PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
Cabinet gives in-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an Alternative Mechanism

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given in-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an Alternative Mechanism (AM). The decision would facilitate consolidation among the Nationalised Banks to create strong and competitive banks. Salient features: The salient features of the approval Framework for Consolidation of Public Sector Banks are as follows: • The decision regarding creating strong and competitive banks would be solely based on commercial considerations. • The proposal must start from the Boards of Banks. • The proposals received from Banks for in-principle approval to formulate schemes of amalgamation shall be placed before the Alternative Mechanism (AM). • After in-principle approval, the Banks will take steps in accordance with law and SEBI’s requirements. • The final scheme will be notified by Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India. Background: In 1991, it was suggested that India should have fewer but stronger Public Sector Banks. However, it was only in May 2016 that effective action to consolidate public sector banks began to be taken by announcing amalgamation of six banks into the State bank of India. The merger was completed in record time, unlike earlier mergers of State Banks of Indore and Saurashtra. SBI is now a single bank with about 24000 branches, over 59000 ATMs, 6 lakh POS machines and over 50,000 business correspondents, which serve all parts of the country, including far flung areas. Indeed 70% of SBI’s network lies in rural and semi urban areas. In that sense, the bank serves to unite India through a uniform banking culture. It also has a significant international presence, and is one of the largest global banks. Its size, financial strength and outreach have made it possible for customers to access a worldwide network of branches across all time zones, as well as to a very wide variety of banking products and superior technology. Loans to the small business man or woman and to the Krishak have become cheaper as SBI offers the lowest lending rates. More than 8.6 lakh merchants have been on board on BHIM Aadhaar, Bharat QR and POS, increasing the digital banking footprint. SBI has successfully raised Rs.15,000 crore QIP. There are now 20 PSBs other than SBI. The banking scenario has changed since 1970/80 when banks were nationalised, with an increased banking presence from Private Sector Banks, non-banking Financial Companies, Regional Rural Banks, Payment Banks and Small Finance Banks. The decision is expected to facilitate the creation of strong and competitive banks in public sector space to meet the credit needs of a growing economy, absorb shocks and have the capacity to raise resources without depending unduly on the state exchequer.
PM greets the Muslim community across the world, on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the Muslim community across the world, on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha. “Warm greetings and wishes to the Muslim community across the world on the special occasion of Id-ul-Zuha”, the Prime Minister said.
PM hands over a Chadar for Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has handed over a Chadar that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. “Handed over a Chadar that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti”, the Prime Minister said.
PM lauds Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to increase investment and improving ease of doing business

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to increase investment and improving the ease of doing business in last four years. Commenting on a tweet by the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, the Prime Minister underlined the fact that rural areas and small towns are also witnessing these achievements.
PM condoles death of Shri PV Chalapathi Rao

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow on the demise of veteran BJP leader Shri PV Chalapathi Rao. In a tweet, Shri Modi said : “Shri PV Chalapathi Rao Garu will be remembered for his outstanding service and patriotic zeal. He will remain a source of inspiration for countless BJP Karyakartas. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Phone call between PM and The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, PM of the United Kingdom

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasized India’s belief in respect for international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the basis of the contemporary world order. The two leaders also discussed issues of bilateral interests and agreed on the potential of further deepening cooperation in various areas including trade, technology, investments, defence & security, and people-to-people relations. Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction at the positive momentum in the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. He also appreciated the progress in implementing the ‘India-UK Roadmap 2030’ adopted during the Virtual Summit between both leaders last year. The Prime Minister conveyed his desire to welcome PM Johnson in India at an early date, as per mutual convenience.
PM in Varanasi: Dedicates Multimodal Terminal to the nation; Inaugurates major road projects

