Ladakh will soon have South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, has said.

The Minister informed that the Sanctuary is being set up with the help of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, which is affiliated to the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India. He profusely appreciated the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Retd) B.D. Mishra for his active cooperation in the project.

On behalf of the Ministry of Science & Technology and CSIR, we will request the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Night Sky Reserve at Hanle, the Minister said.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the exhibition ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ being held here to mark the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The exhibition is organised by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh at the initiative of Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson.

The Dark Sky Reserve will be located at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. It will boost Astro-tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.

Spread over 1,073 square kilometres, the Night Sky Reserve is located within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope in the world, of Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Hanle at an elevation of 4500 metres.

“At a time when the country is celebrating the success of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 solar mission, this Dark Sky Reserve will fascinate the stargazers, being among only the 15 or 16 of its kind in the world,” said Dr Jitendra Singh.

The Union Minister said that a tripartite MoU was signed among the UT Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for launching the Dark Space Reserve. He said, the site will have activities to help in boosting local tourism and economy through interventions of Science and Technology.

Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the LAHDC-Leh for organising the exhibition ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ outside Ladakh. The exhibition showcases GI-tagged treasures of Ladakh, – Seabuckthorn, Raktsey Karpoapricots, Ladakh wood carvings and Pashmina wool.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the CSIR in the Union Ministry of Science & Technology is promoting “Leh Berry’,which is an exclusive food product of the cold desert.Referring to PM Modi’s visit to Ladakh in May 2018, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister has strongly advised for widespread cultivation of Seabuckthorn, which is the source of “Leh Berry”.

The Minister said that commercial cultivation of three medicinal plants is also being promoted at a height of above 15,000 feet. This includes “Sanjeevani Booti”, locally known as “Sola”, which has very high life saving and therapeutic properties.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Department of Atomic Energy will set up facilities in the UT for Gamma Irradiation Technology for preservation/shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables. He was happy to note that Apricot from Ladakh is now being exported to Dubai.

“PM Modi accords highest priority to Ladakh and other remote regions of the country. For the first time under the Modi government, Ladakh has been granted a University, Hotel Management Institute, a Medical and an Engineering College,” he said.

Referring to the action plan for “Carbon Neutral” Ladakh as announced by PM Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, with a Rs. 50 crore Special Development Package for Ladakh, for the first time any Central government has been so liberal in funding the various projects for the region.

“This is the first of its kind roadmap devoted exclusively to the Ladakh region,” he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, an exclusive Examination Centre has been set up by DoPT at Leh for conducting the UPSC’s Civil Services Examination. Common Eligibility Test (CET) is also being conducted at Leh and Kargil for jobs in the Government sector through SSC, RRBs and IBPS.

“This is not only a significant Governance reform but a huge Social reform for the job aspirant youth living in remote and far flung areas,” he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Snow Sculpture has been introduced in Ladakh since last year in a big way from the winter season as a tourist attraction, which will also create job opportunities for the locals.

Underlining that Ladakh is “India’s youngest Union Territory, but it is also India’s oldest civilization”, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Ladakh, the land of the Buddhist Lamas, is a peace loving region, but confronted with a history of political and other turmoil. PM Modi, for the first time, fulfilled the aspirations of the Ladakhi people by forming the UT of Ladakh on 31st October 2019.”

“Though the first Ladakh Buddhist Association delegation met then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949 seeking separate UT status for the remote region, the dream fructified only seven decades later under PM Modi,” he said.

“PM Modi walks the talk!”, said Dr Jitendra Singh, quoting PM Modi, “My efforts will be to fulfil aspirations of the neglected remote regions of the country including Ladakh and the North-East.”

In his address, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC-Leh,Tashi Gyalson thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for his personal interest and initiatives to boost development and tourism in Ladakh. Executive Councillor (Minority/Forest), LAHDC-Leh, Shri Ghulam Mehdi also spoke on the occasion.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023 (milk, egg, meat and wool production 2022-23) based on Animal Integrated Sample Survey (March 2022-February 2023) during  the National  Milk Day event at Guwahati today. The main features of the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics are:

Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool Production 2022-23

Union Miniter Shri Parshottam Rupala informed that the Production of Milk, Egg, Meat and wool in the country is estimated annually based on the results of Integrated Sample Survey (ISS) which is conducted across the country in three seasons i.e., Summer (March-June), Rainy (July-October) and Winter (November-February). The estimates of milk, egg, meat and wool for the year 2022-23 have been brought out and the outcomes of this survey are summarised below:

Milk Production:

Union Minister Shri Rupala informed that the total Milk production in the country is estimated as 230.58 million tonnes during 2022-23 registered a growth of 22.81%over the past 5 years which was 187.75 million tonnes in 2018-19. Further, the production has increased by 3.83% during 2022-23 over the estimates of 2021-22. In past, the annual growth rates were 6.47% in 2018-19; 5.69% in 2019-20; 5.81% in 2020-21 and 5.77% in 2021-22.

