MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh convenes a joint meeting of Department of Biotechnology, AIIMS New Delhi, BIRAC, ICMR and Industry partners to review the indigenously developed HPV test kits for Cervical Cancer screening in India Calls Scientific Review of Indigenously Developed HPV Test Kits for Cervical Cancer Screening,

Describes it as a Milestone in Preventive Healthcare:

With 1 in every 5 women globally suffering from cervical cancer is from India. With 25% of global cervical cancer deaths occurring in India— often due to late diagnosis— Dr. Jitendra Singh stresses the critical need for preventive screening strategies

Lauds involvement of the private sector is integral to these success stories, highlighting a “whole-of-science and whole-of-government approach.”

Ultimate objective is to enable affordable, accessible, and ideally mass screening for cervical cancer highlights Dr. Jitendra Singh

Dr. Jitendra Singh calls it national responsibility to safeguard our youth and offer them timely prevention of metabolic disorders

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today convened a joint meeting of Department of Biotechnology, AIIMS New Delhi, BIRAC, ICMR and Industry partners here to review the indigenously developed HPV test kits for Cervical Cancer screening in India and described it as another milestone in preventive healthcare achieved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the ultimate goal is to position India as a global leader in preventive healthcare. He said it is now the right time to acknowledge a series of significant milestones accomplished by the team at DBT and BIRAC, including the development of the first-ever DNA vaccine, which brought India international recognition and restored esteem to Indian science in the field of healthcare.

“The DNA vaccine has projected India as a country capable of leading in preventive healthcare—a stark contrast to the outdated perception that India neither prioritized preventive, nor even curative healthcare,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

He also referred to Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, which has received encouraging feedback. Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the involvement of the private sector is integral to these success stories, highlighting a “whole-of-science and whole-of-government approach.”

Another breakthrough cited was the successful gene therapy trial in hemophilia, which earned a spot in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Notably, both the British Medical Journal and NEJM, among the world’s oldest medical journals, have acknowledged India’s pioneering healthcare research.

Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined four pillars of focus namely 1. Preventive Healthcare – As the future of healthcare lies in prevention, this will be the government’s primary focus moving forward.2. Youth-Centric Preventive Measures – Recognizing the prevalence of cervical cancer among adolescents and young women, emphasis will be on early-age interventions.3. Women’s Health –Strengthening government initiatives across ministries, including Health and Women & Child Development. 4. Private Sector Involvement – Building an ecosystem where government and private players collaborate domestically and globally.

Dr. Jitendra Singh coined the term “PPP plus PPP”, referring to Public-Private Partnerships both within and beyond national borders, a model successfully adopted by several European nations, particularly in life sciences and healthcare.

Dr. Jitendra Singh drew attention to India ranking fourth globally in cervical cancer-related morbidity, underscoring the urgent need for action. He cautioned, however, that HPV is not the sole cause of cervical cancer, but studies have shown a 90% correlation, supporting the case for targeted prevention.

The Minister said that the ultimate objective is to enable affordable, accessible, and ideally mass screening for cervical cancer. He cited his own example from 1996 of providing free insulin treatment for Type 1 diabetes through charitable collaboration with Novo Nordisk, illustrating how private companies can contribute meaningfully.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also remarked that discussions around vaccines have surged post-COVID, but emphasized the need for holistic prevention, including social, cultural, and hygienic habits—the traditional pillars of public health education.

The GCI-BIRAC-DBT program titled “Validating Indigenous Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India” successfully validated rapid, point-of-care, RT-PCR-based HPV diagnostic test kits. These kits were tested at premier R&D laboratories across the country.

According to WHO data, 1 in every 5 women globally suffering from cervical cancer is from India. With 25% of global cervical cancer deaths occurring in India—often due to late diagnosis—Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the critical need for preventive screening strategies.

The Minister pointed out that current screening methods, including VIA/VILI, Pap smears, and HPV DNA testing, are costly, resource-intensive, and moderately sensitive. The new indigenous kits are expected to significantly reduce the cost and improve accessibility for widespread use.

