ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Security breach during Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab
Today morning the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi landed at Bathinda from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out.
When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Marytrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police.
Around 30 kms away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the Prime Minister’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors.
The Prime Minister was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road , which were clearly not deployed.
After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport.
The Ministry of Home Affairs  taking cognisance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. The State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.
President's Secretariat
President of India’s Greetings on the Eve of Janmashtami
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Janmashtami has said:-
“On the joyous occasion of Janmashtami, I convey greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and abroad.
The life and teachings of Lord Krishna have a universal message- Nishkam Karma. Lord Krishna in his message has preached duty without thought of reward. May this festival inspire us to follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed”.
President's Message in Hindi
Election Commission
ECI to organize Two-Day Chief Electoral Officers’ Conference to review Poll Preparedness for the Lok Sabha Election 2019
The Election Commission of India is holding a two-day Conference on 11th & 12th January, 2019 of the Chief Electoral Officers  to review poll preparedness of the forthcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha, 2019. During the Conference, the Commission will discuss key issues related to poll preparedness such as Electoral Rolls, ERO Net, Polling Station arrangements, EVM-VVPAT preparations, Security Management, Accessibility to Persons with Disabilities, Voter Education, use of IT applications, provision for Budget, manpower and other resources and so on. Apart from reviewing the poll preparedness, the Commission will also discuss the takeaways and learnings from the recent poll gone States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana.
During the Conference, these CEOs will make their comprehensive presentations of their poll preparedness on all important parameters. The Commission desires from the CEOs that elections are made totally voter-friendly and accessible for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Gender. The Commission has already directed the CEOs to build a campaign on various media platforms to register eligible citizens and voters; provide every facility for search of their names through website, SMS gateway and through Voter Facilitation Centre at every ERO level. The Commission has also directed all States to activate the voter helpline centre 1950 so that the grievances of the voters are promptly redressed. During this Conference, the Commission would review the status of facilitation provided to voters by both online and offline methods. The Commission has already given a checklist to all CEOs on each important parameter and detailed report has been sought from them on each point of checklist. The Commission will also review the status of vulnerability mapping, security planning, availability of police forces and their requirement during forthcoming Lok Sabha Election.
AYUSH
WHO-GMP/COPP Certification for Ayurvedic Products
The Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd.   Mohan, Dist. Almora, Uttarakhand under the administrative control of Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has applied for “WHO-GMP/COPP certification for 18 Ayurvedic products. The application has been examined in the office of Drug Controller General  and joint inspection of the unit was carried out in the month of March, 2021 comprising of the officials from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization , Ministry of AYUSH and State Licensing Authority of Government of Uttarakhand. The observation of the joint inspection team has been communicated to IMPCL for early compliance. The WHO-GMP/COPP shall be issued by Drug Controller General  in accordance with the relevant provisions and guidelines.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ayush Shri Mahendrabhai Munjapara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Bureau of Indian Standards conducts enforcement raids in Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Large number of toys violating Toys  Order seized
Mumbai : 12 January 2023
Acting on information received regarding violation of Toys  Order, 2020 a team of officials  from Bureau of Indian Standards , Mumbai Branch Office-II, conducted two Enforcement Raids yesterday, 11.01.2023 at M/s. Dua Lima Retail Pvt Ltd, Inorbit Mall Vashi & M/s. Cross World Book Store Pvt Ltd, Inorbit mall, Vashi. The raids revealed that the companies were selling Non-ISI toys, which is in violation of Toys  Order. BIS is initiating action to file a case in the appropriate Court of Law.
As per Toys  Order all Toys shall be BIS certified as per IS 9873-1 & IS 15644 and shall possess standard mark with valid BIS license number on it. During the search and seizure operation, it was unearthed that the toys did not have the IS-9873-1 certification. A large number of such Toys found during the raid were seized and supporting evidence indicating that the firms were involved in selling these toys, which forms a violation of Clause 17 under BIS Act 2016, was collected. The clause prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, hiring, leasing, storing or exhibiting for sale, goods without a Standard mark, except under a valid license.
