Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Union Health Ministry launches myCGHS iOS app

myCGHS app is an essential leap for CGHS in the realm of healthcare services. It
empowers CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare
features right at their fingertips: Union Health Secretary

Posted On: 03 APR 2024 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the myCGHS app for iOS ecosystem
of devices, here today. The app is designed to enhance access to Electronic Health Records, information, and resources
for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the launch, the Union Health Secretary stated that, “The myCGHS app is an essential
leap for CGHS in the realm of healthcare services. It empowers CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential
healthcare features right at their fingertips. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of leveraging
technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.”

The myCGHS iOS app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh
and NIC Health Team. It is a convenient mobile application offering features aimed at enhancing information and
accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.

The myCGHS app facilitates a wide range of services, including booking and cancellation of online appointments,
downloading CGHS card and index card, accessing lab reports from CGHS labs, checking medicine history, checking
medical reimbursement claim status, accessing referral details, locating nearby wellness centers, staying updated with
news and highlights, locating nearby empanelled hospitals, labs, and dental units and accessing contact details of
wellness centers and offices.

The app features security features like 2-factor authentication and functionality of mPIN ensuring the confidentiality
and integrity of users' data.
The event marks a significant milestone in digital healthcare service in the Department of CGHS. The myCGHS app will
now be available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, free of charge. CGHS beneficiaries are encouraged
to embrace this innovative solution for a seamless healthcare experience.

Smt. Roli Singh, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry and Dr Manashvi Kumar, Joint Secretary, Union Health
Ministry were also present on the occasion.

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 Ministry of Mines

Mining Sector sees Record Production in FY24

Significant Growth in the Production of Key Minerals and Aluminium Metal

Posted On: 03 APR 2024 7:42PM by PIB Delhi

The index of mineral production for the month of Feb 2024 was 139.6, which is 8.0% higher as compared to the level in
the month of Feb 2023. The cumulative growth of this index for the 11-month period of April–Feb of FY24 over the
corresponding period of the previous year was higher by 8.2%. Some of the non-fuel minerals showing positive growth
during the month of Feb 2024 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year are Bauxite, Chromite,
Copper Concentrate, Gold, Zinc Concentrate, Manganese Ore, Phosphorite, Diamond, Graphite (R.O.M.), Limestone,
Magnesite, etc.

Iron ore and Limestone together account for about 80% of the total MCDR mineral production by value. Production of
these key minerals in the country has exhibited high growth in FY24 as per provisional figures. Iron ore production
has increased from 230 million metric ton (MMT) during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 252 MMT during
the corresponding period of FY24, at 9.6% growth. The full year production of iron ore in FY24 is likely to break the
production record of 258 MMT achieved in FY23. Showing a similar trend, limestone production has increased from
366 MMT during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 407 MMT during the corresponding period of FY24, at 11.2%
growth, and has already surpassed the full year production record of 406.5 MMT achieved in FY23.

In the non-ferrous metal sector, production of primary Aluminium metal has increased from 37.11 lakh ton (LT)
during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 38.02 LT during the corresponding period of FY24, at 2.5% growth.
The full year production of primary Aluminium in FY24 is likely to break the production record of 40.73 LT achieved
in FY23.

India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, 3rd largest lime producer and 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Healthy growth in production of iron ore and limestone reflect the robust demand conditions in the user industries
viz. steel and cement. Coupled with the high growth in Aluminium, these growth trends point towards strong
economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.

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 Ministry of Power

SJVN partners with IIT Patna to improve Tunneling Project

Performance using Advanced Geological Models
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 12:48PM by PIB Delhi

SJVN Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT
Patna) to use advanced geological models in SJVN's tunnelling projects, thus significantly reducing time and cost
overruns.

One of the key outcomes of this partnership will be the development of predictive analytics algorithms. These
algorithms, leveraging integrated geotechnical data, will forecast potential risks and provide early warning systems
specifically tailored for tunnelling projects. Such proactive measures are expected to substantially mitigate time and
cost overruns during project execution.

