ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary & Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh co-chair 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue in New Delhi;
Agree to strengthen defence cooperation & elevate military engagements
The 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, was held in New Delhi on August 11, 2022. During their interaction, they reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The talks covered the existing bilateral exercises & training and agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises. Both the sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces. Various aspects of defence industrial and capability building cooperation came up for detailed discussions. Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the USD 500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
The Defence Secretary commended the Bangladeshi side for their efforts in UN peace keeping. The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and the increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of the relations of both countries. Dr Ajay Kumar also invited the Bangladeshi delegation for the upcoming Def-Expo 2022 and stated that in the domain of defence industry both countries have great potential of cooperation in defence trade, co-development and joint production.
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
Likely formation of a Low Pressure area over south Andaman Sea & neighbourhood around 30th April 2020
IMD-- The system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly
As per the forecast guidance from various numerical weather prediction models and the environmental and thermo-dynamical conditions prevailing over the region, a Low Pressure Area is very likely to form over south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood around 30th April 2020.
It is very likely to intensify further during subsequent 48 hours and very likely to move north-northwestwards initially and then north-northeastwards along & off Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 30th April – 3rd May 2020.
The Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department says that the system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly.
Under its influence, the following adverse weather is likely over & around Andaman & Nicobar Islands and surrounding Sea areas:
Warnings:
- Rainfall: Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy falls at isolated places is very likely over Nicobar Islands on 30th April. The intensity and spatial extent is likely to increase further during the subsequent days becoming light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 1st May, and heavy to very heavy falls at a few places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 2nd May.
- Wind warning: Squally winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely to prevail over north Sumatra coast, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on 30th April & 1st May 2020, over north Andaman Sea, Andaman Islands and adjoining southeast & east central Bay of Bengal on 2nd & 3rd May.
- Sea condition: Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over north Sumatra coast, south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on 30th April & 1st May 2020 and over Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of southeast & east central Bay of Bengal on 2nd & 3rd May.
- Fishermen Warning:The fishermen are advised not to venture into the Sea along & off north Sumatra coast, Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of southeast & east central Bay of Bengal from 30th April to 3rd May 2020.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Integrated effort needed for developing solid finance model to support MSME sector and to fulfill PM's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat: Shri Gadkari
Union Minister for MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that integrated efforts are required to develop a solid finance model which can give MSMEs much needed financial support. He said, this sector is the backbone of Indian economy. To fulfill the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the role of MSMEs is very important. Presently they are facing many problems because of working capital.
Shri Gadkari was addressing the valedictory function of the MSME finance week through video conferencing here today. It was hosted by Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship. He said, MSME sector is contributing 30 percent to the GDP, and the mission is to take it up to 40 percent. In Export sector, the contribution of MSMEs is 48 percent, which is to be taken up to 60 percent. He informed that 11 crore job were created by MSME sector. In the coming 5 years we want to create 5 crore more Jobs in this area, he said.
The Minister said, Industry is centralized in urban sector. There should be a shift in this trend. We have to explore the job potential of rural and tribal areas. In this endeavor, Finance institutions’ role will be important. To set up small industries in this area, working capital will be needed. For this we have to develop a solid finance model. This will help to fulfill the gap between India and Bharat.
He said that to give boost to MSME sector, integrated effort is to be made to develop innovative designs and ideas that are cost effective and environment friendly. For this high level of coordination, communication and cooperation is needed. He said, reform, perform and transform is the aim of PM for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Shri Gadkari said that to develop MSME sector, lot of innovative technology is needed. Many efforts are already carried out by various institutions in this direction. For example, different types of fuel are being made from surplus agri products. He also called for focusing on creating wealth from waste .
Prime Minister's Office
PM shares details of '8 Years of Women Empowerment'
A new paradigm is being created to further empowerment of women
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared details of various articles available on narendramodi.in website having information about the Government's work towards the empowerment of Nari Shakti.
