MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh

India poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey

Indian Astronaut Set for Historic Space Mission as ISRO Charts Bold New Frontiers

India’s Space Dreams Soar Higher with Gaganyaan Prep, ISS Mission, and a Summer of Launches

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

NEW DELHI, April 18 : India is poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey, international Space mission carrying Indian astronaut has been scheduled for next month.

Announcing this after a high-level meeting held to review major  future plans of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the coming months,  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the mission will mark the visit of  first Indian ever to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Indian astronaut to travel to Space in over four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.

The announcement comes amid a flurry of activity in India’s space sector, which is gearing up for an ambitious slate of missions in the coming months.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, made a presentation elaborating the status of various upcoming Space missions.

Chairman ISRO informed that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is all prepared to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) next month as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission, scheduled for May 2025, marks a milestone in India’s expanding international space collaborations. A decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force, he was shortlisted under ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and is among the top contenders for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous crewed orbital flight. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is expected to provide critical hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency preparedness — all essential for India’s crewed space ambitions.

What sets Shukla’s mission apart is its strategic importance. Unlike the symbolic undertones of India’s first human spaceflight, this time the focus is on operational readiness and global integration. His participation underscores India’s growing engagement with public-private international partnerships in space and its resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration.

“India is ready for its next space milestone,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscoring the significance of the upcoming human spaceflight and a series of critical ISRO missions. He noted that the collaboration with international partners and the strategic momentum of projects like Gaganyaan reflect India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology. The Minister emphasized that these efforts are not only scientific in nature but also aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.

During the meeting, ISRO updated Dr. Jitendra Singh on several key developments since January 2025. These include the public release of data from the Aditya L1 solar mission, successful demonstration of docking and undocking technologies, testing of the highest thrust liquid engine developed in India, and the historic 100th launch (GSLV-F15) from Sriharikota. ISRO also supported national events like the Kumbh Mela 2025 through satellite-based monitoring and announced a successful demonstration of restarting the Vikas Engine, crucial for future launch vehicle recovery missions.

Among the major missions lined up for May to July 2025, ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the state-of-the-art EOS-09 satellite. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, EOS-09 will be capable of capturing high-resolution images of Earth’s surface under all weather conditions, day or night. Another significant milestone will be the Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) mission, designed to simulate an abort scenario and demonstrate the Gaganyaan Crew Escape System. The mission includes sea recovery operations for the Crew Module, mimicking procedures planned for India’s first human spaceflight.

June will see the highly anticipated launch of the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-F16. This NASA-ISRO collaboration aims to study Earth’s ecosystems and natural hazards through dual-frequency radar data, combining NASA’s L-band payloads with ISRO’s S-band contributions. The LVM3-M5 mission, scheduled for July, will cater to a commercial contract with AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites under NewSpace India Limited’s commercial program.

As India’s space strategy matures, Group Captain Shukla’s upcoming mission stands as a symbol of a confident, forward-looking nation ready to reclaim its place in the global space race. His journey is more than just a flight — it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2122687) Visitor Counter : 41

Source: Government of India

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Reviews Functioning of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand

Union Minister Stresses Good Governance and  Coordination with States to Boost Occupational Safety and Health Services in Mining Sector

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, visited the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) headquarters in Dhanbad, Jharkhand today to review its functioning and to ensure the continuation of effective safety practices in the mining sector. The visit aimed to assess and strengthen India’s mine safety framewodrk, ensuring that key initiatives are in place to safeguard the welfare of miners across the country.

Ms. Deepika Kachhal, Joint Secretary, along with other officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment accompanied the HLEM. A comprehensive review meeting was held at the DGMS Headquarters which was attended by senior officers from DGMS.

Shri Ujjwal Tah, Director General of DGMS, extended a formal welcome, followed by a presentation highlighting the structure, objectives, capacity building, and operational framework of DGMS.

Union Minister emphasized the importance of good governance and coordination with state governments to improve Occupational safety and health services in mining sector. He suggested  to  acquaint with world-class mining technologies to enhance the technological upgradation of DGMS officers, thereby benefiting the industry and those employed in the mines.

The DGMS organized a mock demonstration of rescue operations, which captured the Union Minister’s attention, showcasing preparedness and commitment to ensuring miner safety in case of emergencies.

Following the meeting a plantation activity was also undertaken by Dr. Mandaviya at DGMS office.