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Varanasi today. He dedicated, inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs. 2400 crore. He dedicated the Multimodal Terminal on the River Ganga, to the nation, and received the first container cargo. He inaugurated the Varanasi Ring Road Phase 1, and the development and construction for four laning of Babatpur-Varanasi Section of NH-56. He also inaugurated and laid the Foundation Stone for various other development projects in Varanasi. Addressing a large and enthusiastic gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the day is historic, for Kashi, for Poorvanchal, for Eastern India, and for the whole of India. He said that the development work that has happened today, should have been completed decades ago. He said that along with Varanasi, the entire country is now witness to how, the vision of Next Gen Infrastructure can transform the means of transport. Referring to the arrival of the first inland container vessel in Varanasi, the Prime Minister said that Eastern Uttar Pradesh is now connected with the Bay of Bengal, through the water route. He mentioned the various other projects, including roads, and projects related to Namaami Gange, which were inaugurated, or for which the foundation stone was laid today. The Prime Minister said that the inland water-way would save time and money, reduce congestion on roads, reduce the cost of fuel, and reduce vehicular pollution. He said the road connecting Babatpur Airport with Varanasi was becoming an attraction for tourists, besides facilitating travel. The Prime Minister said that modern infrastructure has been built at a rapid pace in the last four years. He said that airports in remote areas, rail connectivity in parts of the North East, rural roads and highways have become a part of the Union Government’s identity. The Prime Minister said that projects worth Rs. 23,000 crore have been approved under Namaami Gange so far. He said almost all villages along the banks of the River Ganga have now become open defecation free. He said these projects are part of the Union Government’s commitment to cleaning the River Ganga.
PM salutes the martyrs who lost their lives during attack on Indian Parliament in 2001

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the martyrs who lost their lives during attack on Indian Parliament in 2001. “We salute martyrs who lost their lives protecting the Temple of our Democracy on this day in 2001. Their sacrifices are etched in our memory”, the Prime Minister said.
PM’s address and interaction at Council on Foreign Relations in New York

PM on WTO: Agreements on food security and trade facilitation must go together PM on Afghanistan: US should not repeat the mistake committed in Iraq. Withdrawal from Afghanistan should be gradual Terrorism is exported to India. Not home grown The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City today. During his interaction at the Council, the Prime Minister made it clear that while India is not against a trade facilitation agreement, the welfare of the large number of poor people in India must be taken into account, and therefore, agreements on trade facilitation and food security must be secured together. In reply to a question on non-alignment and India`s foreign policy, Shri Narendra Modi said that in the 21st century, the world was interdependent, and all countries had a stake in each other`s welfare. The Prime Minister said terrorism is an enemy of humanity and therefore all humanitarian forces across the world must unite to fight terrorism. He said all terrorism in India was “exported” terrorism, and was not homegrown. He said as far as India was concerned, its symbols were Buddha and Gandhi. The Prime Minister said that the United States should not repeat the mistake of Iraq in Afghanistan. He said the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan should be gradual. The Prime Minister said, India and the United States had a partnership based on shared values of democracy and openness. He said India and China had the capability to resolve the boundary question and there was no need for arbitration in the matter. The Prime Minister said people had voted for good governance and development in the recent general elections, and there was an atmosphere of confidence. He said the government was working to reduce red-tape and facilitate investment. In reply to a question, the Prime Minister said electricity was now a necessity and his Government was committed to providing 24×7 electricity to people. He said development and environment were not adversaries, and a balance could be achieved. He also spoke about the Government`s initiatives for clean energy.
PM seeks blessings of Maa Katyayani