Chairperson & Managing Director, SJVN, Smt. Geeta Kapur said that the primary focus of the MoU is to develop
cutting-edge methodologies which integrate diverse geotechnical data sources. These would include geological
surveys, borehole data, geophysical measurements and monitoring data from projects of SJVN.

The collaboration also aims to evaluate the intricate relationship between overburden and deformation, thereby
enhancing the evaluation and design of support systems crucial for tunnelling projects. By harnessing integrated
geotechnical data and 3D geological models, SJVN and IIT Patna aim to identify and analyze potential risks and
hazards.

The MoU has been signed in the presence of Director (Finance), SJVN, Shri A.K Singh and Director, IIT Patna Shri T.N
Singh in New Delhi on April 2, 2024. CGM (Civil), Shri R.K Gupta; GM (Finance), Shri Jitender Yadav; GM (Civil), Shri
Hemant Kumar Shaklya; and GM (Geology), Shri Akshay Acharya from SJVN, and Professor A. K. Verma from IIT Patna
were also present on the occasion of the signing ceremony.
SJVN and IIT Patna are committed to driving sustainable development and technological excellence through this
strategic partnership.

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 Election Commission

ECI directs Chief Secretaries and Director General of Police of all

States/UTs and heads of central agencies to ensure peaceful and
inducement free General Elections 2024

Strict vigil to be kept along interstate & international borders to plug inflow of illicit
liquor, cash, drugs, arms and freebies
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The Election Commission of India today convened a crucial meeting with all States/UTs to review and assess the law
and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, seizures and strict vigil across inter-state and international borders
in the ongoing General Elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies 2024 for a free, fair, peaceful and
inducement free elections. The purpose of the combined review was to bring all concerned stakeholders together on
the same platform for a seamless coordination and cooperation amongst officials of the neighboring states/UTs along
with central agencies guarding the borders. The Commission, in detail, reviewed critical issues pertaining to each
State/UT.
The meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was attended by top officials from States/UTs and central agencies guarding the borders.
CEC Rajiv Kumar in his opening remarks underscored Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, peaceful, and
inducement-free elections, and called upon all stakeholders to work together seamlessly to uphold the integrity of the
electoral process and ensure level playing field. He directed States/UTs to ensure that every voter can exercise their
right to vote without fear or intimidation. CEC Shri Kumar called on all States/UTs and agencies to convert their
‘resolve’ into concrete ‘actions’ for a free, fair, peaceful and intimidation-free elections.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included the need for enhanced coordination among neighboring States/UTs,
diligent deployment of CAPF provided adequately in all States/UTs; logistical support for movement and transport on
CAPF personnel in bordering poll going State/UT; identification and monitoring of flashpoints in border areas that
may have ramifications on the election process; preemptive measures to address communal tensions based on past
experiences, and the imperative of securing porous borders against illegal activities. The Commission underscored the
importance of strict vigilance to curb the movement of contraband items, including narcotics, liquor, arms, and
explosives across international borders. Directed for identification of exit and entry points for movement of liquor
and cash along the borders, curbing of illegal Ganja cultivation in some states.
The Commission reviewed support from Indian Air force and state civil aviation department for sorties to ferry
polling teams in challenging regions of 11 states like Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra. Directions were
given for adequate security measures to safeguard political functionaries and candidates based on threat perception,
particularly in states like Chhattisgarh and Jammu & Kashmir. The recent violence and turmoil in Manipur and
ramifications in conduct of peaceful elections were also addressed, with the Commission urging swift action to assist
Internally Displaced Persons and ensure their participation in the electoral process.

