MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Review PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Schemes, Emphasize on Effective Implementation,Uttar Pradesh Reaffirms Commitment to Achieve 22 GW Solar Energy Capacity Target

Union Minister Inspects Wheat Procurement Centre at Mohanlalganj Mandi, Engages with Farmers to Assess Benefits of Welfare Schemes

“The Prime Minister’s vision is to make farmers energy self-reliant and promote low-cost farming,” : Shri Pralhad Joshi

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi today held a review meeting in Lucknow with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the progress of wheat procurement, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar schemes. The meeting was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Shri A.K. Sharma and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Smt. Nidhi Khare.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude and said, “I thank Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi for taking time out of his busy schedule to ensure the effective ground-level implementation of these ambitious schemes that benefit farmers and citizens from low- and middle-income groups.”

Visited Village Duggaur, Lucknow and saw how farmers are benefiting from PM-KUSUM. The scheme empowers them with solar-powered irrigation, enhances rural livelihoods and promotes clean, #sustainableenergy in agriculture—a strong step towards a green Bharat.#RenewableEnergy pic.twitter.com/GDJqhY5C4w

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) April 10, 2025

During the meeting, Uttar Pradesh reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the ambitious target of 22 GW solar energy capacity of the state. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi acknowledged the state’s leading role in the effective implementation of flagship central schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar. He stated that “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisions maximum benefit to farmers through these initiatives. Under PM-KUSUM, farmers are no longer solely dependent on conventional electricity and are instead using clean and affordable solar energy for agriculture.” He added that the Central Government provides up to 90% subsidy under this scheme, enabling farmers to adopt solar systems at significantly lower costs.

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi also visited Duggaur village in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil of Lucknow to inspect a solar pump project established under PM-KUSUM C-1 scheme. Local resident Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan has installed an 11.2 kW on-grid solar power plant for his private 7.5 HP irrigation pump. The total cost of the project is ₹6,23,909, of which ₹1,87,173 was provided as central subsidy, ₹3,74,345 as state subsidy, and only ₹62,391 was contributed by the beneficiary.

On the #RenewableEnergy front, the meeting with CM Shri @myogiadityanath ji focused on how Uttar Pradesh is leading the way in renewable energy with an ambitious target of 22 GW solar capacity. The Flagship schemes of @mnreindia, PM Kusum, @PMSuryaGhar were reviewed and… pic.twitter.com/GMRGpA6oCp

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) April 10, 2025

Since installation, the solar plant has generated a total of 8,945 kWh of electricity, out of which 7,100 kWh has been exported to the grid, while 1,845 kWh has been used for irrigation. This has not only given Ahsan energy independence but also enabled him to earn additional income by selling surplus power to the grid. This project stands as an inspiring model for other farmers to adopt sustainable and income-generating agricultural practices through solar energy.

Energy Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri A. K Sharma thanked Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi for handholding Uttar Pradesh and providing an allocation of 3.7 lakh pump allocation under the PM-KUSUM Scheme (Component C – Feeder Level Solarization).

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi visited the wheat procurement center at Mohanlalganj Mandi in Lucknow, where he observed the process of wheat procurement, cleaning, and weighing being carried out through the e-POP (Electronic Point of Procurement) machine. During his interaction with farmers, he learned how the use of this technology by the central and state governments has made the process of selling their produce more transparent, efficient, and convenient. The farmers shared that with the introduction of e-POP, weighing has become accurate, and payments are being processed quickly, enhancing their confidence in the government’s procurement system.

In Village Duggaur, Lucknow visited @PMSuryaGhar beneficiary homes and interacted with the new age power producers. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, this scheme is bringing clean energy to rural homes, ensuring savings, sustainability and… pic.twitter.com/dFfzdoWKEZ

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) April 10, 2025

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PIB Lucknow| DS/SC

(Release ID: 2120759) Visitor Counter : 119

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Ayush Brings Together Global Homoeopathy Fraternity on World Homoeopathy Day 2025 in a mega convention at Gandhinagar

On this World Homoeopathy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding its scope through research, education and public outreach: Ayush Minister, Shri Prataprao Jadhav

Convention Souvenir, 8 Books, E-Portals of CCRH Library & Homoeopathy Archives, and a Documentary Film on Drug Proving Released

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 6:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, celebrated World Homoeopathy Day 2025 with great fervour at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The two-day event was organised by the Ministry through its apex research and academic institutions—Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), and National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH)—bringing together leading global voices in Homoeopathy to commemorate the 270th birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy.

