ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Tomar to inaugurate the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela
Big fair organized by IARI in Delhi from March 2 to 4
The theme of the fair is “Nutrition, Food and Environment Safety by Shree Anna”
The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, organized every year by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute , will be held in New Delhi from 2 to 4 March 2023, which will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. This time the theme of the fair is “Nutrition, Food and Environmental Protection with Shree Anna”.
IARI Director Dr. A.K. Singh said that the main attractions of the fair this year will Technical Sessions on important and contemporary issues in Agriculture, development of Shree Anna based value chain under International Year of Millets, Smart Farming/Protected Farming Model, Climate Friendly and Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing and Exports, Farmers' Innovations – Potential and Problems, Farmer Producer Organizations  – Startup linkages. Thematic exhibitions of key technologies will also be organized, while stalls of research institutes, startups and entrepreneurs will be set up. Shree Anna based stall will educate about different types of Shree Anna, their cultivation practices, value addition and nutritional value. Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad as well as VPKAS Almora, CAZRI Jodhpur and S.K.N. Agricultural University, Jobner, which are involved in research on Shree Anna, will also participate in the fair. Agri-startups, especially Shree Anna based startups will set up their stalls. This will motivate the youth to venture into startups as a source of livelihood.
Live demonstrations of important varieties of wheat, mustard, gram, vegetables, flowers and fruits will be held at the fair. There will be live webcast of the fair for the benefit of remote farmers and consumers. There will also be stalls of farmers, entrepreneurs, input agencies. Farmers counseling stalls will help in solving the problems of the farmers. Awards will be given by the institute to encourage the farmers. During this, the Innovative Farmers' Conference will facilitate exchange of ideas among the farmers. Thousands of farmer brothers and sisters will participate in the fair during the three-day event.
Vice President's Secretariat
India is witnessing an Urban Renaissance: Vice President
Urban Renaissance Imperative for Economic Growth;
India and US should come together and strengthen the existing relationship;
Interacts with the Mayor of Houston, Mr. Sylvester Turner
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is witnessing an urban renaissance and has been set in motion. He was interacting with the Mayor of Houston, USA, Mr. Sylvester Turner, who called on the Vice President along with a high level trade and investment delegation including counselors, city planners, urban development officers and members of the Indo-American Business Chamber, in Mumbai today.
The Vice President said that Government’s initiatives such as Smart Cities, AMRUT Mission, Housing for all are changing the urban landscape by providing amenities to common man at an affordable price. A good beginning has been made and it needs to be taken to its logical conclusion to realize a new and resurgent Urban India, he said. With a new found spirit of confidence and a healthy competition among cities to improve urban amenities and quality of life of citizens, he added.
Shri Naidu said that the ultimate aim of the Government is to recast the urban landscape of our country and to ensure decent living for the rapidly growing urban citizens besides making our cities and towns dynamic engines of economic growth.
The Vice President informed the delegation about the transformative changes brought into governance by the government, and said it empowered state and city governments in respect of project formulation and appraisal under new urban missions in conjunction with capacity building.
The Vice President said that as 70% of our urban population are residing in 500 cities and towns a comprehensive five year action plans for addressing infrastructure deficit in a focused manner are being prepared for the first time to have an affordable and sustainable urban infrastructure that is inclusive in nature.
The Vice President said that 100 such Smart Cities are being built now in India that would act as lighthouses to inspire, motivate and encourage others to build more Smart Cities. He further said that a Smart city is one that is liveable and lovable - a comfortable and happy place for the citizens. Architectural planning of smart cities must have provisions for pedestrian passes, cycle tracks and more greenery, as that will enhance the health of citizens, he added.
The Vice President said that India and United States being the largest and oldest democracies in the world should come together and strengthen the existing relationship to foster new ties.
The Mayor appreciated the reforms that are being implemented in India and was all praise for India’s growth. He said that India is the fastest growing economy in the world. The Mayor expressed interest to further strengthen the existing cooperation with India, in the fields of Education, IT, Health and urban planning, transfer of technologies in various sectors.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Introduction to ‘Azadi Quest’ by PIB Kolkata: Series of Online Educational Games Based on India’s Freedom Struggle
Kolkata, September 5, 2022
On the occasion of the ongoing nation-wideAzadi Ka Amrit Mahotsavcelebrations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India recently launched two unique mobile gamesAZADI QUEST: MATCH 3 PUZZLEandAZADI QUEST: HEROES OF BHARAT.
