MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Fourth Candidate Open House hosted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs

 Interns of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme share their holistic development journey

ONGC Internships helping youth learn core skills, soft skills and contributing towards overall personality development: Skill Development Chief, ONGC India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

As part of the fourth online ‘Candidate Open House’ hosted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on April 3, 2025, interns enrolled under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme shared their myriad experiences during the first few months of their ongoing internship. These Candidate Open Houses serve as a vital touchpoint for aspirants interested in the scheme, candidates navigating the registration and application process, current interns and industry.

In the previous edition of the Open House (March 27, 2024), interns from the Mahindra group shared their experiences while Mr. Don Lewis, Head of Skill Development & Education at Mahindra’s Farm Division shared his views on how an internship can provide a strong foundation for professional growth. In this Open House, Anil Bahuguna, Chief of Skill Development at ONGC India, elaborated upon how internships in ONGC are helping youth learn core skills, soft skills and contributing towards overall personality development.

Willkilinton Deori and Aditi Kashyap – both ONGC interns from Jorhat –  spoke about their internship journey so far covering multiple aspects.  For Willkilinton, the internship has already made him a more disciplined person. Since he is expected to go to his internship location daily (weekdays), Deori feels more aware about following a daily schedule and allocating adequate time to different activities. Aditi is involved in data processing in a hydrocarbon exploration project. Before this internship, she had only read about hydrocarbons in theory. Now as part of her internship, she is involved in data processing of hydrocarbons using a specialized software called ‘Geodesk’.

Jaya Aishwariya, an intern from Karaikal, Puducherry, mentioned that she commutes 30 km to her internship location. On hearing this, Anil Bahuguna, Chief of Skill Development at ONGC India readily offered to provide accommodation near the site to facilitate her internship journey. Jaya spoke candidly, both in English and Tamil, eager to continue her internship and progress in her career. 

Avi Rana, another intern from Delhi, shared that several classroom trainings were conducted on diverse topics such a human resource and finance by senior managers from ONGC. These sessions covered both technical knowledge and soft skills trainings – functions of HR, understanding and interpreting financial statements, knowledge of relevant digital tools, presentation skills and communication skills. Avi feels that she is now a more confident person because of the personality development trainings she’s been part of in her internship training. Even her ONGC supervisors agreed that the trainings have significantly helped mitigate her stage fright.

Aditya and Venkat, interns from Andhra Pradesh, said that they feel very comfortable in their internship environment to interact with their supervisors and seek help in case of difficulties. Aditya also shared that interns receive a food reimbursement of up to ₹5,000 per month. Additionally, they are provided with accommodation facilities and travel by bus, just like full-time employees.

All the interns shared experiences that symbolises the impact of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme in providing exposure to youth across India to professional environments in top companies of India for upskilling and a well-rounded professional experience.

An integral part of this scheme is the participation form top companies to contribute towards enhancing employability of Indian youth. Mr.  Anil Bahuguna, Chief of Skill Development at ONGC India provided an overview of ONGC’s operations and its active involvement in the scheme, especially focusing on additional benefits provided by the company including additional financial assistance, accidental insurance, food allowance, accommodation, personal protection equipment etc. Like ONGC, over 200 participating companies are offering additional benefits such as subsidized or free meals, travel and accommodation assistance, reimbursements, and other forms of financial support to their interns.

Mr. Bahuguna also spoke about ONGC’s efforts to ensure a holistic development experience for interns. For instance, Mr. Rajdeep Singh, former Indian hockey player and currently manager at ONGC conducts sessions with the interns to share his sporting career experiences and how they’ve shaped him as an individual.

Furthermore, Mr. Bahuguna also explained  ONGC’s intern selection process and potential pathways to full time employment in companies engaged in hydrocarbon exploration & development business. ONGC on its part  is planning to encourage its service providers  to utilise services  of suitable ONGC trained interns post their internship . For this, ONGC will soon modify contractual terms with its service providers.

MCA officials reiterated that the selection process has commenced for some of the internship opportunities and so the candidates should be alert on the portal and regularly check the status of their applications.  The application phase for Round 2 of the pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme is currently underway and April 15, 2025, is the last date for eligible youth to apply.

For more information visit: https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2119249) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

Section 233 of the Companies Act 2013 provides for merger or amalgamation of certain companies (Fast Track Merger) through approval of Central Government [Delegated to Regional Directors].  Pursuant to Para 101 of the Budget Speech (2025-2026), it has been decided to widen the scope of such mergers.  For this purpose, a  draft notification (along with an Explanatory note) proposing amendment in the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Rules, 2016 has been placed on the website of the M/o Corporate Affairs (www.mca.gov.in). 

