” in 2023 and has blossomed into one of its kind platforms in the Country for insightful discussions that fuel out pursuit of enhanced trust and true excellence in public governance. This was the seventeenth consecutive edition of RGDE series.
Speaking from Bal Ashram in Jaipur, Shri Satyarthi emphasized the critical role of compassionate governance in public administration. He stated that governance rooted in empathy, deep listening, and a sense of moral accountability is essential for building responsible and effective institutions. He expressed concern that modern society is losing its moral compass and called for a renewal of gratitude and human connection in governance system.
Shri Ajeet Kumar, Additional Central PF Commissioner (Rajasthan), felicitated Shri Satyarthi at the Jaipur venue. The program was chaired by Central PF Commissioner Shri Ramesh Krishnamoorthy, presided over by PDUNASS Director Shri Kumar Rohit, and moderated by Shri Uttam Prakash, RPFC-I.
In his concluding remarks, the Central PF Commissioner urged all EPFO officials to implement at least one decision in their work that embodies the values of compassion ̶ an actionable takeaway from this deeply engaging session.
The RGDE series continues to promote thought leadership, value-based administration, and capacity building within EPFO.
The Land Registry announced today that compact discs for the 57th edition of the Index of Streets, House Numbers & Lots in Hong Kong, Kowloon & New Kowloon, and the 26th edition of the New Territories Lot/Address Cross Reference Table, have been released.
The latest street index features 370 amendments to the last edition, with six new streets and 25 new lots/sections/subsections added.
Meanwhile, 1,761 amendments have been made in the updated cross reference table and seven new streets and 991 new lots/sections/subsections have been added.
The new editions of the street index and cross reference table compact discs cost $370 each. Licences for using them on computer networks are also for sale. The respective licence fees are $2,960 for a computer network linked to less than 50 terminals and $5,920 if linked to 50 terminals or more.
The abolition of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement took effect today.
This means employers can no longer use the accrued benefits of their mandatory MPF contributions to offset employees’ severance payment (SP) and long service payment (LSP) in respect of their employment periods after May 1.
However, the accrued benefits derived from employers’ voluntary contributions and contractual gratuities based on employees’ length of service can continue to be used to offset SP/LSP.
To tie in with the new arrangement, the Labour Department today launched a 25-year Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement to share out employers’ SP/LSP expenses. Nonetheless, employers are required to pay SP/LSP to employees in accordance with the Employment Ordinance before submitting subsidy applications.
Separately, also starting today, the Statutory Minimum Wage rate has been raised from $40 per hour to $42.1 per hour.
As such, the monthly monetary cap on the requirement for employers to record the total number of hours worked by employees in a wage period under the Employment Ordinance has been raised from $16,300 to $17,200 per month, in tandem with the new Statutory Minimum Wage rate.
When wages payable to an employee in respect of a wage period are less than $17,200 per month, the employer is required to keep a record of the total number of hours worked by the employee in that wage period.
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law continued her visit to the United Arab Emirates to promote Hong Kong-UAE exchanges.
Miss Law today met Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture of the UAE HE Mubarak Al Nakhi and expressed strong interest in collaborations with the UAE, adding that she was glad to have identified new opportunities for co-operation with the country on performing arts.
Yesterday, she discussed sports development with Dubai Future Foundation Chief Executive Officer and Dubai Sports Council Vice Chairman HE Khalfan Belhoul, with a focus on integrating creativity, innovation and technology into youth education. Miss Law highlighted the similarities in both regions’ sports landscape, emphasising opportunities for collaboration.
In the afternoon, Miss Law had a meeting with Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing at Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism HE Issam Kazim, where discussions underscored shared goals of enhancing tourism through innovative collaboration. Miss Law noted how Hong Kong is actively promoting tailor-made, high-end travel packages to attract Middle East tourists.
She also paid a courtesy call on and attended a dinner hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE Zhang Yiming last night.
In addition to thanking the embassy for its strong support to Hong Kong, Miss Law remarked that the UAE visit allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of its proactive and ambitious vision, affirming that Hong Kong and the UAE share many parallels in development strategies. She also emphasised the importance of leveraging synergies to foster stronger ties between the two regions.
While in the UAE, Miss Law visited a number of iconic historical and tourist attractions to understand their operations, tourism appeal and the possible collaboration of cultural exchanges.