Tying the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India is now addressing multiple challenges simultaneously. With over 70% of India’s population below the age of 40, Dr. Singh raised concerns about rising non-communicable diseases, including early-onset Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of the middle-aged.

“It becomes a national responsibility to safeguard our youth and offer them timely prevention if we truly aim to harness their energy for building the India of 2047,” Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted.

The Minister concluded by urging continued cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the benefits of science reach the common public, making healthcare not just accessible, but affordable and proactive.

The review meeting was attended by several key dignitaries and domain experts. Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC; and Padma Shri Dr. Neerja Bhatla, a renowned expert in gynecologic oncology, were present and contributed valuable insights to the review proceedings.

Prior to the commencement of the scientific review, a two-minute silence was observed to pay solemn tribute to the lives lost in yesterday’s terror attack in Pahalgam. The gathering expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims.

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123856) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

Focused, 2-day capacity building programme for electoral field functionaries from Bihar begins

229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs take part in the training program at IIIDEM in the National Capital

Specialized one-day training programme for State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also begins

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Election Commission is organising a 2-day training and capacity building of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. This is the third such batch of BLOs to be trained from the poll-bound state of Bihar. 229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs from the State are participating in the 2-day training programme. A specialized one-day training programme for the State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also commenced today. The training programme was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi at IIIDEM, New Delhi and was followed by an interaction with the participants.

The training is planned to familiarise the BLOs with their roles and responsibilities as per statutory framework and equip them with to ensure error-free electoral rolls. They will also be trained in the IT applications designed to support their roles.

This is the latest in the first phase of the ongoing physical training programmes at IIIDEM in which 555 BLOs from poll-bound states of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam and 279 Booth Level Agents (BLA-1s) of 10 recognised national and state political parties from Bihar have already been trained. These well-trained BLOs will form a corps of Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs) to strengthen the entire network of BLOs nationwide.

The training of SPNOs and Police Officers from Bihar aims to improve coordination between election authorities and the police for enhanced electoral management, especially in the areas of law and order, vulnerability assessment, Paramilitary forces (CAPF) deployment, and model code of conduct (MCC) enforcement.

Till date over 3000 participants from 141 countries including large democracies such as Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Brazil, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Israel, Russia and South Africa have benefited from training programmes from India’s globally acclaimed election management practices at IIIDEM.

******

PK/GDH/RP

(Release ID: 2123840) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

As part of the  Poshan Pakhwada 2025 celebrations, various activities were organized across the country to emphasize the importance of the first 1000 days of life.

In Taloda, District Nandurbar, Maharashtra, a spirited street play (Nukkad Natak) was organized by local artists in the local dialect. The performance effectively sensitized the entire community to the significance of the first 1000 days.

In Mizoram, a vibrant Health Walk was organized to spread awareness about the importance of the first 1000 days as part of Poshan Pakhwada 2025.

****

SS/MS

(Release ID: 2123836) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 9:32PM by PIB Delhi

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) inaugurated the Bharat Muni Dirgha, a newly developed exhibition space on the ground floor. The exhibition titled ‘Faces of Traditions and Divinity & Majesty: Masterpieces from the Lance Dane Collection’ was launched at the IGNCA. This exhibition is dedicated to showcasing masks from the Lance Dane Collection, which is housed in the IGNCA archives. The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA. Present at the event were Dr. Priyanka Mishra, Director (Administration), Prof. Pratapanad Jha, Dean (Academics), Prof. Sudhir Lall, Head of Department of Kalakosh Division, and Shri Anurag Punetha, Controller, Media Centre, IGNCA.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, after inaugurating the exhibition, extended his congratulations to the Conservation and Cultural Archives Division, as well as all the associated teams, whose collective efforts made the exhibition possible. He further remarked that, in the process of beautifying spaces, the corners of such spaces are often overlooked. Keeping this in mind, the vision was to transform the corridors and other spaces of the IGNCA into exhibition areas. These would serve not only as galleries but also as venues that would not only highlight various aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage but also disseminate knowledge to the general public, researchers, and scholars alike. Dr. Joshi envisioned that initiatives such as these would elevate the IGNCA to one of the premier cultural institutions in the country.