The Violation of QCO order is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of minimum Rs. 2, 00,000 or both under sections of BIS Act 2016.
All consumers are encouraged to use BIS CARE App  to find out the list of mandatory products which shall be BIS certified and also requested to ascertain the genuineness of ISI Mark on the product before making purchase, by visiting BIS website http://www.bis.gov.in. Citizens are requested that in case they come across any instance where mandatory products were being sold without BIS certification or misuse of ISI Mark on any product, the same may be informed to the Head, MUBO-II, Western Regional Office, BIS, 2nd Floor, NTH, F-10, MIDC, Andheri , Mumbai - 400 093. Such complaints can also be made by E-mail at the address hmubo2@bis.gov.in. The source of such information will be kept confidential.
About BIS
Bureau of Indian Standard  is National Standard Body of India, established under the BIS Act 2016. The main activities of BIS are, Standard Formulation, Product Certification, Laboratory Testing & System Certification. BIS is contributing to the national economy by providing safe, reliable and quality goods, minimizing health hazards to consumers, protecting the environment etc. The standards and product certification schemes of BIS apart from benefiting the consumer and industries, also support various public policies especially product safety, consumer protection, food safety, environment protection, building and construction etc.
Source : BIS
GSK/PM
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Focus on Banning Single-use Plastic in the Country to Make Environment Clean While Observing the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma
Kolkata, October 2, 2019
Single-use Plastic should be banned in the country to make environment clean and green. The idea has been thrusted upon today while discussing on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘Swacchata Hi Seva’ in a programme organised jointly by Regional Outreach Bureau , Press Information Bureau  and Publications Division, Kolkata while celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma. The programme was inaugurated by Additional Director General , PIB, Kolkata Ms Jane Namchu, who is also the head of the West Bengal region of ROB.
Speaking on the occasion Ms Namchu delineated the philosophy of Mahatma in keeping the environment pollution-free and also the Union Government’s initiative to make the country free from open defecation.
Dr Amitabha Aich, Senior Science Consultant , South Asian Forum for Environment  emphasised upon stopping the selling of thermocol  plates, cups & cutlery made of polypropylene and encourage alternatives for them. He even pointed out that use of micro-plastic in detergents, toothpastes needs to be banned also along with the use of packaged food items like milk, saline, pet bottles and medicines.
Professor Supriya Munshi, former Director Secretary, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Barrackpore, said, Mahatma Gandhi not only offered an alternative system or philosophy, but the right humane methodology to achieve it- Satyagraha to fight injustice, oppression and exploitation.
Shri Arup Rakshit, the head of Mahatma Gandhi Gramodyog Seva Sangsthan , said, his organisation is attempting to enhance the use of ‘Charkha’ in society and thereby reducing the possibilities of increasing pollution. Smt Ruby Rakshit and Kumari Prerna Rakshit demonstrated weaving through Charkha to the audience.
An exhibition on 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji was also organised in the office of ROB.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot unveils life size painting of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at DAIC, New Delhi
In order to mark the “Mahaparinirvan Diwas” of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on 06th December, 2018, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot and the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Vijay Sampla unveiled a life size painting of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre , 15 Janpath, New Delhi.
Ministry of Tourism
More than Rs. 220 crore sanctioned to Nagaland under PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan Schemes for development of tourist destinations: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
An amount of Rs.220.76 crore has been sanctioned to the State of Nagaland for the development of tourist destinations under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme since 2018-21.
Molungkimong, Noksen, Aizuto, Kohima & Vankhosung has been covered under PRASHAD Scheme and Paren-Kohima-Wokha as well as Mokokchung-Tuensang- Mon covered under the Tribal Circuits of Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry.
This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
A new study will help accurate estimation of black carbon over the Himalaya, a key contributor to global warming & improve weather & climate predictions
Accurate estimation of black carbon , the second most important global warming pollutant after CO2, will now be possible using optical instruments in the Himalayan region. Thanks to a parameter called the mass absorption cross-section  specific to the Himalayan region that scientists have estimated. It will also improve the performance of numerical weather prediction and climate models.