The following general directions were given:

Law & Order related

1. Integrated check posts at International and Inter state borders for strict surveillance
2. Sharing of Intelligence on criminals and antisocial elements between bordering districts
3. Sealing of inter-state borders for preventing bogus voting during last 48 hours
4. Regular inter-state coordination meetings of border districts
5. Intensify patrolling on inter-state border districts by state police
6. Additional nakas to be set up at strategic locations in coordination with bordering states.
7. Seal inter-state border on poll day
 8. Excise Commissioners of bordering states/UTs to ensure checking of genuineness of the permits, surprise
checks of liquor shops especially in border districts.
9. Timely deposition of licensed weapons and execution of Non- Bailable Warrants
10. Action against absconders, history sheeters, criminals involved in election related offences
11. Adequate security cover to political functionaries/ candidates based on threat perception

Expenditure Monitoring:

1. Plugging the inflow of illicit liquor, cash, drugs along inter-state and international borders.
2. Strengthening monitoring at checkposts with CCTV Camera installation
3. Joint checking and operations by police, excise, transport, GST and forest department
4. Strict vigil along helipads, airports, bus stations and railway stations
5. Strict action against liquor and drug kingpins; curtail flow of country made liquor; establish forward and
backward linkages to plug it systemically
6. Mapping of sensitive routes for transport of liquor, cash, drugs and freebies

Directions to Central Agencies

1. Strictvigil along Indo-Myanmar border by Assam Rifles; Indo Nepal Border by SSB especially in areas
having porous border with Nepal; Indo- Bangladesh border and western borders by BSF; Indo-China border
by ITBP, and in states with coastal area by Indian Coast Guard.
2. Assam Rifles to hold regular joint security coordination meetings with State Police, CAPF, etc.
3. SSB to keep strict watch over international borders with Nepal and Bangladesh for any illicit activity,
specially before 72 hours of poll.
4. Ensure area familiarization for newly inducted CAPF companies in coordination with civil administration.
5. Establish Joint Check Posts in coordination with State Police

Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary (Home), Pr Secretary (Excise), Chief Electoral officer and State Police Nodal
Officer of all States/UTs. Heads of Central Agencies involved in guarding borders namely Border Security Force, Assam
Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo Tibetan Border Police and Coast Guard along with heads of CRPF, Central CAPF nodal
officer, Additional Secretary MHA and representatives from M/o Defence and Railways attended the review meeting.

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DK/RP
 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Myth vs. Facts

Media Reports claiming significant hike in prices of medicines are false and
misleading
NPPA annually revises ceiling prices of scheduled medicines on the basis on
Wholesale Price Index

Based on WPI increase of 0.00551%, there will be no change in prevailing ceiling

prices for 782 medicines while 54 medicines will have a miniscule increase of Rs.
0.01 (one paisa)

The WPI increase is the maximum increase permissible as per DPCO 2013 and
manufacturers may or may not avail this miniscule increase in their medicines

Posted On: 03 APR 2024 12:31PM by PIB Delhi

Some media reports have highlighted that medicine prices will witness a significant hike by up to 12% from April,
2024. These reports further claim that more than 500 medicines will be affected by this increase in price. Such reports
are false, misleading and malicious.

As per the provisions of Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) 2013, drugs are categorized as scheduled and non-
scheduled formulations. The formulations which are listed in Schedule-I of DPCO 2013 are scheduled formulations
and the formulations that are not specified in Schedule-I of DPCO 2013 are non-schedule formulations.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals annually revises the
ceiling prices of scheduled medicines on the basis of Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The scheduled medicines included
in the Schedule-I of the DPCO, 2013 are essential medicines. During the calendar year 2023 over the corresponding
period in 2022, the annual change in WPI with base year 2011-12 was (+) 0.00551% as per data published by
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Accordingly, the Authority in its meeting held on
20.03.2024 has approved the WPI increase @ (+) 0.00551% for the scheduled medicines.

The ceiling prices on 923 medicines are effective as on date. Based on the above mentioned WPI factor of (+) 0.00551%,
there will be no change in the prevailing ceiling prices for 782 medicines and the existing ceiling prices will continue
to prevail up to 31.03.2025. Fifty-Four (54) medicines with ceiling price ranging from Rs. 90 to Rs. 261 will have
miniscule increase of Rs. 0.01(one paisa). As the permissible price increase is miniscule, the companies may or may
not avail this increase. Thus, in the year FY 2024-25, there will be almost no change in the ceiling price of medicines
based on WPI.