At the outset, Prof. Achal Pandya shared that Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi was the inspiration behind the initiative. He recalled that when the IGNCA first moved to the Janpath building, there were no galleries in the space. Subsequently, the Darshnam 1 and Darshnam 2 galleries were established, and the Bharat Muni Dirgha now stands as the latest addition to this cultural development. Prof. Pandya also mentioned the introduction of the ‘Mask of the Week’ and ‘Object of the Week’, two new initiatives that aim to spark curiosity among visitors and the IGNCA staff, by continuously rotating and showcasing objects of cultural significance. These initiatives are expected to encourage a deeper engagement with the exhibits and broaden the audience’s understanding of India’s traditional artistic expressions.

****

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123975) Visitor Counter : 66

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah pays his last respects to the deceased of yesterday’s Pahalgam terror attack

Union Home Minister says, Bharat will not bend to terror and the culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared

Shri Amit Shah also meets families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack

Every Indian feels the pain of losing loved ones in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, this sorrow cannot be expressed in words

Union Home Minister visits the site of the Pahalgam terror attack and took a detailed briefing about the incident from officers

Shri Shah also visits the injured of the Pahalgam terror attack, admitted to the hospital and assures them of every possible assistance

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 9:17PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today paid his last respects to the deceased of yesterday’s Pahalgam terror attack. Union Home Minister said that Bharat will not bend to terror and the culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared.

Shri Amit Shah also met families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. He said that every Indian feels the pain of losing loved ones in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and this sorrow cannot be expressed in words.

Union Home Minister visited the site of the Pahalgam terror attack and took a detailed briefing about the incident from officers.

Shri Shah also visited the injured of the Pahalgam terror attack, admitted to the hospital and assured them of every possible assistance.

*****

RK / VV / RR / PS

(Release ID: 2123972) Visitor Counter : 206

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Subcommittee on Promoting the Development of Hong Kong into an International Education Hub visited the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) today (April 23) to learn about the important role played by vocational and professional education and training (VPET) in developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. Being Hong Kong’s first university of applied sciences (UAS), the HKMU offers a range of VPET programmes that blend theory and practice.

     Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze, Members first visited the Chemical and Microbiological Testing and Certification Laboratory and the Physical and Mechanical Testing and Certification Laboratory at the Jockey Club Campus of the HKMU. They received a briefing by the HKMU representatives on how the laboratories’ equipment and technology help equip students with the necessary skills for future employment.

     Members then visited the Digital Virtual Dissection System and the Clinical Simulation Education Units at the Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare of the HKMU. They gained a better understanding of how the HKMU employs cutting-edge technologies to provide advanced and interactive nursing skills training for students.

     During the visit, Members exchanged views with the HKMU Vice President (Strategic Initiatives), Professor Alan Au, and non-local student representatives on issues such as the development of UAS and VPET, learning experience of non-local students at the HKMU and promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to Mainland and overseas institutions.

     Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee Mr Tang Fei, Subcommittee members Professor Priscilla Leung and Mr Lam Chun-sing; as well as non-Subcommittee member Mr Edmund Wong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Reiterating the motto of PM Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Vikas bhi Virasat bhi’, Union Minister of Culture emphasised on enhancing the experience of visitors and tourists at Heritage Sites

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined the revamping of Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, under which explorations are undergoing in Dwarka waters

38th Meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) Concludes Successfully at Bharat Mandapam

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

The 38^th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) concluded successfully at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The meeting marked yet another milestone in the collective effort towards protecting and promoting India’s rich archaeological heritage sites. In his keynote address, (CABA), Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, laid out a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking roadmap in the field of archaeology, excavations, explorations and conservation.

