PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
PM launches “Setu Bharatam” – a programme for bridge building to ensure seamless travel on National Highways

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched “Setu Bharatam” – an ambitious programme with an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore to build bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways. The programme aims at making all national highways Railway Level Crossing free by 2019. 208 new “road over bridges / road under bridges” are envisaged for construction, while 1500 bridges will be widened, rehabilitated or replaced. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the Union Government wishes to make a quantum jump in this direction. Emphasizing the importance of good infrastructure for the development of the country, he said the importance of roads for a nation, is the same as the importance of arteries and veins in the human body. The Prime Minister spoke of the Government’s initiatives in other infrastructure sectors as well, including railways, irrigation and digital connectivity.
PM expresses happiness on declining cases of Kala Azar disease

Also shares his Mann Ki Baat’s excerpts on the Kala Azar disease The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his happiness on the declining cases of Kala Azar disease. Shri Modi also shared his Mann Ki Baat’s excerpts on the Kala Azar disease. Responding to a tweet by Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister said; “Encouraging trend…let us keep at it and eliminate Kala Azar. Also sharing what I had spoken on this subject during last month’s #MannKiBaat.
Cabinet approves budgetary support to HMT Ltd for payment of outstanding salary, introduction of VRS/VSS and closure of tractor division

Transfer of land to Government entities also approved The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the budgetary support to HMT Ltd. for payment of outstanding salary / wages and other employee related dues. It also approved closure of HMT Tractor Division by offering attractive VRS / VSS at 2007 notional pay scales. It will have a financial implication (cash outgo) of Rs. 718.72 crore for payment of outstanding salary, wages and statutory dues, VRS/VSS ex-gratia payments and clearing of Tractor Division’s liabilities towards Bank, creditors etc. The Cabinet has also given its approval for transfer of selected small parcels of HMT land at Banglore and Kochi to different Government entities for their use in larger public interest. Background: HMT Ltd., a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises of the Government of India was established at Bangalore in 1953 with the objective of producing machine tools required for building an industrial edifice for the country. HMT played a key role in laying the foundation for evolution of engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the country. HMT Tractor Division was established in Pinjore, Haryana in 1971 to manufacture HMT Tractors. Performance of the company started to decline in the ’90s, in the post liberalisation economic environment with rising costs, stiff competition from international players and availability of imported goods at cheaper rates. Several efforts were made in past to arrest the declining trend but it could not succeed to turn around. HMTL’s profit making tractor business was affected due to poor off-take, under-utilisation of capacity and working capital constraints, etc. It was observed that continuation in Tractor Business with its insignificant market share in the sector may not be a financially viable and sustainable option for HMT Ltd., and hence it would be prudent to close the tractor business, make an exit from this segment and focus on the core sector of machine tools. The Tractor Division has been incurring losses continuously and is unable to pay the salaries and other statutory dues of its employees. The employees of Tractor Division based at Pinjore have not been paid salary since July, 2014 and other statutory dues are also pending since Nov., 2013. The statutory dues (Terminal benefits, PF, Gratuity, Leave encashment etc.) are also pending for the employees of other Divisions of HMTL [Corporate Head Office(CHO), Common Service Division(CSD) and Food Processing Machinery unit, Aurangabad (FPA)]. In view of the deteriorating position of the company and hardship being faced by the employees due to non-payment of salary / wages and other retirement dues, it has been decided to close down the Tractor Division of HMT Ltd by offering attractive VRS / VSS to its employees and clearing all their dues.
List of MoUs signed by BRICS Countries