The WPI increase is the maximum increase permissible as per the DPCO, 2013 and the manufacturers may or may not
avail this increase, keeping in view the market dynamics. The companies adjust their Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
depending upon the ceiling price of their medicines, as MRP (excluding GST) can be any price which is less than the
ceiling price. The revised prices will be applicable from 1st April 2024 and the detail of revised prices is available on
NPPA’s website www.nppaindia.nic.in.

In case of non-scheduled formulation, a manufacturer is at liberty to fix the price. However, no manufacturer of non-
scheduled formulation can increase the MRP by more than 10% during preceding 12 months under Para 20 of DPCO,
2013.

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 Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Achieves Record

Throughput of 6.43 Million TEUs

Total Traffic for FY 2023-24 Reaches 85.82 Million Metric Tons

Posted On: 03 APR 2024 10:57AM by PIB Delhi

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA),Mumbai,Maharashtra one of India’s leading container ports, achieved a
historic milestone by recording it’s highest-ever throughput of 6.43 million TEUs in the fiscal year 2023-24. Surpassing
the 6.05 million TEU mark of 2022-23, the Port continues its upward trajectory. In comparison, the corresponding
period last year witnessed a record throughput, marking a notable 6.27% increase in total throughput.

The total traffic handled at JNPA during the period from April-2023 to Mar-2024, is 85.82

Million tonnes, which is 2.33% higher, as against the 83.86 million tonnes handled during corresponding period in
previous financial year. This includes 78.13 million tonnes of container traffic and 7.70 million tonnes of Bulk Cargo as
against 76.19 million tonnes of container traffic and 7.67 million tonnes of bulk traffic in the corresponding period of
last year respectively.

Breakdown of container traffic shows that 2.03 million 2027781 TEUs were handled at BMCT, 1.59 million TEUs at
APMT, 1.13 million TEUs at NSICT, 1.11 million TEUs at NSIGT, 0.56 million TEUs at NSFT and 7,978 TEUs at NSDT.

Mr. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman of JNPA, said “We take immense pride in announcing this significant
milestone. It underscores our dedication to establishing the Port as a premier gateway for EXIM trade. This
accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment of our team to delivering top-notch services, including the
centralized parking plaza, single window clearance and various other initiatives, which facilitate the ease of doing
business. I extend my gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders for their continued trust and support. JNPA
remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to the nation's economic advancement.”
About JNPA:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is one of the premier container-handling ports in India. Since its
inception on May 26, 1989, JNPA has transformed from a bulk cargo terminal to become the premier container port in
the country.Currently, JNPA operates five container terminals -- NSFT, NSICT, NSIGT, BMCT and APMT. The Port also
has a Shallow Water Berth for general cargo and another Liquid Cargo Terminal which is managed by the BPCL-IOCL
consortium and the newly constructed coastal berth.Nestled across 277 hectares of land, JNPA also operates a
meticulously designed multi-product SEZ, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, to boost export-oriented industries in
India.
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 Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI

Launch of the report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-

zero targets
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 9:58PM by PIB Delhi

A meeting was held for the launch of the report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for
India: Affordable and clean energy for All” prepared by IIM Ahmedabad as part of a study project which was
sanctioned in November 2021 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India with part-
funding (one-third) from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The launch was held in Committee Room ‘A’,
Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi on 3rd April, 2024 at 2pm.

[Meeting for the launch of the report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets]
The report was launched by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India in
presence of dignitaries Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); Shri P. A. Suresh Babu, Distinguished Scientist and
Director (HR), NPCIL who joined on behalf of CMD, NPCIL; Dr. (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of
PSA. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and former Chairman, AEC was the Guest
of Honour and he had joined the meeting online.

A need was felt to undertake an analytical study on the energy transition required towards a net-zero energy basket
for India. Accordingly, the study was sanctioned with the objective of conducting a comprehensive study with rigorous
methods for minimizing the cost of power at consumer end and to work out an optimum mix for all sources of power,
aiming for net-zero emission.

