MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 9) announced a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection complicated with encephalopathy and urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
           
The case involved a 17-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a cough and runny nose on March 27. She sought medical attention from a private doctor on April 3. She developed convulsions on April 7 and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital. She was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Tuen Mun Hospital the same day. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for the influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with encephalopathy. She is still hospitalised and is in serious condition.

The girl had no travel history during the incubation period. Her household contacts, so far, are asymptomatic. She received the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) for the current season and there has been no recent influenza outbreak at her school.
 
Influenza vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, while significantly reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death from seasonal influenza. All persons aged 6 months and above (except those with known contraindications), particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications, should be vaccinated. Although the seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong remained low after the end of the winter influenza season, those who have not received SIV this season should consider acting as soon as possible. The number of severe cases involving adults and cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications recorded in the influenza season earlier this year has significantly decreased compared with the 2018/19 influenza season. It is believed that this is the result of the general public’s willingness to receive the SIV.
 
To protect their health and that of their family members, the public should continue to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and take the following measures to prevent contracting seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses: 
 

• Persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) should wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses; high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid sharing personal items;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider refraining from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

​For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.      

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (April 9) held a national security education student forum at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and premiered a national security education microfilm produced by the CSD. The Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, was the officiating guest. Other guests included Deputy Director-General of the Police Liaison Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Xie Wei; Deputy Director of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR Mr Xie Zhixiang; and the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing.
 
More than 1 600 teachers and students from 29 schools, principals, parent-teacher association members, members of Fight Crime Committees, members of the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders, and various community partners of the CSD attended the forum.
 
To raise public awareness of safeguarding national security, the CSD produced two national security education microfilms, namely “Momentary Glory” and “Unfailing Love”. Adapted from real cases, the microfilms feature stories of teenagers who were incited to commit illegal acts which endanger national security, and paid a heavy price in the end. Through the microfilms, the CSD hopes to enhance the public’s ability to think critically and discerningly, and raise their awareness of abiding by the law.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said that the CSD has shouldered the mission of safeguarding national security and has taken initiatives to go beyond the prison walls to actively promote community crime prevention education to nurture young people to become a new generation that loves the country and Hong Kong, are law-abiding citizens and have a positive mindset. The microfilm “Momentary Glory”, shown at today’s forum, portrays the heavy price of committing crimes that endanger national security. He hoped that students can understand that they should think twice before they act and not to commit any crimes to avoid lifelong regrets.
 
     The forum also featured a video clip of the real protagonist in the microfilm. In the video, he shared his emotional journey of repentance and feelings after being misled into committing illegal acts and ultimately being sentenced to imprisonment. There was also an interactive session in the forum, allowing students to express their views on the microfilm to inspire them to think from different perspectives. Moreover, the CSD arranged for rehabilitated persons to talk about the cost they had to pay for committing crimes and their rehabilitation experiences, reminding students to determine the authenticity of information and refrain from engaging in illegal activities.
 
The two microfilms will be uploaded to various official media platforms of the CSD and the Education Bureau on National Security Education Day on April 15 to convey messages of safeguarding national security to more students and the public.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the people of the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

Following is the text of the message:

“On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens.

The eternal teachings of Lord Mahavir—ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and aparigraha (non-attachment)—continue to illuminate our path towards a more compassionate and harmonious world. His profound message of the equality of all living beings and respect for diverse viewpoints remains ever relevant in today’s world.

On this Mahavir Jayanti, let us draw strength from his life and ideals, embracing spiritual discipline, self-restraint, and universal compassion. May his timeless wisdom inspire us to nurture tolerance, understanding, and peace in our communities and beyond.”