1. MoU for Establishment of BRICS Agricultural Research Platform India: Smt. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister China: Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China South Africa: Mr. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister International Relations and Cooperation Brazil: Mr. Blairo Maggi, Minister of Agriculture Russia: Mr. Evgeny Gromyko, Deputy Minister of Agriculture 2. MoU on Mutual Cooperation between Diplomatic Academies India: Shri S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary China: Mr. Li Baodong, Chinese BRICS Sherpa and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China South Africa: Ambassador Anil Sooklal, Acting BRICS Sherpa, Deputy Director-General Brazil: Ambassador Tovar Da Silva Nunes, Brazilian Ambassador to India Russia: Dr. Evgeny Bazhanov, President of the Diplomatic Academy 3. Regulations on Customs Cooperation Committee of the BRICS India: Mr. Najib Shah, Chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs China: Mr. Yu Guangzhou, Minister and Head of General Administration of China Customs South Africa: Ambassador Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General Brazil: Mr. Ronaldo Lazaro Medina, Undersecretary of Customs and International Relations, Ministry of Finance Russia: Mr. Vladimir Ivanovich Bulavin, Head of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation
Cabinet approves Patna Metro Rail Project comprising two corridors; Danapur to Mithapur & Patna Railway Station of New ISBT

Boost to Public Transport and Connectivity in Patna 26.94 km stretch of Metro from Danapur to Mithapur corridor 14.45 km stretch of Metro from Patna Junction to New ISBT Rs.13,365.77 crore metro project to be completed in five years The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Patna Metro Rail Project having two Metro Rail Corridors,namely (i) Danapur to Mithapur (ii) Patna Railway Station of New ISBT at an estimated cost of Rs.13365.77 crore. Project Details: The Project will be completed in five years. DanapurCantt to Mithapur corridor will pass through the heart of city and connect densely populated areas Raza Bazar, Secretariat, High Court, Law University Railway Station. Patna Jn. to ISBT corridor will connect Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Rajendra Nagar, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Transport Nagar and ISBT. The Metro will provide Eco friendly and sustainable Public Transport to residents, commuters, industrial workers, visitors and travelers. Patna Metro Project Highlights: The length of Danapur to Mithapur corridor is 16.94 km, which is mostly underground (11.20 km) and partly elevated (5.48 km) and comprises of 11 Stations (3-Elevated and 8-Underground). The length of Patna Station to New ISBT corridor is 14.45 km, which is mostly elevated (9.9 km) and partly underground (4.55 km) and comprising of 12 stations (9-Elevated and 3-Underground). The existing population of 26.23 lakh of Patna agglomeration area is expected to be benefitted by Patna Metro Rail Project directly and indirectly. The approved corridors will be having Multimodal Integration with Railway Stations &ISBT Station and will have feeder network of Bus, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) and Non Motorised Transport (NMT). The Project will have non-fare box revenue from rental & advertisement as well asValue Capture Financing (VCF) through mechanism of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDK). The residential areas along thisMetro Rail corridorsshall be immensely benefitted by this project, as the people of these areas will be able to travel on trains from their own neighborhoods to reach different areas of the city conveniently.
Cabinet approves signing of the Protocol amending the Convention between India and Portugal for avoidance of Double Taxation

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of a Protocol amending the Convention between India and Portugal for avoidance of double taxation. The Protocol will also ensure prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Once the Protocol enters into force, both India and Portugal would be able to exchange tax related information, which will help tax authorities of both countries to curb tax evasion.
Mission Karmayogi to radically improve the Human Resource management in the Government says PM

Says iGOT platform will enable the transition to a role-based HR management & continuous learning In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that Mission Karmayogi – National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building will radically improve the Human Resource management practices in the Government. It will use scale & state of the art infrastructure to augment the capacity of Civil Servants. He tweeted “iGOT platform will enable the transition to a role-based HR management & continuous learning. Mission Karmayogi aims to prepare Civil Servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive & innovative through transparency and technology.”
PM celebrates Diwali with jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in Gurez Valley

