MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India today launched the (Round 2) study report on “Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations”, aimed at benchmarking and enhancing innovation performance across India’s publicly funded research ecosystem. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research (CTIER) served as knowledge partners for this study, contributing their expertise to strengthen the assessment framework.

The report was unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, during the 15^th CII Global Innovation and IP Summit 2025 held in New Delhi today. The launch event was also joined by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, Shri B.N. Satpathy, PSA Fellow; Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist ’G’; Ms. Remya Haridassan, Scientist ‘D’ and Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist ‘D’ from Office of PSA and senior industry leaders, researchers, and representatives from academia and industry were also present during the launch.

The study presents a pioneering framework to evaluate innovation capacity and impact, developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders and supported by rigorous data analysis.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sood emphasised the importance of robust evaluation mechanisms in aligning national R&D efforts with socio-economic priorities. “This report serves as a strategic tool for institutional improvement and policy formulation. It reflects our collective aspiration to make Indian science and research globally competitive and socially impactful,” he said. He further said that the report is more than a diagnostic tool and is a roadmap for strengthening India’s innovation capabilities through data-driven insights and strategic benchmarking.

In her special address, Dr. Maini emphasised on the crucial role played by the publicly funded R&D institutions in translating national priorities into transformative solutions. She stated that these innovation excellence indicators offer a valuable metric for evaluating and benchmarking R&D institutes, ultimately fostering a stronger and more empowered innovation ecosystem.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Udayant Malhoutra, Chairman, CII National Committee on Design Innovation and CEO & Managing Director, Dynamatic Technologies Limited stated that India’s R&D ecosystem is increasingly driven by design-led innovation, fostering global competitiveness through collaboration and creativity.

Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies and Managing Director & Group CEO of Re Sustainability Limited stated that R&D in waste-to-worth technologies is unlocking sustainable solutions and circular economy models for a cleaner future.

In his vote of thanks, Mr Shaheen Majeed, Vice-Chairman, CII National Committee on Intellectual Property and Global CEO & Managing Director, Sami-Sabinsa Group mentioned that a strong IP framework is vital to India’s R&D growth, empowering innovation across science and industry.

This exercise reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to fostering excellence, accountability, and innovation within publicly funded research and development institutions. The study saw participation from over 240 R&D organisations across 21 Ministries.

The evaluation framework focused on six key dimensions—research output and quality, technology transfer and commercialization, collaborations and industry engagement, intellectual property generation, societal and policy impact, and human resource development and capacity building. These indicators were designed to provide a holistic view of innovation performance across institutions.

Following the report launch, the Summit featured a session that explored the crucial role of fostering R&D partnerships in creating effective co-innovation ecosystems for technological progress. A panel of experts, including Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant (Director, IIT Roorkee), Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney (Scientist H, CSIR Headquarters), Dr. Nagahanumaiah (Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute), Mr. P S Jayan (Corporate Technology Officer, Carborundum Universal), and Dr. Umish Srivastva (Executive Director, Technology Promotion & Forecasting, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd), discussed strategies and models for successful collaboration among research organisations, academia, government, and industry. The panel was moderated by Dr. Hafsa Ahmad (Scientist D, Office of PSA).

The report can be accessed on:

 

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2125267) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Development Bureau announced today (April 29) that the subsidised sale flats of three Dedicated Rehousing Estate (DRE) projects, constructed by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), will be open for application from May 2 to 22. Out of the three DRE projects, two are located in the New Territories, and one is located in urban area.

The three projects are “Sierra Terrace” located at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, “Eminence Terrace I” at Tin Sam Road, Hung Shui Kiu, and “Delight Terrace” at Muk Chun Street, Kai Tak. Application is open to eligible households affected by Government development projects in the New Territories and urban area, or the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)’s redevelopment projects of the Civil Servants’ Co-operative Building Society (CBS) buildings (Note 1). The HKHS and the Lands Department will gradually issue letters to notify relevant households of the application arrangements and details.

The sale of DRE subsidised sale flats is one of the compensation and rehousing options available to non-owner households affected by Government development projects that need to relocate (Note 2). Eligible owner-occupiers affected by the URA’s CBS redevelopment projects may also choose to purchase subsidised sale flats in an urban DRE as one of the compensation and rehousing options.

The three subsidised sale flat projects open for application this round will provide a total of 1 573 units, with details at Annex. Among them, intake of “Eminence Terrace I” has already taken place since October 2024 and the HKHS will put the remaining 179 units up for sale in this round of exercise. “Sierra Terrace” is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of next year, and “Delight Terrace” is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027.