Comments/suggestions on the draft amendment rules may be sent latest by 05^th May, 2025 through e-Consultation Module on the website of Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2119247) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal confers ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Maharathis are the warriors of India’s innovation journey: Shri Piyush Goyal

Second Fund of Funds for Startups worth ₹10,000 crore approved to boost deep-tech and early-stage innovation

Startup India Desk to be set up to serve as a helpline for startups

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:08PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal conferred the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards on the concluding day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi today. Addressing a packed audience of entrepreneurs, innovators and ecosystem enablers, the Minister lauded all participants, stating that each one of them is a “Maharathi”—a skilled warrior and vital contributor in India’s startup revolution.

“Maharathi is every one of the 2,400 participants of this grand challenge. Every one of the 3,000 exhibitors at Startup Mahakumbh is on the path to success,” said Shri Goyal, as he acknowledged the immense talent and potential of India’s startup ecosystem.

He encouraged young founders to set ambitious goals and rise beyond the limitations of the present. “The potential you hold will make you a great contributor to India’s journey in this Amrit Kaal. Let the Startup Mahakumbh ignite aspirations that go beyond the current realm of reality,” he added.

Comparing the scale of the event with previous years, the Minister informed that while last year saw around 3,000 visitors, this year the Mahakumbh witnessed a record footfall of 2.3 lakh visitors, underlining India’s exponential growth trajectory in the innovation space.

Shri Goyal also shared that 40% of the applicants for the Maharathi Grand Challenge were from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and many were women-led startups. “Women are taking a lead in India’s development and contributing with great enthusiasm,” he remarked.

The Minister emphasised that the Government is creating an enabling environment for startups through landmark reforms in Ease of Doing Business. “Over 40,000 compliances have been simplified or removed, and many laws have been decriminalized so that startups can work freely and fairly,” he said.

Announcing a key initiative, Shri Goyal revealed that a dedicated Startup India Desk will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to serve as a helpline for startups across India, accessible via a simple 4-digit toll-free number in regional languages.

He also said that the Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, has been approved by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This year, ₹2,000 crore will be disbursed to SIDBI as the first installment. A significant portion of the fund will be reserved for seed funding of small startups and to support deep-tech innovation.

“Through this fund, we aim to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, quantum computing, machine learning, precision manufacturing and biotech,” he stated.

The objective is to provide early-stage financial support to budding entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing traditional forms of capital. This allocation will empower startups working on disruptive technologies by enabling them to scale prototypes, undertake research and development, and accelerate go-to-market strategies.

The fund will especially focus on startups operating in cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, precision manufacturing, biotech, and semiconductor design, where long gestation periods and high capital requirements often pose hurdles. By mobilising patient capital, the Government aims to build a strong pipeline of indigenous technology solutions that can address national priorities and position India as a global innovation leader.

This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to nurturing a self-reliant and forward-looking startup ecosystem, where young innovators from every corner of India have equal access to resources and opportunities.

Shri Goyal further urged SIDBI to establish at least one support centre in every state to provide basic infrastructure and shared facilities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Recalling his interaction with a startup that had invested in its own 3D printer due to the lack of shared facilities, the Minister stressed the importance of accessible prototyping resources.

“We must unlock India’s full potential through facilitation, not regulation. The Government is here to support your journey, not control it,” he concluded.

Shri Goyal called upon India’s youth to lead the way in emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors and deep-tech, and shape the nation’s path to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Abhishek Dayal / Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2119385) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 8:36PM by PIB Delhi

​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid his respects at the ‘Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial’ in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo, today.

The IPKF Memorial commemorates the soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119368) Visitor Counter : 63

Source: Government of India

India Marks 62nd National Maritime Day Honouring Seafarers as the Nation Advances towards a Sustainable Maritime Future

“Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth” was the theme of the this year’s Maritime Week 

“The ocean connects us not just to trade, but to opportunity, growth, and national progress:” Sarbananda Sonowal

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) celebrated the 62nd National Maritime Day across the country with great enthusiasm and reverence, honouring India’s rich maritime heritage and the exceptional contribution of seafarers to the nation’s growth and global connectivity.

This year’s theme, “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth,” reflected the importance of sustainable growth in the maritime sector and the critical role of youth in driving innovation and environmental stewardship.