Following is the Hindi text of the message: 

“महावीर जयंती के पावन अवसर पर, मैं सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ देता हूँ।

भगवान महावीर के शाश्वत उपदेश—अहिंसा, सत्य और अपरिग्रह—हमें एक अधिक करुणामय और समरस विश्व की ओर अग्रसर होने की प्रेरणा देते हैं। सभी जीवों की समानता और विभिन्न विचारों के प्रति सम्मान का उनका गहन संदेश आज के समय में और भी प्रासंगिक है।

इस महावीर जयंती पर, आइए हम उनके जीवन और आदर्शों से प्रेरणा लेकर आत्मानुशासन, संयम और सार्वभौमिक करुणा को अपनाएँ। भगवान महावीर की कालजयी शिक्षाएँ हमारे समाज में सहिष्णुता, समझ और शांति की भावना को सुदृढ़ करें—यही कामना है।”

 

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JK/RC/SM

(Release ID: 2120416) Visitor Counter : 53

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating Poshan Pakhwada 2025, a two-week nationwide campaign aimed at promoting nutrition awareness, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities. This initiative is part of Mission Poshan 2.0, which focuses on reinforcing community engagement processes and fostering the empowerment of both individuals and communities as a whole.

Focus on First 1000 Days of Life is one of the key theme of ongoing Poshan Pakhwada 2025, emphasized the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of life, from conception to two years of age. This critical period lays the foundation for lifelong health and development. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is linked to improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and higher earnings in adulthood. By prioritizing nutrition during this period, we can break the cycle of malnutrition across generations.

The previous Poshan Pakhwada, celebrated from March 9-23, 2024, focused on key themes such as Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB), Health of Pregnant Women, and Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, among others. The ongoing Poshan Pakhwada 2025 with a focus on outcome-based activities planned around nutrition sensitization aims at improving the nutritional outcomes and well-being by strengthening implementation of nutrition related services while ensuring active community participation.

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SS/MS

(Release ID: 2120411) Visitor Counter : 82

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

Labour Force Indicators in Current Weekly Status(CWS)

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• In Urban areas, LFPR increased for males (74.3% in 2023 to 75.6% in 2024) and slightly for females (25.5% to 25.8%), leading to an overall rise in LFPR (50.3% to 51.0%). Overall LFPR remained constant at 56.2%, despite minor variations across categories.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

• Slight improvements were seen across all categories, particularly in the overall WPR (47.0% to 47.6%) in Urban areas. At all India level overall WPR remained relatively unchanged (53.4% to 53.5%).

Unemployment Rate (UR)

• In rural area, marginal decline in overall unemployment (4.3% to 4.2%), with slight reductions for both men and women. In urban male unemployment rose (6.0% to 6.1%), but female unemployment declined (8.9% to 8.2%), keeping the overall urban rate stable at 6.7%. At all India level, Unemployment saw a minor drop (5.0% to 4.9%), suggesting slight improvements in employment opportunities.

• Decline in unpaid helpers in household enterprises seems to have contributed to the drop in WPR as well as LFPR among rural females, as the percentage of “helpers in Household Enterprises” decreased from 19.9% to 18.1%  from 2023 to 2024.

Labour Force Indicators in Principal and Subsidiary Status(PS+SS)

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• The labour force participation rate (LFPR) in India remained largely stable between 2023 and 2024, though there were some variations across rural and urban areas. At the national level, the overall LFPR remained nearly unchanged, with a marginal decline from 59.8% to 59.6%.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

• The worker population ratio (WPR) followed a similar pattern. At the all-India level, WPR recorded a marginal decline, moving from 58.0% to 57.7%, indicating a slight drop in employment despite stable participation rates.

Unemployment Rate (UR)

• Unemployment rates (UR) showed mixed trends across different sectors. At the all-India level, unemployment recorded a minor increase from 3.1% to 3.2%, though the levels remain relatively low.

1. Introduction

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) was launched by the National Statistics Office in April 2017 with the view of making labour force data available at more frequent time intervals.

The objective of PLFS has been primarily twofold:

• to estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
• to estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

On the basis of PLFS, Annual Reports are brought out which covers both rural and urban areas and provides estimates of all important parameters of employment and unemployment in both usual status (ps+ss) and current weekly status (CWS). Seven such PLFS Annual Reports have been released with the latest report brought out based on PLFS conducted during July 2023 – June 2024.

In the Annual Reports of PLFS, estimates of labour market indicators are presented on the basis of the data collected during the period July of a year to the June of the next year, e.g., in the Annual Report, PLFS, 2023-24 estimates are presented based on data collected during July 2023 – June 2024.

The samples of First Stage Units (FSU) of PLFS canvassed during the period July of one year to   June of the next year are independently drawn for each quarter before commencement of the survey. Since the quarterly samples are drawn independently, estimates of labour force indicators for a calendar year i.e. for the period January – December of a specific year have been obtained by combining the data collected during the four quarters of the calendar year.