Minister stated that the highest milk producing State during 2022-23 was Uttar Pradesh with a share of 15.72 % of total milk production followed by Rajasthan (14.44 %), Madhya Pradesh (8.73 %), Gujarat (7.49 %), and Andhra Pradesh (6.70 %). In terms of annual growth rate (AGR), the highest AGR recorded by Karnataka (8.76%) followed by West Bengal (8.65%) and Uttar Pradesh (6.99%) over the previous year.

Egg Production:

Shri Parshottam Rupala stated that the total Egg production in the country has estimated as 138.38 billion nos. during 2022-23 registered a growth of 33.31% growth over the past 5 years as compared to the estimates of 103.80 billion numbers during 2018-19. Further, the production has increased annually by 6.77%during 2022-23 over 2021-22. In past the annual growth rate was9.02% in 2018-19; 10.19% in 2019-20; 6.70% in 2020-21 and 6.19% in 2021-22.

Shri Rupala informed that the Major contribution in the total Egg production comes from Andhra Pradesh with a share of 20.13 % of total Egg production followed by Tamil Nadu (15.58 %), Telangana (12.77 %), West Bengal (9.94%) andKarnataka (6.51 %). In terms of AGR, the highest growth rate was recorded by West Bengal (20.10%) and followed by Sikkim (18.93%) and Uttar Pradesh (12.80%).

Meat Production: 

Union Minister stated that the total Meat production in the country is estimated as 9.77million tonnes during 2022-23 registered a growth of 20.39 % over the past 5 years as compared to the estimates of 8.11 milliontonnes in 2018-19.Further, the production was increased by 5.13 % in 2022-23 over 2021-22.In the past the growth rate was 5.99 % in 2018-19; 5.98 % in 2019-20; 2.30% in 2020-21 and 5.62 % in 2021-22.

He further stated that the Major contribution in the total meat production comes from Uttar Pradesh with 12.20 % share and followed by West Bengal (11.93 %), Maharashtra (11.50 %), Andhra Pradesh (11.20 %) and Telangana (11.06 %). In terms of annual growth rate, the highest Annual Growth Rate (AGR) has recorded in Sikkim (63.08%) followed by Meghalaya (38.34%) and Goa (22.98%).

Wool Production:

Shri Rupala inormed that the total Wool production in the country is estimated as 33.61 million kg during 2022-23 registered a negative growth of 16.84% over the past 5 years as compared to the estimates of 40.42 million kg during 2018-19. However, the production has increased by 2.12% in 2022-23 over 2021-22. In past the growth rates were -2.51% in 2018-19; -9.05% in 2019-20, – 0.46% in 2020-21and-10.87% in 2021-22.

He informed that the Major contribution in the total Wool production comes from Rajasthan with a share of 47.98% followed by Jammu & Kashmir (22.55%), Gujarat (6.01%), Maharashtra (4.73%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.27%). In terms of annual growth rate, the highest AGR has recorded by Arunachal Pradesh (35.75%) followed by Rajasthan (6.06%) and Jharkhand (2.36%).

In a significant step towards a pollution free Varanasi, the city’s second floating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mobile Refueling Unit (MRU) station at Ravidas Ghat was inaugurated today by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri. This is the country’s second such station built to fill CNG in boats, after the Namo Ghat CNG station here.

Both the stations have been developed by GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. GAIL Chairman & Managing Director Shri Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Director (Human Resources) Shri Ayush Gupta, Director (Marketing) Shri Sanjay Kumar and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.

With this, floating CNG stations for boats are now operational on both sides of the main Ghats of Varanasi. The floating stations have been developed by GAIL at a cost of approx. Rs 17.5 crore.

In a world grappling with environmental challenges and the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the inauguration of the second floating infrastructure in Varanasi is a significant step towards viable sustainable energy solutions, Shri Puri said.

“The decision to set-up this floating CNG station is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of clean energy,” the Minister said.