The games will be introduced to the city media on Wednesday  by Press Information Bureau, Kolkata.
‘Azadi Quest’, the series of online educational mobile games conforms to the Union Government’s efforts to acknowledge the contributions of our freedom fighters and unsung heroes in attaining independence.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated while interacting with the participants of the Toycathon 2021 on June 24, 2021, “Many milestones, stories of our freedom fighters, their valour and leadership can be created into gaming concepts. There is a need to create interesting and interactive games that ‘engage, entertain and educate’.” The introduction of the series of these mobile games will conform to the Union Government’s efforts to acknowledge the contributions of our freedom fighters and unsung heroes in attaining independence.
The information in these apps in English and Hindi has been curated by the Publications Division and Indian Council of Historical Research and will be an easily accessible treasure-love of authentic information on our freedom struggle. The first two games in the series ‘Azadi Quest’ tell the story of India’s freedom struggle, highlighting key milestones and heroes, interwoven with fun game play.
These online educational mobile games have been developed in collaboration with Zynga India.
Azadi Quest: Match 3 Puzzle, is a simple and easy to play casual game presenting the players with the colourful journey of India’s independence from 1857 to 1947. As players progress through the game play, spread across 495 levels they can collect 75 trivia cards, each showcasing key moments in history, compete on leaderboards, and share in-game rewards and progress on social media.
On the other hand, Azadi Quest: Heroes of Bharat is designed as a quiz game to test the knowledge of the players about the heroes of India’s independence through 750 questions spread across 75 levels and also tell them about the lesser known heroes through 75 ‘Azadi Veer’ cards which may be shared across social media platforms.
The games will also provide the players with exciting rewards every month including a certificate to those who complete the Azadi Quest.
Ministry of Defence
IAF COVID AIR SUPPORT MANAGEMENT CELL  OPERATIONS
The IAF is operating a Covid Air Support Management Cell  at Palam Air Base since 27 Apr 21. The primary task of the cell is to efficiently coordinate for the distribution of all the relief aid coming from foreign countries.
The cell is operational round the clock. Resources have been coordinated to cater for surge operations which include manpower, ground handling and loading eqpt and vehicles like flat top trailers and fork lifters.
One C-130 and two AN-32 transport aircraft are operating at Palam from 28 Apr 21 to air lift load on short notice across the country. A mock drill for such an emergency airlift was also carried out on 29 Apr 21, to streamline coordination amongst various stakeholders.
Communication links with all important stakeholders like MoHFW, Secy COVID, Hindustan Latex Limited  and the Indian Red Cross Society  have been established for seamless flow of information and to reduce time delays. A meeting with Delhi International Airport Limited , Air India SATS and Air Force Movement Liaison Unit was held to streamline custom and warehousing related issues.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Sakhi Centres
One Stop Centre scheme, popularly known as Sakhi Centres, is being implemented across the country since 1st April 2015. As on date, 680 OSCs have been set up across 35 States/UTs.
As per the OSC Scheme, OSCs are required to facilitate women affected by violence with a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and legal counselling, psycho-social counseling and temporary shelter, and are to be located within 2 kms radius of the hospitals or medical facilities. The State/UT wise details of sanctioned and operational OSCs are given below:
Manpower in States including Tamil Nadu for One Stop Centers are inducted as per the scheme guidelines and this is an ongoing process.
The Government of India has approved setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts  under Nirbhaya Fund across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases rape under POCSO Act, 2012 in a time-bound manner.