The calendar year estimates presented here are based on information collected during first visit of PLFS.

Sample Size for First Visit during January 2024 – December 2024 in rural and urban areas for the estimates of 2024: A total of 12,749 FSUs (6,982 villages and 5,767 urban blocks) were surveyed for canvassing the PLFS schedule (Schedule 10.4). The number of households surveyed was 1,01,957 (55,846 in rural areas and 46,111 in urban areas) and number of persons surveyed was 4,15,549 (2,40,492 in rural areas and 1,75,057 in urban areas).

Annexure-I

1. LFPR, WPR and UR (in per cent) in usual status (ps+ss) from PLFS conducted during January 2023 – December 2023 and January 2024 – December 2024 for persons aged 15 years and above

 

 

2. LFPR, WPR and UR (in per cent) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) from PLFS conducted during January 2023 – December 2023 and January 2024 – December 2024 for persons aged 15 years and above

Annexure-II

 

The key employment and unemployment Indicators presented here are the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR). These estimates have been presented following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) and Usual Status (ps+ss) approach.  Definition of these indicators, and the ‘Usual Status’ and ‘Current Weekly Status’ are as follows:

(a)        Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.

(b)        Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.

(c)        Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.

(d)       Activity Status- Usual Status: The activity status of a person is determined on the basis of the activities pursued by the person during the specified reference period. When the activity status is determined on the basis of the reference period of last 365 days preceding the date of survey, it is known as the usual activity status of the person.

Principal activity status (ps) – The activity status on which a person spent relatively long time (major time criterion) during 365 days preceding the date of survey, was considered as the usual principal activity status of the person.

Subsidiary economic activity status (ss)- The activity status in which a person in addition to his/her usual principal status, performs some economic activity for 30 days or more for the reference period of 365 days preceding the date of survey, was considered as the subsidiary economic activity status of the person.

Usual status (ps+ss) is determined considering both principal activity status (ps) and subsidiary economic activity status (ss) together.

(e)        Activity Status- Current Weekly Status (CWS): The activity status determined on the basis of a reference period of last 7 days preceding the date of survey is known as the current weekly status (CWS) of the person.

(f)        The Key Employment Unemployment Indicators for 2024 along with the corresponding unit level data is available at the website of the Ministry (https://mospi.gov.in). The key results are given in the statements annexed.

Click here to see PDF.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2120359) Visitor Counter : 68

Source: Government of India

DR JITENDRA SINGH, MOS, PMO, PPG&P TO INAUGURATE 56TH PRE-RETIREMENT COUNSELING WORKSHOP FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND BANKERS’ AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR STATE BANK OF INDIA ON 10TH APRIL, 2025 AT GUWAHATI

310 RETIREES TO BENEFIT FROM THE PRE-RETIREMENT COUNSELLING WORKSHOP

AN INITIATIVE FOR ENHANCING “EASE OF LIVING” OF PENSIONERS AND REDUCING PENSIONERS’ GRIEVANCES

AN EXERCISE TOWARDS SPREADING AWARENESS ABOUT GOI INITIATIVES FOR IMPROVING PENSIONERS’ WELFARE

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

In line with the vision of Government of India’s initiative, to enhance the “Ease of Living” for pensioners and family pensioners, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has introduced several progressive measures in pension policy and the digitization of pension-related processes. As part of these ongoing efforts, the Department will be organizing the 56^th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The workshop is scheduled to be held on 10th April 2025 at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati.

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has been conducting Pre- Retirement Counselling workshops, throughout the country, to facilitate officials who are about to retire, in the superannuation process. The Workshop, being held for the benefit of retiring employees of the Government of India, is a revolutionary step in direction of ‘Ease of Living’ of the pensioners. In order to facilitate the smooth transition for the retiring employees, various sessions on Retirement Benefits, CGHS, Investment modes, BHAVISHYA portal, Integrated Pensioners Portal, Family Pension, CPENGRAMS, ANUBHAV and Digital Life Certificate etc. will be conducted. All these sessions have been curated to make the retirees aware of the process to be followed and forms to be filled pre-retirement and to provide information about the benefits available to them post-retirement.