Speaking about the significance of CNG station at Ravidas Ghat, Shri Puri noted that this will provide great convenience to boatmen as they will not have to go all the way to NaMo Ghat for refueling, thus saving time and money. “On an average, it is estimated that each boatman can potentially save over  Rs.36,000 per year by using CNG as fuel”, said the Minister.

For many years, the boatmen at Varanasi Ghats have been using old and less efficient petrol and diesel engines which are now being replaced by new CNG engines along with kits leading to improved fuel efficiency. Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, GAIL has entered into an agreement with Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) for conversion of boats to the environment-friendly fuel CNG.

Till date, 735 such boats out of 890 registered with VNN have been converted to CNG under GAIL’s CSR program at a cost of Rs 18 crore.

The floating CNG Mother station at Namo Ghat, the first of its kind in the world, has been operational since December 2021. The compression capacity of this station is around 15,000 kg/day of CNG which can fill approximately 1,000 – 1,500 boats per day. Boats presently plying in Varanasi have a seating capacity of 15 to 80 persons with engine power 5 to 20 HP. GAIL recently won the prestigious ‘Midstream Project of the Year – India’ award at the Asian Oil and Gas Awards event for this project.

The new station at Ravidas Ghat is a CNG Mobile Refueling Unit (MRU), i.e., CNG will be filled in cascades from Namo Ghat and transported by water ways to Ravidas Ghat for fueling boats. This is also first of its kind in the world. It has a capacity of 4,000 kg/day, which can cater to 300 to 400 boats per day.

As CNG is more efficient fuel than diesel, it leads to significant savings for the boatmen who estimate that they are getting 35-40% more mileage due to replacement of old diesel engines with efficient CNG engines (1 kg of CNG is energy equivalent to 1.39 litres of petrol and 1.18 litres of diesel). On an average, it is estimated that each boatman can save potentially Rs 36,000 year by using CNG as fuel.

CNG is safer and less polluting and generates significantly less nitrous oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (Sox) as compared to diesel. It produces less smoke from exhaust as compared to diesel and is almost odourless, providing health benefits and comfort to boatmen and tourists while decreasing pollution in the holy river Ganga and atmosphere. Reduction in engine noise compare to diesel engine due to less vibration of the boats adds to the stability and comfort for the tourists enjoying the boat rides.

GAIL has invested over Rs 350 crore for creating CGD infrastructure in Varanasi and another Rs 100 crore will be spent by 2024. The Varanasi CGD project is part of the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018.

Apart from these two floating CNG stations, GAIL also operates 24 CNG stations and another 13 CNG stations work is in progress for supplying the environment friendly fuel to more than 8,000 four-wheelers, 17,000 three-wheelers and around 100 buses. GAIL is also providing piped natural gas (D-PNG) to over 32,000 households, 61 commercial units like hotels and restaurants and 13 industrial units. PNG connectivity to another 40,000 households is in progress.

Later, Shri Puri interacted with the students at the Varanasi centre of GAIL Utkarsh, a CSR initiative of the company to provide to all-expenses paid residential coaching to 60 meritorious girls from economically weaker sections to compete for Engineering and Medical entrance examinations.

The Varanasi centre, started in 2021-22, inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, is the GAIL’s first ‘all girls’ centre and the first such centre to provide coaching for dual streams of Engineering and Medical Entrance examinations to 60 girls from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In 2022-23, 28 out of 30 girls qualified JEE Mains exam and 29 out of 30 girls qualified NEET exam.

In a world grappling with environmental challenges and the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the inauguration of the second floating infrastructure in Varanasi is a significant step towards viable sustainable energy solutions, said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs. He inaugurated the Varanasi’s second floating CNG dispensing station at Ravidas Ghat today. “The decision to set-up this floating CNG station is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of clean energy”, the Minister said.

Speaking about the significance of CNG station at Ravidas Ghat, Shri Puri noted that this will provide great convenience to boatmen as they will not have to go all the way to NaMo Ghat for refueling, thus saving time and money.

Talking about the benefits of CNG boats for the fishermen and for the environment, Shri Puri said that the CNG boats not only reduce pollution but also operating their boats on CNG is leading to significant savings for boatmen as CNG is more efficient fuel than liquid fuel. They are getting 35-40% more mileage due to replacement of old engines with efficient CNG engines (1 kg of CNG is energy equivalent to 1.39 litres of petrol and 1.18 litres of diesel), he mentioned.