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has sought blessings of Maa Katyayani for all her devotees during Navratri. Shri Modi also wished blessings of willpower and self confidence to all. He has also shared recital of prayers (stuti) of the Goddess. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “à¤šà¤¨à¥�à¤¦à¥�à¤°à¤¹à¤¾à¤¸à¥‹à¤œà¥�à¤œà¥�à¤µà¤²à¤•à¤°à¤¾ à¤¶à¤¾à¤°à¥�à¤¦à¥‚à¤²à¤µà¤°à¤µà¤¾à¤¹à¤¨à¤¾à¥¤ à¤•à¤¾à¤¤à¥�à¤¯à¤¾à¤¯à¤¨à¥€ à¤š à¤¶à¥�à¤­à¤¦à¤¾ à¤¦à¥‡à¤µà¥€ à¤¦à¤¾à¤¨à¤µà¤˜à¤¾à¤¤à¤¿à¤¨à¥€à¥¥ à¤®à¤¾à¤‚ à¤¦à¥�à¤°à¥�à¤—à¤¾ à¤•à¤¾ à¤•à¤¾à¤¤à¥�à¤¯à¤¾à¤¯à¤¨à¥€ à¤¸à¥�à¤µà¤°à¥‚à¤ª à¤…à¤¤à¥�à¤¯à¤‚à¤¤ à¤…à¤¦à¥�à¤­à¥�à¤¤ à¤”à¤° à¤…à¤²à¥Œà¤•à¤¿à¤• à¤¹à¥ˆà¥¤ à¤†à¤œ à¤‰à¤¨à¤•à¥€ à¤†à¤°à¤¾à¤§à¤¨à¤¾ à¤¸à¥‡ à¤¹à¤° à¤•à¤¿à¤¸à¥€ à¤•à¥‹ à¤¨à¤� à¤†à¤¤à¥�à¤®à¤¬à¤² à¤”à¤° à¤†à¤¤à¥�à¤®à¤µà¤¿à¤¶à¥�à¤µà¤¾à¤¸ à¤•à¤¾ à¤†à¤¶à¥€à¤°à¥�à¤µà¤¾à¤¦ à¤®à¤¿à¤²à¥‡, à¤¯à¤¹à¥€ à¤•à¤¾à¤®à¤¨à¤¾ à¤¹à¥ˆà¥¤”
PM congratulates medal winners at Rio 2016 Paralympics

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Mariyappan Thangavelu on winning gold and Varun Singh Bhati for the bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Both Mariyappan and Varun Singh won the medals in the men’s high jump event. “India is elated! Congratulations to Mariyappan Thangavelu on winning a gold and Varun Singh Bhati for the bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympics” , the Prime Minister said.
PM lays foundation stone of New Mandovi Bridge in Goa

Government is committed to increasing investment in infrastructure The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the foundation stone of the new Mandovi bridge at Goa. Speaking on the occasion, he said Goa is one of the key areas for development of tourism in India. And the first requirement for developing tourism is good infrastructure. Good infrastructure can boost the Indian economy, Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister said people’s expectations of infrastructure too, had changed over time. The people of India, today, want good quality of infrastructure. Shri Modi said his Government is committed to increasing investment in infrastructure. This would not only create jobs, but spur investment in other sectors as well. Giving the example of South Korea, he said good infrastructure is one of the key elements for emergence of a modern, prosperous nation. He said the Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar, had taken a decision that the new Mandovi Bridge would be one that Goa would be proud of. The Prime Minister laid stress on timely completion of infrastructure projects, and hoped that the new Mandovi Bridge would be completed on time.
PM condoles the loss of lives due to stampede at Rajahmundry; discusses the situation with Andhra Pradesh CM

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to stampede at Rajahmundry. The Prime Minister discussed the situation with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. “Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Rajahmundry. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured. I spoke to CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and discussed the situation with him. The State Government is working to restore normalcy”, the Prime Minister said.
PM condoles loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Bhoiguda, Hyderabad; approves ex-gratia from PMNRF for victims

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Bhoiguda, Hyderabad. The Prime Minister has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) which would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Office said; “Pained by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Bhoiguda, Hyderabad. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased: PM @narendramodi” “హైదరాబాద్‌లోని భోయిగూడలో జరిగిన ఘోర అగ్నిప్రమాదంలో ప్రాణ నష్టం జరగడం బాధాకరం. ఈ దుఃఖ సమయంలో మృతుల కుటుంబాలకు నా సానుభూతి తెలియజేస్తున్నాను. PMNRF నుండి ఒక్కొక్కరికి 2 లక్షలు ఎక్స్ గ్రేషియా మరణించిన వారి కుటుంబాలకు ఇవ్వబడుతుంది: PM @narendramodi”
PM greets people of Trinidad and Tobago on their Republic Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Trinidad and Tobago on their Republic Day. “On their Republic Day, my warm greetings to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, a Nation with which we share close and time-tested relations,” the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda. The Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between India and Rwanda, bringing it in tune with developments in the civil aviation sector. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.
PM highlights Finance Ministry’s move to seek creative inputs for the Government’s initiative on financial inclusion

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has highlighted the Finance Ministry`s effort to seek creative inputs for a logo, name and tag line for the Government`s initiative on financial inclusion, through the MyGov website. The Finance Ministry has sought these inputs on the MyGov website – http://mygov.nic.in The Prime Minister said, this “will really interest those keen on designing.”
PM pays tributes to eminent stalwarts of Constituent Assembly to mark 75 years of its historic first sitting

