MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

NEW INDIA IS “LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES” WITH RAPID REFORMS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIAN STUDENTS ABROAD ARE AMBASSADORS OF INDIAN VALUES AND CULTURE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INITIATIVES LIKE AYUSHMAN BHARAT HAVE CREATED ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTHCARE SECTOR ACROSS INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA CARES DEEPLY ABOUT WELFARE OF INDIANS LIVING IN EVERY CORNER OF WORLD: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

LOK SABHA SPEAKER INTERACTS WITH INDIAN STUDENTS AT SAMARKAND MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today stressed that New India has emerged as the “Land of Opportunities” with rapid reforms in every field. National initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have created abundant opportunities in the healthcare sector across India, he added. Addressing the Indian students at Samarkand Medical University, he said, “As Ayushman Bharat is expanding to include both government and private hospitals, there are ample opportunities for FMG doctors to gain valuable experience and contribute to the nation’s healthcare system.” The rapid growth in medical research and education in India has created numerous opportunities for the students to work in academic and research institutions, he noted.

Shri Birla lauded the Indian students studying abroad as ambassadors of Indian values and culture. Despite staying thousands of miles away, these students continue to be deeply rooted in Indian values and spread them in their host countries, he observed. As cultural and educational representatives of India, they also serve as key figures in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, he said. Shri Birla is on a four day visit to Uzbekistan leading the Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) for the 150th Assembly of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Shri Birla conveyed to the students that the Government of India cares deeply for the welfare of Indians living in every corner of the world. He mentioned that India is dedicated to assisting and supporting overseas Indian students. Through initiatives like the ‘Help’ portal and the active involvement of Indian embassies abroad, the government ensures that Indian students face no obstacles in their education, safety, and career prospects. He noted with pride that, “Indian doctors have a global identity, and you should continue this tradition.” He added that India has always produced exceptional doctors, and these students will enhance healthcare systems worldwide with their knowledge and skills. He added that their global experience will pave the way for greater success in their medical careers and will make important contribution in deciding the future of global healthcare system.

Shri Birla urged the students to not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also embrace values such as dedication and compassion in their lives.

LOVE AND AFFECTION OF INDIAN DIASPORA IN UZBEKISTAN TOWARDS INDIA IS INSPIRATIONAL: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

During his visit to Uzbekistan, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla interacted with members of Indian Diaspora on Monday. Observing that the love and affection of the Indian Diaspora in Uzbekistan towards India is inspirational, Shri Birla noted that the efforts of the Indian community help strengthen India’s global identity.

Speaking about India’s growing economic might, Shri Birla highlighted that India today is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and its global reputation and innovation have created countless new opportunities. He added that the Indian Diaspora can contribute to this growth through investment and innovation. Shri Birla also encouraged the Diaspora to take full advantage of these opportunities as part of India’s drive for ‘Viksit Bharat.’

Shri Birla emphasized that the relationship between India and Uzbekistan goes beyond official visits and documents, and is also based on the people to people ties, cultural exchanges, and mutual respect between the people of both countries. He added that the role of the Indian Diaspora has been vital in strengthening the historical ties between India and Uzbekistan as they have contributed to the development of both the countries through their hard work and dedication. Shri Birla noted that language, cuisine, traditions, and cultural exchanges serve as the foundation of these strong ties. He added that the growing partnership between India and Uzbekistan in the fields of science, health, education, trade and technology is proving to be vital for the progress of both countries.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS CHAIRMAN OF THE PARLIAMENT OF GEORGIA

On the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union at Tashkent, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met H.E. Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia. On this occasion, Shri Birla shared his thoughts on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and expanding cooperation in trade, tourism, and innovation. He also lauded Georgia’s support for India at multilateral fora and also to the Indian community there. Mentioning that India and Georgia share a deep cultural bond which opens immense avenues for future, Shri Birla called for enhancing youth exchange programmes, digital collaboration & people-to-people ties.

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AM

(Release ID: 2120133) Visitor Counter : 15

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

Scientists have found that metallo-nanozymes, or artificial biocatalysts, mimicking natural enzymes that utilize metal ions for their catalytic activity are capable of controlling electron transfer, a crucial process for regulating cellular energy. This newly identified property of metallo-nanozymes seamlessly integrate into biological systems, enabling sustainable energy production, medical inventions, and environmental solutions.