“On an average, it is estimated that each boatman can potentially save over  Rs.36,000 per year by using CNG as fuel”, said the Minister.

First-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023 logo and mascot Ujjwala was launched in New Delhi today by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and several eminent athletes and para athletes.

‘Ujjwala’- a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of the pride of Delhi and its uniqueness portrays determination and empathy. Ujjwala, as the mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023, is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and the human spirit is unbreakable.

Among the attendees, former Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor along with Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar were present.

The presence of star para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil added to the special occasion.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an inclusive sports ecosystem, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “On the occasion of the launch of the inaugural edition of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, I would like to congratulate everyone. It is because of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, that Khelo India has become a household name. It has become a movement and Khelo India was missing the Para Games for the last few years. From 2018 till date, we have had 11 Khelo India Games, we are delighted to add Para Games this year.”

The Union Minister also added that for the last four years, the budget for Khelo India was Rs 3,000 crores sanctioned by the Prime Minister of IndiaShri Narendra Modi and today, I am elated to announce that for the next five years, it has been increased to more than Rs 3300 crores.

Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur expressed that these Games have been instrumental in identifying talent across the country and has aided in India’s performance at the prestigious multi-discipline events. Now, with the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, talented para athletes keen on pursuing a career in para sports can be identified and further assisted in bringing desirable results for the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt said, “It is great to see the Government of India coming up with such a wonderful initiative. I am looking forward to see all these athletes in action. I would like to wish all the players participating in Khelo India Para Games best of luck.”

Sharing his excitement post the unveiled event of Khelo India Para Games, Para Athlete Pramod Bhagat, who won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Para-badminton, said, “I believe that the Para Games currently have a very promising future, particularly for young people and para athletes. Also, for the coaches who would be able to use their training to boost efforts on enhancing athletic talents and preparing them for India to witness increased participation in national and international tournaments beginning with the Khelo Para Games. It is one of the most significant initiatives launched by Khelo India.”

Over 1400 participants from across 32 states and union territories including Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has successfully completed a sortie on IAF’s multirole fighter jet Tejas.

The Prime Minister shared his experience on X:

“Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential.”

“मैं आज तेजस में उड़ान भरते हुए अत्यंत गर्व के साथ कह सकता हूं कि हमारी मेहनत और लगन के कारण हम आत्मनिर्भरता के क्षेत्र में विश्व में किसी से कम नहीं हैं। भारतीय वायुसेना, DRDO और HAL के साथ ही समस्त भारतवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।”

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal attended the Yoga and Ayurveda in Neurosciences, Therapeutics and Research Approaches (YANTRA), 2023 held at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in association with Jignasa here today.

YANTRA, 2023 is an international conference on Integrative Medicine with a theme on models of integration in healthcare. Held at the NIMHANS campus, YANTRA is a platform, championed by NIMHANS along with Jignasa, to reinforce and rekindle the effectiveness of Ayush system of medicine in curing as well as enriching the quality of lives of the people. With an objective to revitalise the Ayush system of medicine, be it Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Sowa Rigpa or Homoeopathy, this platform has a focus approach to make Ayush systems as mainstream in Public Health and Primary Healthcare to fulfil the Universal Health Coverage goal set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is a moment of great honour to be at this year’s YANTRA. With a motto of ‘Learn Ayush to Practise Ayush,’ I would like to commend Jignasa and NIMHANS for this wonderful platform that has been helping students, practitioners, entrepreneurs, policy makers, researchers along with Ayush well wishers to take inspiration and zeal to reinforce the efficacy of Ayush system of medicine as part of integrative medicinal approach to care our patients and provide them with a life enriching experience. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Ayush system of medicine has grown by leaps and bounds. It was Modi ji who envisioned Ayush’s strength to become a co-partner in the integrated medicine approach. Underlining this, Modi ji created Ministry of Ayush in 2014 that has so far led to massive rejuvenation as well as growth of the traditional form of medicine in the country. Under Modi ji’s charismatic leadership, Yoga became a global movement of fitness as efforts to make other Ayush systems become harbinger of a global life enriching movement for humanity. On this wonderful occasion, I commend everyone involved for the success of this wonderful conference that has been providing a much needed platform to further popularise the Ayush movement.”

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, New Housing Technologies will shape the majestic mansion of India at 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of its Independence.