She will conclude her UAE visit and depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tonight.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The abolition of the use of the accrued benefits derived from employers’ mandatory contributions under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System to offset severance payment (SP) and long service payment (LSP) (the abolition of offsetting arrangement) takes effect today (May 1, 2025 (i.e. the transition date)).
Starting from the transition date, employers can no longer use the accrued benefits of their mandatory MPF contributions to offset employees’ SP/LSP in respect of their employment periods after the transition date. The accrued benefits derived from employers’ voluntary contributions and contractual gratuities based on employees’ length of service can continue to be used to offset SP/LSP. The abolition of the offsetting arrangement has no retrospective effect. Current employees’ SP/LSP in respect of their employment periods before the transition date can still be offset after May 1.
The abolition of the offsetting arrangement is also applicable to occupational retirement schemes under the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 426), the two school provident funds under the Grant Schools Provident Fund Rules (Cap. 279C) and Subsidized Schools Provident Fund Rules (Cap. 279D), and overseas occupational retirement schemes joined by employees from outside Hong Kong which are exempted from the MPF System.
To tie in with the abolition of the offsetting arrangement, the Labour Department on the same day launches the 25-year Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement (SSA) to share out the SP/LSP expenses of employers after the abolition. The SSA is open for application from today. Employers are required to pay SP/LSP to employees in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Ordinance before submitting subsidy applications to the Labour Department. To learn more about the SSA and the application details, please visit the Labour Department’s TransitionEase Portal (www.offsettingsubsidy.gov.hk/en), call the Scheme Hotline (2989 1001), send by email (enquiry@ssasc.hk) or fax (2989 1012), or enquire in person at the SSA Service Centre (address: 18/F, Tower A, Manulife Financial Centre, 223 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon).
Countdown begins for the maiden edition of WAVES – World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit Mumbai is all set to host WAVES 2025
Four days of knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian and global M & E stakeholders
WAVES to make waves in India’s Creative Economy
Posted On: 30 APR 2025 4:46PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 30 April 2025
The countdown for the much-anticipated milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector -WAVES (World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025) has begun. This groundbreaking four-day event, starting tomorrow at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai is designed to propel India’s Media & Entertainment industry to even greater heights.
As Mumbai, the entertainment capital of India, is gearing up to welcome the who’s who of Media & Entertainment sector who shall delve into engaging panel discussions, thought-provoking and inspiring discourses, knowledge-sharing in-conversation and interactive sessions, enriching master-classes by the industry luminaries et al, the multi-dimensional takeaways over the coming four days for the stakeholders look promising for a future-ready M & E sector in the country.
This is because WAVE Summit is meant to amplify India’s Voice as a Global Powerhouse. WAVES, from its debut year, will provide a platform to showcase India’s vibrant creative industry and its immense potential within the global M&E landscape. Adding to the same, WAVES will also promote knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian and global stakeholders. This pioneering initiative by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India is envisioned for gainfully leveraging India’s rich spiritual legacy for global harmony and propel the Creator’s economy in the right direction.
The Four Pillars of WAVES
The mega-event encompassing the entire gamut of M & E sector has been broadly divided into four pillars.
One: Broadcasting & Infotainment – Encompassing the traditional and evolving landscape of information and entertainment delivery, this focus area aims at prioritizing information, empowering citizens, and going global by adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century. It includes the following areas of the creative economy:
Advertising & Marketing: Leading professionals shaping brand strategies within the M&E space.
Two: AVGC-XR – This segment explores the cutting-edge world of immersive storytelling and interactive experience powered by a combination of artistry, entertainment and technology. It encompasses the following specific areas:
Animation
Visual Effects
E-Sports
Comics
Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality (AR/ VR)
Metaverse & Extended Reality (XR)
Three: Digital Media & Innovation: This segment explores the ever-evolving digital landscape and its impact on entertainment consumption. It includes:
Digital Media & App Economy
OTT Platforms
Social Media Platforms
Generative AI & Emerging Technology
Influencers & Content Creators
Four: Films: This segment explores the world of filmmaking, production and globalization.
Films, Documentaries, Shorts, Videos
Film Technology (Shooting, Post-Production)
Globalization of Indian Cinema
Co-Production
Film Incentives
Audio-Visual Services
Create in India Challenge and Creatosphere: Launched as part of WAVES, the Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season-1, has achieved a milestone of crossing 85,000 registrations including 1,100 International participants. Over 750 finalists have been selected after a meticulous selection process, from across 32 diverse challenges. These talented creative minds will get a unique opportunity in the Creatosphere to showcase the outcome and output of their individual talent and skills, apart from networking opportunities with business leaders from their respective sector including pitching sessions, and learn from global stalwarts through masterclasses and panel discussions.