This visit highlights the Government’s, commitment to enhancing safety standards and operational efficiency in the mining industry, ensuring a safer working environment for all miners.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2122685) Visitor Counter : 68

Source: Government of India

SECL to Become First Coal PSU to Use Paste Fill Technology for Mining

₹7040 Crore Agreement Signed Between SECL and TMC Mineral Resources

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 3:01PM by PIB Delhi

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is set to become the first coal PSU in India to adopt paste fill technology for coal mining—marking a major step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices.

To implement this innovative underground mining technology, SECL has signed a ₹7040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited.

Under this agreement, large-scale coal production will be undertaken using paste fill technology in the Singhali underground coal mine located in SECL’s Korba area. Over a period of 25 years, the project is expected to produce approximately 8.4 million tonnes (84.5 lakh tonnes) of coal.

What is Paste Fill Technology?

Paste filling is a modern underground mining method that eliminates the need to acquire surface land. After coal extraction, the mined-out voids are filled with a specially prepared paste made from fly ash, crushed overburden from opencast mines, cement, water, and binding chemicals. This process prevents land subsidence and ensures the structural stability of the mine.

Importantly, the paste utilizes industrial waste materials, making the process environmentally sustainable and promoting waste recycling.

Background of Singhali Mine

The Singhali underground mine was approved in 1989 for a production capacity of 0.24 million tonnes per year and commenced operations in 1993. Presently, the mine has 8.45 million tonnes of extractable reserves of G-7 grade non-coking coal. It was developed using the Bord and Pillar method, employing Load Haul Dumpers (LHDs) and Universal Drilling Machines (UDMs) for underground operations.

However, the surface area above the mine is densely occupied—with villages, high-tension electricity lines, and a Public Works Department (PWD) road—rendering traditional caving methods unfeasible due to safety and environmental concerns.

New Opportunity for Singhali Mine

With the introduction of paste fill technology, mining activities in this area can now proceed without disturbing the surface infrastructure.

The successful implementation of this technology in Singhali is expected to pave the way for resuming operations in other underground mines where similar land constraints exist.

A Step Towards Green Mining

With a total investment of ₹7040 crore, the project is a major initiative to promote green mining technologies in India. It aims to enhance coal production while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Speaking on the occasion, SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan said “I firmly believe that paste fill technology will not only secure the future of underground mining but also offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution. This project is a landmark step toward green mining and will shape the future of the coal industry in the years to come.”

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2122660) Visitor Counter : 17

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 1:07PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged in a constructive conversation today with Mr. Elon Musk, delving into a range of issues of mutual interest. The discussion revisited topics covered during their meeting in Washington DC earlier this year, underscoring the shared vision for technological advancement.

The Prime Minister highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between India and the United States in the domains of technology and innovation. He reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to advancing partnerships in these areas.

He wrote in a post on X:

“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122634) Visitor Counter : 75

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

Some sections of the media have reported that a Satellite-based Tolling System will be launched from 1^st May 2025 and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system. This is to clarify that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025.

In order to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be implemented at selected toll plazas.

The advanced tolling system will combine ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology, that will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN related penalties.  

NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2122632) Visitor Counter : 112

Source: Government of India

Centre notifies rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

Rules to come into force from 1st July 2025; aims at strengthening road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:34PM by PIB Delhi

To strengthen road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement, the Department of Consumer Affairs has notified rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules will come into force from 1st July 2025, providing sufficient time for industries and enforcement agencies to comply with the provisions.

These rules make it mandatory for all radar-based speed measurement equipment to be verified and stamped by Legal Metrology authorities. This will ensure that such devices are accurate, calibrated and legally compliant, thereby enhancing transparency, public trust and enforcement integrity. Verified radar systems are vital for applications such as traffic speed monitoring, accident prevention and minimizing wear and tear on road infrastructure.

The drafting of these rules was undertaken by a committee with technical inputs based on international standard OIML R 91. Stakeholders, including State Legal Metrology Departments, Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), manufacturers and consumer organizations were consulted through presentations and public feedback before finalizing the rules.

The implementation of these rules provides significant benefits to all stakeholders across the board. For the common citizen, the mandatory verification and stamping of radar-based speed measurement equipment will ensure the accurate enforcement of speed limits, thereby preventing unfair penalties and significantly enhancing road safety. Citizens can drive with greater confidence knowing that enforcement is based on scientifically validated and legally certified instruments.

For industries, particularly those involved in manufacturing radar-based speed measuring devices, the new rules establish a clear technical and regulatory framework aligned with international standards such as OIML R 91. This not only encourages domestic innovation and compliance but also enhances the export competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in global markets by ensuring consistency in quality and performance.