The Government has reviewed the intake programmes of DREs in the pipeline and the timeline of various development projects in the coming few years, especially the Northern Metropolis. As the Government development projects in the coming few years as well as the households needing to relocate are mostly in the New Territories, to allow for better utilisation of the DRE resources, if there are unsold units upon completion of flat selection of the urban DRE “Delight Terrace” by households affected by Government development projects in urban area and URA’s CBS redevelopment projects, “Delight Terrace” will be open for purchase to households affected by Government development projects in the New Territories.

As for the subsidised rental units of the three abovementioned DREs, intake of “Eminence Tower 1” in Hung Shui Kiu has taken place since March this year, while “Sierra Tower” at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, is expected to be ready for intake in October this year. The Lands Department and the HKHS will continue to process applications for these rental units in an orderly manner upon receipt. The rental units in the DRE in Kai Tak are expected to be completed and ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027, and the Government and the HKHS will notify relevant households of the application arrangements nearer the time. 

Note 1:
Households eligible to apply include:
(i) Non-owner households affected by the Government development projects in the New Territories and urban areas that need to relocate (including those temporarily rehoused in transitional rental housing units of the HKHS or the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA), and those currently residing within the development areas of the relevant Government development projects with the process of granting compensation and rehousing commenced – for the applicable project list, please refer to the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/land-acq-clearance/land-resumption-clearance/clearance-rehousing/Cat2(en).pdf);

(ii) Eligible CBS owner-occupiers affected by the Kau Pui Lung Road/Chi Kiang Street Development Scheme and Shing Tak Street/Ma Tau Chung Road Development Project.

Note 2:
Other compensation and rehousing options available for non-owner households affected by Government development projects include rehousing to the public rental housing units of the HKHA (subject to a comprehensive means test) or rental units in DREs of the HKHS (on a non-means tested basis), and receiving ex-gratia cash allowances.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised one-day workshop on IT Procurement and Project Management in New Delhi, aiming to enhance digital efficiency and streamline IT implementation across India’s maritime and shipping ecosystem.

The workshop was virtually inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who emphasised the transformative role of technology in modernising port operations and enhancing service delivery for stakeholders.

Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed the participants and underlined the importance of innovation, collaboration, and capacity building in accelerating the digital transformation within the maritime sector. 

The event witnessed active participation from senior officials of the Ministry, various ports, and associated organisations.  In-depth sessions during the workshop focused on challenges in IT projects, identifying root causes, and exploring actionable solutions to improve project outcomes. Case studies from ongoing projects of the Ministry were discussed to draw practical insights.

Key highlight of the event was a presentation on the proposed Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)—envisioned as a dedicated center for IT project delivery, to be developed with support from CDAC.

Live demonstrations were held to showcase innovative digital tools, including SPARSH (Dashboard for Ports) and Counsello, AI-powered platforms developed by startups.  Draft IT Procurement Guidelines were also introduced during the session, with participants encouraged to share feedback based on their on-ground experience. The discussions were led by Shri R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IT), MoPSW, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building resilient and future-ready digital systems.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by the Secretary, MoPSW, emphasising the need for effective project execution and integration of next-generation technologies such as AI, ML, and other indigenous software solutions. 

A vote of thanks was delivered by the Deputy Director (IT), acknowledging the contributions of all participants.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2125263) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

The Holy Buddha Relic of Sarnath for Exposition to Vietnam will arrive at National Museum

Holy Relic will be transported to Ho Chi Minh City by a special aircraft on 1st May 2025

High level delegation will be led by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minister of Minority Affairs

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) New Delhi will be holding for the   first time an exposition of the sacred Buddha Relic of Sarnath at Vietnam during the gala celebrations of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025. 

The Holy Relic will be ceremonially brought to Delhi on April 30, 2025, amidst prayers from Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, (monastery) in Sarnath to the Varanasi airport. The Vihara is enshrined with the sacred relics of Sakyamuni Buddha. It was built by Angarika Dharmapala, who was the founder of Mahabodhi society and is still maintained and run by the Mahabodhi Society.

Upon reaching Delhi the Holy Relic will be placed in a special protected enclosure at the National Museum for prayers, chanting and meditation by the followers of Dhamma, including eminent members of the community and the diplomatic representatives from the Buddhist countries at 5.30 pm on April 30, 2025.

The following day, May 1, 2025, the Holy Relic of the Buddha will be transported from the National Museum with great reverence escorted by senior monks with full religious sanctity and protocol to Ho Chi Minh City by a special Indian Air Force aircraft.