The National Maritime Day Celebration Committee (NMDCC), Delhi chapter, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, MoPSW, organised the central celebration at the Vinay Marg Sports Ground in New Delhi today. The function was graced by the Union Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “On National Maritime Day, we honour the unwavering spirit of our seafarers and the maritime community who keep India’s economy sailing forward. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we continue to strengthen our ports, empower coastal shipping, and embrace innovation. We reaffirm our commitment to making India a global maritime leader. The ocean connects us not just to trade, but to opportunity, growth, and national progress.”

Week-long celebrations were held across the maritime sector, including flag pinning ceremonies for the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Governors of maritime states, blood donation camps, wreath-laying ceremonies to honour fallen seafarers, and national-level seminars on maritime development and the future of the Blue Economy.

Adding further, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a historic transformation. With our vast Blue Economy, cutting-edge port infrastructure, and future-ready shipping ecosystem, the sector is emerging as a powerful force multiplier in our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. National Maritime Week is a celebration of our seafarers, our coastal communities, and our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, secure, and globally competitive maritime future for India.”

During the event, Shri Sonowal interacted warmly with the cadets during the refreshment session, engaging in meaningful conversations about their aspirations and training. The Union Minister interacted with female cadets, encouraging them to lead from the front in shaping the future of India’s maritime landscape. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Interacting with the young cadets on the sidelines of National Maritime Week was truly inspiring — their passion and commitment reflect the bright future of India’s maritime journey. I wished them best of luck and commended them for their most important role as the nation builders via a strong, vibrant, modern and efficient maritime sector.”

To foster community engagement and promote a healthy maritime spirit, sporting events such as football, cricket, volleyball, javelin throw, relay races, and sprints were organised with active participation from maritime professionals. These activities underscored the values of teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie that are hallmarks of life at sea.

The Ministry also recognised the outstanding services of individuals and organisations in the maritime sector by conferring awards and commendations to honour their dedication and achievements. The event was also attended by the Secretary (Shipping), Joint Secretary (Ports), Directors, and Under Secretaries from the Ministry, reflecting the strong institutional presence and commitment to maritime advancement. Around 510 trainees and faculty members participated in the event.

The 62nd National Maritime Day not only honoured the legacy of India’s maritime pioneers but also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive, and innovation-driven maritime future. National Maritime Day commemorates the historic voyage of ‘S.S. Loyalty’, the first Indian-owned steamship, which sailed from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919. This momentous event marked India’s foray into international shipping and laid the foundation for the nation’s proud maritime journey.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2119352) Visitor Counter : 111

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited and laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo today. He hailed the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

In a post on X, he stated:

“Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration for us all.”

“கொழும்பில் உள்ள இந்திய அமைதிப்படையினரின் நினைவுத் தூபியில் மலர்வளையம் வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினேன். இலங்கையின் ஆட்புல ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஐக்கியம் மற்றும் சமாதானம் ஆகியவற்றுக்கான உயர்பணியில் தமது வாழ்வை தியாகம் செய்த இந்திய அமைதிகாக்கும் படையின் துணிச்சல் மிக்க வீரர்களை இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் நாம் நினைவுகூர்கிறோம்.  அவர்களின் அசைக்க முடியாத தைரியமும், அர்ப்பணிப்பும் நம் அனைவரினதும்  உத்வேகத்தின் ஆதாரமாக நிலைத்திருக்கின்றன.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119327) Visitor Counter : 172

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Ram Navami.

In a message, the President has said “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.

This holy festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram. The epic life journey of Bhagwan Shri Ram inspires us to follow the path of truth, dharma and ethics. This festival gives the message to serve humanity with dedication and commitment. This sacred festival motivates people to adopt life values of sacrifice, selfless love and remain committed to one’s word.

On this holy occasion, let us learn from the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram and work together for the well-being of entire humanity”.

Please click here to see the President’s message-

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119308) Visitor Counter : 16

Source: Government of India

“India’s young entrepreneurs aren’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities” – Jayant Chaudhary

Skill India Pavilion Sparks Dialogue, Deals, and Dreams at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, attended Grand Finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, celebrating India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event showcased some of the country’s brightest student innovators who presented their pioneering solutions on a national platform.

The Futurepreneurs Challenge, a key highlight of the event, featured 10 standout student teams who presented their groundbreaking innovations in a rapid-fire format before Shri Jayant Chaudhary and an esteemed audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Shri Chaudhary personally congratulated and felicitated the top 10 startups, recognizing them as emerging changemakers in India’s startup journey.