For law enforcement agencies, the introduction of verified and stamped devices ensures a higher degree of operational effectiveness and credibility. These devices allow for reliable, evidence-based enforcement, which is critical for maintaining public trust and improving compliance with speed regulations. The availability of certified and calibrated instruments enables officers to act with confidence and precision.

At the national level, this initiative is a key step towards data-driven governance in traffic management. It helps reduce road fatalities, enhances discipline on highways and supports sustainable economic development by minimizing the social and economic costs associated with road accidents, vehicle wear and tear and damage to infrastructure. Overall, the rules contribute to building a safer and more technologically advanced transport ecosystem in the country.

Radar devices operate using technologies like Doppler radar, measuring vehicle speed with high precision. These rules specify detailed technical and safety requirements, ensuring proper calibration, stable operation under various environmental conditions and protection against tampering. Such measures will foster a culture of technological reliability and legal accountability.

This move marks a significant step forward in India’s ongoing reforms to modernize legal metrology infrastructure, ensuring that measuring instruments in public enforcement are scientifically robust and legally verifiable.

The Rules are available on the link:

https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/uploads/legal-metrology-acts-rules/Radar%20Equipment%20Gen%20Rules%20Amendment.pdf

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2122625) Visitor Counter : 18

Source: Government of India

India’s Fight Against Anemia

Nourish, Prevent, Protect

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:33PM by PIB Delhi

Key Takeaways:   67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls in India are anemic (NFHS-5). 3 in 4 Indian women have low dietary iron intake. Anemia Mukt Bharat (uses a 6x6x6 strategy: 6 interventions, 6 target groups of beneficiaries, and 6 institutional mechanisms. 15.4 crore children/adolescents received Iron and Folic Acid supplements in Q2 FY 2024-25. Digital tools track real-time anemia screening and supply data. AMB Program integrates with POSHAN Abhiyaan and School Health Program.

 

Introduction

 

India is home to the world’s largest adolescent population. It also leads one of the most ambitious public health campaigns against anemia, a condition that continues to affect millions, especially women, children, and adolescents. Anemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, results from low haemoglobin levels, reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to vital organs.[1] Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A are other nutritional causes of anemia.[2] Its widespread prevalence is rooted in poor nutrition, early pregnancies, inadequate maternal care, and limited access to iron-rich foods, making it a pressing public health challenge that demands urgent and sustained action. [3]

Anemia is both preventable and treatable, and over the past two decades, the Government of India has taken strong, targeted action to combat it. A significant turning point came with the Second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2) in 1998–99, paving the way for landmark programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB). Today, AMB reaches millions annually through a comprehensive strategy that includes Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and behaviour change communication across all age groups.

By integrating maternal and child health with adolescent nutrition and school-based outreach, India is actively disrupting the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. This sustained, community-led approach transforms outcomes for girls, pregnant and lactating women, and children under five—positioning India as a global leader in evidence-based, inclusive public health innovation.

Overview of Anemia

What are its symptoms?[4]

Anemia manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, diminished physical work capacity, and shortness of breath. It serves as an indicator of poor nutrition and various health issues. Common and non-specific symptoms of anemia include tiredness, dizziness or feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet, headache and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion.

 

Who does it impact generally?

 

The population groups most vulnerable to anemia include children under 5 years of age, particularly infants and children under 2 years of age, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women.

 

What is its impact?[5]

 

Iron deficiency anemia results in impaired cognitive and motor development in children and decreased work capacity in adults. The effects are most severe in infancy and early childhood. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia can lead to perinatal loss, prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) babies.

 

How can it be prevented and treated?

 

Anemia’s treatment and prevention depend on its underlying cause. Still, it can often be managed through dietary changes such as consuming iron- and nutrient-rich foods (like folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A), maintaining a balanced diet, and taking supplements when a healthcare provider recommends them.

 

Status of Anemia Globally[6]

 

Anemia affects around 500 million women aged 15 to 49 and 269 million children under 5 years (6-59 months) worldwide.

 

In 2019 Approximately 30% of non-pregnant women (539 million) had anemia. Approximately 37% of pregnant women (32 million) were affected by anemia.

Status of Anemia in India as per the National Health Survey – 5 (2019-2021)[7]

 

 

Policy Interventions by the Government of India for Anemia Eradication

Recognizing the burden of anemia across various population groups, the Government of India is committed to its eradication. Although health is a state subject, the Centre is proactive by extending financial and technical support to states and UTs through the National Health Mission (NHM), which is aligned with their annual Programme Implementation Plans.

