PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
PM’s gifts to the Queen of Britain

The Prime Minister today presented Her Majesty The Queen some photographs taken 54 years ago from her first visit to India in January-February 1961 when she was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. During the visit, Her Majesty had also visited some other cities including Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Taken on January 31, 1961, the first photograph shows her visiting the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, one day after the commemoration of the 13th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The second photograph was taken on February 19, 1961 in Chennai, and shows Her Majesty at a reception in her honour by the then State of Madras where she was presented a cake to mark the first birthday of HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. The third photograph was taken on February 25, 1961 and shows Her Majesty riding an elephant in a procession to Balua Ghat in Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency. Another photo, taken on February 24, 1961, shows her visiting the Atomic Energy Centre at Trombay. In addition, the Prime Minister also presented to Her Majesty some award-winning Darjeeling tea from Makaibari tea estate in West Bengal, fine organic honey from Jammu and Kashmir, and Tanchoi stoles that are a specialty of Varanasi. January 31, 1961; Ahmedabad. Her Majesty visiting Sabarmati Ashram. February 19, 1961; Chennai. Her Majesty cutting a cake to celebrate the first birthday of Prince Andrew. February 25, 1961; Varanasi. Her Majesty riding an elephant in a procession from Nandesar Palace to Balua Ghat.
PM flags off Vande Bharat Express from Una in Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of the new Vande Bharat Express from Amb Andaura, Una to New Delhi, today. The Prime Minister inspected the train coaches of the Vande Bharat Express and took stock of the onboard facilities. Shri Modi also inspected the control centre of the locomotive engine of Vande Bharat Express. He also inspected Una railway station. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashvini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur when he arrived at Amb Andaura Railway Station in Una district of Himachal Pradesh. The introduction of the train will help boost tourism in the region and provide a comfortable and faster mode of travel. The travel time from Una to New Delhi will be reduced by two hours. Running from Amb Andaura to New Delhi, it will be the fourth Vande Bharat train to be introduced in the country and is an advanced version compared to the earlier ones, being much lighter and capable of reaching higher speeds in a shorter duration. Vande Bharat 2.0 is equipped with more advancements and improved features such as reaching a speed of 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 52 seconds, and a maximum speed of up to 180 kilometres per hour. The improved Vande Bharat Express will weigh 392 tons when compared to the previous version of 430 tons. It will also have a Wi-Fi content on-demand facility. Every coach has 32” screens providing passenger information and infotainment compared to 24” in the previous version. Vande Bharat Express will also be environmentally friendly as the ACs will be 15 per cent more energy efficient. With dust-free clean air cooling of the traction motor, travel will become more comfortable. A side recliner seat facility provided only to Executive Class passengers earlier will now be made available for all classes. Executive Coaches have the added feature of 180-degree rotating seats In the new design of Vande Bharat Express, a photo-catalytic ultraviolet air purification system is installed in the Roof-Mounted Package Unit (RMPU) for air purification. As recommended by Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, this system is designed and installed on both ends of RMPU to filter and clean the air free from germs, bacteria, viruses etc. coming through fresh air and return air. The Vande Bharat Express 2.0 offers a myriad of superior and aircraft-like travelling experiences. It is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art safety features including an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System – KAVACH.
PM meets President of Russian Federation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met President of Russian Federation H.E Mr. Vladimir Putin today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The leaders appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral ties, including contacts at various levels. President Putin expressed appreciation for Prime Minister’s video-message at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok earlier this month. The leaders discussed important issues of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of interest. Discussions also pertained to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geo-political situation. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy. This was the first meeting of both leaders this year, which marks the 75th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations. They agreed to remain in touch.
PM condoles loss of lives during NIM Uttarkashi mountaineering expedition due to avalanche

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives during NIM Uttarkashi mountaineering expedition due to an avalanche. The Prime Minister remarked that rescue operations are underway and the situation is being closely monitored by the authorities. The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted; “It is saddening that we have lost precious lives of those associated with a NIM Uttarkashi mountaineering expedition. Condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue operations are underway and the situation is being closely monitored by the authorities.”
Approval for Revised Project Cost and Extension of Contract for the Centralized Processing Center of the Income Tax Department at Bengaluru