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to eminent stalwarts of Constituent Assembly to mark 75 years of its historic first sitting. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “Today, 75 years ago our Constituent Assembly met for the first time. Distinguished people from different parts of India, different backgrounds and even differing ideologies came together with one aim- to give the people of India a worthy Constitution. Tributes to these greats. The first sitting of the Constituent Assembly was Presided over by Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, who was the eldest member of the Assembly. He was introduced and conducted to the Chair by Acharya Kripalani. Today, as we mark 75 years of the historic sitting of our Constituent Assembly, I would urge my young friends to know more about this august gathering’s proceedings and about the eminent stalwarts who were a part of it. Doing so would be an intellectually enriching experience.”
PM condoles loss of lives in cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. The Prime Minister tweeted : “Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected.”
Congratulatory phone calls received by PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today received telephone calls from H.E. Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan; H.E. Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, Former President of Maldives; and H.E. Mr Madhav Nepal, Former Prime Minister of Nepal congratulating him on his victory in the recent General Elections in India. The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his telephone call and greetings. Recalling his initiatives in line with his government’s neighbourhood first policy, Prime Minister Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to fight poverty jointly. He stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region. Former President Nasheed congratulated the Prime Minister on the historic mandate and noted that the relationship between Maldives and India had deepened in recent times. He stressed the importance of close cooperation to fight the forces of extremism and radicalisation in the region. The Prime Minister thanked him for his felicitation and reiterated his commitment to continue fostering a strong, mutually beneficial and all-round partnership between the two countries for peace, security and development in the region. Mr. Madhav Nepal warmly congratulated the Prime Minister on leading his Party and Alliance to a grand, historic and landslide victory. He expressed the confidence that India’s emergence as a front-ranking world power would qualitatively uplift the entire region. Thanking Mr. Nepal for his warm wishes, the Prime Minister expressed his earnest desire to further strengthen and deepen the historically friendly and multifaceted ties between India and Nepal.
Central Government is working closely with MP Government to assist those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that the Central Government is working closely with the Madhya Pradesh Government to assist those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state. The Prime Minister has also spoken to the Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and reviewed the situation. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “The Central Government is working closely with the Madhya Pradesh Government to assist those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state. I have spoken to CM @ChouhanShivraj and reviewed the situation. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
Cabinet approves changes in the Major Port Authorities Bill 2016

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the incorporation of the Official Amendments to the Major Port Authorities Bill 2016, which is pending in the Parliament. The Amendments are based on the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee. Following changes are being incorporated: (i) The number of the Labour representatives to be appointed in the Port Authority Board among the serving employees of the Port has been increased from one to two. (ii) The Member representing the interest of the employees shall hold office for a term of three years and shall not hold office for more than two consecutive terms and his Board membership is co-terminus with his retirement. (iii) The number of Independent Members in the Port Authority Board would be minimum two to maximum four. (iv) Every person who was receiving any retirement benefit from the Board of Trustees under the Major Port Trust Act, 1963 immediately before such date, shall continue to receive the same benefit from the Board. (v) The Board of each Major Port shall be entitled to create specific master plan in respect of any development or infrastructure established or proposed to be established within the port limits and the land appurtenant thereto and such master plan shall be independent of any local or State Government regulations of any authority whatsoever. (vi) After commencement of the Act, for PPP projects, the concessionaire shall be free to fix the tariff based on market conditions. (vii) All moneys received by or on behalf of the Board under the provision of this Act shall be credited to such general account or accounts of the Ports which the Board may from time to time generally open with any Nationalised Bank or any Scheduled Bank as per the guidelines of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. (viii) Presiding Officer and Members of the Adjudicatory Board shall be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendations of the Selection Committee. (ix) Central Government shall have the power to remove the Presiding Officer or any member of the Adjudicatory Board from the office following the prescribed manner. (x) A saving clause has been kept under repeal and saving so that the existing benefit enjoyed by Mumbai and Kolkata Port in respect of municipal assessment of property under the Bombay Port Trust Act, 1879 and the Calcutta Port Trust Act, 1890 would continue.