Scientists at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology , Govt. of India, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Delhi, IIT Kanpur and Space Physics Laboratory, ISRO have made extensive observations of black carbon and elemental carbon and estimated monthly and wavelength-dependent values of MAC over the central Himalayan region for the first time.
The researchers have derived the values of MAC – an essential parameter which is used for obtaining Black Carbon mass concentrations. In a study published in ‘Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences’ led by Priyanka Srivastava, along with her Ph.D. supervisor Dr. Manish Naja, have calculated the annual mean value of MAC  and found it to be significantly lower than the constant value  used earlier. These lower values are a result of transport of processed  air pollution emissions at this otherwise clean site. The study also revealed that these estimated MAC values show significant seasonal variation, spanning over a range of 3.7 to 6.6 m2 g− 1 at 880 nm. It is found that these changes are caused by the seasonal variability of biomass burning, air mass variation, and meteorological parameters.
According to the ARIES team, these higher resolutions multi-wavelength and long-term observations used in calculating MAC will help improve the performance of numerical weather prediction and climate models in estimating the warming effects caused by BC emissions. The precise knowledge on BC at various wavelengths will help in source apportionment studies done to constrain the sources of BC emissions. This can thus serve as important information to form the mitigation policies.
Figure 1:  Variations in monthly average equivalent black carbon  concentrations during the 2014–2017 period using the presently derived site and month specific MAC  and standard MAC of 16.6 m2 g− 1 . Error bars in the plot represent one sigma standard variation.  Enhancement in radiative forcing is also shown in right figure.
Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13143-021-00241-6.
For more details, Dr. Manish Naja  can be contacted.
Department of Space
Private Sector Participation in Space Sector
Government has created Indian National Space, Promotion &Authorization Centre , under Department of Space to encourage, promote and hand hold the private sector for their participation in Space Sector. Private players will also be able to use ISRO infrastructure through INSPACe.The decision of Government was conveyed to the Members of the scientific community elaborately, and scientific community welcomed the Government decision.
The role of New Space India Limited  in the post reformed space sector would be to build launch vehicles, providing launch services, build satellites, providing space based services, technology transfers, etc.
There are more than 500 companies that partner with ISRO in carrying out space activities. The broad areas and sectors covered by private companies are- providing materials, mechanical fabrication, electronic fabrication, system development, integration, etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
In another question regarding involvement of private initiative in space exploration, DrJitendra Singh said that Government would allow them to utilize those infrastructures of ISRO which are otherwise not available elsewhere in India and there will be reasonable charges for utilization of Government infrastructure which will be varying depending on the requirement.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
|
|
- 199.47 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,39,073
- Active cases stand at 0.32%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.48%
- 16,994 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,30,45,350
- 20,038 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 86.86 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,50,820 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
Press Information Bureau
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
Delay in Census 2021
The intent of the Government for conducting Census 2021 was notified in Gazette of India on 28th March, 2019. Due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed until further orders. The date of freezing the boundaries of administrative units has been extended upto 31.12.2022.
Mobile and Web applications for collection of data and a Portal  for management and monitoring of various Census related activities have been developed. An expenditure of Rs. 24.84 crore has so far been incurred on development of mobile applications, web applications, CMMS portal and related activities.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
The details of road length constructed by Border Roads Organisation  during last three years, state-wise, are as under:
|
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Sl No
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|
State / UT
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|
Road Length Completed 
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|
2018-19
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2019-20
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|
2020-21
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|
1.
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|
A& N Island
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|
1.77
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2.43
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|
1.83
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|
2.
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Arunachal Pradesh
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|
93.24
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|
102.14
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149.98
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|
3.
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Himachal Pradesh
|
|
28.84
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|
36.23
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55.17
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|
4.
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Manipur
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|
6.87
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|
6.25
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|
7.88
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|
5.
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|
Mizoram
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|
10.00
|
|
13.76
|
|
10.36
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|
6.
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|
Nagaland
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|
13.75
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|
12.49
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|
15.75
|
|
7.
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Rajasthan
|
|
81.44
|
|
83.60
|
|
107.99
|
|
8.
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|
Sikkim
|
|
37.15
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|
39.38
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|
69.46
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|
9.