Addressing the CSIR-CBRI Technology Transfer Mela in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has developed world class and state-of-the-art building construction technologies, which are not only robust and climate and drought resilient, but also in tune with global environmental norms.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the One-Week One Lab programme visualised and inaugurated by him last year to showcase the unique technologies of the each of 37 CSIR Labs across the country has resulted in positive outcomes as CSIR-CBRI showcased 75 building and construction technologies in one slot and transferred them to Industries. In coming days 108 such technologies will be made available to Industries for Safe, Sustainable and Affordable building construction

Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the CBRI for becoming the mainstay in terms of technology provider to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most ambitious and the most prioritised scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The Minister reminded the august gathering that Shri Modi after becoming Prime Minister has promised that no Indian will live in Kuccha house and all the deserving beneficiaries will have a pucca roof with toilets and lighting facilities. He said that as a public representative it is gratifying to see the smile on the faces of poor beneficiaries residing in PMAY houses.

Dr Jitendra Singh also complimented CBRI for developing Foldable Salt Shelters, which is weather and fire resistant and said that it has huge social implications. He said, almost all the reforms and innovations and initiatives of Prime Minister Modi has societal underpinnings and aimed at “Ease of Living” for common man.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, this remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the scientists and researchers at CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee and added that building technologies play an important role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. He said, these technologies have the power to transform the living conditions of humans, increase sustainability, and improve the overall well-being of people. By bridging the gap between research institutions and industries, CSIR-CBRI Roorkee has taken a giant leap toward realizing the vision of affordable, sustainable, and innovative housing for all, the Minister added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, “the challenges we face today in the housing sector are multifaceted, ranging from affordability and sustainability to disaster resilience and energy efficiency. However, with the expertise and knowledge we have here today, I am confident that we can overcome these challenges in the country and build a future where every person has access to safe and comfortable housing”.

Dr Jitendra Singh urged all the industry leaders and representatives to adopt these technologies and harness their potential to bring positive change in the country. He said, by incorporating these advancements into best practices, one can have the opportunity to not only increase competitive edge, but also make a significant contribution to the well-being of society.

Secretary DSIR and DG CSIR, Dr N. Kalaiselvi said in her address that through continuous research and development over the past 77 years, CSIR-CBRI Roorkee has emerged as a leading institute in the field of housing technology. She said, many advances made by the brilliant minds not only revolutionized the construction industry but also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. Some of the notable technologies are under-reamed piles, waste to wealth, prefabricated housing, fire protection, wood without trees, protective coatings, and many more including those being transferred today, she added.

Director of CBRI Shri Pradeep Kumar said that it is a matter of great pleasure to mention that CSIR-CBRI has focused on projects of societal benefits and contributed extensively to “Housing for All” national Mission of Government of India for PMAY-G. The institute has developed rural housing Typology compendium “PAHAL” for the inclusive development of rural buildings.

Dr Jitendra Singh also released the Technology Compendium, a comprehensive guide to its various sustainable and affordable technologies in two volumes covering time-tested proven technologies vis-à-vis current advanced technologies developed in-house in the area of Building Science and Technology.

In a Digital India dialogue session held on Friday, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, reiterated the need for safe and trusted internet, and for social media intermediaries to be accountable to Digital Nagriks. Following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s concerns about deepfake threats, all platforms and intermediaries agree to align their community guidelines with the IT rules, specifically targeting 11 types of content that causes user harm including Deepfakes.

Addressing the media after the session, the Minister affirmed the collective commitment of platforms and intermediaries to confront deepfake challenges within the bounds of current regulations.

The Minister said, “All platforms and intermediaries have agreed that the current laws and rules even as we discuss new laws and regulations, they provide for them to deal with deepfakes conclusively. They have agreed that in the next seven days they will ensure all the terms and views and contracts with users will expressly forbid users from 11 types of content laid out in IT rules. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji had already highlighted the issue of deepfakes and the threats and challenges that it represents to a safe and trusted internet last year. MEITY has conveyed that there will be an imminent appointment of a rule seven officer shortly and a digital platform for digital nagriks to report violations of law by intermediaries. Digital nagriks have rights to a safe and trusted internet and intermediaries are accountable for providing the same.”

Acknowledging the progress in grievance redressal mechanisms, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged continued collaboration with intermediaries to address challenges such as deepfakes and misinformation.

