Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda addressed the 50th Annual Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, here today.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda congratulated the graduating students and commended AIIMS for its unparalleled contribution to advancing medical science, education, and patient care in India. He exhorted the young doctors to serve with empathy, uphold the highest standards of ethics, and harness innovation to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation.
Speaking about AIIMS, New Delhi, Shri Nadda stated that “In the field of medical sciences, training, and healthcare delivery, AIIMS has made its own place, not only in India but globally.” He commended the institution for its enduring commitment to excellence in medical education, cutting-edge research, and patient care.
Highlighting the remarkable progress achieved in India’s healthcare and medical education sector over the past decade, shri J.P. Nadda noted that while the country had only one AIIMS at the end of the past century, today there are 23 AIIMS institutions across India, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare and medical training to every region.
He further informed that in the last 11 years, the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 387 to 819. Similarly, undergraduate medical seats have risen from 51,000 to 1,29,000, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 78,000. Shri Nadda added that in the next five years, an additional 75,000 seats are expected to be added across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Union Health Minister also noted that India has made notable progress in maternal and child health, with the MMR declining from 130 to 88, and the IMR from 39 to 27, per SRS data. The U5MR and NMR have also shown significant reductions of 42% and 39%, respectively, both exceeding global averages.
He further stated that, TB incidence in India has dropped by 17.7%, over twice the global rate of 8.3%, and that, as reported by The Lancet Report.
Concluding his address, Shri J.P. Nadda urged the graduating students to actively contribute to academics and research, and to uphold the prestigious legacy and brand of AIIMS through excellence in their professional and ethical conduct. He encouraged them to remain lifelong learners and innovators, committed to advancing medical science and serving society with compassion
Speaking at the occasion, Prof. V.K. Paul, Member, Niti Aayog stated that, “We have a profound societal responsibility to give back to the community that has nurtured us. As you move forward, let excellence become your daily practice and innovation your guiding principle.”
He urged the students to consider joining academics, to teach, guide, and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, thereby contributing to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He highlighted that true nation-building rests on a strong foundation of knowledge, compassion, and continuous learning.
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 326 graduates, including 50 Ph.D. scholars, 95 DM/MCh specialists, 69 MDs, 15 MSs, 4 MDSs, 45 MSc, 30 MSc (Nursing), and 18 M.Biotech graduates. Additionally, seven doctors were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their exemplary contributions and dedicated service at AIIMS.
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HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini-Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has reinforced its strong financial performance by paying a record dividend of Rs. 69.53 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2024–25. This is among the highest dividends ever paid by the company.
The dividend cheque was presented to Shri J.P. Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, by Dr. Anitha Thampi, Chairperson, HLL, in the presence of Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare; Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Shri Hovyeda Abbas, AS&FA; and Shri Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Senior officials from HLL, including Shri N. Ajit, Director (Marketing), and Shri Ramesh P, Director (Finance), were also present.
Speaking at the occasion, Shri J.P. Nadda asserted that, HLL is a reliable name in the field of Medical Services and is committed towards the national vision of accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to all.
Commending HLL’s performance, Shri J.P. Nadda, stated that, HLL along with its subsidiaries and Amrit pharmacies have emerged as a key player in transforming the health sector. He highlighted that in the last 10 years, over 6.7 crore people have benefited through the affordable medicines of the Amrit Pharmacies, thereby saving more than Rs. 8000 Crores in terms of their out-of-pocket expenditure.
The financial year 2024–25 witnessed comprehensive growth across both HLL’s manufacturing and service portfolios. Revenue from operations increased to Rs. 4,500 crore, reflecting a 20% growth over the previous year. The company’s net worth rose significantly to Rs. 1,100 crore as on March 31, 2025.
On a consolidated basis, including its subsidiaries — HITES, GAPL, and Lifespring Hospitals — the HLL Group recorded a total revenue of Rs. 4,900 crore, marking a 19% growth over the previous fiscal.
Background
Established on 1st March 1966, HLL Lifecare Limited has evolved from addressing India’s population control challenges to becoming a multi-product, multi-service healthcare enterprise playing a pivotal role in the nation’s health sector transformation. Through initiatives such as AMRIT Pharmacies, the company continues to make essential medicines and surgical products affordable, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients across the country.