STATE/UT-WISE DETAILS OF SANCTIONED AND OPERATIONAL ONE STOP CENTRES 
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
State/ UTs
|
|
Total Number of Districts
|
|
Number of
Sanctioned OSCs
|
|
Number of Operational OSCs
|
|
1
|
|
Andaman & Nicobar Islands 
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
2
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
13
|
|
14
|
|
13
|
|
3
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
25
|
|
25
|
|
24
|
|
4
|
|
Assam
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
31
|
|
5
|
|
Bihar
|
|
38
|
|
38
|
|
38
|
|
6
|
|
Chandigarh 
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
7
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
27
|
|
27
|
|
27
|
|
8
|
|
Dadra & Nagar Haveli 
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
9
|
|
Daman & Diu 
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
10
|
|
Goa
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
11
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
12
|
|
Haryana
|
|
22
|
|
22
|
|
22
|
|
13
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
12
|
|
12
|
|
12
|
|
14
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
20
|
|
20
|
|
7
|
|
15
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
24
|
|
24
|
|
24
|
|
16
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
30
|
|
30
|
|
30
|
|
17
|
|
Kerala
|
|
14
|
|
14
|
|
14
|
|
18
|
|
Lakshadweep 
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
19
|
|
Ladakh 
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
20
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
51
|
|
51
|
|
51
|
|
21
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
36
|
|
37
|
|
37
|
|
22
|
|
Manipur
|
|
16
|
|
16
|
|
16
|
|
23
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
24
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
8
|
|
8
|
|
8
|
|
25
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
26
|
|
NCT of Delhi 
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
11
|
|
27
|
|
Odisha
|
|
30
|
|
30
|
|
30
|
|
28
|
|
Puducherry 
|
|
4
|
|
4
|
|
4
|
|
29
|
|
Punjab
|
|
22
|
|
22
|
|
22
|
|
30
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
31
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
4
|
|
4
|
|
1
|
|
32
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
32
|
|
34
|
|
32
|
|
33
|
|
Telangana
|
|
33
|
|
33
|
|
32
|
|
34
|
|
Tripura
|
|
8
|
|
8
|
|
8
|
|
35
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
75
|
|
75
|
|
75
|
|
36
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
13
|
|
13
|
|
13
|
|
37
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
23
|
|
23
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
724
|
|
728
|
|
680
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
People should participate in large numbers for cleaning the beaches: Union Minister of Earth Sciences Mr. Kiren Rijiju
The Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri. Kiren Rijiju, asked the people to participate in large numbers for cleaning the beaches. The minister shared this while participating in the "cleaning the beach event held at Besant Nagar, Chennai on 08 June 2023.
During his address, the minister said, India has more than 7500 km of coastline and we have a direct & intense connection with the ocean and marine life. We are in a position to take all necessary action for the safety of the beaches and the sustainable life of marine species he added.
Shri. Kiren Rijiju said it is gratifying that various important companies have joined this beach cleaning activity and India plays a vital role in coastal protection on a global level. Norway, the Arctic and Antarctica are facing various problems like India. The minister said that both Norway and India look forward to work together to protect the ocean.
Positive changes can be seen through such kind of activities like beach cleaning and the fishermen who are living nearby should set a goal to lead a sustainable life for marine life. He said that not only Chennai but all the coastal cities of India should be aware of beach safety. Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences, Mr. Ravichandran and Director of the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Mr. Ramadoss, were also participated in the event.
AP/JT/KG
(
Election Commission
ECI Announces Bye-Election Schedule for Ranikor Assembly Constituency in Meghalaya
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule of bye-election for the Ranikor  Assembly Constituency in Meghalaya, to fill up a clear vacancy. The polling in the Constituency is scheduled to be held on the 23rd August, 2018 and counting on 27thAugust, 2018.
The Commission, after taking into consideration various factors like local festivals, electoral rolls and weather conditions, have announced the bye-election schedule as follows:
|
|
Poll Events
|
|
Schedule
|
|
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification
|
|
30.07.2018 
|
|
Last Date of Nominations
|
|
06.08.2018 
|
|
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations
|
|
07.08.2018 
|
|
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures
|
|
09.08.2018 
|
|
Date of Poll
|
|
23.08.2018 
|
|
Date of Counting
|
|
27.08.2018 
|
|
Date before which election shall be completed
|
|
29.08.2018 
The Electoral Rolls for all the Assembly Constituency has been finally published with respect to 01.01.2018.
The Commission has decided to use EVMs and VVPATs in the bye-elections in all the polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs have been made available for the constituency and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly using the machines.
The Commission has decided, as in the past, that a valid document to prove the voter’s identification shall be mandatory to vote. Electoral Photo Identity Cards  shall be the main document for identification. However, if the voter’s name figures in the Electoral Rolls but unable to produce the EPIC, a set of additional documents for identification will be announced separately in due course so that no voter is deprived of her or his franchise.
