PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
PM reviews implementation of PM-SVANidhi Scheme

The scheme should not be just seen from the perspective of extending loans but as part of an outreach to the street vendors for their holistic development and economic upliftment: PM Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the implementation of PM-SVANidhi Scheme of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs earlier today. It was informed over 2.6 lakh applications have been received, over 64,000 have been sanctioned and over 5,500 have been disbursed. He expressed satisfaction on use of end-to-end IT solution through a web-portal and mobile App for administration of the Scheme to ensure transparency, accountability and speed. While noting that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is working on a complete IT solution including mobile application for seamless implementation of the scheme, Prime Minister said that the scheme design should incentive use of end-to-end digital transactions by the street vendors. This should cover the entire gamut of their business – from procurement of raw material to collection of sale proceeds. Appropriate incentives and trainings should be conducted for this purpose. Use of digital payments would also help build a credit profile for the street vendor helping them in future financial needs. Prime Minister said that the scheme should not be just seen from the perspective for extending loans to street vendors. It should also be seen as a part of an outreach to the street vendors for their holistic development and economic upliftment. One step in this direction would be by capturing their entire socio-economic details to facilitate necessary policy interventions. Such data could also be used by different Ministries of Government of India to benefit them under various Schemes for which they are eligible, on priority. These include housing under PMAY-U, cooking gas under Ujjawala, electricity under Saubhagya, health under Ayushman Bharat, skilling under DAY-NULM, Bank account under Jan Dhan etc. Background Government of India has launched PM SVANidhi Scheme to facilitate collateral free working capital loan upto Rs.10,000/- of one-year tenure, to approximately, 50 lakh street vendors, to resume their businesses. Incentives in the form of interest subsidy (@ 7% per annum) and cash back (upto Rs.1,200/- per annum) are being provided to promote good repayment behaviour and digital transactions respectively. The interest subsidy effectively works out to 30 % of the entire interest burden for a loan of Rs. 10,000 @ 24 % annual interest. Therefore, in effect the vendor does not pay any interest, rather gets a subsidy on the loan amount if he repays in time and uses digital transactions for all receipts and payments. The scheme entails enhanced next tranche of loan on early or timely repayment. Loan processing has begun since July 02, 2020 through an IT platform “PM SVANidhi” with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which is the implementing agency for the scheme administration.
UN Secretary General Calls on PM

H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, earlier today in Kevadiya, Gujarat. Prime Minister and the UNSG jointly offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity. During his meeting with Prime Minister, the UN Secretary General expressed his appreciation for India’s ambitious initiatives in the area of climate action, particularly through the launch of Mission LiFE, as a global mass movement to achieve sustainable lifestyle change. Prime Minister and the UNSG also discussed global and regional issues, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The UNSG welcomed India’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 and underscored that the United Nations System would work together with India in facilitating transfer of technologies and finance for the benefit of developing countries. Prime Minister thanked UNSG for commencing his visit to India by paying homage to victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and his strong message on countering terrorism.
PM’s bilateral meetings on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today met the President of Guyana Donald R Ramotar, on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinagar. The Prime Minister recalled his interaction with South American leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in 2014, and said India would set up its first IT Centre of Excellence on the South American continent, in Guyana. India has approved a new Line of Credit of USD 50 million for the East Bank Demerara -East Coast Road Link Project. India has also agreed to concessional credit to supply a passenger ferry to help Guyana overcome transportation problems in the northern region. During his meeting with the Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius, Showkatally Soodhun, the Prime Minister congratulated the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth on his recent election victory and renewed an invitation to him to visit India. Sir Anerood Jugnauth has also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Mauritius. Both sides expressed keenness to enhance cooperation in infrastructure projects and matters related to ocean economy. During his meeting with Mrs. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Foreign Minister of South Africa, recalled that today was the Founding Day of the African National Congress. He also recalled the common heritage of the two countries, including struggle against colonial rule. Both sides are keen to deepen cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure and defence manufacturing; and to strengthen partnerships in multilateral fora.
PM greets people on Nuakhai Juhar