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for extension of the contract for the Central Processing Centre (CPC) Project of the Income Tax Department at Bengaluru awarded to M/s Infosys Ltd by two years upto September 30th 2017. This would be after the end of the existing contract period on September 30th 2015 and for revision of the CPC project cost to Rs 1,078.59 crore. This decision has significant benefits for the Department and taxpayers, including, better taxpayer services, savings in interest outgo, better recovery of outstanding tax payments, and freeing up departmental manpower for handling higher scrutiny and investigation work. The decision will ensure horizontal equity by processing almost all returns filed by all categories of taxpayers across the country in a consistent, uniform, rule driven, identity blind manner. This will assure fairness in tax treatment to every taxpayer irrespective of their status. By faster processing of returns and issue of refunds to the taxpayer’s bank account directly without any interface with the Department, by adhering to international best practices and standards (ISO certification) and by providing processing status updates and speedy communication using email, SMS and on the Department website, the decision will ensure transparency and accountability. The proposal ensures the continuation of the Department`s goal towards business transformation through technology. The CPC has enabled end to end automation of all processes within the Department using various innovative methods to provide taxpayer services and to promote voluntary compliance.
PM extends best wishes to people of Odisha on Raja Parba

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to the people of Odisha on the auspicious occasion of Raja Parba. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Raja Parba. I pray for the good health and well-being of everyone.”
PM to visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu tomorrow

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu tomorrow – February 2nd, 2016. The Prime Minister will arrive in Kozhikode, where he will deliver an address at the Third Global Ayurveda Festival. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the building of the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Coimbatore, and hand it over to the Government of Tamil Nadu.
PM condoles the demise of TT champion Vishwa Deenadayalan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of TT champion, Vishwa Deenadayalan. Shri Modi said that Vishwa Deenadayalan was admired by fellow players and had distinguished himself in several competitions. In a tweet, Prime Minister said; “The demise of TT champion Vishwa Deenadayalan is shocking and saddening. He was admired by fellow players and had distinguished himself in several competitions. In this tragic hour my thoughts are with his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
PM participates in Kullu Dussehra

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Kullu Dussehra celebrations at the Dhalpur Ground of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh today. The Prime Minister was welcomed and facilitated upon his arrival. This was followed by the arrival of Bhagwan Raghunath Ji and it marked the commencement of the Rath Yatra. A huge crowd had gathered at the occasion to welcome the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister walked to the main attraction with lakhs of other devotees and paid his tributes to Bhagwan Raghunath. The Prime Minister greeted everyone present on the occasion with folded hands and witnessed the divine Rath Yatra along with the grand assembly of the deities in the historic Kullu Dussehra celebrations. A historic occasion, this was the first time ever that the Prime Minister of India had participated in the Kullu Dussehra celebrations. The International Kullu Dussehra Festival is to be celebrated from 5th to 11th October 2022 at Dhalpur Ground of Kullu. The festival is unique in the sense that it is the congregation of more than 300 Deities of the Valley. On the first day of the Festival, the Deities in their well-decorated palanquins pay their obeisance at the temple of the Chief Deity Bhagwan Raghunath Ji and then proceed to the Dhalpur Ground. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur, and BJP State President, Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap among others. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister had dedicated to the nation, AIIMS, Bilaspur. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects in Himachal Pradesh in Luhnu, Bilaspur.
PM pays tributes to Rabindranath Tagore on his Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid his tributes to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on his Jayanti. “Gurudev Tagore will always be remembered for his powerful thoughts and contribution to the freedom movement. Tributes to him on his Jayanti.”, the Prime Minister said.
PM to launch National Logistics Policy on 17th September

