PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
Proposal for providing concessional financing scheme to support Indian companies bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to a scheme to enable EXIM Bank to offer concessional finance to support Indian companies bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad. This will help Indian companies to bid for large projects abroad. The repayment of the loan would be guaranteed by the foreign Government. The strategic importance of a project, to deserve financing under this scheme, will be decided, on a case by case basis, by a Committee chaired by Secretary (DEA) and will have members from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy, Department of Commerce, Department of Financial Services and Ministry of Home Affairs. The Deputy National Security Adviser will also be a member of this Committee. The Committee will have powers on conditions within reasonable limits, on a case by case basis, during the first two years of implementation of the scheme. The projects financed under these terms will be monitored by the Committee. The Committee will also consider financing strategic projects through Public Sector banks other than EXIM Bank on the same terms. The Committee may insist on sourcing of at least 75 percent of the project requirements from India, if it is found compatible with the requests for bids. The experience with this scheme will be evaluated after two years. Background:- There are a number of Indian large project implementation companies which have developed a lot of expertise in building large infrastructure projects. However, they have not been able to win contracts abroad due to higher cost of finance in India. It is felt necessary to help such Indian Companies/entities secure contracts abroad, if it is in India’s strategic interest to have the projects implemented by Indian Companies.
MyGov quiz on the PM completing 20 years as a Head of Government

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has completed 20 years as a head of the Government today. On this occasion, MyGovIndia is organising the Seva Samarpan Quiz Contest. The Prime Minister Office tweeted; “PM @narendramodi completes 20 years as a head of Government today, 7th Oct. He has often described himself as a ‘Pradhan Sevak’, working for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Take this quiz on @mygovindia on various aspects of nation-building in these 20 years: https://t.co/nEYpBCltGN“
PM delivers keynote address at Bloomberg Global Business Forum

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York today. Addressing the prestigious gathering, the Prime Minister said that he would use this opportunity to talk about the future direction of India’s growth story. The Prime Minister said that India’s growth story was built on four pillars, namely Democracy, Demography, Demand and Decisiveness. Prime Minister noted that the Indian economy has benefited from the climate of political stability in the country. Prime Minister also highlighted global recognition of the successful reforms introduced by the Government. In this regard he mentioned the ten rank jump in the Logistics Performance Index, the thirteen point jump in the Global Competitiveness Index, the twenty four rank rise in Global Innovation Index; along side the sixty five rank improvement in the Ease of Doing Business index calculated by the World Bank. Prime Minister also spoke of the Bloomberg National Brand Tracker 2018 survey that recently ranked India as the top performing Asian economy in attracting global investment. In 7 out of 10 indicators of this report i.e. political stability, currency stability, high quality products, anti-corruption, low cost of production, strategic location and respect for IPRs, India has been ranked at the top position. On the technology and innovation front, the Prime Minister invited the global business community to invest in India and stated that their technology and India’s talent can together change the world; their scale combined with India’s skill-set can accelerate global economic growth. Prime Minister’s Keynote was followed by an interactive session with the founder of Bloomberg Mr. Michael Bloomberg.
PM Congratulates Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at Tokyo2020

Calls for keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges Thanks Government and people of Japan for hosting a well organised games The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at the games. As Tokyo2020 draws to a close, the Prime Minister said that every athlete who represented India is a champion. He said that the medals India has won has certainly made our nation proud and elated. At the same time, this is the time to keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges and gets the opportunity to represent India in the times to come. He also thanked Government and people of Japan for hosting a well organised games. “To host it so successfully, in such times, gave out a strong message of resilience. It also demonstrated how sports is a great unifier”, said the Prime Minister. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minster said: “As #Tokyo2020 draws to a close, I would like to congratulate the Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at the games. They personified the best of skill, teamwork and dedication. Every athlete who represented India is a champion. The medals India has won has certainly made our nation proud and elated. At the same time, this is the time to keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges and gets the opportunity to represent India in the times to come. #Tokyo2020 A special thank you to the Government and people of Japan, especially Tokyo for hosting the well-organised games. To host it so successfully, in such times, gave out a strong message of resilience. It also demonstrated how sports is a great unifier. #Tokyo2020”
PM meets Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President-elect of the UN General Assembly