The Model Code of Conduct shall come into force with immediate effect in the district in which the whole or any part of the Assembly Constituency going for bye-election is included, subject to the partial modification as issued vide Commission’s instruction No. 437/6/INST2016-CCS, dated 29th June, 2017 . The Model Code of Conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the State Government concerned. It shall also be applicable to the Union Government for the district of the State concerned.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the passing away of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"My heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with HM the King of Bahrain, the royal family and the people of Bahrain", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Power
PFC issues USD 500 million Senior Unsecured USD Bonds for more than 10 years
Power Finance Corporation Ltd , the leading NBFC in power sector, successfully raised USD 500 million on 29.01.2020 through the issuance of USD denominated Bonds under ‘Reg S route’ with a fixed maturity of 16.05.2031.
This is the longest tenor bond issuance from India since the start of the year. The bonds have a fixed coupon of 3.35% p.a. which was inside the fair value of PFC’s secondary bonds.
The order book amounted to around USD 2.55 billion, achieving an oversubscription of 5.1 times.
The proceeds from bonds will be utilized in accordance with the external commercial borrowing regulations of the Reserve Bank of India including for on-lending to power sector utilities.
Commenting on the success of bond issuance, Chairman and Managing Director of PFC, Mr. R.S. Dhillon expressed satisfaction that despite the challenging COVID situation being witnessed globally, PFC’s bond offer attracted wide participation from international investors. The deal concluded at very attractive terms, which reflects confidence of investors in PFC’s business as well as its credit profile and the growth story of Indian Power sector.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on National Voters Day
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted people on National Voters Day today.
“Greetings on National Voters Day. We express gratitude to ECI for their many efforts towards making our electoral process more vibrant and participative. May this day inspire us to work towards increased voter awareness and turnout, which makes our democracy stronger”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MoU signed towards execution of planned actions in time bound manner in 132 cities under National Clean Air Programme
Union Environment Minister calls on State Governments and all concerned to work together for improving air quality in the country in mission mode.
The signing of MoUs today under NCAP will add a new dimension for checking the pollution in the country: Shri Prakash Javadekar
In the presence of Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar the Memorandum of Understanding  was signed today by representatives of State Pollution Control Boards, Urban Local Bodies and Institutes of Repute for 132 identified cities for implementation of city specific action plans under National Clean Air Programme .
Speaking on the occasion Shri Javadekar said that concerted efforts are required by the State Governments and all concerned for improving air quality in the country towards realizing the vision of ‘Swatch Bharat, Swatch Vayu’ and exhorted all to work in mission mode.
"Today's initiative is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of curbing air pollution by 20% in the next 4 years in over 100 cities… it is not an easy task but a tough challenge which we all need to achieve together." said the Union Environment Minister.
The minister took the opportunity to urge the States to quickly procure e-buses for public transport purpose sanctioned under the FAME Scheme. Regretting that despite allocation of funds for 6000 e-buses to different cities across the country only 600 buses have been procured and are operational, he said if any city fails to utilise the funds sanctioned for procurement of e-buses the allocation will go to other cities.
The National Clean Air Programme  is a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 .
The city action plans have been prepared to control specific air pollution sources through multidimensional actions by brining several implementation agencies together. Expansion of ambient air quality network, source apportionment studies, public awareness, grievance redressal mechanism and sector specific action points are part of these action plans.
For successful implementation, there was a paramount need for cooperation and coordination among State agencies and technical supervision by expert Institutions of Repute. This MoU will facilitate smooth and binding execution of planned actions in time targeted manner. A National Knowledge Network comprising leading air quality specialists has also been constituted as a technical advisory group to support activities under NCAP and guide local Institutes of Repute  in conducting air quality researches.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates people of Nagaland for development works in key sectors
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated people of Nagaland for the development works which cover key sectors like connectivity, education, tourism and energy.
In response to a tweet by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, the Prime Minister said;
"Congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Nagaland for the development works which cover key sectors like connectivity, education, tourism and energy. The NDA Government is committed to fulfilling aspirations of the dynamic people of Nagaland."
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Veteran telugu actor, Shri UV Krishnam Raju Garu
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Veteran telugu cinematic personality, Shri UV Krishnam Raju Garu.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri UV Krishnam Raju Garu. The coming generations will remember his cinematic brilliance and creativity. He was also at the forefront of community service and made a mark as a political leader. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."