Policy to reduce the logistics cost by laying down an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional framework In line with PM’s vision of achieving efficiency and synergy by bringing all stakeholders together for holistic planning and implementation Policy to boost both Ease of Doing Business as well as Ease of Living Policy to complement PM GatiShakti Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch the National Logistics Policy (NLP) on 17th September, 2022 at 5:30 PM at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The need for a national logistics policy was felt since the logistics cost in India is high as compared to other developed economies. It is imperative to reduce the logistics cost in India for improving the competitiveness of Indian goods both in domestic as well as export markets. Reduced logistics cost improves efficiency cutting across various sectors of the economy, encouraging value addition and enterprise. Since 2014, the government has put significant emphasis on improving both Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. National Logistics Policy, a comprehensive effort to address issues of high cost and inefficiency by laying down an overarching interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional framework for the development of the entire logistics ecosystem, is yet another step in this direction. The policy is an endeavour to improve competitiveness of Indian goods, enhancing economic growth and increasing employment opportunities. It has been the vision of the Prime Minister to develop world class modern infrastructure through integration of all stakeholders in holistic planning and implementation so that efficiency and synergy is achieved in the execution of the project. The PM GatiShakti – National Master Plan for muti-modal connectivity – launched by the Prime Minister last year, was a pioneering step in this direction. PM GatiShakti will get further boost and complementarity with the launch of National Logistics Policy.
PM expresses grief at loss of lives in train accident in UP

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed grief at the loss of lives in the train accident in Uttar Pradesh and has wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister has asked the Railway Minister to closely monitor the situation and ensure speedy relief and assistance at the spot.
Cabinet approves allocation of 2.5 per cent of Central Road Fund for development and maintenance of National Waterways

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded its approval today to a proposal jointly mooted by the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) for amendment of Central Road Fund Act, 2000 to allocate 2.5 per cent of the proceeds of Central Road Fund (CRF) for development and maintenance of National Waterways (NWs) and a reduction in the share provided for development of National Highways. The Cabinet has also directed that while implementing viable National Waterways projects, all such components that can be done on PPP basis, should be explored accordingly and government funding may be used only if private investment is not forthcoming for any component The Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 would be moved by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in the ensuing Monsoon Session, 2017 of the Parliament. Impact:- An allocation of 2.5 per cent of CRF proceeds would provide approximately Rs.2000 crore per annum for the development and maintenance of NWs at existing rates of duties funding the CRF. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has estimated that approximately Rs. 25,000 crores would be required for development of identified projects on NWs till 2022-23. In this regard, works for construction of multi modal terminals, new navigation lock, River Information System, development of fairway etc., have already commenced under the Jal Marg Vikas Project being implemented on NW-1 (River Ganga). IWAI also has planned to undertake work on the development of 24 NWs during the next three years. It is estimated that 1.8 lakh persons would be provided employment in the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) sector in the next five years. New employment opportunities are expected to be generated for operation and management of fairway, terminals, aids to navigation, barges, training, etc. Further, development of additional 106 NWs will create additional job opportunities. Background:- The Government has been emphasizing the importance of developing Inland Water Transport Sector for the national economy. The National Waterways Act, 2016 for developing and maintaining the existing five NWs and new 106 NWs has been passed by Parliament and is now enforced. The arrangement approved by the Cabinet; would make available adequate and sustainable source of funding for NWs through institutional means of CRF. This is one more step towards promotion of Inland Water Transport sector as a cost effective, logistically efficient and environment friendly sector which would contribute in diverting traffic from the over congested roads and railways and offer an incentive and provide certainty for private companies to invest in the sector. It is estimated that a standard 2000 DWT vessel has the potential to transport 125 Truck Loads and almost one complete train rake (40 rail wagons) load on existing road and rail infrastructure.
PM condemns attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has condemned the attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir. “Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly”, the PM said.
PM condoles the loss of lives in Afghanistan due to avalanches

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in Afghanistan due to avalanches. “Heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in Afghanistan due to avalanches. India stands ready to assist in any way possible.”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves incorporation of Sagarmala Development Company