A high-level delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, including member of the Governing Council are attending the Holy Exposition ceremonies and the Vesak celebrations in Vietnam. The delegation will be led by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minister of Minority Affairs.

The Holy Relics of the Buddha enshrined in Mulagandha Kuti Vihara were excavated in Nagarjuna Konda, a prominent site in Andhra Pradesh. It holds historical significance as a major centre of Mahayana Buddhism and is associated with the monk, philosopher Nagarjuna of second century CE. These were worshiped and venerated for ages since the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. A.H. Longhurst, the then superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted full scale excavation from 1927-31; most of the monuments at the site were constructed in third-fourth century CE; remains of more than thirty Buddhist establishments were found here. Inscription date the oldest great Stupa around 246 CE but archaeologist say the Stupa could be older.

After the excavations they were presented to the Mahabodhi Society of India on December 27, 1932, by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni, Director General of ASI, on behalf of H.E. the Viceroy of India before a distinguished gathering of Buddhists. Every year on the foundation day of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara which is celebrated in the month of November, when thousands of people from different parts of the world come to Sarnath.

The sacred Relic will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated, and worshiped at the following important sites; At Hanh Tâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh city from May 2–8, 2025 (coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025); next at the Bà Đen Mountain, Tây Ninh Province from May 9–13, 2025 (Southern Vietnam’s national spiritual pilgrimage site); from here the sacred Relic will be placed for exposition at Quán Sứ Monastery, Hanoi from May 14–18, 2025 (Headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha), and finally at Tam Chúc Monastery, Hà Nam Province from May 18–21, 2025 (the largest Buddhist centre in Southeast Asia).

The important exposition coincides with the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025 as it is being celebrated in Vietnam, an opportunity for not only the citizens of Vietnam to seek blessings of the Holy Relic but also the international delegates from over 100 countries and regions who would be participating in the Vesak Day celebrations.

Every year, since the passing of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on 15th December 1999, the thrice-sacred day of Vesak (celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha Gautama) has been celebrated internationally. The International Day of Vesak was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the first time in 2000. This had inspired annual celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) by international Buddhist communities.

The International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) has held a Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council since 2013. The main theme for the UNDV 2025 Celebrations and Academic Conference will be “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” at Vietnam Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City, Sunworld Buddhist Cultural Centre, Tay Ninh Province.

Exhibitions on the Buddha Dhamma

On the occasion International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will also be hosting three exhibitions on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma and its cultural practices from India to Vietnam. These are and electronic display of Jataka tales; the sculptures depicting different forms of the Buddha; and a comparative study of Buddhist artefacts from India and Vietnam.

The analysis draws on a variety of resources to deepen understanding of this rich cultural exchange, including epigraphic inscriptions, historical texts, and visual artifacts. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of the evolution of Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam, reflecting its profound impact on art, spirituality, and cultural identity throughout history.

The highlight is a display of the digital restoration of the Ajanta Cave murals, illuminating the ancient Jataka Kathas. The IBC, in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation of Pune will unveil 8 panels and exhibit on separate TV screens showcasing the digital restoration process of the famous Bodhisattva Padmapani, a mural painting dating from the late 5th century. The mural is in Cave 1 of the Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, and it reflects the beauty and classical sophistication of the arts of India’s Gupta dynasty.

The exhibition invites visitors to walk among visions of Bodhisattvas and celestial beings, as ancient narratives gently unfold. These tales remind us that compassion knows no borders, wisdom belongs to all, and peace is born from the shared dignity of every living being.

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2125251) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

A High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah approves Rs. 153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters

During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

A High-Level Committee (HLC), under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, has approved Rs.153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024. This assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is subject to an adjustment of 50% of the opening balance for the year available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters.

The additional assistance is over and above the funds released by the centre to the states in the SDRF, already placed at the disposal of the states. During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states. Additionally, Rs. 4984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 19 states and Rs. 719.72 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to 08 states has also been released.

Similarly, during the financial year 2025-26, the Central Government has released Rs. 895.60 crore to 01 state under SDRF and Rs. 929.633 crore under NDRF to 07 states, so far.

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RK/VV/RR/PS

(Release ID: 2125242) Visitor Counter : 46

Source: Government of India

MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Green Hydrogen Certification scheme

MNRE organizes Workshop on opportunities for MSMEs in Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized on 29^th April 2025 one-day National Workshop on opportunities for “Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain”, at  New Delhi. The workshop was  aimed to explore opportunities and discuss key role of MSMEs in development of green hydrogen ecosystem in India. Over 300 delegates drew participation from different stakeholder groups, including MSMEs, policymakers, technology providers, industry associations, and international partners.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and emphasized that MSMEs will serve as the backbone of India’s energy transition through their innovative capabilities and localized solutions. He highlighted the critical role MSMEs will play in realizing the Mission’s objectives of building a self-reliant green hydrogen ecosystem by 2030.