1. Anemia Mukt Bharat

It was launched in 2018 with a 6x6x6 strategy under which there are six interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia (nutritional and non-nutritional) in six age groups – pre-school children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years), pregnant women, lactating women, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) following a life cycle approach.[8] The Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy is implemented in all villages, blocks, and districts of all the States/UTs of India through existing delivery platforms as envisaged in the National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) [9], a comprehensive strategy to combat the public health challenge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia prevalent across the life cycle[10] and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation, (WIFS) programme to reduce the prevalence and severity of anemia in adolescent population (10-19 years)[11]

 

The 6x6x6 intervention under the Anemia Mukt Bharat are as follows: [12] [13] [14]

1.1 Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation

Under the AMB strategy, Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is tailored by age group and physiological needs. Children aged 6–59 months receive biweekly IFA syrup, while those aged 5–10 years are given a weekly pink tablet. Adolescents (10–19 years) and non-pregnant, non-lactating women (20–49 years) receive a weekly blue or red IFA tablet, respectively. Women in the pre-conception period and first trimester are advised to take daily folic acid tablets. Pregnant women start daily IFA tablets from the second trimester and continue through pregnancy and six months post-partum. All supplements follow standardized dosages and are color-coded for easy identification.

 

1.2 Deworming

• MoHFW is implementing the National Deworming Day (NDD) program, under which biannual mass deworming for children and adolescents aged 1-19 is carried out on designated dates – 10th February and 10th August every year.
• Pregnant women are provided services under the strategy through antenatal care contacts (ANC clinics/ VHND) for deworming (in the second trimester).

 

1.3 Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication Campaign (Solid Body, Smart Mind) focusing on four key behaviours as mentioned below:

 

1.4 Testing and treatment of anemia, using digital methods and point-of-care treatment, with special focus on pregnant women and school-going adolescents

1.5 Mandatory provision of Iron and Folic Acid fortified foods in government funded public health programmes.

1.6 Intensifying awareness, screening and treatment of non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

Progress of Anemia Mukt Bharat[15]

Government Initiatives to Combat Anemia in Women & Children [16] [17]

Conclusion

India’s commitment to ending anemia is a global example of inclusive public health action. Through the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy, the government has reached millions of women, children, and adolescents with Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and awareness campaigns. By prioritizing the health of its most vulnerable—girls, mothers, and young children—India is breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. With sustained investment, digital innovation, and strong last-mile delivery, the vision of a healthier, anemia-free India is within reach.

 

References

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria / Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2122623) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur on the auspicious Parkash Purab today. Shri Modi remarked that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur’s life epitomises courage and compassionate service, who was unwavering in fighting injustice.

He wrote in a post on X:

“On the auspicious Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, I pay my humble tributes to one of the greatest spiritual torchbearers of our land. His life epitomises courage and compassionate service. He was unwavering in fighting injustice. May his teachings continue to inspire us all in building a society he envisioned.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122622) Visitor Counter : 49

Source: Government of India

CBIC issues revised instructions for processing applications for GST registration by CBIC formations

Revised guidelines to field formations will reduce compliance burden on taxpayers and facilitate rule-based transparency

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 11:37AM by PIB Delhi

Several grievances have been received by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, regarding difficulties being faced by applicants during the GST registration process, mainly on account of queries raised by officers on the grounds of seeking additional documents.

To resolve these grievances and to smoothen GST registration process, CBIC has issued instructions on 17^th April, 2025 (Instruction No. 03/2025-GST) to the officers for processing GST registration applications. Officers have been instructed to strictly adhere to the prescribed list of documents provided in registration application form. Requisite documents in specific cases to be uploaded with registration application form have also been delineated in the instructions. Officers have been directed not to issue notices based on presumptive grounds, minor discrepancies, or for additional documents that are not essential for processing applications. Officers have been also directed to seek approval of the concerned Deputy/Assistant Commissioner in cases where document apart from the listed documents is required to be sought.

The Zonal Principal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioners have been advised to devise mechanism to closely monitor and issue suitable trade notices, wherever required. It has also been advised that the strict action should be taken against the officers deviating from these instructions.

This will further facilitate in the process of getting GST registration, ease compliance burden, and promote ease of doing business.

Please follow the following links for detailed instructions:

HTTPS://TAXINFORMATION.CBIC.GOV.IN/VIEW-PDF/1000532/ENG/INSTRUCTIONS

CLICK HERE FOR ALTERNATE LINK OF INSTRUCTION NO. 03/2025-GST

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2122619) Visitor Counter : 77