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai Juhar. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “The special occasion of Nuakhai is about celebrating the hardwork of our farmers. It is due to their efforts that our nation is fed. May this auspicious day bring prosperity and good health for everyone. Nuakhai Juhar!”
PM condoles demise of noted Kannada writer and poet Shri Chennaveera Kanavi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of noted Kannada writer and poet, Shri Chennaveera Kanavi. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Shri Chennaveera Kanavi’s sublime poetry and writings have enriched Kannada literature for decades. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
PM expresses joy on UN declaring 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has welcomed the UN decision of declaring 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga.’ “Elated! Have no words to describe my joy on the UN declaring 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga.’ I fully welcome the decision. I profusely thank all 177 Nations across the world who co-sponsored the resolution to declare 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga.’ Countless people across the world made Yoga an integral part of their lives. Congrats to them! This will inspire many more people towards Yoga. Yoga has the power to bring the entire humankind together! It beautifully combines Gyan (knowledge), Karm (work) and Bhakti (devotion),” said the Prime Minister. Shri Modi also shared a link of his speech from 2013 in which he talked about various aspects of Yoga and its uniqueness. The Speech can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxVHm0jHUyk&feature=youtube_gdata
This is the century of digital revolution and new age innovations: PM Modi

PM calls for collaboration among BIMSTEC nations to make this century a century of Asia Lauds vibrant energy in the startup space in BIMSTEC countries The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has said that it is for BIMSTEC nations to make this century the century of Asia as they are one fifth of humanity and have the collectively strength of 3.8 trillion dollar GDP. He was addressing ‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’ today via video conferencing. The Prime Minister, noted the vibrant energy in the startup space in BIMSTEC countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. The Prime Minister noted that this century is a century of digital revolution and new age innovations. This is also the century of Asia. Therefore, it is the demand of our time that future technology and entrepreneurs should come from the region. For this, the Prime Minister stressed, that Asian counties who have will for collaboration should take responsibility and come together. There is a shared heritage of culture, civilization and relations in these countries. We share our thoughts, our ideas and wellbeing, therefore our success will also be shared. This responsibility, naturally falls on BIMSTECF countries as we work for one fifth of humanity, said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister saw new possibilities in the impatience, energy and eagerness of the youth of the region. That’s why, he said, he called for collaboration for technology and innovation at BIMSTEC summit in 2018 and proposed a BIMSTEC Start Up Conclave. Today’s Startup India International conclave is a step in the direction of fulfilling that pledge, the Prime Minister said. Shri Modi outlined the ongoing steps in enhancing connectivity and business relations among the countries of the region. He recalled that BIMSTEC Ministers participated in India Mobile Congress in 2018 to promote digital connectivity. Similarly collaboration is on in sectors like defence, disaster management, space, agriculture and business. “Strong relations in these areas will benefit our startups leading to a value creation cycle, meaning, deepening ties in fields like infrastructure, agriculture and business will create new opportunities for our startups which in turn lead to growth in these sectors”, hoped Prime Minister Modi.
PM salutes the courage and indomitable spirit of Indian Armed Forces, on Vijay Diwas

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the courage and indomitable spirit of Indian Armed Forces, on Vijay Diwas. “Today, on Vijay Diwas we salute the courage and indomitable spirit of our armed forces. Their service to India is unparalleled”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet apprised about MoU between India and Morocco to promote exchange of information and technical cooperation in the field of Housing and Human Settlement

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India and Morocco to promote exchange of information and technical cooperation in the field of Housing and Human Settlement. Implementation of the MoU would strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Housing & Human Settlement. Both countries will cooperate to address the challenges faced by cities, with the aim of promoting sustainable inclusive urban growth, whilst improving commercial and trade relations between the two countries. This will primarily include, but not limited to, low cost and mass affordable housing, water supply and sanitation, urban transport and smart cities development.
PM condoles the demise of Narayanbhai Desai

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Shri Narayanbhai Desai. “Narayanbhai Desai will be remembered as a scholarly personality who brought Gandhi ji closer to the masses. Sad to hear of his demise. Rest in Peace”, the Prime Minister said.
15th G20 Leaders’ Summit

1. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, participated in the 15th G20 Summit convened by Saudi Arabia in virtual format, on 21-22 November, 2020. The agenda of the second day of the G 20 summit focused a session on building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future and a side event on safeguarding the planet. 2. The Prime Minister in his speech underscored that for inclusive, resilient and sustainable recovery in a Post COVID world, effective global governance is required and reformed multilateralism through improvement in character, governance and processes of multilateral institutions is the need of the hour. 3. The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ‘leaving no one behind’. He said that India is following the same principle in the ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’ strategy to move forward and inclusive development efforts that are participative. 4. With the changing situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that India has adopted a ‘Self Reliant India’ initiative. Following this vision, based on its competence and dependability, India will become an important and reliable pillar of World Economy and Global Supply Chains. At a global level, India also took the initiative of establishing institutions such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. 5. In a recorded message at a side event on ‘Safeguarding the planet’ the Prime Minister spoke about the need to fight Climate Change in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic manner. He said that India is not only meeting Paris Agreement targets, but will be exceeding them. He emphasized that India has been inspired by its traditional ethos of living in harmony with the environment and has adopted a low carbon and climate resilient development approach. He said, for humanity to prosper, every single individual must prosper and that we should not merely see labour as a factor of production. Instead, we should focus on human dignity of every worker. Such as approach, he stated, would be the best guarantee for safeguarding our planet. 6. The Prime Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting a successful Riyadh Summit and welcomed Italy as it takes over the G20 presidency in 2021. It was decided that the G20 Presidency will be held by Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024. 7. At the end of the Summit, a G20 Leaders’ Declaration was issued which called for coordinated global action, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation to overcome the current challenges and realize opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping new frontiers.
PM addresses Officers, Soldiers and Air Warriors of the Indian Armed Forces at Leh; Condemns Pakistan’s proxy war

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed officers, soldiers and air warriors of the Indian Army and Air Force at Leh. He condemned the continuing proxy war by Pakistan. He said that the neighbouring country has lost the strength to fight a conventional war, but continues to engage in the proxy war of terrorism. The Prime Minister said the Indian Armed Forces are suffering more casualties from terrorism than from war. He said this is a global problem and all humanitarian forces of the world should unite to fight it. India is committed to strengthening and uniting these humanitarian forces. The Prime Minister said India is committed to strong armed forces, well-equipped with modern arms and technology. He said that the jawans should be assured that the entire country supports them. In an emotional vein, Shri Narendra Modi said soldiers remain undeterred in spite of the many negatives and struggles that their families face in day-to-day life. The Prime Minister said that this energy and sense of duty inspires him and therefore, he keeps visiting jawans on the border to seek inspiration. The Prime Minister said that our armed forces deployed in border areas are well-connected with the people who live there. He highlighted the example of the Kargil infiltrations, about which the first information was given to our armed forces by a shepherd named Tashi Namgyal. The Prime Minister mentioned provisions made in the recent Union Budget towards the modernization and welfare of the armed forces, including ‘One Rank One Pension’. He also promised that the National War Memorial would be built and would inspire future generations of India. He said that the government is committed to make India self-reliant in defence manufacturing. Later, writing in the Visitor’s Book at Leh Auditorium, Shri Narendra Modi said that peace and security is a pre-requisite for development. The Prime Minister also interacted with jawans. The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri N N Vohra, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Omar Abdullah, the MoS (I/C) for Power Shri Piyush Goyal, the National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, and the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh were present on the occasion.
Agreement between the India and Russia for cooperation on a coordinated grant competition for conducting basic and exploratory scientific research

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about signing of an agreement between India and Russia in May 2015. The Agreement provides for competitive research grants to Indian and Russian researchers for joint implementation of research projects in areas of Basic and Exploratory Sciences. The Agreement is valid for a period of six years and could be extended through mutual consent between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Russian Science Federation (RSF). This competition would be conducted in the areas of Mathematics, Computer & System Science; Physics & Space Science; Chemistry & Material Science; Biology and Life Science; Basic research for Medicine, Agricultural Science, Earth Science and Engineering Science. Decision to identify research projects for funding would be taken jointly by DST and RSF. The results of this cooperation will lead to generation of new knowledge, joint scientific publications, manpower training and IP generation through collaboration.
PM greets former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh on his birthday