Hon’ble Union Minister also launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI). He mentioned that the scheme is a foundational step towards creating a robust framework for certifying green hydrogen production and ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE highlighted some key achievements in the implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission. He stressed upon the importance of building capacities, facilitating finance, and strengthening technology linkages to empower MSMEs to meaningfully participate in this new industrial landscape. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building institutional and infrastructural support for green hydrogen, with MSMEs playing a critical role.

The workshop included four focused technical sessions as follows:

1. Technology Collaboration for MSMEs

Panelists deliberated on R&D collaboration models, indigenization of components such as bipolar plates and electrolysers, and the role of knowledge institutions.

2. Business Opportunities in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

Discussions centered on the integration of MSMEs into large-scale projects. Experts from international agencies and corporate leaders outlined business models and market opportunities, advocating for systematic MSME engagement strategies.

3. Decentralized Hydrogen Production through Biomass

Expert speakers presented use cases on thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass to hydrogen, exploring their application in rural industries. The session highlighted the potential of decentralized models to meet local demand while promoting circular economy principles.

4. Catalyzing Investments in the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Financial institutions, including the World Bank, IREDA, KfW, and IIFCL, discussed de-risking strategies, blended finance mechanisms, and the need to design green credit lines accessible to MSMEs.

The workshop marked an important step towards mainstreaming MSMEs in India’s clean energy transition and showed MNRE’s commitment towards building an inclusive, technology-driven, and decentralized green hydrogen economy. The workshop saw active participation from MSMEs, who showed strong interest in entering the green hydrogen sector, particularly in areas such as component manufacturing, operations and maintenance services, and rural hydrogen generation. Participants emphasized the need for standardized protocols, shared platforms for joint innovation, and the formation of Green Hydrogen Clusters to help MSMEs combine capacities and benefit from economies of scale. The discussions also highlighted the importance of clear demand signals and long-term policy stability to encourage private investment. Experts noted India’s strong potential to emerge as a manufacturing hub for green hydrogen technologies, especially electrolysers and fuel cells.

The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

1. Development of Green Hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
2. Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
3. Creation of over Six lakh jobs
4. Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
5. Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2125231) Visitor Counter : 29

Source: Government of India

National Ayush Mission Conclave 2025: States and UTs Collaborate to Strengthen Traditional Healthcare Delivery Across India

Lonavala to Host the Second Edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave: A Roadmap to Holistic, Accessible, and Inclusive Healthcare

We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is set to organize the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 on 1-2 May 2025 at Kaivalyadham, Lonavala, Maharashtra. This transformative 2-day event will serve as a national forum for shaping the future of Ayush-based healthcare in India. Bringing together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators, the conclave aims to strengthen integration of traditional Indian medicine systems into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-driven for the common citizen.

The conclave is scheduled to be inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush whereas the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan and Health Minister of nine States/UTs of India are also expected to attend the conclave. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and other dignitaries will also be present during the event. Officials from State/UT Ayush departments including Mission Directors, senior government officials, and renowned academicians are also set to participate in the conclave. The event is planned to include plenary sessions, policy roundtables, technical deep-dives, besides showcasing best practices, state success stories, and tech-led innovations in the Ayush sector.

Speaking about the upcoming event, the Ayush Minister mentioned, “The National Ayush Mission Conclave is a significant step towards fostering a collaborative ecosystem to strengthen the wellness and healthcare infrastructure across the country. We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework.”

The National Ayush Mission conclave is set to serve as a vibrant platform to discuss the latest developments, research innovations, and sectoral collaborations across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy in various states and UTs of India. It will also focus on strengthening the implementation of flagship initiatives, promoting evidence-based practices, and enhancing international outreach. The Conclave aims for Minister level discussions to chalk out future expansion of the NAM Scheme.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The Ministry of Ayush is organising the NAM Conclave-2025 to reflect on the achievements of the National Ayush Mission, address emerging challenges, and chart a path toward a self-reliant and robust Ayush healthcare system.”

While talking about the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, informed, “the conclave will cover diverse themes, including financial management, monitoring and evaluation, HR strengthening, integration with modern medicine, and quality assurance. It will also showcase the best practices, IT innovations, regulatory mechanisms and investment and export opportunities with rich experience sharing from States and UTs.”