“We have in partnership, the government and platforms done considerably well in terms of addressing grievances. I must congratulate intermediaries for proactively doing this. However, there is more to be done, especially in the areas of misinformation, deepfakes and advertising of betting illegal betting platforms and advertising of fraudulent loan apps. These continue to be threats to safety and trust online,” the Minister further added.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal concluded his two-day visit of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by visiting Atlanta Bay near Diglipur in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Currently a jetty with 5 m draft is serving for berthing of inter-island vessels of 4.00m draft. Considering the strategic location and other facilities available, a Bulk Cargo transshipment hub can be developed in Atlanta Bay. The feasibility study for developing Atlanta bay major Harbour is under process.

The Atlanta bay has a natural draft of 19/20 and is just 50m distance in sea. There is availability of Natural break and is well connected by road. Also, sufficient land can be reclaimed from the sea. This transshipment hub is on the route from East & NE India to East & SE Asia, Australia-New Zealand countries. It is also on the route, of Coal, Sand & others construction materials, Iron ore etc., to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Once operationalized, the Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port will be economically beneficial for our country as well as to our neighbors. The proposed port is 565 Km from Yangoon; 765 Km from Sittwe; 1000 Km from Chittagong; 1100 Km from Kolkata; 1000 km from Barisal and 80Km from the Coco Island.

Considering its strategic location, in the northern side of A&N Islands, a 10mtr draft harbour is essential to promote high-end tourism and other essential purposes. Once developed the people of north & middle Andaman will be beneficial and the travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata will be reduced from 72 hours to 15 hours.

The Minister took an aerial survey of International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay and interacted with the various stakeholders, local residents and representatives yesterday. He also visited the Indira Point, the southernmost point of India’s territory at Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and directed the concerned officials to explore the possibility of developing the Indira Point area as a tourism destination and develop required tourism amenities and facilities for the same.

In Great Nicobar Island he also visited Campbell Bay and reviewed the progress of the Berthing Jetty Extension project and later in the evening, he reviewed the various works done by ALHW at Port Blair and appreciated the work done in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by them over last 5 decades. During the review, Shri Sonowal also advised Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) to explore reputed construction firms to work in the Islands for completing the projects in time.

He expressed satisfaction and called upon all concerned to expedite implementation of the on-going projects for islanders’ benefits. He stated that, ‘Under the leadership of PM Modi the proposed projects in Andaman & Nicobar would catalyze the development in the region. This can lead to inclusive growth and play a key role in improving the livelihoods of the populations with the transportation of goods and passengers. The Minister also directed the officials to take up the work of development of Indira Point as a major tourist destination with all required facilities.

There are 58 projects worth Rs. 7,622 Crores in Andaman and Nicobar are being monitored under Sagarmala programme. 15 projects worth Rs. 469 Crores are being funded under Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). All projects are being implemented by ALHW. 8 projects worth ~ Rs. 211 Crores are funded by Sagarmala; 4 projects worth Rs. 216 Crores are funded under CSS and 3 projects worth ~ Rs. 42 Cr are funded by MoCA. One project worth ~ Rs. 13.5 Crores is completed; 4 projects worth Rs. 173 Cr. are under implementation; one project worth Rs. 26 Cr. is under tendering and 9 projects worth ~ Rs. 256 Crores are under development.

Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), under the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways in developing Marine infrastructure in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands for more than 50 years now. ALHW has planned the Port Infrastructure required to develop these Islands to meet the growing demand, designed and constructed the marine structures like Break Waters, Major Wharf, Jetties, Vehicle Ferry Ramp, HDPE Floating Jetties, Fish landing Centers, Dry Docks with afloat repair berths, Slipway and many more in different Islands. Apart from these, Shore protection works, Dredging, Roads & Bridges, and Port Terminal Buildings are fewer among the deposit works carried out in these Islands. ALHW also provides technical support to local Port departments for port operations.

With the initiative marked in Maritime India Vision 2030 it is planned to develop Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands and Lakshadweep Islands for tourism and other initiatives. Initially, development plans have been focused on job creation for locals through tourism promotion and export of locally made seafood and coconut-based products. In the first phase, these plans are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep. In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands in Lakshadweep will be covered.

In Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Island development will be a key focus for coming years. The 26 islands that have been shortlisted to be developed over the next decade are in the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the State of Gujarat. The themes such as development of eco-tourism facilities, ship repair, seaplane building and repair, maritime training institute, Free Trade Zones and bunkering terminals that are proposed to be developed. The development of these themes can then be further expanded to other islands to unlock the entire potential of all the islands in the country.