As HLL celebrates its 60th year, it reaffirms its commitment for delivering quality healthcare solutions, contributing to accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all.
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Primus Partners Pvt Ltd. to enhance collaboration towards strengthening India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
The partnership seeks to enhance support for early-stage and growth-stage product startups through structured capacity-building interventions, expert mentorship, market access initiatives, policy awareness drives, and facilitation of technology integration.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said “This collaboration reaffirms DPIIT’s commitment to fostering an innovation-led economy that thrives on creativity, technology, and enterprise. India’s startup ecosystem today stands at the cusp of global transformation. By strengthening linkages between policy, industry, and innovation, we aim to create pathways that empower startups to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and India’s emergence as a global innovation powerhouse.”
Shri Davinder Sandhu, Co-Founder and Chairman, Primus Partners, stated that the partnership with DPIIT would facilitate structured engagement with the startup community through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and industry linkages. He noted that such initiatives will contribute to building a robust environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
The MoU reinforces DPIIT’s focus on enabling industry-led engagement to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, promoting innovation, self-reliance, and inclusive economic growth.
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and its sub-organizations are actively implementing Special Campaign 5.0 under the guidance of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The campaign aims to institutionalize Swachhata and minimize pendency in official work across all offices.
During the first fortnight of the implementation phase, DPIIT has made notable progress across multiple parameters. All categories of pending references — including those from VIPs, the Prime Minister’s Office, Members of Parliament, State Governments, the Cabinet, and Public Grievances or Appeals — have been identified and are being systematically addressed for quality disposal.
As of 22nd October 2025, DPIIT has achieved remarkable progress under Special Campaign 5.0. Over 47% of PMO references and more than 60% of public grievances have been successfully disposed of. The Department has also closed over 75% of identified e-files, demonstrating a strong commitment to efficient record management. Additionally, 291 cleanliness campaigns — nearly 60% of the planned activities — have already been completed across DPIIT and its sub-organizations. These efforts reflect sustained action toward promoting Swachhata and improving workplace environments, enhancing the overall experience of officials and staff members.
Special Campaign 5.0, being conducted from 2nd to 31st October 2025, was preceded by a preparatory phase held between 15th and 30th September 2025. The campaign has created greater awareness about the importance of cleanliness, efficient record management, and timely disposal of pending matters. DPIIT remains committed to achieving complete disposal of pendencies and institutionalizing Swachhata practices across all its offices by 31st October 2025, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient, and responsive government working environment.
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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. to enhance financial and non-financial support for startups across India.
This strategic collaboration aims to create a comprehensive framework enabling startups to access customized banking solutions, credit and funding opportunities, digital and payment infrastructure, and capacity-building programs. The partnership reinforces DPIIT’s commitment to nurturing an innovation-led economy and accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global startup hub.
Under the MoU, Kotak Mahindra Bank will extend a range of dedicated offerings for DPIIT-recognised startups, including zero-balance current accounts, working capital and term loans, API-based banking platforms, digital payment solutions, and specialized startup cards. The Bank will also facilitate access to mentorship, investment advisory, incubation support, and networking platforms, helping startups progress from ideation to scale.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said: “This partnership reflects DPIIT’s ongoing efforts to build a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem that empowers startups at every stage of their journey. By integrating policy, industry, and finance, we aim to strengthen the bridge between entrepreneurial ambition and sustainable impact, ensuring that India’s innovators have the right tools to grow globally.”
Shri Raghavendra Singh, President, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., stated that the collaboration would facilitate greater engagement with the startup community through customised financial solutions, mentorship programmes, and access to networks that can help founders scale their enterprises effectively.
The initiative will offer a dynamic support system encompassing banking services, advisory, technology enablement, funding access, and market linkages. It is designed to empower startups at every stage of their journey—from early ideation to market expansion.
By combining Kotak’s financial expertise and DPIIT’s policy leadership, this partnership will accelerate India’s transition toward a self-reliant, innovation-driven economy.
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Chemical emergencies pose a significant and evolving threat to public health, environmental safety, and societal stability, underscoring the need for strengthened national preparedness and response mechanisms. In the present fast growing Industrial economy, updating and keeping oneself prepared for any such emergencies is of paramount importance.
As a step towards enhanced preparedness, the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, along with Key Senior officials from various line ministries, national agencies, experts from private sector, industry and academia released the modules on Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies today at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
Three specialized training modules have been developed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, on the Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies in collaboration with NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) and with technical support from World Health Organization (WHO India).
The three modules include:
• Module 1: Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response for Public Health Management
of Chemical Emergencies
• Module 2: Pre-Hospital Management of Chemical Emergencies
• Module 3: Medical Management of Chemical Emergencies
These modules aim to equip public health professionals, healthcare workers, emergency responders, and policymakers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and operational tools for timely and effective management of chemical incidents. Strengthening chemical emergency management also supports core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), contributing to both national and global health security.
The launch event brought together officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NDMA, Central government ministries, Central institutions, Academia, the WHO Country Office for India, and other key partners to reaffirm the commitment towards building a “Self-reliant Resilient Nation”.
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a productive meeting in Berlin on 23 October 2025 with German Federal Minister of Economy and Energy, Ms. Katherina Reiche. This engagement follows their video conference on 7 August 2025. The discussions focussed on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, green energy, and skilling. Shri Goyal also met Dr. Levin Holle, Economic and Financial Policy Advisor at the Federal Chancellery and Germany’s G7 & G20 Sherpa and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral economic relationship.
Later, Shri Goyal also chaired a Roundtable with CEOs and leaders of German Mittelstand companies at the Indian Embassy, who conveyed their keenness to do business in India and expand existing investments. The Minister highlighted the opportunities offered by India and the measures taken by the Government of India to facilitate investments and ease of doing business. They discussions explored synergies and stronger business-to-business linkages, especially in areas of innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Later in the day, Shri Goyal is scheduled to meet Mr. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Luxembourg and hold one-on-one discussions with CEOs of leading German companies, including Infineon Technologies, Schaeffler Group, Renk, HerrenknechtAG, Enertrag SE, and Mercedes Benz Group.
The Minister´s engagements continue on 24 October with a panel discussion at the Berlin Global Dialogue and further meetings with German industry associations.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a pan-India CPR Awareness Week from 13th to 17th October 2025 with the objective of enhancing public understanding and practical capacity in Compression-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The initiative aimed to sensitize citizens about the importance of early bystander intervention during cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies.
Despite CPR’s proven life-saving potential, India’s bystander CPR rates remain lower than global standards. Through this week-long initiative, the Ministry sought to bridge this gap by promoting widespread CPR training, awareness, and behavioural readiness across diverse population groups.
The objectives of the CPR Awareness Week were to enhance public awareness on the importance of CPR as a critical life-saving measure, provide practical training and demonstrations through diverse stakeholders, encourage youth participation in volunteerism and community preparedness, and utilize digital platforms to achieve wide-ranging public outreach and engagement.
The initiative was implemented through the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders across the country. State and Union Territory Health and Medical Education Departments played a crucial role in organizing field-level training and awareness activities. Central Government Ministries/Department/Organizations such as those of Home Affairs, Defence, Labour & Employment, Youth Affairs, Sports, Electronics and Information Technology, Higher Education, School Education & Literacy, Railways, Health Research and NDMA extended decentralized outreach to diverse sections of society. Central Government Hospitals, AIIMS, Institutes of National Importance and autonomous institutions under the Ministry actively conducted training and awareness sessions. The Indian Red Cross Society mobilized its State, Union Territory, and District sub-centres for community-based CPR training. Professional bodies also conducted training and awareness programmes through their State Chapters. Digital outreach and youth engagement were further strengthened through the MyGov platform of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and the MyBharat platform of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Activities Undertaken
A series of activities were organized throughout the week to ensure widespread participation and awareness generation. A total of 14,701 participants joined the inaugural live pledge and CPR demonstration event through the ECHO platform and YouTube Live. Citizens were also encouraged to take a digital pledge through the MyGov platform, with 79,870 individuals pledging their commitment to CPR awareness.
A panel discussion on “CPR Techniques and the Role of Bystanders” was conducted with participation from six experts representing AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. RML Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and SGT Medical College. The session, moderated by the Deputy Director General, Disaster Management Cell, witnessed participation from 10,129 attendees through ECHO and YouTube Live. Participants were also given a live demonstration on CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
Extensive physical training sessions on Compression-only CPR were organized across India by State and UT health departments, Central Government Hospitals, AIIMS, INIs, the Indian Red Cross Society, and professional bodies, training a total of 6,06,374 participants.
At Nirman Bhawan, CPR training sessions were held for Central Government employees, CISF personnel, housekeeping staff, and officials from various Ministries, benefiting 264 participants. On 16th October, a special training session was also conducted for 70 officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
To engage citizens digitally, a CPR Quiz was hosted on the MyGov and MyBharat platforms, in which 36,040 participants took part. Additionally, through the Volunteer for Bharat initiative, 368 youths actively volunteered to promote CPR awareness during the week.
A range of social media and digital activities were undertaken in association with the Media Cell of the Ministry. An educational video on CPR developed and hosted on the Ministry’s YouTube channel as a standardized educational resource for States and UTs. Expert interviews in both English and Hindi were disseminated through the Ministry’s social media handles, highlighting the technical aspects and public relevance of CPR. Other IEC materials and event promotions generated extensive online viewership across all digital platforms.
In addition, the live demonstration of CPR by experts in the presence of Secretary (Health) on 13th October was covered by multiple news agencies including Doordarshan. A special feature titled “Total Health – Medical Emergency” was broadcast on DD News on 19th October, showcasing live demonstrations of compression-only CPR, with experts from AIIMS, New Delhi participating as panelists.
Overall, through these multifaceted activities, over 7,47,000 citizens were engaged during the CPR Awareness Week, and physical training was imparted to more than 6,06,374 participants across the country.
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, attended the XVIth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, where he delivered India's national statement and participated in key discussions. UNCTAD, established in 1964, plays a crucial role in promoting the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment, and sustainable development policies.
In his address at the 16th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI), the Commerce and Industry Minister of India underscored India’s transformation into one of the top five economies globally. India has been the fastest-growing large economy with over 7% average annual growth over last three years. The nation doubles its economy every eight years. Shri Goyal highlighted lifting millions of people out of poverty in the last decade. These individuals then join the middle class. They fuel rising incomes and demand.
Shri Goyal underlined India’s sustainability leadership. Half its installed power capacity comes from renewables. Current clean energy stands at 250 GW with aim to install 500 GW by 2030. India is taking measures against climate change impacts. Yet it contributes only 3.5% to global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world’s population. He noted that developed countries have not fulfilled Paris commitments including in providing $100 billion in low-cost, long-tenure finance and technology transfers. He rejected burden-shifting or environmental trade barriers. The Minister stressed a dedicated approach to sustainable development. This includes tailored, actionable solutions. Key global initiatives feature the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance, building partnerships.
Calling for South-South cooperation for genuine solutions, Shri Goyal stated that areas may include critical minerals access, fertilizers and supply chain management. India bridges the technological divide via digital public infrastructure which empowers millions. The country has one billion internet users. It ranks second in ChatGPT users globally. A young population averages 28.5 years. Democracy and rule of law fuel growth.
The Minister noted inclusive development in India exemplified in women forming 14% of entrepreneurs and MSMEs creating and supporting millions of jobs. The services sector contributes 55% to GDP. It has shown decade-long double-digit export growth. This supports equitable workforce mobility. It fosters collaborations to boost partners’ competitiveness and global reach. Additionally, the Minister highlighted critical global challenges. These erode trust in multilateral institutions and the rules-based trading system. Issues include non-market practices, tariff and non-tariff barriers, overconcentration of supply chains at source and demand sides. Other challenges include dilution of special and differential treatment and unilateral environment measures apart from technological divide with restrictive controls. Restrictive policies have hit the services sector. In this, developing countries suffer the most. He emphasized the need for the Global South to speak with one voice.
The Commerce and Industry Minister highlighted that India is a pioneer, trusted by the developing countries and developed world alike, for its independent policies, growth, and commitment to progress. UNCTAD can play a key role in harnessing trade for equitable, inclusive, sustainable development. The Minister offered support to developing nations in technology, cooperation and building resilient supply chains. Trade serves as a development tool. Together, nations can build a future for all. This embraces “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”—development for all with trust and effort. India believes in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” the world as one family.
At the Ministerial Roundtable on “Towards Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Supply Chains and Trade Logistics,” the Minister emphasized India’s self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly in medicines and COVID vaccines, while fostering trading relations built on trust and reliability. He highlighted the trillion-dollar master plan, including about $130 billion annual investments in domestic infrastructure. Key advancements include expanding airport capacity from 74 to 158, enhancing rail, road, and inland waterways for a robust internal transport network, strengthening the manufacturing system, and establishing India as a trusted partner globally, with projections for continued fastest growth over coming decades. Furthermore, he advocated for conversations across large parts of the developing world to share offerings such as payment systems, transactions, payments, transport sharing, and reduced port times, urging developing countries to collaborate and work together for mutual benefit.
On the sidelines, Shri Goyal held bilateral meetings to strengthen international partnerships. With H.E. Ms Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, the Minister discussed the impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Indian exports, especially steel secto and ensuring that the clean transition does not create dependencies. In his meeting with H.E. Ms. Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, the emphasis was on advancing UNCTAD's role in equitable economic transformation, deficiency in meeting the Paris Agreement commitments by developed countries, unjustified unilateral measures and South-South cooperation.
The visit reaffirms India's commitment as a trusted partner in global trade and development, aligning with the UNCTAD XVI theme of "Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development." Shri Goyal's engagements underscore India's vision of a rules-based multilateral system that fosters mutual prosperity, resilience and inclusive growth for all nations.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, will be on an official visit to Berlin (Germany) from 23rd October 2025. The visit marks a key milestone in enhancing India's engagement with Germany and holds particular significance as the year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, highlighting the depth, resilience, and long-standing strength of bilateral ties.
Minister Goyal’s meetings are designed to facilitate high-impact interactions with senior government officials, industry leaders, and business associations in both countries.
During the visit the Union Minister will hold high level bilateral meetings with Ms. Katherina Reiche, Hon’ble German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs & Energy and Dr. Levin Holle, Economic and Financial Policy Advisor at the Federal Chancellery and Germany’s G7 & G20 Sherpa. Discussions during the meeting will focus on further strengthening the dynamic Indo–German economic partnership and exploring new avenues for enhanced trade and investment cooperation.
The Minister will also hold a high-level meeting with Mr. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Luxembourg to discuss the strengthening of bilateral trade relations, Luxembourg’s forthcoming State Visit to India, current regional developments, and key international issues.
As part of his Berlin visit, Shri Goyal will participate as a speaker at the third Berlin Global Dialogue (BGD) — an annual summit that brings together leaders from business, government, and academia to deliberate on issues shaping the global economy. At this flagship event, The Minister will be a panellist in the session titled “Leaders' Dialogue: Growing Together – Trade and Alliances in a Changing World.” The session will explore how nations and businesses are navigating an evolving global trade landscape, identifying practical pathways to enhance market access and build a new trading ecosystem that drives sustainable global growth.
A key component of the visit will include a series of one-on-one meetings with CEOs of leading German companies such as Schaeffler Group, Renk Vehicle Mobility Solutions, Herrenknecht AG, Infineon Technologies AG, Enertrag SE, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The Minister will also chair a Roundtable with CEOs and leaders of German Mittelstandcompanies, and meet with representatives of the Federation of German Industries (BDI)and theAsia-Pacific Association of German Business (APA). These interactions will provide a platform to explore synergies, facilitate investments, and promote stronger business-to-business linkages, particularly in sectors aligned with sustainability, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
This visit reflects the deepening alignment of strategic priorities between India and its European partners, aiming to translate high-level commitments into sustainable economic partnerships that foster innovation, resilience, and shared growth.