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today received Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President-elect of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Lykketoft on his election as the President of the landmark 70th Session of the UN General Assembly which would begin with the UN Summit for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to participating in the Summit on 25 September 2015. He noted that many of the Sustainable Development Goals, which form the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were already being implemented through flagship programmes of Government of India, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities and Jan Dhan Yojna. Prime Minister emphasised that the 70th Session of the UNGA was a crucial moment for the UN. It would be important to ensure that the UN meets the high expectations of the people. In this regard, Prime Minister called for securing concrete outcome on the long-pending issue of reform of the UN Security Council, and strengthening the legal framework to combat terrorism through early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Mr. Lykketoft briefed Prime Minister on his priorities for the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly. In this regard, he specifically mentioned his priorities as renewing global partnerships for implementation of SDGs; climate change issues; improving the effectiveness of the UN contributions to international peace and security; and improved response to humanitarian situations. Mr. Lykketoft acknowledged that India, as one of the largest democracies in the world, and one of the biggest contributor to the UN Peacekeeping Operations should have greater role in the decision making bodies at the UN. Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to continue supporting the UN peacekeeping operations. Both exchanged views on the issues related to Climate Change and, in this context, expressed hope that the COP-21 Conference in Paris would come up with productive outcome to the satisfaction of the developing countries.
PM remembers the message of Lord Mahavir, on occasion of Mahavir Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has recalled the message of Lord Mahavir, on occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. “On Mahavir Jayanti I bow to the venerable Lord Mahavir, who showed the path of peace and welfare for entire humanity”, the Prime Minister said.
PM pays tributes to former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “On her death anniversary, paying tributes to India’s former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji.”
PM to inaugurate New Building for National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai tomorrow

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new building for National Museum of Indian Cinema tomorrow on January 19, 2018. He will visit the National Museum, and address the gathering. The National Museum of Indian Cinema has been set up to showcase the rich cinematic history of India as well as to encapsulate socio-cultural history of India as revealed through evolution of Cinema. tt will take the visitors through an absorbing journey of more than a century of Indian Cinema in a story telling mode with the help of visuals and graphics, film clippings, artifacts, publicity materials, interactive exhibits and many more. Located at Films Division Complex in South Mumbai, it is spread over two buildings, in the historic Gulshan Mahal and New Museum Building. The New Museum Building consists of four levels: Level 1 – Gandhi & Cinema, Level 2 – Children’s Film Studio, Level 3 – Technology, Creativity and Indian Cinema and Level 4 – Cinema across India. The New Museum Building will also have two Auditoriums, equipped with State-of-the-Art Digital Cinema Projectors and 7.1 surround sound system.
PM confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar prizes for 2016, 2017 and 2018, at an event in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Congratulating the award winners, the Prime Minister said that science, technology and innovation should be connected with the aspirations and requirements of the society. He said that our scientific institutions should align with future requirements and try to find solutions for local problems. The Prime Minister emphasized on the need for R&D in the new and emerging fields like Big Data, Machine Learning, Block Chain and Artificial Intelligence. He added that the National Mission on Inter Disciplinary Cyber Physical Systems will improve research and development in these fields. He asked the scientific community to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and develop technologies that will make India a global hub for manufacturing, knowledge and technology based industries. The Prime Minister hailed the world class achievements of the scientific community while working with limited resources. In this context, he mentioned about India’s hugely successful space programs of ISRO, exceptional growth of Indian pharmaceutical sector and various CSIR initiatives. Talking about the need to think beyond silos, Prime Minister said that scientists and researchers should have an inter-disciplinary approach. Such an approach will help in finding faster and better solutions for the various scientific questions, PM said. The Prime Minister said that the Union Government policies aim at takingadvantage of demography, democracy and demand in the country. He also mentioned about the various Government initiatives to foster innovation and strengthen the Science and Technology space in India. The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, is given annually to recognize outstanding Indian work in various disciplines of Science and Technology.
Cabinet approves rightsizing the Competition Commission of India

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for rightsizing the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from One Chairperson and Six Members (totalling seven) to One Chairperson and Three Members (totalling four) by not filling the existing vacancies of two Members and one more additional vacancy, which is expected in September, 2018 when one of the present incumbents will complete his term. Benefits: The proposal is expected to result in reduction of three Posts of Members of the Commission in pursuance of the Governments objective of “Minimum Government – Maximum Governance”. As part of the Governments objective of easing the mergers and amalgamation process in the country, the Ministry had revised de minimis levels in 2017, which have been made applicable for all forms of combinations and the methodology for computing assets and turnover of the target involved in such combinations, has been spelt out. This has led to reduction in the notices that enterprises are mandated to submit to the Commission, while entering into combinations, thereby reducing the load on the Commission. The faster turnaround in hearings is expected to result in speedier approvals, thereby stimulating the business processes of corporates and resulting in greater employment opportunities in the country. The proposal is expected to result in reduction of three Posts of Members of the Commission in pursuance of the Governments objective of “Minimum Government – Maximum Governance”. Background: Section 8(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (the Act) provides that the Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and not less than two and not more than six Members. Presently, the Chairperson and four Members are in position. An initial limit of one Chairperson and not more than ten Members was provided in the Act, keeping in view the requirement of creating a Principal Bench, other Additional Bench or Mergers Bench, comprising at least two Members each, in places as notified by the Central Government. In the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of 2007), Section 22 of the Act was amended removing the provision for creation of Benches. In the same Amendment Act, while the Competition Appellate Tribunal comprising one Chairperson and two Members was created, the size of the Commission itself was not commensurately reduced and was kept at one Chairperson and not less than two but not more than six Members. The Commission has been functioning as a collegium right from its inception. In several major jurisdictions such as in Japan, USA and U.K. Competition Authorities are of a similar size.
PM interacts with divyang artist Abhijeet Gotani from Assam

