PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
Cabinet apprised of Joint Issue of Postage Stamps by India and South Africa

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of Joint Issue of Postage Stamps by India and South Africa on the theme “125th Year of Mahatma Gandhi’s Pietermaritzburg Station Incident & Birth Centenary of Nelson Mandela”. The MoU on the Joint Issue of Postage Stamp was signed on 24th July 2018. India and South Africa mutually agreed to jointly issue Postage Stamps on India-South Africa: Joint Issue on the theme “125th Year of Mahatma Gandhi’s Pietermaritzburg Station Incident & Birth Centenary of Nelson Mandela”. The Joint Stamps were released on 26th July 2018. The Commemorative Postage Stamps on the above theme depict images of “Mahatma Gandhi” of India and “Nelson Mandela” of South Africa.
H.E. Lt Gen (Res) Benjamin Gantz, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Israel calls on PM

H.E. Lt Gen (Res) Benjamin Gantz, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Israel, who is on an official visit to India, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. The leaders reviewed the rapid growth in defence cooperation between India and Israel over the past few years. Prime Minister encouraged Israeli defence companies to benefit from opportunities of co-development and co-production in India.
PM congratulates Indian cricket team for winning ICC U19 World Cup

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the ICC U19 World Cup. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Extremely proud of our young cricketers. Congratulations to the Indian team for winning the ICC U19 World Cup. They have shown great fortitude through the tournament. Their stellar performance at the highest level shows that the future of Indian cricket is in safe and able hands.”
Cabinet approves MoU signed between India and USA in the field of health sector

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding among the Department of Biotechnology, Government of the Republic of India (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), USA to contribute towards the development of new, improved and innovative biomedical tools and technologies to prevent and treat HIV, TB, Covid-19 and other emerging infectious and neglected diseases. This Memorandum of Understanding will further strengthen relations between India and the USA within the framework of international scientific and technological cooperation in fields of mutual interest.
PM received Her Excellency Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, today

Prime Minister thanked the EC President for consenting to deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue this year, and said that he looked foward to hearing her address later in the day. The leaders agreed that as large and vibrant democratic societies, India and Europe share similar values and a commonality of perspectives on many global issues. They reviewed the progress in the India-EU Strategic Partnership, including the forthcoming re-commencement of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement. It was agreed to institute a high-level Trade & Technology Commission to provide political-level oversight of all aspects of the India-EU relationship, and to ensure coordination between different areas of cooperation. The leaders had an extensive discussion on climate related issues, including on possibilities of collaboration between India and the EU in areas like Green Hydrogen. They also discussed the continuing challenges of COVID-19 and stressed efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and therapeutics to all parts of the world. In addition, several geo-political issues of topical importance were discussed during the meeting, including the situation in Ukraine and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM confers National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 Awards

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended the closing ceremony of National Youth Parliament Festival Awards 2019, at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. He conferred the National Youth Parliament Festival Awards 2019,and distributed the certificates to the winners. He also launched the Khelo India App at the event, which will provide information Congratulating the participants and winners of the National Youth Parliament Festival 2019, Prime Minister appreciated their energy and devotion. He said that the festival represents the image of a New India. He asked the youth to connect with the vision of New India. He added that the youth of the country should be prepared to play a bigger role for the development of the nation and the society The Prime Minister urged the youth of the country to develop better communication skills for the betterment of the society. He said that the words one speak may or may not be impressive but it should definitely be inspiring. He asked the youth of the nation to take up various issues and debate on it. Young people have the advantage of freshness and new ideas, enabling them to face new challenges more effectively, PM said. Prime Minister expressed hope that National Youth Parliament Festival platform would provide direction and shape to the energy of the youth and a better dialogue process. He said that such events would aid those aspiring to become Parliamentarians. Earlier, the award winners had the opportunity to share their thoughts with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also interacted with the participants of the festival. National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 has been jointly organised by National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the theme of ‘Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy’.
PM concludes his visit to Gujarat