The grand celebration underscored the theme ‘Education, Practice and Research in Homoeopathy’, and witnessed participation of over 8,000 delegates from across India and abroad, including academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and industry professionals. The event featured panel discussions, exhibitions, scientific paper presentations, and deliberations on advancing Homoeopathy as an integral component of global and national healthcare systems.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, inaugurated the event in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav. The event was also graced by Shri Rushikesh Patel, Health Minister, Government of Gujarat; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; and other senior officials.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, highlighted India’s leadership in global traditional medicine systems. He said, “Homoeopathy is not merely an alternative—it is a science rooted in compassion and evidence. On this World Homoeopathy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding its scope through research, education and public outreach.” He also emphasized CCRH’s vital role in standardizing homoeopathic medicines and preserving botanical knowledge, noting the Council’s work in pharmacognosy, physicochemical studies, and the digitization of 17,000 herbarium sheets.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel applauded the Ministry of Ayush for selecting Gujarat as the host state for this historic event. He emphasized Homoeopathy’s growing relevance in modern healthcare and lauded the Ministry’s efforts to integrate Homoeopathy into public health services and national health programmes. He remarked that “This scientific and evidence-based therapy has the potential to transform public health outcomes. Gujarat is proud to contribute to this movement, especially as it is home to WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.”

Delivering the keynote address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated that “This occasion is a tribute to Dr. Hahnemann’s visionary system of healing. With the global demand for evidence-based, integrative, and patient-centric healthcare on the rise, Homoeopathy stands well-positioned to serve future generations. The Ministry of Ayush remains committed to furthering its impact through robust research, education, and policy.”

During the inaugural ceremony, the dignitaries released a Convention Souvenir, eight new publications, e-portals of the CCRH Library and Homoeopathy Archives, and a documentary film on drug proving, showcasing the remarkable research and documentation work undertaken in the field.

The symposium also featured the largest-ever exhibition of the Homoeopathy industry, bridging academia and enterprise, and hosted a first-of-its-kind national-level competition to foster innovation among students and practitioners.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2120741) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Coal convened a comprehensive review meeting in New Delhi to assess the status of 79 captive and commercial coal mines classified as “Operational / Likely to be Operational.” The meeting was held on April 9, 2025 and chaired by Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal. Director/ Nominated Authority Shri Marapally and Director Shri Ajitesh Kumar from the Ministry of Coal also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Smt. Brar lauded the proactive efforts of mine allottees in contributing to India’s growing coal production and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders to further enhance reforms in the sector. She underlined the transformative developments in coal mining over the past decade, attributing this progress to strong collaboration between project proponents and the government. Notably, captive and commercial coal mines now account for approximately 20% of the country’s total coal output.

She further emphasized the importance of putting in their best efforts to obtain the required clearances within the desired timelines. She assured the allottees that the Ministry is committed to providing all necessary support and encouraged them to approach the Nominated Authority for any assistance or to address any issues they may face. She encouraged the importance of mine allottees meeting their committed production targets for the financial year 2025–26.

Looking ahead, she expressed confidence in the ongoing partnership between the Ministry and mine developers and appreciated the consistent performance of the Nominated Authority’s office, calling it a symbol of national pride. She also announced an upcoming interactive workshop to accelerate implementation and deepen sectoral collaboration.

The Ministry’s efforts have yielded significant results, with remarkable year-over-year (Y-o-Y) growth in both coal production and dispatch from captive and commercial mines. Coal production increased by 29.79% rising from 147.12 million tonnes (MT) during FY 2023-24, to 190.95 MT during FY 2024-25. Similarly, coal dispatch from these mines also showed significant growth of 33.36%, increasing from 142.79 MT during FY 2023-24 to 190.42 MT during FY 2024-25.

Approximately 70 allottees, including major companies such as NTPC Ltd., Adani Power, Hindalco Industries Ltd., Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., and WBPDCL, attended the meeting. A total of 79 coal mines were reviewed during the session. Of these, 61 mines are currently producing coal, 8 are operational but not yet producing, and 10 remain non-operational. Out of the 61 operational captive and commercial coal mines, 38 have been allocated to the power sector, 11 to the non-regulated sector, and 12 are designated for the sale of coal.

The allottees were encouraged to share detailed insights on the measures they are undertaking to enhance coal production and expedite the operationalization of their mines. The Ministry sought constructive suggestions on how production levels could be further increased, with a focus on identifying best practices, addressing bottlenecks, and leveraging available resources efficiently. Emphasis was placed on proactive planning, adoption of advanced technologies, and timely completion of statutory clearances to ensure early commencement of mining operations and sustained growth in output.