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has interacted with divyang artist Abhijeet Gotani from Assam. The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted; “Earlier today, Abhijeet Gotani from Assam met PM @narendramodi. He shares his experience from the memorable interaction…”
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bolivia in the field of Railways

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between India and Bolivia on cooperation regarding Bioceanic Railway Integration Corridor Project. The MoU will facilitate exchange of information, expert meetings, seminars, technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects. The MoU was signed in March, 2019.
Cabinet approves the Investment Proposal of Rs. 5281.94 crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Power Project

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the investment of Rs.5281.94 crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric (HE) Project located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, by a new Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be incorporated between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDC) with equity contribution of 51% and 49% respectively. Salient Features Government of India is also supporting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by providing grant of Rs. 776.44 crore for Equity contribution of JKSPDC in the JVC to be set up for construction of Ratle HE Project (850 MW). NHPC shall invest its equity Rs.808.14 crore from its internal resources. The Ratle Hydro Electric Project shall be commissioned within a span of 60 months. The Power generated from the Project will help in providing balancing of Grid and will improve the power supply position. Implementation Strategy Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to make the Project viable, will extend exemption from levy of Water Usage Charges for 10 years after commissioning of the project, reimbursement of State’s share of GST (i.e. SGST) and waiver of free power to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in a decremental manner, i.e., the free power to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir would be 1% in the 1st year after commissioning of the Project and rising @1% per year to 12% in the 12th year. Objectives The construction activities of the Project will result in direct and indirect employment to around 4000 persons and will contribute in overall socio-economic development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Further, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be benefitted by getting free power worth Rs. 5289 crore and through levy of Water Usage Charges worth Rs.9581 crore from Ratle Hydro Electric Project, during project life cycle of 40 years.
PM’s Departure Statement ahead of his visit to USA

I will be visiting USA from 22-25 September, 2021 at the invitation of His Excellency President Joe Biden of the United States of America During my visit, I will review the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with President Biden and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. I am also looking forward to meeting Vice President Kamala Harris to explore opportunities for cooperation between our two nations particularly in the area of science and technology. I will participate in the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit along with President Biden, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan. The Summit provides an opportunity to take stock of the outcomes of our Virtual Summit in March this year and identify priorities for future engagements based on our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. I will also meet Prime Minister Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Suga of Japan to take stock of the strong bilateral relations with their respective countries and continue our useful exchanges on regional and global issues. I will conclude my visit with an Address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues. My visit to the US would be an occasion to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with USA, consolidate relations with our strategic partners – Japan and Australia – and to take forward our collaboration on important global issues.
PM condoles the demise of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Kalikho Pul

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Kalikho Pul. “My thoughts are with the family and supporters of Kalikho Pul on his sad demise. His service to Arunachal Pradesh will be remembered”, the Prime Minister said.
PM appreciates creative artworks by students at his Bilaspur rally

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared creative artworks by two students at the Prime Minister’s address in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The Prime Minister thanked the students for the creative portraits. Quoting a tweet by a journalist, Dr Ashwini Sharma, the Prime Minister tweeted; “Creative…thank you Umang and Poonam.”
PM pays tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his death anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his death anniversary. “I bow to the great Babu Jagjivan Ram ji on his Punya Tithi. He constantly worked for the welfare of the underprivileged & marginalised”, the Prime Minister said.
PM condoles loss of lives due to fire tragedy in Kolkata

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to the fire tragedy in Kolkata. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to the fire tragedy in Kolkata. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
PM and Michael Bloomberg announce partnership to advance the Smart Cities Initiative

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and former Mayor of New York City, Mr. Michael Bloomberg, today announced a partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, to advance the “Smart Cities Initiative.” The Smart Cities Initiative is a historic effort to promote economic growth, improve governance, and deliver more effective and efficient public services to India`s urban residents. Under the partnership, Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide assistance to the Ministry of Urban Development to select cities for Smart Cities Mission funding on a continuous basis. This approach is different from the conventional approach, which involved preparation of Detailed Project Reports, and their appraisal and approval by the Central Government. It will ensure that real citizen engagement happens, as people get involved both in design and execution of city development plans. This will actualize the idea of cooperative and competitive federalism. The Prime Minister described the Smart Cities Initiative as a challenging task, which nevertheless has to be undertaken to improve the quality of life for India`s urban citizens with stakeholder`s participation.