The project team at IIM Ahmedabad led by Prof. Amit Garg, Public Systems Group, has successfully completed the
study, under the guidance of an expert group constituted by the Office of PSA, having experts from diverse sectors of
power generation including coal, nuclear, solar, wind, biofuels, etc. The expert committee is chaired by Dr. R. B.
Grover, Emeritus Professor, HBNI and Member, AEC, and the other members are Dr. K. Balaraman, former Director
General, National Institute of Wind Energy; Dr. Bharat Bhargava, Former Director General, ONGC Energy Centre; Shri
S. C. Chetal, Former Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and Ex-Mission Director, AUSC (Advanced
Ultra Super Critical) Mission; Dr. Rajeev Sukumaran, Senior Principal Scientist and Head, Biofuels and Biorefineries
Section, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology; Shri B. V. S. Sekhar, Associate Director
(CP&CC), NPCIL and Ms. Remya Haridasan, Scientist ‘D’, Office of PSA. After rigorous review by the expert group, the
report was independently reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers Limited which was a further value-addition and the
final document was launched at the meeting.
[Launch of the report on energy transitions required to achieve India’s net-zero targets by Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary,
DAE and Chairman, AEC; Dr. (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to the
Government of India; Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog;Dr. R. B. Grover, Emeritus Professor, HBNI and Member,
AEC; Prof. Amit Garg, Public Systems Group, IIMA(Principal Investigator of the project); Prof. Tirthankar Nag, Professor
and Dean (Research), Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Management Institute, Kolkata (co-
Investigator of the Project) and Shri P. A. Suresh Babu, Distinguished Scientist and Director (HR), NPCIL]

The report attempts to answer key questions related to India’s energy trajectory such as how much energy does India
need to achieve high value of Human Development Index (HDI); what are pathways to achieve this; what are the
energy mix projections for this until 2070 (our declared net-zero target year); what would be the cost of electricity to
the end user; what would be the carbon emissions until 2070; what would be the investments required for energy
transitions towards net-zero at 2070; estimation of other challenges and opportunities (RE integration, requirement of
critical minerals, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen) in energy transitions
towards achieving net-zero in 2070.

The main conclusions of the report are given below:

There is no silver bullet to achieve net-zero. The transition needs multiple pathways to be adopted with co-existence of
myriad technologies in our energy basket.
Coal is projected to continue until the next two decades as the backbone of the Indian energy system.
Net-zero is not possible without substantial nuclear power and Renewable Energy (RE) generation by 2070.
To achieve net-zero energy systems by 2070, the electricity sector will need to decarbonize well before that.
India’s emissions would range between 0.56 btCO2 and 1.0 btCO2 in 2070. It is expected that the remaining gap in
emissions will be offset through sequestration in forestry and tree cover as envisaged in our Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs).
Additionally, the coal phase-down will require active policies on critical minerals and carbon dioxide removal
technologies.
Clean, affordable electricity at low levelized cost of electricity (for consumers) can be achieved in net-zero pathways,
especially with a focus on nuclear power and renewable power.
Widespread electrification of end-use sectors i.e upto 47-52% electricity share in Total Final Electricity Consumption
(TFEC) compared to 18% at present.
Financial requirements during 2020-2070 would be to the tune of Rs 150-200 lakh Crore (about US$ 2-2.5 trillion, or
US$ 40-50 billion/year). Considerable financial flows must be international.

Prof. Ajay Sood, PSA to Government of India, in his opening remarks, stated that the report is a comprehensive study,
bringing together aspects from all sectors of power generation in one place, providing a holistic view of the Indian
energy sector and throwing light on the potential pathways for a development-led transition to net-zero. He added
that these pathways also need large resources to be put in place, hence, we need to synergise our efforts in various
sectors. He stated that this report is a good beginning and more such studies are needed.

Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman, AEC welcomed the study as the need of the hour which is an energy transitions
study done from India’s perspective. He also highlighted the need for the development of technologies for low-cost
hydrogen production.

Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog expressed his satisfaction in the findings of the study which were in alignment
with the simulation studies done by NITI Aayog. He appreciated that the study is based on a development-led
approach which is the right approach to clean energy transition. He also acknowledged that such a transition is also
going to be expensive, as highlighted in the report. He agreed with the premise that more RE penetration is needed
with baseload energy source as nuclear. He emphasised that without nuclear energy, the storage requirements for RE
will be very high to tackle the intermittency of its supply. This will, in turn, enhance the dependence on critical
minerals which is not sustainable. He further added that for the nuclear sector, a transition is needed from large
reactors to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with participation of industry. There is also a need to promote alternate
nuclear fuel options such as Thorium to reduce dependence on Uranium import.
Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary, DAE and Chairman, AEC, gave an overview of the on-going nuclear programme in the
country and the plans for increasing the nuclear installed capacity by 100GW by 2047. He also appreciated the report
and stated that is a vital input for further policy formulations.

Prof. Ajay Sood concluded by saying that he firmly believes that this report will be taken seriously by all the relevant
stakeholder ministries, departments and industries and will be helpful in the planning stages of our endeavours in
clean energy.

Access the report here: https://psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/default/files/publication/ESN%20Report-2024_New-

21032024.pdf
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 Ministry of Defence

VISIT BY VICE ADMIRAL MARK HAMMOND, CHIEF OF ROYAL

AUSTRALIAN NAVY
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 4:04PM by PIB Delhi

During his official visit to India, VAdm Mark Hammond, Chief of Royal Australian Navy, interacted with Adm R Hari
Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy at New Delhi on 03 Apr 24. Discussions focused on avenues to strengthen
bilateral maritime cooperation, including increased operational engagements, training exchanges, information
sharing, etc.

Earlier today, VAdm Mark Hammond laid a ceremonial wreath at the National War Memorial and was thereafter
welcomed with the customary Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Navy at the South Block, New Delhi. During
the visit from 02- 06 Apr 24, he is also scheduled to call on Chief of the Defense, Chief of the Air Staff and Defense
Secretary at New Delhi.

VAdm Mark Hammond is scheduled to visit Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command (at Kochi) and Western Naval
Command (at Mumbai) wherein he would interact with the respective Commanders-in-Chiefs, visit INS Vikrant, Druv
Simulator, ND(Mbi) and M/s MDL.

India and Australia share commonality of perspective on several contemporary maritime security issues in the Indo-
Pacific and have been working together closely in several bilateral and multilateral fora such as Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium (IONS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), ASEAN Defence
Minister’s Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and QUAD.

Coming on the heels of successful participation of Royal Australian Ship HMNAS Warramunga during MILAN 24 and
recently conducted maritime exercises, the visit by the Chief of Royal Australian Navy further consolidates the strong
and long lasting bilateral relations between both navies.
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 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviews Public Health Preparedness for

management of Heat Related Illnesses

Continuous efforts towards generating awareness for people for better

management of heatwaves is necessary as effective address leads to effective
management: Dr Mandaviya

Emphasised the importance of creating a central database with inputs from states
to share field level data on heatwaves, including on deaths and cases, so that a
realistic assessment of the situation can be analysed
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

“Continuous efforts towards generating awareness for people for better management of heatwaves is necessary as
effective address leads to effective management”. This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of
Health and Family Welfare today as he chaired a meeting to review public health preparedness for management of
heat related illness. Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Dr. V K Paul,
Member (Health), NITI Aayog were also present on the occasion.

Highlighting the lack of accurate data from the ground, Dr Mandaviya noted the importance of creating a central
database with inputs from states to share field level data on heatwaves, including on deaths and cases, so that a
realistic assessment of the situation can be made. He also highlighted the importance of timely action as soon as IMD
alerts are received in the states. “Timely, advance and wide awareness among the people on the preventive measures
will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves”, he pointed out.