These achievements underscore the Ministry’s commitment to reinforcing India’s energy security, reducing dependency on imports, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. The meeting culminated in a dynamic interactive session, where mine allottees actively contributed constructive suggestions aimed at expediting coal production and accelerating project execution.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2120734) Visitor Counter : 59

Source: Government of India

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Achieves Historic Growth in FY 2024-25

Total Installed RE Capacity Reaches 220.10 GW with a Record Addition of 30 GW

Solar at 106 GW; Wind Power Crosses 50 GW Milestone

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reported robust progress in India’s clean energy sector for the Financial Year 2024–25. With a record annual capacity addition of 29.52 GW, the total installed renewable energy (RE) capacity in the country has reached 220.10 GW as of 31st March 2025, up from 198.75 GW in the previous fiscal. This performance reflects India’s steady advancement towards the target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, as part of its commitments under the ‘Panchamrit’ goals set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Solar Energy Drives Growth

Solar energy contributed the most to the year’s capacity expansion, with 23.83 GW added in FY 2024–25, a significant increase over the 15.03 GW added in the previous year. The total installed solar capacity now stands at 105.65 GW. This includes 81.01 GW from ground-mounted installations, 17.02 GW from rooftop solar, 2.87 GW from solar components of hybrid projects, and 4.74 GW from off-grid systems. The growth demonstrates continued uptake of solar energy across utility-scale and distributed categories.

Steady Rise in Wind Installations

Wind energy also witnessed sustained progress during the year, with 4.15 GW of new capacity added, compared to 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24. The total cumulative installed wind capacity now stands at 50.04 GW, reinforcing wind energy’s role in India’s renewable energy mix.

Bioenergy and Small Hydro Power Maintain Momentum

Bioenergy installations reached a total capacity of 11.58 GW, which includes 0.53 GW from off-grid and waste-to-energy projects. Small Hydro Power projects have achieved a capacity of 5.10 GW, with a further 0.44 GW under implementation. These sectors continue to complement the solar and wind segments by contributing to the decentralised and diversified nature of India’s energy landscape.

Expanding Pipeline of Clean Energy Projects

In addition to the installed capacities, India has 169.40 GW of renewable energy projects under implementation and 65.06 GW already tendered. This includes 65.29 GW from emerging solutions such as hybrid systems, round-the-clock (RTC) power, peaking power, and thermal + RE bundling projects. These initiatives represent a strategic shift towards ensuring grid stability and reliable supply from renewable sources.

MNRE under Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi has been taking various key initiatives to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The continued growth reflects India’s commitment to its climate goals and energy security, underscoring the Government’s focused efforts to scale up renewable energy deployment across the country.

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Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2120729) Visitor Counter : 25

Source: Government of India

Retirement from government service does’nt mean you are retired as a citizen: Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Superannuating Officials to be contributors and Partners in Viksit Bharat

Digital Reforms, Empowered Retirees, and a Vision for 2047: Highlights from Guwahati’s PRC and Bankers’ Workshop

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

Guwahati, April 10: “Retirement from government service doesn’t mean you are retired as a citizen”, said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in a message that resonated deeply with the hundreds of officers nearing retirement, 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, in a message that resonated deeply with the hundreds of officers nearing retirement.

The Minister said that retirement from government service should not be seen as an end, but a transition into a new role as contributors and partners  to nation building. Addressing the 56^th Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop and the 9^th Bankers’ Awareness Program, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a paradigm shift in the way Indian society perceives retired government servants.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that many officers at 60 are at the prime of their, energy and expertise. “So we wish to involve them in the task of nation building and use their experiences. As the Prime Minister says, every citizen has to contribute to the making of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) in collaboration with the Assam Government, the day-long event at the Assam Administrative Staff College featured back-to-back technical sessions on pension reforms, digital life certification, CGHS facilities, financial planning, and innovations like the Bhavishya Portal and Integrated Pensioners’ Portal. These sessions were designed to prepare retiring employees for a smooth transition, both in terms of procedural knowledge and personal empowerment.

The workshop aimed to prepare civil servants for a smooth post-retirement transition, not just in terms of paperwork but also in purpose. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for institutional mechanisms that can integrate retirees into developmental roles based on their skills and inclinations.Outlining several reforms undertaken by the Government over the past decade to simplify pension procedures, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled how superannuating officers earlier had to run from one office to another, often losing months before receiving their first pension payment. “That era is over,” he said. “Today, with digital PPOs, integrated pension portals like Bhavishya, and face authentication tools, we’ve eliminated procedural delays and harassment.”