To scale demand-driven and high-quality skill training and vocational education at regional level, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship laid the foundation stone for National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) Plus today to elevate the capabilities of Odisha’s young cadre. NSTI Plus, under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), apex organization of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will train 500 instructors in Phase-1 under the Craftsmen Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) and will further incorporate another 500 instructors for upskilling and reskilling.

Shri Pritiranjan Gharai, Minister of State, Department of Rural Development, Skill Development & Technical Education; Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, MP, Bhubaneswar; Shri Muzibulla Khan, MP, Rajya Sabha; Shri Suresh Kumar Routray, MLA, Odisha; Shri T G Sitharam, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE); Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; and Trishaljit Sethi, Director General, DGT graced the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said that every effort of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is a step towards empowering India’s YuvaShakti and realising the vision of a developed India by 2047. He further said that, NSTI will emerge as a modern gurukul to equip candidates as well as trainers with industry and future-ready skills. He expressed his confidence that the upcoming state-of-the-art integrated campus of NSTI will empower the youth of New India by providing them with cutting-edge skills and knowledge required to excel in the 21^st century. It will encourage entrepreneurship, equip master trainers with expertise aligned with current and future industry demands and help realize the vision of Viksit Bharat, he added.

Aligned with the vision of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi of making India the Skilling destination of the World, MSDE is introducing several fresh and innovative initiatives and NSTI Plus is a robust step in this direction, enabling the State of Odisha to harness the potential of its youth. Constructed on a 7.8-acre campus of Jatni, Bhubaneswar, NSTI Plus will not only accommodate institutions like National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Skill India International Centre (SIIC), but also emerge as a potential hub for diverse skill development activities.

The envisioned NSTI Plus will also serve as a nucleus for emerging start-ups, an incubation centre, and a versatile hub for cultivating various skills. It also has the potential to serve as a prototype training facility for other states. Furthermore, educators play an immense role in moulding the future of youth and institutions like NSTI Plus has potential to unlock horizon of opportunities to instil soft skills, impart hands-on-training on new technologies and foster effective learning environment.

Currently, there are 524 ITIs in the region with seating capacity of 1,04,134, and institutions with flexible learning models like NSTI Plus will advance the vocational training framework to be more accessible, inclusive and innovate in its embodiment.

NSTIs will also take on the role of capacity-building centers for educators in schools. The selection of courses and training programs will be meticulously designed in association with industries to meet the needs of the local community. To fuel further growth, collaborative efforts will be made to develop an integrated 4.0 campus for entrepreneurs with modern new-age skills.

Another core aspect is the strategic location of the institute. Surrounded by premium institutions like National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Skill Development Institute (SDI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) helps in improving the engagement of students with vocational training institute.

By offering specialized training programs, the mega-hub institute unlocks the potential of youth across diverse domains; including Engineers, supervisors, technicians, executives, and faculty members of educational institutions that caters to the needs of both national and international markets.

On the completion of the training, the ministry will provide certificates to students in collaboration with IGNOU, NIOS and NIESBUD to propel vertical and horizontal mobility of the candidates.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Sant Mirabai Janmotsav, a program to celebrate the 525th birth anniversary of Sant Mirabai in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh today. Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin in honour of Sant Mira Bai. He also took a walkthrough of an exhibition and witnessed a cultural programme. The occasion marks the initiation of year-long programs in the memory of Sant Mirabai.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed happiness and gratitude to be in Braj Bhoomi and amongst the people of Braj. He paid rich tributes to the divine importance of the land. He bowed to Lord Krishna, Radha Rani, Mira Bai and all saints of Braj. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of Smt Hema Malini as the Member of Parliament from Mathura and said that she has completely immersed herself in the devotion of Lord Krishna.

Highlighting the connections of Lord Krishna and Mirabai with Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that it makes his visit to Mathura even more special. “Kanhiya of Mathura transformed to Dwarkadhish after visiting Gujarat”, he emphasized, adding that Sant Mirabai ji who hailed from Rajasthan and filled the corridors of Mathura with love and affection spent her final days in Dwarka, Gujarat. He underlined that the people from Gujarat consider it the blessing of Dwarkadhish when they get the opportunity to visit Braj spread across Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Shri Modi also added that he has now been a part of Uttar Pradesh since 2014 when he became the MP from Varanasi.

The Prime Minister said that the 525th birth anniversary of Sant Mirabai is not merely a birth anniversary but “a celebration of the entire culture and tradition of love in India.” A celebration of the thought that considers Nar and Narayan, Jeev and Shiv, devotee and the god as one”.