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his birthday. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Birthday greetings to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray to Almighty that he is blessed with a long and healthy life.”
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Occupational Safety and Health

The Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The MoU was renewed on 13thNovember 2018. Benefits: The collaboration till date has immensely helped in adopting the modern training techniques and tolls on various aspects of Occupational Safety and Health in different sectors of economic activity. Under the MoU, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) through the International Social Security Association (ISSA) is bringing in knowhow to meet the OSH challenges, especially in the construction and manufacturing sector. Also, it will benefit the large work force by improving their safety and health, and preventing occupational injuries and diseases. The cooperation is expected to result in capacity building of Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), the technical arm and attached office of Ministry of Labour, India & Chief Inspector of Factories Officers (CIFs) in the field of OSH, Strengthening of Inspection system for meeting emerging challenges, upgradation of laboratories for carrying out applied research in the area of OSH, Development of OSH Standards and development in Safety Culture for enhancing the well-being of the Indian workforce.
Approval for improved VRS for the employees of Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited and restructuring of the company through JV

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the introduction of an improved Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for the employees of Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited (HDPEL) and restructuring of the company through a Joint Venture (JV). The improved VRS package is based on IDA 2007 linked pay scale. The improved VRS Scheme would be open for three months with a provision of extension by another one month. After the implementation of the improved VRS, JV formation with the private sector would be attempted failing which the company would be disinvested. Implementation of the improved VRS package would substantially reduce the manpower of HDPEL and would help in downsizing. Thereafter, HDPEL would become amenable to re-structuring. The current VRS package is at the old pre-revised scale, therefore, implementation of an improved VRS package would provide better retirement benefits to the HDPEL employees who opt for it. This decision will take care of employees’ welfare as well as prevent recurrent loss to the public exchequer. Background:- The HDPEL was established in 1819. Subsequently, in 1973, it merged with Port Engineering Works, which had been under the control of Andrew Yule Ltd. The Company was nationalized in 1984 as per the Hooghly Dock & Engineer Company (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertaking) Act, 1984 and was renamed as Hooghly Dock & Port Engineers Ltd. The HDPEL has two units, one in Salkia and another in Nazirgunge located on the banks of the Hooghly River. However, both units of the company have been suffering heavy losses.
PM to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand tomorrow

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand tomorrow. He will dedicate to the Nation, the Harmuti-Naharlagun Rail Line, and flag-off two trains:- (a) AC express between Naharlagun and New Delhi, and (b) Inter-City Express between Naharlagun and Guwahati, at a function in Itanagar tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Festival of Arunachal 2015. He will inaugurate a water supply scheme for Itanagar, and lay the Foundation Stone for a 132 KV Transmission Line. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a new railway line from Hazaribag to Kodarma. The function will be held at Hazaribag.
Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Greece

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece. The Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries bringing it in tune with the 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. The essential features of the ASA are as follows: i. Both countries shall be entitled to designate one or more airline. ii. The designated airlines of either country shall have the right to establish offices in the territory of the other country for the promotion end sale of air services. iii. The designated airlines of the two countries shall have fair and equal opportunity to operate the agreed services on specified routes. iv. The designated Airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and third country, v. As per the Route Schedule, the Indian carriers can operate to Athens, Thessaloniki, HerakIion and any 3 points to be specified later in Greece from points in India, whereas the carriers of Hellenic Republic can establish direct operation to 6 metros viz. New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennal. Any points shall be available as intermediate and beyond point for the designated carriers of India as well as the designated carriers of Greece. At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations of two sides met in New Delhi on 6-7th September, 2016 and finalized the text of ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) template keeping in view the latest developments in civil aviation sector and with an objective to improve the air connectivity between the two countries.