It is expected that 310 retirees, due to retire in the next 12 months, will benefit hugely from this Pre-retirement Counselling Workshop. The Department will continue to hold such workshops to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for Central Government retirees, keep them informed of the government initiatives taken for them and to enable them to avail all the benefits available post-retirement.

Department has also integrated pension portals of PNB, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India to provide seamless banking services to pensioners from a single portal. Since the major Pension Disbursing Authorities are banks, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has started a series of Awareness Workshops for Central Pension Processing Centers (CPPCs) of Banks as well as their field functionaries handling pension related work in the Bank. In this series, the Department will also be conducting 9^th Bankers’ Awareness Program for the officers of State Bank of India, posted at CPPCs/Branches of North-East, West Bengal, Bihar and Odissa, at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati on 10th April, 2025.

The objective of these workshops is to spread awareness of the various rules and procedures relevant for Pension Disbursing Banks/Retirees and also the steps being taken by Government of India to ensure “Ease of Living” for Pensioners. The workshop shall also focus on the issues faced by Bank officials in handling these processes so that to reduce pensioners’ grievances. 70 officers from CPPC and pension dealing branches of State Bank of India are participating in these interactive programs. The Department will continue to hold such workshops, as part of Good Governance to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for Central Government retirees, keep them informed of the government initiatives taken for them and to enable them to avail all the benefits available for them, post-retirement.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2120394) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Government of India

World Homoeopathy Day

Homoeopathy in India: Tradition, Trust, and Tomorrow

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 3:53PM by PIB Delhi

“Holistic Healthcare remains a very big attraction. Best of the doctors are moving towards homoeopathy. There’s a mood for Holistic Healthcare. There’s a mood to go toward stress free life from a stressful life.”

—        Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Summary:

• World Homoeopthay Day is observed on April 10 every year.
• Homoeopathy is the world’s second-largest medical system.
• In 2025, India is hosting its largest Homoeopathic symposium on the occasion of World Homoeopathy Day in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• India has 3.45 lakh registered homoeopathy doctors, 277 homoeopathy hospitals, 8,593 homoeopathy dispensaries, and 277 homoeopathy educational institutions.
• The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) regulates education and practice, replacing the earlier 1973 Act with a modern 2020 Act.
• The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) runs 35+ research centres and OPDs, advancing evidence-based homoeopathy.
• The Pharmacopoeia Commission (PCIM&H) ensures high-quality medicines through standard pharmacopoeias and testing labs.
• The Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 was replaced by the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020 to modernize and reform homoeopathic education, practice, and research through a transparent and scientifically-driven regulatory framework.

Introduction

Rooted in the principle of “like cures like,” Homoeopathy is a natural way of healing that says that a substance causing symptoms of a disease in a healthy individual would cure similar symptoms in a sick individual. With roots going back over two centuries, Homoeopathy is the world’s 2nd largest system of medicine, trusted by millions for its safe and holistic healing approach.

Every year, on April 10, India joins the world in commemorating World Homoeopathy Day, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homoeopathy. In India, this day holds a particular significance, as more than 100 million people in the country depend on this treatment.

Since 2016, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) has been celebrating World Homoeopathy Day with a series of impactful events that highlight the role of research in the global growth of homoeopathy. These annual gatherings bring together homoeopathic doctors, scientists, chemists, physicists, microbiologists, and pharmacologists, all united by a shared goal—to showcase the scientific strength and evidence-based potential of this gentle system of healing.

This year, the celebration reaches new heights with India’s largest-ever Homoeopathy Symposium, hosted at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Center in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event jointly organised by CCRH, National Commission for Homoeopathy [NCH] and National Institute of Homoeopathy [NIH] will feature insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and the biggest homoeopathy industry exhibition in the country. It will also offer a vibrant platform for innovation, collaboration, and global recognition of Indian homoeopathy.

Glimpse of Homoeopathy in India

Homoeopathy has quietly built one of the strongest healthcare support systems in India. Behind its soft approach lies a solid framework of doctors, hospitals, colleges, and research. Over 3.45 lakh registered homoeopathic doctors are working across the country to bring gentle, affordable healing to millions of people.

India is also home to 277 homoeopathy hospitals that offer inpatient care. These hospitals help patients who don’t need emergency treatment but still need careful attention. Alongside, there are 8,593 homoeopathy dispensaries spread across towns and villages, delivering basic health services. For those who need longer monitoring and recovery, India offers 8,697 homoeopathy beds in AYUSH wellness hospitals.