Government gives a push to port-led development The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the incorporation of Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) under the Companies Act, 2013. SDC will be under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping. It will provide equity support to the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and funding support to the residual projects under the Sagarmala Programme. SDC will be incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with an initial Authorized Share Capital of Rs. 1,000 Crore and a Subscribed Share Capital of Rs. 90 Crore. Implementation of the identified projects will be taken up by the relevant Ports, State Governments / Maritime Boards, Central Ministries, mainly through private or PPP mode, provide equity support for the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) set up by the Ports / State / Central Ministries window and /or implement only those residual p cannot be funded by any other means / mode. SDC will Identify port-led development projects and assist the project SPVs in project development and structuring activities, bidding out projects for private sector participation, putting in place suitable risk management measures for strategic projects cutting across multiple States / Regions and obtaining requisite approvals and clearances. Since the Identified projects will be undertaken by multiple agencies, SDC will also work as the nodal agency for coordination and monitoring of all the currently identified projects as well as other projects emerging from the master plans or other sources. SDC will undertake the preparation of the detailed master plans for the Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) identified as part of the NPP and provide a framework for ensuring the integrated development of Indian maritime sector. As part of the coastal community development objective of the Sagarmala Programme, the Ministry of Shipping is taking up a number of initiatives/projects. Notable among them are the coastal community skill projects and projects for development of marine fisheries sector. Skill development projects taken up’ include coastal dis
Former PM Shri H.D. Deve Gowda praises the PM for making of Statue of Unity

Former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda praised the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the making of the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in Gujarat. He also recalled that Ahmedabad airport was renamed as Sardar Vallabhai Patel International airport and Sardar Vallabhai Patel memorial was built in his home town in Nadiad, Gujarat in the past. These have been brought to a logical end by the construction of world’s tallest statue for the Iron Man of India. He also added that it had been made more attractive and indigenous and that is why people across the globe are visiting these places and enjoying the beauty of both the ‘Statue of Unity’ as well as ‘Sardar Sarovar Dam’. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness after former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda visited the Statue of Unity.
PM chairs meeting on Mission Swacch Bharat

• “Make Swacch Bharat a mass movement – link it to economic activity.” • “Mission Swacch Bharat to be launched on October 2nd with an aim to create a Clean India of Gandhiji’s dreams.” • “Let every citizen pledge to contribute 100 hours a year towards cleanliness.” • “Government Offices upto Panchayat level to conduct cleanliness drive from September 25th, till Diwali.” The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a high-level meeting on Mission Swacch Bharat today. He called for making Swacch Bharat a mass movement, and linking it to economic activity. Mission Swacch Bharat will be launched on October 2nd, with Gandhiji as the inspiration, to create a Clean India of Gandhiji’s dreams by the Mahatma’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019. The Prime Minister said all Government departments will actively participate in this mission. Government offices upto Panchayat level shall be involved in a cleanliness drive that shall be conducted from September 25th, till Diwali. If the people of India clean their homes in due course around Diwali every year, why can this attitude not be extended to overall cleanliness and Swacch Bharat, the Prime Minister asked, calling for a change in governance attitude towards hygiene and sanitation. He said the pursuit of cleanliness can be an economic activity, contributing to GDP growth, reduction in healthcare costs, and a source of employment. Linking cleanliness to tourism and global interest in India, the Prime Minister said world-class levels of hygiene and cleanliness are required in India’s top fifty tourist destinations, to bring about a paradigm shift in India’s global perception. The Prime Minister reiterated his vision of solid waste management and waste water management through the PPP model in 500 towns and cities across India. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Venkaiah Naidu and Shri Nitin Gadkari. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and other senior Government officials were present.
PM condoles the demise of Shri Cho Ramaswamy

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Shri Cho Ramaswamy. Cho Ramaswamy was a multidimensional personality, towering intellectual, great nationalist and fearless voice who was respected and admired. Above all, Cho Ramaswamy was a dear friend. I have been to his annual readers meeting which were an unprecedented editor reader interface. Cho Ramaswamy was insightful, frank brilliant. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and countless readers of Thuglak”, the Prime Minister said.
Call on Prime Minister by panelists of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on “Role of Indian Diaspora in Capacity Building for Affordable Solar Power”

The panelists of Pravasi Bharatiya Panel on “Role of Indian Diaspora in Capacity Building for Affordable Solar Power” called on Prime Minister today. The panelists included renowned experts, academicians, innovators, industrialists and entrepreneurs from Indian Diaspora and India. They presented the outcomes of their discussions over last two days in areas such utility scale solar, off-grid and microgrid solutions, solar storage, next generation solar technologies and innovative financing options for the renewable sector. Prime Minister welcomed the practical recommendations and directed Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to take forward these expert interactions and factor relevant outcomes in policy-making.