The Prime Minister recalled that Mirabai came from the land of sacrifice and valour, Rajasthan. He also pointed out that 84 ‘kos’ Braj Mandal is part of both Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. “Mirabai nurtured the consciousness of India with devotion and spiritualism. This event in her memory reminds us about the valour and sacrifice of India along with India’s Bhakti tradition as people of Rajasthan remained steadfast like a wall while protecting India’s culture and consciousness”, he added.

“Bharat has been devoted to Nari Shakti for aeons”, the Prime Minister remarked noting that it is the Brajwasis who have acknowledged it more than anybody else. In the land of Kanhaiya, the Prime Minister said, every welcome, address and felicitation begins with ‘Radhe Radhe’. “Krishna’s name becomes complete only when prefixed with Radha”, Shri Modi underlined. He credited these ideals to the contributions made by women towards nation-building and paving the way forward for society. Underlining that Mirabai is a perfect example, the Prime Minister recited a couplet by her and explained the underlying message that whatever falls between the sky and the earth will eventually come to an end.

The Prime Minister said that Mirabai demonstrated in those difficult times that the inner force of a woman is capable of guiding the entire world. Sant Ravidas was her Guru. Sant Mirabai was a great social reformer too. He said here verses show us the path even today. She teaches us to stay connected with our values without being bound to stereotypes.

Prime Minister Modi took the opportunity to highlight the undying spirit of India and said that an awakened energy source from some part of the country has always arisen to lead the way when the consciousness of India has come under attack or weakened. He said that some luminaries became warriors while some became saints. Giving examples of the saints of Bhakti Kaal namely Alavar and Nayanar Sants and Acharchya Ramanujacharya from South India, Tuslidas, Kabirdas, Ravidas and Surdas from North India, Guru Nanak Dev from Punjab, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from Bengal in the East, Narsinh Mehta from Gujarat and Tukaram and Namdev from Maharashtra in the West, the Prime Minister said that they forged the path of renunciation and also moulded India. Even though their languages and cultures were different from one another, the Prime Minister said that their message was the same and they anchored the entire nation with their devotion and knowledge.

“Mathura has been the place of confluence of the different streams of ‘Bhakti Andolan’”, the Prime Minister remarked as he gave examples of Maluk Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, Swami Hari Das, and Swami Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu who breathed in new consciousness into the nation. “This Bhakti Yajna is being carried forward today with the blessings of Lord Shri Krishna”, he added.

The Prime Minister lamented that Mathura did not get the attention that it deserved as people devoid of the sense of the glorious past of India could not rid themselves of the mentality of slavery and kept the Braj Bhoomi deprived of development. The Prime Minister said that in this time of Amrit Kaal, the nation has come out of the slave mentality for the first time. He said that a pledge of Panch Prans had been taken from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Referring to the revamped grand Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Kedar Nath Dham, upcoming date of Shri Ram Temple, the Prime Minister said “Mathura and Braj will not be left behind in this race of development.” He expressed happiness that  ‘Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad’ has been established for the development of Braj. “This council is doing a lot of work for the convenience of the devotees and the development of the pilgrimage”, he said

Shri Modi reiterated that the entire region is associated with the ‘leelas’ of Kanha and gave examples of areas like Mathura, Vrindavan, Bharatpur, Karauli, Agra, Firozabad, Kasganj, Palwal, Ballabhgarh which fall in different states. He informed that the Government of India is making efforts to develop this entire area in collaboration with different state governments.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the changes and developments taking place in the Braj region and the country are not just a change in the system but a symbol of the changing nature of the nation’s reawakening consciousness. “Mahabharata is proof that wherever India is reborn, there is definitely the blessings of Shri Krishna behind it”, he concluded underlining that the country will accomplish its resolutions and build a Viksit Bharat.

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and Shri Brajesh Pathak, and Member of Parliament from Mathura, Smt Hema Malini were present on the occasion among others.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed darshan and pooja at Shree Krishna Janmbhumi Mandir in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh today.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“मथुरा में श्री कृष्ण जन्मभूमि मंदिर में दिव्य पूजन का सौभाग्य मिला। ब्रज के कण-कण में बसे गिरधर गोपाल के मनोहारी दर्शन ने भाव-विभोर कर दिया! मैंने उनसे देशभर के अपने सभी परिवारजनों के लिए सुख-समृद्धि और कल्याण की कामना की। ”