While nanozymes are gaining attention, current-generation nanozymes pose several challenges, particularly in therapeutic applications. Many nanozymes lack well-defined active sites that can lead to uncontrolled electron transfer and unwanted side reactions.

The unregulated electron transfer rates can lead to leakage of electrons, generating toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and affecting ATP production, which may result in cellular dysfunction and related complications.

To overcome this challenge, next-generation nanozymes must be designed with carefully engineered active sites that precisely regulate interactions with substrates and control electron flow.

Dr. Amit Vernekar, an INSPIRE Faculty fellow and his Ph.D. student, Adarsh Fatrekar, at CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, have delineated the role of Cu-Phen, a self-assembled nanozyme designed with a catalyst-by-design strategy.

Composed of amino acid phenylalanine ligands coordinated to copper ions (Cu²⁺) and with an assembled nano-structure, Cu-Phen represents a significant advancement in artificial enzyme development. Unlike other nanozymes with undefined and open active sites, Cu-Phen features a careful design with a well-defined active site that ensures precise electron transfer, mimicking the functions of natural enzymes involved in the energy pathways of cells.

Cu-Phen operates by interacting with cytochrome c, a critical electron donor protein in the electron transport chain, in a receptor-ligand manner similar to that observed in natural systems. Cu-Phen induces specific hydrophobic interactions with cytochrome c and followed by it traverses a unique proton-coupled electron transfer to the Cu²⁺ centre.

Fig: An illustration depicting the interaction between the mitochondrial protein cytochrome c and Cu-Phen, highlighting electron transfer for oxygen reduction to water.

 

This phenomenon efficiently reduces oxygen to water, avoiding the generation of harmful byproducts, like ROS, that can damage cells and lead to oxidative stress and other diseases.

These findings could have major implications for regulated bioenergy, where controlling electron flow is vital for cellular energy production. As nanozymes are gaining traction in several applications, this work could also help pave the way for designing more advanced artificial enzymes for biotechnology and energy research.

The study, recently published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, highlights how Cu-Phen’s structure assists controlled electron transfer, setting it apart from other nanozymes.

The work also opens exciting new possibilities for the future of nanozyme engineering, where precision in active site design and electron flow regulation are crucial for harnessing the full potential of artificial enzymes in bio-inspired applications. With these advancements, scientists are pushing the limits for developing smarter and more efficient enzyme-like catalysts that can seamlessly integrate into biological systems, enabling sustainable energy production, medical inventions, and environmental solutions.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2120104) Visitor Counter : 47

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will participate in the 3^rd  BIMSTEC (BIMSTEC- Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Agriculture Ministerial Meeting (BAMM) in Kathmandu, Nepal scheduled on 9^th April, 2025. The one-day event will be graced by the Agriculture Ministers and Senior Agriculture officials of the BIMSTEC countries namely India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. This will provide an opportunity for a greater regional cooperation in the field of Agricultural development.  

On the sidelines of the BAMM, the Minister will call on Shri K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal. Also, during the Minister’s meeting with Shri Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of India and Nepal on cooperation in the field of Agriculture will be signed.

In addition to this the Minister will also hold bilateral meeting with Shri Younten Phuntsho, Minister Agriculture and Livestock (MOAL) of Bhutan. The Minister will also call on Shri Indramani Pandey, the Secretary General, BIMSTEC to discuss on possible areas of cooperation between India and the BIMSTEC platform in the field of agriculture.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2120097) Visitor Counter : 93

Source: Government of India

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds meeting with Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy PM & Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in New Delhi

Eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production & co-development projects, innovation & technology: Shri Rajnath Singh

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

            Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence of UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at South Block, New Delhi on April 08, 2025. The two leaders expressed happiness on the current defence cooperation through institutional mechanisms, military exercises, exchange of training programmes etc.

            Both the Ministers acknowledged that defence cooperation needs to be scaled up to match the progress made in other areas such as trade and business, in line with the vision and determination of the two leaders – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They identified training exchanges as one of the key areas of defence cooperation which would enable understanding of each other’s defence ecosystems and accelerate strengthening of bilateral defence ties.

            The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the active Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard cooperation and committed to further deepen it by formalising the same through an MoU. They were convinced that close collaboration between the defence industries should be an integral part of the bilateral cooperation. They emphasised on increasing defence industry collaboration and discussed opportunities for enhancing partnership in defence manufacturing.