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Uttarakhand
|
|
52.84
|
|
83.71
|
|
144.41
|
|
10.
|
|
UT of J&K
|
|
119.73
|
|
96.86
|
|
135.04
|
|
11.
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|
UT of Ladakh
|
|
102.14
|
|
145.25
|
|
135.49
|
|
12.
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
13.23
|
|
Total
|
|
547.77
|
|
622.10
|
|
846.59
No complaints have been received by Government regarding dilapidated condition of roads maintained by the Border Roads Organisation.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shrimati Sarmistha Sethi in Lok Sabha on February 11, 2022.
ABB/Nampi/Savvy
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Naxal Activities
The security forces have achieved considerable success in operations against Left Wing Extremists which is reflected in a significant improvement in the situation both in terms of reduction of violence and its geographical spread. The number of violent incidents has come down to 908 in 2017 from a high of 2258 in 2009. The geographical spread of violence has also shrunk considerably.
90 districts in 11 States are currently covered by the Security Related Expenditure Scheme. Changes in areas of operation are resorted to from time to time by the Left Wing Extremists as part of their tactics. These are mostly undertaken to deflect pressure on armed cadres in their core areas. Over the past few years, there have been some effort by the CPI to expand their activities to the Kerala-Karnataka-Tamil Nadu tri-junction and Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh tri-junction with limited success. Districts which have been particularly affected are Wayanad, Palakkad and Malappuram, all in Kerala on the Kerala-Karnataka-Tamil Nadu tri-junction and Balaghat, Mandala in Madhya Pradesh, Gondia in Maharashtra and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh on the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh tri-junction.
The Government has a holistic approach towards combating LWE wherein it supplements the efforts of the State Governments over a wide range of measures. A National Policy and Action Plan has been put in place that envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, developmental interventions and ensuring rights & entitlements of local communities etc. Development initiatives include focused schemes for development of roads, installation of mobile towers, skill development, improving network of banks and post offices, health and education facilities, particularly in the most affected districts. These measures have contributed towards weaning away the people from Maoist influence and increased support for the Government.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
DGQA’S Role in MoD Schemes for Incentivizing Defence Manufacturing
DGQA had conducted a seminar on the Role in MoD Schemes for Incentivizing Defence Manufacturingon 07 Feb 2020 at DefExpo 2020 to discuss various Schemes of Defence Ministry to facilitate the domestic defence industry. The seminar had highlighted and showcased the following new Schemes launched / being launched by the Department of Defence Production.
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: This Scheme aims at inculcating IP culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem. An Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell  has been constituted which has trained more than 15,000 people on IPR and enabled filing of more than 1000 new IPR applications.
Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme : This Scheme will facilitate in setting up 6 to 8 state-of-the-art test facilities by providing a Grant-in-Aid of Rs 400 Cr. This will provide a major impetus for domestic defence industries as defence testing and certification infrastructure is not available which is necessary requirement for manufacture and production.
Proof Ranges: DGQA has made available proof ranges and laboratories to the private industry for carrying out dynamic proof trials and development activities at nominal costs.
Self-Certification & Green Channel: Accord of Green Channel Status and self-certification to qualifying Indian firms is expected to cut down inspection timelines and costs in the foreseeable future. These schemes are meant to target mature products where domestic defence industry has gained reasonable expertise in the technology deployed.
Defence Export Promotion Scheme : The DEPC has been launched with an objective to provide an opportunity for indigenous manufacturers to market their products globally and to enhance annual defence exports to Rs 35,000 crores by 2025.
Third Party Inspection Scheme: Under this Scheme manufacturers have the option to undertake inspection through Third Party agencies for non-critical defence stores manufactured by the private industry within India.
DGQA in partnership with BDL and C-DAC is showcasing the Evolutionary and Innovative Implementation of Industry 4.0 by use of IoT, Blockchain, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Production and Quality Assurance of KONKURS-M Missile Launcher at DefExpo 2020. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was shown a VR clip of the project and given a brief on the Unique Enterprise Solution during his visit to the India Pavilion on 05 Feb 2020.