He lauded the role of the Department of Pensions under Secretary V. Srinivas, noting how Indian digital pension practices are now being emulated by countries like Maldives, Mongolia, and Bangladesh. The success of initiatives such as Digital Life Certificate (DLC), CPGRAMS, and face authentication, he said, are examples of how technology can bring dignity and efficiency to governance.

Going beyond procedural ease, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the creation of a national directory of retired officers, based on their expertise and interests. “We will prepare a performa to capture details like qualification, experience, and preferred areas of work, so that ministries can consult it and engage retirees in policy committees or advisory roles,” he explained.

The Minister also drew attention to evolving societal needs and reforms in pension rules—such as the inclusion of divorced daughters, faster processing for widows, and compassionate consideration for families of missing employees—that reflect a progressive and humane approach.

Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed developing a national database of retired officers with their skillsets, experience, and interests, enabling government departments to draw on their expertise post-retirement. “Many citizens have taken up start-ups or pursued creative passions after retirement. The first successful millet-based start-up came from a scientist who retired from a government institute. You can begin anew at any age,” he said.

In a lighter moment, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted how the retirement phase has even helped uncover hidden talents. “There are those who never got to pursue music or writing or any other pursuit in their service years. Retirement gives you the freedom. We can even help with an audition at All India Radio if you say you want to sing,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause.

Ending on an empowering note, the Minister urged retiring officers not to see themselves as passive recipients of pension but as active nation-builders. “You are retiring as government officials, not as citizens. Your best may be yet to come,” he said.

The daylong event saw the address of Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DoPPW, Shri Dhrubajyoti Sengupta, Joint Secretary and remarks from key stakeholders, including SBI’s Deputy MD Shri Shamsher Singh, Additional Secretary from the Health Ministry Ms. Roli Singh, IG BSF Shri Sanjay Gaur, and General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway Shri Chetan Shrivastava.

With India envisioning itself as a developed nation by 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh’s remarks offered a timely reminder that wisdom, dedication, and public service do not retire—they evolve.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2120728) Visitor Counter : 28

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (April 10) announced that in view of the reckless tariff imposition by the United States (US), including the further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will introduce a new round of enhanced measures to support the export trade in Hong Kong and help enterprises in expediting expansion into new markets.
 
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED), Mr Algernon Yau, said, “The US has been repeatedly changing its policies, increasing tariffs within days and imposing the so-called reciprocal tariffs against Hong Kong notwithstanding that we have never implemented any tariffs. It is totally illogical and ungrounded, once again showing the US’s bullying act for suppressing its competitors. I call upon the business community to unite and face the challenges together with a view to jointly counteracting the unreasonable coercion of the US. Further to the Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the ECIC to 95 per cent, the three enhanced measures introduced by the ECIC will help accelerate Hong Kong enterprises’ expansion into new and diversified markets.”
 
To support Hong Kong enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) in coping with the current challenges, the ECIC will, with immediate effect, introduce three enhanced measures, including (1) extend the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP) which is tailor-made for the SMEs until June 30, 2026; (2) offer a 50 per cent discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders; and (3) reduce the premium rates for new markets to be in line with those for traditional major markets to reduce the costs and support exporters in tapping into the ASEAN market.
 
Since the US’s announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariffs last week, the SCED has separately met with the representatives of major local chambers of commerce, SME associations, and representatives of industries that are more affected by the tariffs (including jewellery, textiles and garment, food and aluminium industries) to listen to their views and discuss measures in response to the incident. The CEDB will continue to maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the unreasonable coercion of the US and provide support to the SMEs through various funding schemes and support measures, including the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, etc in managing cash flow, enhancing competitiveness and expanding into more diversified markets.

Source: Government of India

Ayushman cards of AB PM-JAY distributed to beneficiaries of NCT of Delhi

Government of NCT of Delhi signs MoU for implementation of PM -ABHIM with Union Health Ministry

It is a moment of pride that 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the AB PM-JAY scheme: Shri JP Nadda

“8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same”

For the NCT of Delhi, an amount of Rs. 1749 Crore has been approved for the establishment of 1139 Urban AAM, the strengthening of 11 Integrated Public Health Laboratories, and 9 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM during the scheme period: Smt. Rekha Gupta

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi achieved another significant milestone in healthcare by launching the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM- ABHIM), after the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of NCT, Delhi, here today.