The Creatosphere at WAVES will offer immersive experiences with masterclasses, workshops, a gaming arena, and the Grand Finale of the Create in India Challenges, culminating in the WAVES CIC Awards.
Global Media Dialogue, to be held at WAVES on 2nd May 2025, is yet another segment that aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, media professionals, and artists to engage in a constructive and dynamic dialogue aimed at shaping the future of the audio-visual and entertainment sectors with a focus on international collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical practices.
Thought Leaders Track: Through plenary sessions, conference sessions and breakout sessions, top CEOs and global leaders will provide insights and diverse perspectives, while also undertaking strategic discussions for collaborations.
WaveXcelerator will connect M&E startups with investors and mentors through live pitching sessions to foster innovation and funding. It will act as a catalyst for Indian startups to lead this transformation, ensuring they receive the right exposure, and investment to scale up their businesses.
WAVES Bazaar is a premier global marketplace for the media and entertainment industry that offers filmmakers and industry professionals the opportunity to engage with buyers, sellers, and a wide range of projects and profiles. The Viewing Room is a dedicated physical platform set up at Waves Bazaar, open from May 1st to 4th, 2025. For the first ever WAVES Bazaar, a total of 100 films from 8 countries namely India, Sri Lanka, USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius and UAE will be available to watch in the Viewing Room Library.
Bharat Pavilion: Guided by the theme “Kala to Code” the Bharat Pavilion will celebrate India’s spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and showcase how the country’s artistic traditions have long been a beacon of creativity, harmony and cultural diplomacy. At the core of the Bharat Pavilion are four immersive zones that will take visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions, named Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap.
Exhibition Pavilion: A dynamic showcase of imagination meeting innovation, from cutting-edge tech to future-forward trends, the pavilion exhibits Indian and Global breakthroughs in the Media & Entertainment sector.
National Sammelan on Community Radio will also be held as part of WAVES which will deliberate and focus on issues related to latest trends, policies and programmes for empowering abilities to strengthen engagement with the local community through the powerful platform of community radio.
WAVES Culturals will be showcasing diverse performances and presentations, blending Indian and international talent. The event aims to recognize the transformative power of media and entertainment in fostering cultural exchange and harmony.
Hence, whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the first edition of the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs observed Swachhata Pakhwada from 16th to 30th April, 2025, as part of the Government of India’s flagship Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at realizing Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a clean and hygienic India. The “Swachhata Pakhwada” is a concept inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision. The Pakhwada was organized in accordance with the Calendar of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India.
The observance commenced on 16th April 2025 with the administration of the Swachhata Pledge by Shri Umang Narula, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, to all officers and other staff of the Ministry.
[Shri Umang Narula, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs administering ‘Swachhata Pledge’ to officers/officials of the Ministry]
Throughout the fortnight, various activities were carried out to promote cleanliness and sustainability within the Ministry premises, including:
Intensive cleanliness drives in office spaces,
Reviewing, recording, and weeding out of old physical files,
Identification of old and obsolete items for auction,
Cleaning of electrical switchboards, fans, and air conditioners,
Whitewashing and maintenance of office rooms.
Placing indoor plants to promote a green and clean office environment.
[Cleanliness Drive] [Reviewing of files]
[cleaning of electrical fan/switch board] [whitewashing]
[Placing of green plants] [Collection of old and obsolete electronic items for disposal]
On 29th April, 2025, Secretary, MoPA, along with senior officers, conducted a cleanliness inspection of office premises. Following the assessment, three sections were ranked first, second, and third based on their Swachhata standards.
[Secretary, MoPA inspecting Cleanliness in Sections]
The Swachhata Pakhwada culminated in a Prize Distribution Ceremony where Shri Umang Narula, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, recognized the top three Sections for their outstanding commitment to cleanliness.
[Secretary, MoPA chairing closing ceremony of pakhwada]
[Shri Umang Narula, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs giving swachhata prizes to officers/officials of winning Sections]
The Secretary, MoPA, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the Ministry’s employees, stressing that Swachhata should be a year-round personal and professional responsibility. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of digital cleanliness, including removing unwanted data to improve computer efficiency and longevity, alongside strong cybersecurity practices. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will continue promoting cleanliness and sustainability.