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today celebrated Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir. He was there for nearly two hours. This is the fourth successive Diwali that the Prime Minister has celebrated with jawans on the border. The Prime Minister offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the jawans. Addressing the jawans, the Prime Minister, said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family. Therefore, he said, he had come among the jawans of the Armed Forces, whom he considers to be “his family.” The Prime Minister said he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans and soldiers of the Armed Forces. He appreciated their penance and sacrifice, amid harsh conditions. The Prime Minister said that he had been told that the jawans present at the gathering regularly practice Yoga. He said that this would definitely enhance their abilities, and give them a sense of calm. He said that jawans who leave the Armed Forces after completing their duty tenure, can become excellent yoga trainers subsequently. The Prime Minister spoke of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. He also encouraged the jawans to innovate, so that their routine tasks and duties become easier and safer. He mentioned how best innovations are now being recognised and awarded at the Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day. The Prime Minister said that the Union Government is committed to the welfare and the betterment of the Armed Forces, in every way possible. In this regard, he mentioned the implementation of One Rank, One Pension, which had been pending for decades. The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Bipin Rawat, and other senior Army Officers were present on the occasion. In the visitors’ book, the Prime Minister wrote: “Protecting the Motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation’s borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication. I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians. To accomplish the dream of “New India,” this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it. Greetings to all of you on Diwali.”
PM pays homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, on his birth anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, on his birth anniversary. “I pay homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary and recall his courage and efforts towards empowerment of tribal communities”, the Prime Minister said.
PM congratulates Lawn Bowl Men’s team for clinching Silver Medal

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Sunil Bahadur, Navneet Singh, Chandan Kumar Singh and Dinesh Kumar, the players of Lawn Bowl Men’s team for clinching the Silver Medal at Birmingham CWG 2022. The Prime Minister tweeted; “Proud of Sunil Bahadur, Navneet Singh, Chandan Kumar Singh and Dinesh Kumar, who have won a Silver medal in Lawn Bowls. Their teamwork and tenacity are admirable. Best wishes to them for their future endeavours. #Cheer4India”
PM launches first indigenously developed and manufactured vaccine against Rotavirus

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched the first indigenously developed and manufactured Rotavirus vaccine: ‘Rotavac’. The indigenously developed vaccine will boost efforts to combat infant mortality due to diarrhoea. Each year, diarrhoea caused by rotavirus results up to 10 lakh hospitalizations and kills nearly 80 thousand children under the age of 5 years. Besides causing emotional stress to the affected families, it also pushes many Indian families below the poverty line and also imposes significant economic burden on the country. The Prime Minister felicitated all the partners in the development of the first indigenous rotavirus vaccine, which involved the complete cycle from basic research to product development of this advanced vaccine in India. The Prime Minister also lauded this initiative as an example of India’s capabilities for high-end research and development; manufacture of sophisticated pharmaceutical products in India; and, effective Public-Private-Partnership model for finding affordable solutions to societal challenges. The Prime Minister remarked that India is characterised by large size and diversity; and, continues to face a number of socio-economic challenges. He hoped that the development of the rotavirus vaccine would inspire higher levels of research, development and manufacturing activities in India, not just in medical science, but also in other advanced areas of science and technology. Prime Minister felt that solutions found in India would have great relevance to the rest of the world, especially the developing world. He also highlighted the vaccine as a successful example of collaboration between India and the United States in the area of medical research, for the benefit of ordinary citizens. The vaccine has been developed under an innovative public-private partnership model. It involved partnership between the Ministry of Science and Technology, the institutions of the US Government, various government institutions and NGOs in India, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Funding by Government of India supported basic research in educational and scientific institutions in India. This was also supplemented by the support of U. S. Government institutions like the National Institute of Health. The Gates Foundation and Bharat Biotech India Limited contributed towards product development and testing. The successful launch of the first indigenously developed and produced vaccine today was the result of an extraordinary effort spread over the last 25 years. The Bharat Biotech India Limited that was involved in the development and production of the vaccine was selected in 1997-1998 by the India-U.S. Vaccine Action Programme and the standard government procedures. The company has been given undertaken to keep the cost of the vaccine at US$ 1 per dose. This is the third such vaccine available globally against Rotavirus and, at the current prices, the cheapest. Union Ministers Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Shri J. P. Nadda and Shri Harsh Vardhan were present on the occasion.
Indian Union Muslim League donates Rs. 25 lakhs for PMNRF

Shri E Ahamed, Member of Parliament and President of the Indian Union Muslim League, today presented a cheque for Rs. 25 lakh rupees to the Prime Minister, towards the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, for flood relief and rehabilitation. The Indian Union Muslim League has extended all support for the Prime Minister’s relief activities.
PM condoles the loss of lives due to capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari. “Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves to the MoU between India and Argentina on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation

The Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Argentina on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation. Benefits: The approval would facilitate better understanding of the regulatory aspects between the two sides and help in increasing India’s export of medical products to Argentina and better coordination in the international fora.
PM’s challenge to ONGC on the occasion of Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today invited the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation – the ONGC – to take up a challenge, on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary. Addressing officers and staff of the ONGC at a function to mark the launch of the SAUBHAGYA Yojana, the Prime Minister exhorted them to work towards making an efficient electric chulha (stove), which would enable cooking through the use of electricity. The Prime Minister said this innovation would, in one stroke, significantly impact the nation’s dependence on imported fuel. He said that while the world is working towards electric cars, in India, in addition to electric cars, electric stoves would go a long way in meeting the needs of the people. He asked ONGC to invite startups and youth to innovate in this field.
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Republic of Korea on the cooperation in the field of railways

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation between Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), India and Republic of Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to strengthen and promote scientific and technical cooperation in the field of railways. The MoU was signedon 10thJuly 2018. Impact: The MoU will provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector with its Korean counterpart. It will facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/ workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing. Details: The MoU will provide a framework of cooperation for focused approach in following key areas:- 1. Planning and execution of Joint research for the mutual interests; 2. Co-operation in setting up of latest railway R&D facilities in India; 3. Planning and execution of Technical seminar or forum; 4. Short Term Training Programme for RDSO personnel by KRRI; 5. Exchange Programme of Personnel between KRRI & RDSO for limited period, for specific Projects; 6. Consultancy for the development of railway industry of both the countries; and 7. Any other form of cooperative activities agreed upon by the Parties. Background: Ministry of Railways have signed MoUs for technical cooperation in the Rail sector with various foreign Governments and National Railways. The identified areas of cooperation include high speed corridors, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy haul operations and modernization of rail infrastructure, etc. The cooperation is achieved through exchange of information on developments in areas of railways technology & operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.
Cabinet approves MoU between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Qatar Financial Centre Authority

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA). The MoU would enhance cooperation between the Institutes to work together to strengthen the Accounting profession and entrepreneurship base in Qatar. Impact: ICAI has a strong membership base of over 6000 members in Middle East and Qatar (Doha) Chapter is amongst the most vibrant Chapters of ICAI. ICAI members hold key positions in various private and public companies and are actively involved in support and development of the accounting profession in Qatar. The signing of this MoU would provide an additional impetus to prospects of the ICAI Members in the entire Middle Eastern Region to have better recognition, together with working to support Indian businesses desirous of doing business in Qatar and thus supporting the growth of Qatar and India’s economies. Benefits: ICAI has an active Chapter in Doha, Qatar which was established in the year 1981 and is the oldest among the 36 overseas Chapters of the ICAI. The membership of the Chapter has grown steadily since its founding days and presently has over 300 members who hold key positions in various private and public companies and are actively involved in support and development of the accounting profession in Qatar. This MoU will benefit Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Qatar Financial Centre Authority. Implementation strategy and Targets: • MoU will endeavourto increase opportunities for members of ICAI to provide professional services through setting up practice for providing professional services in the State of Qatar in the areas of assurance and auditing, advisory, taxation, financial services and allied areas. • ICAI shall also nurture and develop local Qatar professionals, entrepreneurs and students through a specialized training programme, in collaboration with QFCA. • ICAI and QFCA will work together to explore the opportunities for Indian businesses in Qatar by organizing roundtables, networking events etc., as the case may be mutually agreed. • ICAI and QFCA shall collaborate on opportunities that may arise in the fields of corporate governance, technical research and advice, quality assurance, forensic accounting, issues for small and medium sized practices (SMPs), Islamic Finance, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and other subjects of mutual interest. Background: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India, The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949′, to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) an independent legal entity established pursuant to Law No. (7) of 2005,is responsible for the development and promotion of the QFC as a world-class on-shore financial and business centre in the State of Qatar.
PM pays tributes to freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth Anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth Anniversary. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Tributes to the great V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth anniversary. Our nation is indebted to him for his rich contribution to the freedom struggle. He also placed great emphasis on economic progress and becoming self-reliant. His ideals continue to inspire us.”