            Both the Ministers acknowledged active participation from the two sides in each other’s exhibitions & defence expos, and welcomed India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum which has the potential to result in strategic Joint Ventures and co-production projects benefiting both countries. They also agreed to focus on complementarities for the two countries in the Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates initiatives.

            Through a post on X after the meeting, Raksha Mantri stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority for India. “In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to work towards peace and prosperity in the region,” he added.

            The Defence Cooperation MoU with the UAE was signed in 2003, and an MoU on Defence Industry Cooperation was signed in 2017. India and the UAE have strong bonds of friendship based on centuries-old cultural and economic ties.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2120093) Visitor Counter : 177

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the difficulties being faced by the prisoners, including the women inmates and their children, in various jails across the country

Issues notices to Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories calling for reports within four weeks

The reports to include the number of women prisoners & those with babies, convicted and under-trial women prisoners, as well as women and male under-trial prisoners languishing in Jails for more than a year

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of the various difficulties being faced by the prisoners, including the women inmates and their children, in the jails across the country. These include overcrowding, a lack of basic amenities and healthcare facilities in jails. The issues have been brought to its notice by its Special Monitors and Rapporteurs, through their reports after visiting various jails across the country, as well as the complaints.

Some of the other concerns raised include the violation of the rights to dignity and safety of the women prisoners, increased violence against them causing mental distress, unhygienic conditions without adequate toilet, sanitary napkins, clean drinking water facilities, poor quality food resulting in malnourishment particularly in the pregnant women and lactating mothers, lack of educational opportunities to the children of women prisoners living in jails with them, non-implementation of their welfare programmes including legal aid, vocational training and rehabilitation.

Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories to submit a report within four weeks on the following:

i.) The number of women prisoners lodged in Jails in their State,

ii.) The number of women prisoners whose babies are lodged in Jails on account of the mothers being incarcerated;

iii.) The number of women prisoners, who are convicted prisoners and those who are undertrial prisoners;

iv.) The number of women undertrial prisoners who are languishing for more than a year in Jail;

v.) The number of male undertrial prisoners and those who are languishing in Jail for more than a year.

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NSK

(Release ID: 2120090) Visitor Counter : 115

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav to inaugurate the Homeopathic Convention at Gandhinagar on April 10th on the occasion of World Homeopathy Day

The Two-Day Convention is expected to witness participation from about 10,000 delegates from across the globe, making it the largest gathering in the history of homeopathy

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of World Homeopathy Day 2025, a two-day grand convention is set to be hosted at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, the two-day convention will be jointly hosted by the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), the National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), and the National Institute of Homeopathy (NIH) on April 10–11, 2025 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. This year, the theme of the convention is ‘अध्ययन, अध्यापन एवं अनुसंधान’, highlighting the three foundational pillars for the growth of Homoeopathy.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will inaugurate the convention. The event is expected to witness participation from about 10,000 delegates from across the globe, making it the largest gathering in the history of homeopathy.

The aim of World Homeopathy Day 2025 is to strengthen global access to homeopathic research advancements, its practical applications, and its growing impact in both healthcare and industry. The convention will not only cater to academics and researchers but will also bring together policymakers and industry experts on one unified platform.

A major highlight of the event will be India’s largest-ever “Live Materia Medica” competition and separate, thought-provoking sessions organised by the three collaborating organisations for exhaustive deliberations. With being home to the WHO’s first Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, this large-scale event will further position Gujarat as a frontrunner in endorsing traditional and complementary systems of medicine.

Dr. Subhash Kaushik, Director General, Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), stated that “We are proud to host World Homeopathy Day 2025 at Gandhinagar’s Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will be the largest congregation of homeopathy professionals to date. With the theme ‘Education, Practice, and Research,’ the event will spotlight the collaborative efforts of India’s three key institutions; NCH, NIH, and CCRH, each playing a critical role in shaping homeopathy’s future.”

Dr. Pinakin N. Trivedi, Chairperson-in-Charge, National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), emphasized the academic significance of the event, and said “This year’s celebration will witness the largest representation from the education sector, paving the way for future generations of homeopathy professionals. We will also use the platform to sensitise the students about the new courses introduced by NCH.”

Dr. Pralay Sharma, Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy also informed that they were proud to be associated with CCRH and NCH for this event, and there would be a large number of participants coming in from his institute, recognised as the best in India for Homeopathy education. Some of these participants are even contributing to the event as chairpersons or speakers in various sessions. He urged all educational institutes of homoeopathy to encourage student and faculty participation to make this congregation a success by massive participation.