Dedicates Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira to the nation Lays Foundation stone of a Cancer hospital at Navsari The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated L& T Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira to the nation today. He also visited the Complex and showed keen interest in the innovative spirit behind the project. Prime Minister also laid foundation stone of Nirali Cancer Hospital at Navsari. It will benefit people of the region in accessing preventive and curative aspects of cancer treatment. With this, PM has concluded his visit to Gujarat with Silvassa and Mumbai being the next destinations of the three day visit. Day 1 of PM visit to Gujarat was marked by the inauguration of the flagship Global Trade Show at the Exhibition centre in the run up to Vibrant Gujarat Summit. PM unveiled the state of art, super-speciality public hospital – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Ahmedabad. Addressing on the occasion, he said that in keeping up with its commitment towards equal opportunity for all and for the development – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas is the way forward for New India. Inauguration of Ahmedabad Shopping Festival-2019 at the Sabarmati Riverfront by the PM was yet another attraction. Speaking on the occasion, he said, the Government is constantly working to create a conducive environment for business in the country. Day-2 of PM visit to Gujarat marked the beginning of three day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2019. PM Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the Summit at Mahatma Mandir Exhibition cum Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. Addressing the Gathering on this occasion, he said doing business with India is a great opportunity. During this period, bilateral interactions of PM with the visiting President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Czech Republic Mr. Andrej Babis, Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Joseph Muscat and Prime Minister of Denmark Mr Lars Løkke Rasmussen was in the limelight on 18 January 2019. It was followed by 3D laser projection show at Dandi Kutir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Captains of industry announced a series of investment projects to mark the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and South Africa for cooperation in the field of Tourism

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa for cooperation in the field of Tourism. The MoU was signed on 08.07.2016. The main objectives of the MoU are: a) to expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector; b) to exchange information and data related to tourism ; c) to encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders, including hotels and tour operators. d) to establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development; e) Investing in the tourism and hospitality sector; f) to encourage visits of Tour Operators/Media/ Opinion Makers and tourists from both countries for promotion of two way tourism; g) to exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, education, marketing, destination development and management; h) to participate in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country; and i) to promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism. Background:- India and South Africa share and enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations. South Africa is an emerging tourism source markets for India (India received approximately 51922 tourists from South Africa in 2015). India has extended the Electronic Tourist Visa (eTV) facility for the South African Nationals which elicited good response from travel trade of both. The MoU will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this emerging source market.
Cabinet approves Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts

The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the payment of ex-gratia amount of Rs. 973.74 crore pertaining to remaining claims submitted by Lending Institutions (LIs) under Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts (1.3.2020 to 31.8.2020). Benefits: By granting ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest during the six month moratorium period to distressed/vulnerable category of borrowers, irrespective of whether the borrower had availed of moratorium or not, the scheme would equitably help small borrowers bear the stress on account of the pandemic and get back on their feet. Operational guidelines for the scheme are already issued with the approval of the Cabinet. The said amount of Rs. 973.74 crore will be disbursed in accordance with the said operational guidelines. S No Date of Clam Submission by SBI No. of lending Institutions No. of Beneficiaries Amount of Claim Received Amount Disbursed Pending Disbursement 1 23.3.2021 1,019 1406,63,979 4,626.93 4,626.93 – 2 23.7.2021 & 22.9.2021 492 499,02,138 1,316.49 873.07 443.42 3 30.11.2021 379 400,00,000 216.32 0 216.32 4 Resubmitted by SBI 101 83,63,963 314.00 – 314.00 Total 1,612 2389,30,080 6,473.74 5,500.00 973.74 Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts (1.3.2020 to 31.8.2020)” was approved by the Cabinet in October, 2020, envisaging therein an outlay of Rs. 5,500 crore. Following category of borrowers were eligible for ex-gratia payment under the scheme: • MSME loans up to Rs. 2 crore • Education loans up to Rs. 2 crore • Housing loans up to Rs. 2 crore • Consumer durable loans up to Rs. 2 crore • Credit card dues up to Rs. 2 crore • Auto loans up to Rs. 2 crore • Personal loans to professionals up to Rs. 2 crore • Consumption loans up to Rs. 2 crore Budget allocation of Rs. 5,500 crore was made for the scheme in FY 2020-2021. Whole amount of Rs. 5,500 crore, as approved by the Cabinet, has been disbursed to SBI, the nodal agency under the scheme, for consequent reimbursement to lending institutions. The estimated amount of Rs. 5,500 crore was arrived at by extrapolating the share of SBI and Scheduled Commercial Banks for the aforementioned category of loans. It was also apprised to the Cabinet that the actual amount would be known once individual lending institutions submit their pre-audited account-wise claims. Now, SBI has informed that it has received consolidated claims of Rs. 6,473.74 crore approx. from lending institutions. As Rs. 5,500 crore has already been disbursed to SBI, approval of the Cabinet is now being sought for balance amount of Rs. 973.74 crore.
PM’s meeting with Prime Minister of Finland