The Union Health Minister also advised senior officials to meet with states for better coordination and understanding,
highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in efficient management of heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stressed on the formation of state-level and district-level committees for information and
awareness campaigns among people. She stated the importance of equipping the Ayushman Arogra Mandirs with
water coolers, ice packs and other basic necessities. She also highlighted the need for states to accelerate field level
implementation of State Action Plans for addressing ill effects of heat waves.
Dr V K Paul noted the importance of ensuring a checklist of the guidelines being followed at the state level. He stressed
on spreading awareness on treatment protocols through webinars and other methods. He also emphasised on creating
a repository of data from each state on heat related cases and illness.

A granular status and analysis of overall heatstroke forecasting, pattern, climatology and vulnerable zones in India
and most prone areas of increased heat wave in India was made by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
officials covering the trajectory of rainfall patterns, humidity and forecast of transition from El Nino to ENSO. It was
pointed out that the Heat Action Plans have been updated in 23 states while around 100 districts have their action
campaign on heatwave awareness generation. SOPs for surveillance of heat stroke cases and deaths; and
preparedness plan before & during summer season, with special emphasis on Heat Related Illness (HRI) in vulnerable
sections.

It was informed that an advisory has recently been issued on 29th Feb, 2024 by the Union Health Secretary to all the
Chief Secretaries requesting compliance of states of National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses for effective
preparedness of health facilities to address heat impact and management of cases. States were also advised to review
health facility preparedness in terms of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, Ice-packs, ORS, drinking water as well
as IEC activity for public. It was also informed that do’s and don’ts during the summer months to be followed by the
general population as well as the vulnerable people have been issued by the National Centre for Disease Control
(NCDC).
Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research; Dr Atul Goel,
Director General (DGHS); Ms L S Changsan, AS & MD (MoHFW), Smt Roli Singh, AS (MoHFW); Dr Mrutyunjay
Mohapatra, DG, IMD; Shri Kamal Kishore, Member & Head, National Disaster Management Authority; Prof. M Srinivas,
Director, AIIMS New Delhi and Dr Subhash Giri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College were also present in the
meeting.

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MV

HFW/HFM Meeting on Heatwave/3rdApril2024/2

 Ministry of Power

PFC pays Highest-ever Interim Dividend of Rs. 2,033 crores to

Government of India
Posted On: 03 APR 2024 7:52PM by PIB Delhi

Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise and the country’s leading NBFC in
the power sector, has paid Rs. 554 crores to the Government of India as the third Interim Dividend for the financial
year 2023-24, on equity shares held by the Government of India. This is in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs.
832 crores and the second interim dividend of Rs. 647 crores paid by PFC to the Government of India earlier.
The interim dividend RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) intimation advice has been presented to the Union Minister
for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R.K. Singh and Secretary, Ministry of Power Shri Pankaj Agarwal, by
CMD, PFC, Smt. Parminder Chopra in New Delhi today, April 3, 2024. Director (Projects), PFC, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Jha and
Director (Commercial), PFC, Shri Manoj Sharma were also present on the occasion.

The third interim dividend @ 30% i.e. Rs. 3 per equity share of face value of Rs. 10 each was declared by the Board of
Directors in the Board meeting held on 11th March, 2024.

With this, the total interim dividends paid by PFC to its shareholders for the financial year 2023-24 becomes Rs. 3,630
crores, @110% i.e. Rs. 11 per equity share of the face value of Rs.10 each. This is the highest ever interim dividend paid
by PFC.

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 Vice President's Secretariat

Vice-President to visit Dehradun and Mussoorie on 5th April, 2024

VP to be Chief Guest at Valedictory Ceremony of IAS Phase-I, 2023 Batch

Posted On: 03 APR 2024 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will visit Dehradun and Mussoorie on 5th April, 2024.

During his one-day tour, Shri Dhankhar will be the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Ceremony of IAS Phase-I (2023
Batch) at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.

During his visit, the Vice-President will also interact with the faculty members at LBSNAA.

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MS/RC/JK

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