The signing ceremony was presided by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers in presence of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, Government of NCT Delhi; Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister, Health and Family Welfare & Transport and Information Technology, Delhi; Shri Pravesh Sahib Singh, Minister, PWD, Legislative Affairs, Irrigation and Flood Control and Water, Delhi; Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister, Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Delhi; Shri Ashish Sood, Minister, Home, Power, Urban Development, Education, Training and Technical Education, Delhi and Shri Ravinder Singh, Minister, Social Welfare, Welfare of SC & ST, Cooperative, Delhi. The event was also attended by the Hon’ble Members of Parliament (Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Shri Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Shri Yogender Chandolia and Smt. Bansuri Swaraj) and Hon’ble Members of Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi. Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary and Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, NCT Delhi were also present during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda said that AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage program under which 62 crore people are currently being benefitted. He said, “it is a moment of pride that 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the AB PM-JAY scheme.”

Shri Nadda also informed that with the implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered under Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.

The Union Health Minister highlighted that “8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same.” He stated that out of these people, 19 lakh are downtrodden people who could not have afforded these treatment without the Ayushman Bharat health coverage. “As a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today”, he further stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Rekha Gupta stated, “Health has always been a priority for the Union Government. Besides improving health infrastructure and making quality and affordable medicines accessible to the masses, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always emphasized on nutrition, yoga, meditation etc. which shows the emphasis being given to the health sector.”

She informed that “for the NCT of Delhi, an amount of Rs. 1749 Crore has been approved for the establishment of 1139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), the strengthening of 11 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs), and 9 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) under PM-ABHIM during the scheme period.”

Union Health Minister and other dignitaries distributed Ayushman cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to 30 beneficiaries of AB PM-JAY in Delhi. These beneficiaries represented different socio-economic profile of the population of the UT. Beneficiaries of the scheme in Delhi may now create their Ayushman cards.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava stated that this is an important day for Delhi as joining PM-ABHIM will provide Delhi with resilient, inclusive and future ready health infrastructure, while under AB PM-JAY, beneficiary families in Delhi will be benefited with Rs. 10 lakh health cover every year in any of the empaneled hospitals under the scheme.

Background:

PM-ABHIM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), was launched for strengthening of public health infrastructure on 25^th October, 2021.  The objective of the scheme is to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance and health research – spanning both the urban and rural areas so that the communities are atmanirbhar in managing any health crisis.

Earlier, on April 5, 2025, Government of NCT of Delhi signed an MoU for implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi. Beneficiary families of AB PM-JAY in Delhi would be benefitted with Rs. 5 lakh health cover per year in any of the empaneled hospitals of the scheme. The Government of NCT of Delhi has also supplemented the health cover by another additional Rs.5 lakh for each beneficiary family of Delhi. As the scheme of AB PM-JAY is nationally portable, the benefits of the scheme can be taken by the residents of Delhi in any of the 30,000+ empaneled hospitals of the scheme across the country.

Both AB PM-JAY and PM-ABHIM fall under the umbrella of Ayushman Bharat and were launched in mission mode to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability and availability. While Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23^rd September 2018, has been a game-changer in healthcare, mainly for the millions of poor and vulnerable families across the country, the PM-ABHIM has made robust outcomes in strengthening healthcare infrastructure leapfrogging India to one of the most advanced countries in terms of management of public health during peak healthcare demand.

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HFW/PM-ABHIM MoU Event/10April2025/1

(Release ID: 2120720) Visitor Counter : 75

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 10) that vegetables from regulated Japanese prefectures were suspected to be in breach of the relevant Food Safety Order when the CFS inspected food imported from Japan. The products concerned have been marked and sealed by the CFS and have not entered the market. The CFS is following up on the cases.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “During inspections of the concerned consignments of food imported from Japan, the CFS found five packs of chilled mung bean sprouts from Tochigi Prefecture and four packs of mitsuba from Chiba Prefecture, which were not accompanied with radiation certificates and exporter certificates. The importers concerned are thus suspected of breaching the relevant Order.”

According to the Order, all vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages and dried milk originating from Fukushima are banned from being imported into Hong Kong, while such foods originating from Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba and Gunma prefectures are allowed to be imported on the condition that they are accompanied with a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority certifying that the radiation levels do not exceed the guideline levels and are fit for human consumption.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action, including informing the Japanese authorities concerned of the incidents. Prosecution will be instituted against the importers concerned should there be sufficient evidence. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region