The top prize went to Chitkara University, Chandigarh, for Stick Buddy, a smart assistive device designed for the visually impaired, featuring obstacle detection, time-date updates, and emergency alerts. Tula’s Institute, Dehradun, took second place with Pragati, an AI-powered nurse robot that conducts health check-ups through a simple handshake, offering real-time alerts, especially for underserved regions. Vignan Pharmacy College, Andhra Pradesh, secured third place with Magna Pads, an innovative menstrual care product that combines pain relief with diagnostic capabilities to detect conditions like anemia and PCOS.

Special Jury Awards were given to Government Polytechnic Deoria for Vayuputra, an AI-enabled agricultural drone aimed at addressing pesticide overuse and labor shortages, and Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, for Jeevitham, an AI-based child healthcare platform that offers personalized nutrition, vaccination tracking, and digital health records. Other notable finalists presented solutions for organ transplant logistics, MSME credit access, sustainable farming, migrant education, and affordable healthcare—illustrating the diverse and impactful ways young innovators are using AI to solve real-world problems.

In a compelling fireside chat with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, which was hosted by TIE Global, the theme ‘From Skills to Startups: Unleashing India’s Youth Entrepreneurs’ resonated deeply. He emphasized the unique value of these entrepreneurs, stating, “What stood out to me today wasn’t just the ideas—it was the intent. Each young entrepreneur here isn’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities. That’s the kind of mindset India needs—where skills and startups go hand in hand. Our job now is to nurture this instinct, strengthen the ecosystem, and make sure every student, every dreamer, feels confident that their idea has a place in India’s future. That’s how we build not just a startup nation, but a nation of responsible creators and leaders.

The Minister also interacted with the 15 Entrepreneurs, supported by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who exhibited at the Skill India Pavilion showcasing the power of skill-led entrepreneurship, amplifying voices from India’s heartlands and creating meaningful opportunities for youth. The pavilion became a high-impact zone for inclusive innovation, emphasizing that entrepreneurship rooted in skills is the key to building a sustainable, inclusive future for India’s youth.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a gathering of over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and 50+ global delegations, solidified India’s position among the world’s top-three startup ecosystems. Within this vibrant ecosystem, the Skill India Pavilion emerged as a beacon of decentralized, skill-driven entrepreneurship, bridging grassroots innovation with national-scale opportunities.

As the event concluded, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-ready startup ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur—regardless of geography or background—has the platform to innovate, grow, and lead.

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Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2119302) Visitor Counter : 58

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 12:09PM by PIB Delhi

​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, today participated in a ceremony to inaugurate and launch two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura.

The leaders inaugurated the 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line refurbished with Indian assistance of USD 91.27 million, followed by the launch of construction of an advanced signaling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, being built with Indian grant assistance of USD 14.89.

These landmark railway modernisation projects implemented under the India-Sri Lanka development partnership represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka. They would facilitate fast and efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across the country.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2119486) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 11:27AM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, visited the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi on 5th April 2025 to assess the ongoing research efforts and field-level innovations aimed at enhancing fodder availability and sustainable grassland management across the country. Accompanied by Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, the Union Minister interacted with scientists and reviewed a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the latest fodder technologies and best practices being promoted by the institute.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh expressed concern over the prevailing national green fodder deficit, currently estimated at 11%, and stressed upon the need for technology-led interventions to address this challenge. He noted that while only 8.5 million hectares are presently under cultivated fodder, the country possesses approximately 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that can be harnessed efficiently. He emphasized, “Efficient utilisation of these underused resources is essential for achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity.” 

The Union Minister praised IGFRI’s research and development work and called for speedy dissemination of its technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across states. He particularly emphasized the importance of perennial grasses that are tolerant to abiotic stress, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate degraded lands, contribute to ecological balance, and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. Reiterating government’s  commitment to building a resilient livestock sector, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that science, innovation, and cooperative governance would be the cornerstones of advancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan. He also held discussions with IGFRI researchers, encouraging the institute to position itself as a central knowledge and innovation hub for fodder development and grassland improvement in India.

Among the key technologies demonstrated during the visit were livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) tailored for all categories of farmers; apomictic breeding in perennial grasses to ensure genetic uniformity and sustainability; development of specialized fodder farm machinery aimed at reducing manual labour; seed standards and certification systems for quality assurance in forage crops; and the innovative use of drones for seed pellet-based grassland rejuvenation at scale.

Ms. Alka Upadhyaya underlined the significance of state-level convergence to support the wider adoption of location-specific fodder technologies. She highlighted the scope for integrating fodder cultivation in fallow spaces within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising example of such convergence. To further promote this model, she informed that a joint meeting will be held in Kerala on 8^th April 2025, bringing together representatives of the State Government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists.

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SC

(Release ID: 2119477) Visitor Counter : 41