Last year, the event was celebrated in New Delhi with the gracious presence of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu amid a huge delegation. In 2023, the event was graced by the Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. As this year’s celebrations unfold in Gandhinagar, the city will provide a monumental platform to Homoeopathy to celebrate, collaborate, and chart the course for the future of homeopathy.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2120080) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister condoles the demise of Dadi Ratan Mohini

She will be remembered as a beacon of light, wisdom and compassion: PM

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing of Dadi Ratan Mohini Ji, the esteemed spiritual leader of the Brahma Kumaris. Shri Modi said that she will be remembered as a beacon of light, wisdom and compassion.

He also lauded her outstanding leadership of the Brahma Kumaris’ global movement. Recalling his personal interactions with her, the Prime Minister said that her life and teachings will continue to illuminate the path for all those who seek peace and wish to make our society better.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“Dadi Ratan Mohini Ji had a towering spiritual presence. She will be remembered as a beacon of light, wisdom and compassion. Her life journey, rooted in deep faith, simplicity and unshakable commitment to service will motivate several people in the times to come. She provided outstanding leadership to the Brahma Kumaris’ global movement. Her humility, patience, clarity of thought and kindness always stood out. She will continue to illuminate the path for all who seek peace and wish to make our society better. I will never forget my interactions with her. My thoughts are with her admirers and the Brahma Kumaris’ global movement in this hour of grief.  Om Shanti.”

Dadi Ratan Mohini Ji had a towering spiritual presence. She will be remembered as a beacon of light, wisdom and compassion. Her life journey, rooted in deep faith, simplicity and unshakable commitment to service will motivate several people in the times to come. She provided… pic.twitter.com/j0fl7OKFHy

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2025

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2120075) Visitor Counter : 107

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister receives the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE

PM recalls his visit to the UAE last year during which he participated in the World Government Summit in Dubai as Guest of Honour

PM conveys his warm regards to the UAE Leadership

PM remarks that his visit signifies generational continuity in the strong and historic ties between India and the UAE

They discuss ways to further strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in trade, investments, defence, energy, technology, education, sports and people-to-people ties

PM thanks the UAE Leadership for ensuring the welfare of 4.3 million Indians living in the UAE

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 4:51PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE today. 

Recalling his visit to the UAE last year during which he participated in the World Government Summit in Dubai as Guest of Honour, Prime Minister conveyed his warm regards to His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE; and His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 

Prime Minister remarked that his visit signified generational continuity in the strong and historic ties between India and the UAE, emphasizing the enduring partnership built on mutual trust and a shared vision for the future.

They discussed ways to further strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in the areas of trade, investments, defence, energy, technology, education, sports and people-to-people ties.  

PM expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the UAE for ensuring the welfare of around 4.3 million Indians living in the UAE, acknowledging their vital role in the vibrant relations between the two nations.

 

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2120067) Visitor Counter : 170

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 1:41PM by PIB Mumbai

April 8, 2025

NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra is organising one-day workshop on the theme “Developing Ecosystem for Assistive Technology in India” on 9^th April 2025 at YASHADA, Pune.

Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, will inaugurate the workshop in the presence of Shri Sanjay Shirsat, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Govt of Maharashtra and Dr. V.K. Paul, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog.

The requirement for assistive devices and products in India is becoming critical, given the rising number of persons with disabilities, older persons and persons who have chronic health conditions. These assistive devices and products enhance their quality of life and help develop a more equitable and inclusive society. The country’s strides in technological advancements and vibrant start-up ecosystem promise an immense potential for India to become an Assistive Technology (AT) manufacturing hub not only for meeting the domestic demand but also cater to other countries.

Around 200 delegates will be participating in the event. This workshop will provide a platform for different stakeholders, such as Senior Officials in the Central and State Governments, International organisations, research organisations and AT industry/ startups to deliberate upon the present and future scenario of assistive technology in India and suggestions for developing an ecosystem for promoting AT in the country. The workshop will have deliberations on the themes, Improving Access to Assistive Technology in India, State Initiatives in Assistive Technology, AT Manufacturing and Global Collaborations.

The suggestions and deliberations of the workshop will contribute towards formulating a framework for developing an ecosystem for assistive technology in India and true implementation of ‘leaving no one behind’ and build and inclusive society.

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ShilpaP/DY

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(Release ID: 2120002) Visitor Counter : 129