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Ms. Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland, in Copenhagen on the sidelines of the 2nd India-Nordic Summit. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the bilateral Virtual Summit held on March 16, 2021. Both leaders noted that areas like sustainability, digitalization and cooperation in science and education were important pillars of the bilateral partnership. They discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of new and emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, future mobile technologies, clean technologies and smart grids. Prime Minister invited Finnish companies to partner with Indian companies and take advantage of the enormous opportunities that the Indian market presents, particularly in telecom infrastructure and digital transformations. Discussions also took place on regional and global developments, and on greater cooperation in international organizations.
PM speaks to Kerala CM about heavy rains and landslides in Kerala

PM condoles loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Kerala The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has Spoken to Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. The Prime Minister has also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Authorities are working on the ground to assist the injured and affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. It is saddening that some people have lost their lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families.”
Delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians calls on PM

A delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. The delegation was led by Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, and included Mr. Motoo Hayashi and Mr. Tatsuo Hirano. The Prime Minister recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians’ Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. The Prime Minister also called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. The Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of Mr. Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by Tsunamis, and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management. The Prime Minister also said that he is looking forward to his visit to Japan next week.
PM to deliver inaugural address at National Metrology Conclave on 4 January

PM to dedicate National Atomic Timescale and Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya to the Nation PM to also lay Foundation Stone of National Environmental Standards Laboratory Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the National Metrology Conclave on 4th January 2021 via video conferencing. He will also dedicate ‘National Atomic Timescale’, and ‘Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya’ to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of the ‘National Environmental Standards Laboratory’. Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan will also be present on the occasion. The National Atomic Timescale generates Indian Standard Time with an accuracy of 2.8 nanosecond. Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya is supporting testing and calibration of laboratories for quality assurance, at par with international standards. The National Environmental Standards Laboratory will aid self-reliance in the certification of ambient air and industrial emission monitoring equipment. About the Conclave National Metrology Conclave 2021 is being organised by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, which is entering into its 75th year of inception. The theme of the conclave is ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’.
Cabinet approves the proposals for promulgation of:

1. the Daman and Diu Municipalities (Amendment) Regulation, 2018; 2. the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Municipal Council (Amendment) Regulation, 2018; and 3. the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Amendment Regulation 2018 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for promulgation of: (i) the Daman and Diu Municipalities (Amendment) Regulation, 2018; (ii) the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Municipal Council (Amendment) Regulation, 2018; and (iii) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Amendment Regulation 2018 Impact: It will help ensure better provisions for the constitution, administration and powers of the Municipalities in the Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Details: Provisions relating to anti-defection, constructive no confidence motion, establishment of ombudsman etc. will be inserted in “the Daman and Diu Municipalities Regulation, 1968”, “the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Municipal Council Regulation, 2004” and “the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Regulation, 1994, respectively. The regulations also include other amendments like (i)replacement of term ‘servant’ by ’employee’ to remove colonial connotation, (ii) provisions for voting through Electronic Voting Machines, (iii) making CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 applicable to penalty proceedings and (iv) revision in the amount of fines which were fixed many years back.
Telephone call between President Putin and Prime Minister