Education in homoeopathy is also thriving. There are 277 colleges across the country. These include 197 undergraduate institutes, 3 standalone postgraduate colleges, and 77 combined UG/PG colleges. All of these come under the National Commission for Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush. These institutions are powered by 7,092 dedicated teaching faculty members, shaping the next generation of BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery) doctors.

On the pharmaceutical front, 384 industries are involved in producing homoeopathic medicines in India. This ensures the availability of high-quality, standardised remedies across the country. To support quality, 1,117 official pharmacopoeial monographs for homoeopathic drugs have been published—providing a reliable reference for safe and effective medicine preparation.

With 35 dedicated research centres and OPDs under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), India is pushing the boundaries of what this ancient system can do in the modern world.

And to keep everything running smoothly, 28 State Councils and Boards ensure that doctors are well-qualified and ethically registered, maintaining public trust across the healthcare system.

Homoeopathy Legislation in India

Homoeopathy in India has grown on the back of a strong legal and institutional framework that began with the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973. This landmark legislation was designed to regulate homoeopathic education and professional practice across the country. Modelled on the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956, it played a foundational role in institutionalising homoeopathy and ensuring uniform standards across the nation.

However, with time, the system began to face challenges. Gaps in governance, inconsistencies in education quality, and lack of transparency highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms. To address these issues and modernise the regulatory structure, the Ministry of Ayush established the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) through a notification dated 5th July 2021. This move repealed the 1973 Act and brought into force the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020.

As a statutory body under the Ministry of Ayush, NCH is now responsible for regulating the system in a modern and transparent manner. In line with this vision, the Commission introduced the National Commission for Homoeopathy (Medical Research in Homoeopathy) Regulation, 2023, which lays down clear guidelines for conducting research in the field—ensuring it is scientifically sound, ethical, and evidence-based.

Homoeopathy Infrastructure in India

 

India’s homoeopathy sector is regulated by multiple expert bodies working in tandem:

• National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) – The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) was established under the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020, which came into effect on 5th July 2021 through a gazette notification. With this, the Board of Governors and the Central Council of Homoeopathy, constituted under the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, were dissolved.

• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) – Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) is an apex research organization under Ministry of Ayush, which undertakes coordinates, develops, disseminates and promotes scientific research in Homoeopathy through its network of 27 Research Institutes/units and 07 Homoeopathic treatment centres and is carrying out intramural research including collaboration with institutes of excellence, promoting Homoeopathy and offering healthcare services through the OPDs/IPDs of the above institutes/units and treatment centres.

• Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) – It is a subordinate office under the Ministry of AYUSH, responsible for developing pharmacopoeias and formularies and serving as the Central Drug Testing cum Appellate Laboratory for Indian systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy. Initially established as PCIM on 18th August 2010 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it was renamed PCIM&H on 20th March 2014 following the inclusion of Homoeopathy.

Conclusion

Homoeopathy in India has grown into a robust and trusted system of healthcare, backed by strong infrastructure, legal support, and scientific research. With a large network of practitioners, institutions, hospitals, and research centers, India plays a leading role in promoting and advancing homoeopathy globally. Celebrations like World Homoeopathy Day are a reminder of the country’s commitment to safe, evidence-based, and affordable healing. The coordinated efforts of the NCH, CCRH, and PCIM&H continue to modernize and strengthen homoeopathy, ensuring its relevance in the 21st century.

References:

Click here to see in PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Priya Nagar

(Release ID: 2120393) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

National Critical Mineral Mission

Powering India’s Clean Energy Future

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines in November 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule I of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957). The inclusion of 24 critical minerals in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) means that the Central Government now has the exclusive authority to auction mining leases and composite licenses for these specific minerals.

It also recommended setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to regularly update the mineral list and guide strategy.

Critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage systems. To secure these resources, India launched the NCMM to ensure their long-term availability and processing.

Critical minerals are essential for a country’s economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.

 

Usage of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are essential components of various clean energy technologies and industries. Their importance can be highlighted across different sectors:

1. Solar energy

• Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels.
• India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals.

2. Wind energy

• Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.
• India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030, necessitating a stable supply of these minerals.

3. Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
• Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India plans to deploy 6–7 million EVs by 2024, leading to increased demand for these critical minerals.

4. Energy storage

• Lithium-ion batteries used in advanced energy storage systems depend on lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

 

Objectives of NCMM

1. To secure India’s critical mineral supply chain by ensuring mineral availability from domestic and foreign sources.
2. Strengthening the value chains by enhancing technological, regulatory, and financial ecosystems to foster innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness in mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling.

 

Mission Output

 

Mission Objectives	Key Heads	Target (2024-25 to 2030-31)
Securing Domestic and Foreign Sourcing	Domestic Critical Mineral Exploration Projects-Projects aimed at identifying and evaluating domestic reserves of critical minerals.	1200
	Foreign Critical Mineral Mines – PSUs Exploration and acquisition of overseas mineral assets by Public Sector Undertakings.	26
	Foreign Critical Mineral Mines – Private Entities-Facilitation and support for private firms to acquire critical mineral assets abroad.	24
	Incentive Scheme for Recycling (kt) Scheme to promote recovery of critical minerals from secondary sources like scrap and waste	400
Strengthening Value Chains	Patents in Critical Mineral Value Chain Encouraging innovation through development of patents across the critical mineral lifecycle.	1000
	Skill Development Training and upskilling workforce to support activities in mining, processing, and R&D.	10000
	Mineral Processing Parks Dedicated zones for processing critical minerals with modern infrastructure and facilities.	4
	Centre of Excellence Institutions established for advanced research and technological development in the sector.	3
	Mineral Stockpile (Cumulative) Strategic reserves maintained to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical minerals.	5

 

 

Components of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)

India’s exploration efforts

Under NCMM mission, GSI has intensified its exploration programs. In the 2024-25 field season, GSI has taken up 195 projects, including 35 in Rajasthan, focused on identifying and assessing critical mineral deposits. The mission seeks to minimize import dependency by enhancing domestic exploration and mining efforts. More than 100 critical mineral blocks are set to be auctioned, and exploration will be expanded to offshore regions rich in polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), nickel, and manganese.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, follows the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) classification and Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015, to carry out exploration activities for critical minerals. Earlier in 2021-22 and 2022-23, GSI conducted reconnaissance surveys for rare earth elements (REEs) including neodymium in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan. Additionally, the Department of Atomic Energy discovered around 1,11,845 tonnes of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in Balotra, Rajasthan.

To speed up projects, a fast-track regulatory approval system will be introduced. A new Exploration Licence (EL) will encourage private sector participation. Recovery of minerals from secondary sources like fly ash, tailings, and red mud will be promoted through relaxed rules and incentives. Efforts will also focus on trace mineral assessment, development of processing parks, and increased involvement of state governments and PSUs in the critical mineral value chain.

Acquisition of assets abroad

India will invest in exploring and acquiring critical mineral assets in resource-rich countries. PSUs and private firms will be supported through funding, guidelines, and inter-ministerial coordination. Public-private partnerships will be promoted, and infrastructure support will be ensured with MEA’s help.

Key International Initiatives

• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) signed an agreement with CAMYEN SE, a state-owned enterprise in Catamarca, Argentina, on 15th January 2024 for lithium exploration covering 15,703 hectares.
• KABIL also signed an MoU with the Critical Mineral Office (CMO), Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISER), Government of Australia, in March 2022.
• Due diligence is underway for selection of lithium and cobalt projects in Australia for strategic investments through off-take arrangements.

IREL (India) Limited

With a processing capacity of 6 lakh tons per annum, IREL produces key minerals like ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and garnet. It also operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Chatrapur, Odisha and a Rare Earth Refining Unit at Aluva, Kerala. The company has been making profit consistently since 1997-98, with a peak turnover of over ₹14,625 million in 2021-22, including ₹7,000 million in exports.

IREL is focused on expanding its production capacity, supporting value chain industries, and advancing R&D through its facility in Kollam, Kerala.

Conclusion

India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), achieve 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2070. To achieve these climate goals, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) plays a vital role by building a resilient and self-reliant ecosystem for critical minerals. The mission focuses on boosting domestic production, encouraging private sector participation, strengthening international partnerships, and streamlining regulations to ensure a steady supply of minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

References

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

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