Key Highlights of the Conclave:

Document Release: Launch of Blueprint for Ayush Policy 2025 and Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush System of Medicines.

Ministerial Round Table: Featuring Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, along with Health and Ayush Ministers from various States/UTs, deliberating on strengthening the National Ayush Mission.

Expert Sessions: Presentations by DGHS, NABH, Invest India, Ayush Export Promotion Council and leading institutions on quality standards, accreditation, and investment facilitation.

Successful Case Studies: Best practices from the majority of States/UTs.

Yoga Session: Guided Yoga and Meditation Session are also planned for delegates participating in the event.

About National Ayush Mission:

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.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2125229) Visitor Counter : 29

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative aimed at simplifying the customer on-boarding process for mutual fund investors, the Department of Posts (DoP) has entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a prominent asset management company. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will leverage India Post’s extensive network to provide doorstep KYC verification services for investors of SBI Mutual Fund. This initiative aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and regulatory compliance for investors across India.

The MoU was officially signed between the Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Posts, and Sh. Munish Sabharwal, Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Limited, in a ceremony held at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

India Post, with its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices spread across even the remotest corners of the country, is uniquely positioned to support initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. With post offices in urban areas, rural towns, remote villages, and even areas with limited access to other financial services, the Department of Posts has the unparalleled reach to assist with customer service requirements, including KYC verification.

As part of the MoU, India Post will facilitate the completion of KYC formalities for SBI Mutual Fund investors by collecting the necessary forms and documents from investors across the country. The KYC documents will be collected by India Post’s trained personnel, ensuring a high level of security, accuracy, and privacy in the process.

By leveraging India Post’s nationwide network, this partnership will ensure that investors, regardless of their location, can easily complete the KYC process. This will be particularly beneficial for investors in rural, underserved, and far-flung areas who often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services. The door-to-door KYC service will offer immense convenience to investors, allowing them to complete the entire process from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly advantageous for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living in remote areas, where access to physical banking services is limited.

This collaboration directly supports the Government of India’s Jan Nivesh initiative, which aims to increase financial inclusion and encourage more people to participate in India’s capital markets. It also contributes to the ongoing efforts to digitize financial services under the Digital India program. With India Post’s trusted network, this partnership will help demystify the KYC process and provide a gateway for individuals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to engage with investment products such as mutual funds. By offering KYC services at the doorstep, the initiative also plays a crucial role in educating the masses about the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

India Post’s role in facilitating KYC verifications has been demonstrated through its successful collaboration with other mutual fund companies, including UTI Mutual Fund and SUUTI (Securities and Exchange Board of India’s public fund). In these partnerships, India Post successfully handled over 5 lakh KYC verifications in a short period, showcasing its ability to manage high-volume operations with precision, security, and efficiency.

India Post is actively exploring new avenues for collaboration with both public and private sector organizations in the financial services sector. With its strong infrastructure, trained workforce, and credibility, India Post is well-positioned to play a larger role in promoting financial literacy, digital on-boarding, and investment participation among the Indian populace.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2125220) Visitor Counter : 66

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the power sector scenario for Rajasthan at Jaipur today. Hon’be Chief Minister of Rajasthan was present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the State, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (GoI), and Power Sector CPSEs.

The meeting started with a presentation on the brief overview of the Power Sector scenario in the State. In the course of presentation, the achievements of the State Energy Department were highlighted. Also, major challenges and possible solutions were discussed.

In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs mentioned that his visit to the State will be important in understanding and in resolution of the issues in the Power sector in the State. He appreciated the efforts of State Energy department in infrastructure planning in the area of power generation, transmission and distribution.

Hon’ble Minister advised the State to make all out efforts for expeditious implementation of the sanctioned works under RDSS as well as to implement reforms prescribed under the scheme. He advised State to take up smart metering works in a phased manner, starting with Government establishments and subsequently for the commercial & industrial consumers. Based on experience and demonstration of benefits, the smart meters may be rolled out to other category of consumers. He emphasized on the need for focussed effort required for achieving viability of DISCOMs.

Hon’ble Minister mentioned for providing necessary support for the RE evacuation plan of State through Inter State and Instra State Transmission System. Union Minister assured for continued support and cooperation of the GoI in the overall development of the State power sector.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rajasthan welcomed Hon’ble Union Minister for his visit to the State for review of issues related to power sector. He assured of taking necessary measures for expeditious implementation of the Infrastructure works.

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SK

(Release ID: 2125204) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

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