The President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Putin called Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today and congratulated him on his victory in the general elections. President Putin expressed his conviction that the Prime Minister would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the peoples of both countries and enhance the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that bindthe two countries together. Prime Minister thanked President Putin for his warm wishes and congratulatory words. He acknowledged the growing cooperation between both sides as well as his personal exchanges with President Putin over the last few months. Prime Minister conveyed that he looked forward to his forthcoming interactions with President Putin to further nourish and strengthen thetime-tested and longstanding bilateral partnership between India and Russia.
Amendments in the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015, as introduced in the Lok Sabha

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval to official amendments in the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015, as introduced in the Lok Sabha. The amendments will be as under: i. In Clause 10 to the Bill, the words, “Commercial Appellate Division” will be substituted by the words, “Commercial Division”. ii. First Proviso to Clause 7 of the Bill will also be amended to clarify that the said proviso will also be applicable to the pending cases. It would reduce burden on the Division Bench. Amendment in Proviso to Clause 7 of the Bill will bring more clarity about the said clause. The Amendments are likely to be introduced in the current session of Parliament. After amendment in Clause 10, all applications and appeals in Arbitration matters, which are filed in the High Court may be heard and disposed of by the Commercial Division in the High Court consisting of a single Judge Bench. Background: A Bill for replacement of Ordinance has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 07.12.2015. As provided in Clause 10(1) and (2) of the Bill, all applications and appeals in Arbitration matters, which are filed in the High Court are to be the heard and disposed of by the Commercial Appellate Division which consist of Two Judge Bench. Concerns have been expressed that it may overburden the High Courts. The Cabinet in its meeting held on held on 21st October, 2015, had approved the proposal for promulgation of the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Ordinance, 2015 and to introduce a Bill in the Parliament to replace the Ordinance. Accordingly, the President promulgated the Ordinance on 23.10.2015.
PM attends farewell programme hosted for President Shri Ram Nath Kovind in Parliament

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today attended the farewell programme hosted for President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in Parliament. In a tweet the Prime Minister said : “Earlier today, attended the farewell programme hosted for President Kovind Ji in Parliament. It was attended by Ministers and leaders from various parties.”
PM given presentation on Kyoto

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was today given a presentation on Kyoto, by the Mayor of the city, Daisaku Kadokawa. During the presentation, Mr. Kadokawa said that he was impressed with the Prime Minister’s vision of development. The Mayor explained how Kyoto, a city with 1200 years of history, had been able to conserve its heritage. The Prime Minister said India and Japan should work together to develop cultural heritage cities. “I would like to devote myself for the promotion of interaction between India and Japan,” Mr. Kadokawa said. The Prime Minister also met the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, Mr. Keiji Yamada. The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo this evening.
PM lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam, addresses large public meeting

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the Foundation Stone of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Gogamukh in Assam. Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the State Government in Assam and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the work done by them in the State. He said the foundation stone of IARI laid today, had the potential to impact the entire region in a positive way in the future. He said agriculture needs to be developed in line with the requirements of the 21st century. He added that farmers must benefit from the changing technology. He stressed on the need of modern agriculture and technological interventions, keeping in mind the specific needs of the region. The Prime Minister spoke of his vision of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. The Prime Minister said the Union Government had taken a number of steps for farmers’ welfare in the last three years. In this context he mentioned the soil health cards, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He spoke of the vast network of soil health laboratories being set up across the country, and the popularity of the Fasal Bima Yojana among farmers. The Prime Minister spoke of “Panch Tatva” – five elements to boost connectivity in the North-East: Railways, Highways, Airways, Waterways, and i-ways. He said his Government is working towards boosting prosperity and welfare of the people in the North-East through this “panch-tatva.”