 

He emphasized the pivotal role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in safeguarding the nation’s rich cultural legacy. While lauding the recent increasing number of excavation and exploration work, Minister stressed on making excavation and exploration projects more extensive, inclusive and far reaching. Moreover, he outlined the revamping of the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, under which explorations are undergoing in Dwarka waters. Reiterating the motto of Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Vikas bhi Virasat bhi’, he emphasised on enhancing the experience of visitors and tourists at heritage sites. He also highlighted the successful repatriation of antiquities to India, marking it as a major achievement in restoring the nation’s cultural identity. Furthermore, he highlighted ASI’s active role not only within India but also in conserving and preserving historical sites overseas, reflecting India’s commitment to global cultural heritage. He also emphasized the need for consistent annual meetings of CABA to ensure regular dialogue and collaborative planning among stakeholders in the field of archaeology and heritage conservation.

The crucial meeting began with paying homage to the departed members of CABA and the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The insightful meeting was organised under the esteemed leadership of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, and convened under the aegis of Director-General, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Furthermore, the meeting was graced by Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki; Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, along with other key dignitaries, experts, senior officials and stakeholders from across the country.

Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, highlighted the rich legacy of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in preserving and conserving India’s diverse heritage and monuments. Emphasizing the need for innovation and modernisation in the field of heritage management, he focused on leveraging technology into the conservation and preservation processes including in the field of epigraphy. He highlighted the potential of deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tour guides at heritage sites to enhance the visitor experience. The Secretary also underscored the potential of heritage conservation in contributing to the economy. He proposed that traditional artists and sculptors associated with heritage work be supported as creative start-ups. This, he noted, would not only promote traditional skills but also ensure employment opportunities. While lauding successful partnership, He highlighted ASI’s partnership of 37 heritage sites, under the Adopt A Heritage scheme, with the private sector. Highlighting the economic potential of heritage tourism, he suggested identifying more potential heritage sites as once the sites are declared UNESCO heritage sites, they often experience a surge in tourist activity, contributing in employment and revenue.

The meeting witnessed the enthusiastic participation from the attendees and dignitaries comprising heads or the representatives of the Designers of Culture and Archaeology of the various State Governments and insightful discussions on   initiatives, discoveries, and proposals for the protection and restoration of significant sites. The Board also reviewed the progress of projects under ASI, and brainstormed ideas on future archaeological endeavours.

The Board was conceptualized and formed by the Government of India in 1945, with the intention of promoting closer contacts of the Archaeological Survey of India with Indian Universities conducting Archaeological Researches and other institutions carrying out studies related to application of archaeological Principles and training the future archaeologists and providing for closer association of learned societies in India and of state governments with the activities of ASI. Every three years, the Board is reconstituted through a notification after the approval of the Minister of Culture, GOI, who is the Chairman of the CABA.

****

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123907) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong has been hosting the two-day Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 this week, under the theme “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All.” Cultural ministers and senior officials from 17 countries participated in the forum’s key session, the Ministerial Panel, held yesterday.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law gave an opening address at the session, while Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng also delivered a speech.

Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau highlighted the forum’s significance since its launch in 2003, describing it as a vital platform for cultural interaction. He noted that this year marks a record high in terms of participating regions.

“For the first time in the forum’s history, we have added a plus sign to the 2025 edition, by inviting countries beyond Asia to participate,” he said. “We hope that with broader participation, we can gain more insights, not only from Asian economies but also from other parts of the world.”

Mr Lau also outlined the forum’s role in promoting global cultural developments and exploring opportunities for collaboration, adding that guided tours were arranged for delegates to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural landscape.

“We hope they can become ambassadors for promoting the culture of Hong Kong, and also China, to the rest of the world.”

One of the participants, Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic Martina Šimkovičová, was optimistic about forging new connections while in Hong Kong.

“My expectation is to see your culture, which is completely different from the culture of Slovakia, and I would like to show Slovak culture.”

Ms Šimkovičová also invited Hong Kong residents to visit her country for longer stays to explore its historical buildings and rich nature.

“Hong Kong’s culture is exciting for me. It is a mix of old and new together, and I love the energy of your arts and the beauty of your heritage,” she added. “It shows deep respect for tradition, which is very important to me.”

Dongguan Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism & Sports Deputy Director Wu Shaowen expressed hope for leveraging the strong relationship between Dongguan and Hong Kong to keep up with global cultural developments.

Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki hosted a gala dinner for the delegates, who enjoyed performances by local musicians showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western traditional and contemporary music, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene.