Latest news with #SwasthBharat
Time of India
11-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Cleanliness drive at BLW Tagore Park
1 2 Varanasi: Under the directives of the Ministry of Railways and as part of the Cleanliness Campaign-2025, a mega shramdaan (mass cleanliness drive ) was organised at Tagore Park of Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) on Monday. The objective of this campaign was not only to carry out intensive cleaning of the park and surrounding areas but also to promote awareness and active participation towards cleanliness among officers, employees, their family members, and the general public. The activities included intensive cleaning of the park and the pond on its premises, garbage disposal, improvement of the drainage system, and cleaning of walls and removal of accumulated silt and dirt. BLW GM Naresh Pal Singh, who led the drive, planted saplings, conveying the message of a clean and green environment. The GM said, "The aim was to set an example for society, inspiring others to contribute towards the realisation of the dream of Swachh Bharat – Swasth Bharat." The event saw the participation of senior officials of BLW, staff council members, members of Civil Defence, Scouts & Guides, St John Ambulance Team, and BLW Railway Protection Force personnel, along with a large number of employees. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hans India
27-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Sports Min Mandaviya leads ‘Sundays on Cycle' honouring Kargil heroes
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya led the 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign here, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas and celebrating the spirit of fitness and patriotism. The event witnessed over 800 participants, including personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Gujarat Vidyapeeth, local cycling groups, and fitness enthusiasts. Across the country, CAPF personnel took centre stage as special partners in the campaign. A prominent rally in Srinagar was organised by the Srinagar Sector CRPF, with officers and jawans cycling from the historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower to SKICC Srinagar, echoing national pride and unity. The 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative was simultaneously conducted at over 6,000 locations, uniting people in the dual mission of saluting our Kargil War heroes and promoting a healthier, fitter India. 'Every year on July 26, we honour the bravery of our soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Carrying that spirit forward, today we proudly joined hands with our armed forces for the 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign. I had the honour of cycling alongside our armed forces and CAPF personnel to pay tribute to our brave soldiers," said Mandaviya. "The vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) begins with Swasth Bharat (Healthy India). When people are physically fit, their mental and emotional resilience also grows—and a nation made up of such individuals becomes unstoppable. Fitness is not just about the body; it's a way of life that fuels discipline, focus, and purpose. I urge every citizen to dedicate at least one hour everyday to cycling or physical activity. When we move together, we grow together. A fit Bharat is a united Bharat, and together we will build a stronger, healthier, more self-reliant India," he added. In Delhi, despite overcast skies, more than 1,000 people joined the Sundays on Cycle event at Cannaught Place. The event was energised further by a spirited biking rally by the SHOR Foundation, which led a youth contingent through the city, raising slogans and waving the Tricolour in remembrance of the Kargil martyrs. Colonel Bakshi, a Kargil War veteran, who joined the Delhi rally, said, "This initiative has brought people of all ages together. At nearly 70, I feel proud to be part of something so inspiring." At the Delhi cycling rally was captain Akhilesh Saxena who lauded the movement. "The one most important aspect of a nation's strength, is the health of its citizens. I am filled with immense joy and pride in seeing citizens coming together to focus on their health and participate in Sundays on Cycle campaign," he said. The Delhi edition, conducted in collaboration with Raahgiri Foundation, also included yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, and interactive games for children like carrom, chess, ludo, and mini golf. 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Rope Skipping team led by Dr. Shikha Gupta, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bharat, and My Bikes. The drive runs concurrently across all state and UT capitals, SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), and Khelo India centres.
News18
14-07-2025
- Health
- News18
‘Regulate Burgers, Pizzas Too If Targeting Samosas, Jalebis': Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora
Last Updated: Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticised the government's attempt to regulate Indian street food, urging similar rules for chains like McDonald's. Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Monday hit out at the government's attempt to regulate Indian street food like jalebi and samosa, saying that if such measures are necessary, then food chains like McDonald's should also face similar regulations. 'If the government wants to put regulations on jalebi and samosa, then burgers, pizzas, and doughnuts should be regulated too," Deora said. 'If we regulate small street vendors selling samosas, then eateries like McDonald's should also be regulated." While speaking with ANI, Deora emphasised that obesity is a growing concern in India and is likely to become a significant social and economic issue. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching an 'anti-obesity" campaign and stressed the need for a level playing field in regulating both Indian and foreign junk food. 'Obesity is a big issue in India, and it is about to become a social and economic issue as well. I want to thank PM Modi for starting an 'anti-obesity' campaign on a national level. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has tried to impose regulations on unhealthy Indian foods like jalebi and samosa. The Subordinate Legislation Committee is studying this issue. We have been speaking to the FSSAI and the Health Department," he said. 'We will present our committee's report in Parliament," Deora said, adding that foreign junk food should be regulated equally to Indian junk food. 'America's biggest challenge is obesity, and multinational quick service restaurants are bringing a Western culture to our country, which has a negative byproduct – obesity." The move means that canteens and common areas in government offices could soon feature messages about harmful food habits, and even menus may be nudged towards healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals. The campaign draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent public health push. At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on January 28, 2025, the PM had invoked the 'Fit India campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat." Also, in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10 per cent reduction in obesity in the country. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Poshan Tracker, direct benefit transfers transforming women, child welfare: PMO
New Delhi: Initiatives like Poshan Tracker, and direct benefit transfers have transformed welfare for women and children in the country, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday. In a post shared on social media platform X, the PMO said that these initiatives are leading to real-time, impactful change across the country. The PMO said this while sharing a media article on how the government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. The article by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi talks about 'initiatives like Poshan Tracker, a dedicated grievance redressal module and direct benefit transfers driving real-time, impactful change across the country', the PMO said on X. 'Technology is catalysing a transformative shift in women and child welfare -- from nutrition and education to justice, dignity, and true empowerment,' said Devi on X. In the article, Devi shared that to ensure that 'benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently', the Ministry of Women and Child Development roped in technology in its programmes. The benefits include improved 'access to nutrition, education, legal safeguards, and essential entitlements'. A key example is the Ministry's Poshan Tracker initiative -- 'driving the national vision of a Swasth Bharat, Suposhit Bharat'. Under the initiative, the Anganwadi centres serve as digitally empowered community hubs bridging the urban-rural divide. Recognised with the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also provides digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education. "Poshan Tracker is transforming nutrition monitoring with real-time dashboards, geo-tagged Anganwadi Centres & face recognition for Take Home Ration distribution -- ensuring transparency and efficiency across India," Devi wrote on X. Further, under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the nation have been integrated with the Poshan Tracker. 'Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker,' ensuring last-mile delivery, Devi said.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Using tech to empower women and children
Empowerment begins with access — access to rights, to services, to protection, and to opportunity. Over the past decade, this access has been redefined and democratised through the focused commitment of the Modi government to build a more inclusive and digitally empowered India. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been at the forefront of this transformation. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Ministry has integrated technology into its programmes, ensuring that benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently. What was once aspirational is now operational thanks to the government's emphasis on digital public infrastructure, real-time data systems, and responsive governance. With steadfast focus on care, protection, and empowerment, the Ministry has strengthened access to nutrition, education, legal safeguards, and essential entitlements, ensuring that women and children lead healthier, more secure lives, and also emerge as confident leaders and change makers of Amrit Kaal. Transformative initiatives A cornerstone of this transformation is the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, designed to modernise and empower over 2 lakh Anganwadi centres across India. These centres are being upgraded with smart infrastructure, digital devices, and innovative learning tools, enabling more effective delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education services. The integration of services provided by 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the nation with the Poshan Tracker has enabled real-time data entry, performance monitoring, and evidence-based policy interventions. Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker. By equipping Anganwadi workers with smartphones and comprehensive training, the initiative ensures quality service delivery at the last mile. At its core, Poshan Tracker is driving the national vision of a Swasth Bharat, Suposhit Bharat. It reimagines Anganwadi centres as digitally empowered community hubs that bridge the urban-rural divide. Recognised with the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also supports Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi, providing digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education. Further, to reduce leakages in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, a facial recognition system has been introduced to ensure that eligible beneficiaries alone receive nutrition support. Beyond nutrition, the Ministry is ensuring safety and support for women through technology-led platforms. The SHe-Box portal provides single-window access to every woman to lodge complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It enables online redressal and tracking. Meanwhile, the Mission Shakti dashboard and mobile app provide integrated assistance to women in distress, connecting them to the nearest one-stop centre, now operational in nearly every district. These interventions exemplify how technology is being used not just for efficiency, but for justice, dignity, and empowerment. The Modi government has also operationalised the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) — a game changer in maternal welfare. Under the PMMVY Rules, 2022, pregnant women receive ₹5,000 for their first child. Under Mission Shakti, the benefit extends to ₹6,000 if the second child is a girl — promoting positive reinforcement for daughters. Delivered through a paperless Direct Benefit Transfer system, about ₹19,000 crore has reached over 4 crore women beneficiaries since its inception. PMMVY is a fully digital programme — leveraging Aadhaar-based authentication, mobile-based registration, doorstep assistance from Anganwadi/ASHA workers, and real-time dashboards. A dedicated grievance redressal module and citizen-facing portal ensure transparency, trust, and accountability, strengthening the government's commitment to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Tangible outcomes These targeted efforts are delivering tangible outcomes. The latest reports from the Health Management Information System of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reveal that the Sex Ratio at Birth has increased from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24). The Maternal Mortality Rate has declined to 97 per 1,000 births (2018-20) from 130 per 1,000 births (2014-16). Digital transformation has played a key role in child protection and welfare. Under the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Ministry has strengthened the adoption ecosystem through the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System). This ensures a more transparent, accessible, and efficient adoption process. Digitisation has also improved monitoring of child care institutions, foster care placements, and statutory support structures under the Act. Platforms developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights are tracking violations of child rights. The Mission Vatsalya dashboard strengthens convergence and coordination among various child welfare stakeholders. This is New India where governance meets technology, and policy meets purpose. Over the last decade, the Ministry has not only adapted to digital change, but championed it. Annapurna Devi is the Union Minister of Women and Child Development
