'SEAFARER-FIRST' INITIATIVE

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The Government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, who form a significant part of the global maritime workforce. In view of the escalation of the security situation in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), a subordinate office under this Ministry has instituted a comprehensive and graded 'Seafarer-...


DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNISATION OF PORTS IN MAHARASHTRA

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: Sl.No. Project/Component Estimated Cost 1 Nearshore reclamation and shore protection works 1648 2 Construction of 10.14 km Breakwater 5,301.26 3 Offshore reclamation under PPP-HAM 20,647 4 Dedicated Road Connectivity by NHAI (32.74 km) 2,528.76 5 Dedicated Rail Connectivity by Western Railway (22.22 km) 1,765 6 Water Supply Infrastructure 328 7 Power Supply Infrastructure 320 Sl. No. Project Project Cost 1...


BRICS-TCA Symposium and JMC Meeting Convenes under the Guidance of MSDE, Government of India

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Cooperation Alliance (BRICS-TCA) Research Symposium and Joint Management Committee (JMC) Meeting was held during August 3 - 4, 2026, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was held under the theme "Sustainable and Digitally Enabled TVET: The BRICS Perspective", the two-day meeting brought together representatives from BRICS countries, international organisations, academia, ...


Empowering Rural Dairy Entrepreneurship: How VCF-SC Enabled a Scheduled Caste Entrepreneur to Build a Successful Dairy and Milk Processing Enterprise

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: Entrepreneurship, when supported with timely financial assistance and institutional backing, has the potential to transform local businesses into sustainable enterprises that generate employment and contribute to regional economic development. One such inspiring example is CR Infrabuild Private Limited, a company based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, promoted by Mr. Govind Kahare, a Scheduled Caste entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial journ...


Strengthening Rural Agriculture Through Modern Cold Storage: How VCF-SC Enabled Meenakshidevi Hi-Tech Agro Industry Pvt. Ltd. to Empower Farmers and Create Sustainable Livelihoods

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: Agriculture is the backbone of India's rural economy, but inadequate post-harvest infrastructure often results in significant losses for farmers and limits their income. Modern cold storage facilities play a crucial role in preserving agricultural produce, improving its quality and extending its shelf life, thereby ensuring better market value for farmers. Demonstrating how timely institutional support can transform rural enterprise...


Over 2.65 Lakh Scheduled Caste Beneficiaries Covered Under Education Domain in 17,067 PM-AJAY Adarsh Gram Villages

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The Central Government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to promote the educational and socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through targeted interventions under its Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid, and Construction/Repair of Hostels components. The scheme seeks to improve educational outcomes, strengthen infrastructure, and provide better access to quality residential ...


Government Strengthens Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme to Boost Higher Education Among Scheduled Caste Students

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The Central Government is implementing the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students with the objective of significantly increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SC students in higher education, particularly those belonging to the poorest households. The scheme provides financial assistance at the post-matriculation and post-secondary levels, enabling eligible Scheduled Caste students to pursue and ...


Government Strengthens Scholarship Delivery Through DBT; Over 47.53 Lakh Post-Matric and 26.79 Lakh Pre-Matric Scholarships Awarded in 2025-26

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The Central Government is implementing the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) for Scheduled Castes and Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes & Others as Centrally Sponsored Schemes to promote educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste students across the country. The schemes are implemented through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, ensuring timely, transparent and efficient...


RASHTRIYA VAYOSHRI SCHEME AND DEENDAYAL DISABLED REHABILITATION SCHEME

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: A third-party impact evaluation of the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) has been conducted for their appraisal. The evaluation study has reported that RVY is exceptionally well aligned with the needs of eligible senior citizens. The Scheme has had a transformative impact on the mobility and functional independence of beneficiaries by providing assistive devices that enable th...


President of India to present Handloom Awards 2025 on Aug 7, National Handloom Day, recognising outstanding achievement in India's Handloom Sector

India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The President of India will present the prestigious Handloom Awards during the National Handloom Day celebrations on 7 August 2026. The function will be attended by the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, senior dignitaries, representatives of the handloom industry, master weavers, designers, exporters, artisans, and other distinguished guests. A total of 22 awardees, comprising 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awardees and 19 Na...