Shri Modi has also shared a tweet thread of MyGov having information about the various schemes and initiatives of the Government for the welfare and empowerment of Women.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"You will enjoy reading these articles on how a new paradigm is being created to further empowerment of women. These efforts cover diverse sectors and have ensured more dignity as well as opportunities for women. #8YearsOfWomenEmpowerment"
"Comprehensive information about the work to empower India’s Nari Shakti. #8YearsOfWomenEmpowerment"
Vice President's Secretariat
Share and Care is the Core of Indian Philosophy: Vice President
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar calls on the Vice President
The Spiritual Guru and Founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called on Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, here today.
The Vice President while sharing details of the meeting, wrote in his Facebook post that they had a very useful and purposeful conversation on various issues that the country and society are facing.
Describing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as an icon of non-violence and universal human values, the Vice President lauded the work and services rendered by the Art of Living Foundation and its volunteers across the globe.
Shri Naidu said that Art of Living began as an idea to bring a smile on every face to make life a celebration. “It is a very noble idea which will enhance the wellbeing of individuals and society at large and ultimately uplift the human spirit,” he added.
Reiterating that ‘Share and Care’ was the core of the Indian philosophy, Shri Naidu said that everybody must be inspired by it and serve the society to the best of his or her abilities.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Free foodgrains to 81.35 crore beneficiaries under National Food Security Act: Cabinet Decision
Centre to spend over Rs 2 lakh crore in next 1 year on food subsidy under NFSA and other welfare schemes: Shri Goyal
Historic decision reflects sensitivity of the prime minister toward the poor: Shri Goyal
The Central government will provide free foodgrains to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act  for one year from January 1, 2023, the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided.
The Centre will spend more than Rs 2 lakh crore in this period as food subsidy under NFSA and other welfare schemes, to remove the financial burden of the poor and the poorest of the poor, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Commerce & Industry and Textiles said while addressing media persons after the Cabinet meeting.
The minister said this was a historic decision that reflects the sensitivity of the prime minister towards the beneficiaries of welfare schemes. He said 5 kg food grains per person to Priority Households  beneficiaries and 35 kg per household to Antyodaya Anna Yojana  beneficiaries  will be provided free of cost for next one year.
Shri Goyal pointed out that the decision reflects the sensitivity of the Prime Minister towards the beneficiaries.
Shri Goyal said that under NFSA, subsidized food grains was distributed at Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 1 per kg coarse grains to beneficiaries. The cabinet has decided that the beneficiaries will now receive the food grains free of cost.
He added that during COVID period, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for 28 months free distribution of food grains was done under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana .
Ministry of Power
India and UK launch new workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency at the ongoing 12th Chief Energy Ministerial
Government aims to infuse green technologies and stimulate demand for low-carbon industrial material
India along with Govt. of United Kingdom launched new workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency under the Clean Energy Ministerial’s  – Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative  co-ordinated by UNIDO , at the 12th Chief Energy Ministerial  . The 12th CEM is ongoing from May 31st and will continue till 6th June 2021 .
The IDDI initiative has been supported by Germany and Canada, with more countries expected to join soon. The objective is to infuse green technologies and stimulate demand for low-carbon industrial material
Shri Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power highlighted that India is committed to cut emissions intensity per unit of GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030.
The commitment hinges on effective deployment of low carbon technologies in Energy Intensive Sectors like Iron & Steel, Cement and Petrochemicals. He elaborated that Govt policies have resulted in substantial savings in energy at demand side.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Funds Allocated to NGOs for Tribal Welfare
The Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for overall development of tribal people across the country which includes support for education, health, sanitation, water supply, skill development, livelihood, etc. Major part of infrastructure development and provision of basic amenities in tribal areas / regions in the country is carried out through various schemes / programmes of concerned Central Ministries and State Governments concerned, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additive to these initiatives by way of plugging critical gaps. A list of schemes/ programmes being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of the tribal people in the country including in the State of Maharashtra is given below.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing two schemes namely 'Grant-In-Aid to Voluntary Organisation Working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes' and 'Strengthening Education among Scheduled Tribe Girls in Low Literacy Districts’ through Non-Governmental Organisations /Voluntary Organisations .The details of the NGOs/VOs and funds released to them under these schemes during last two years and current year are placed given below.
The Government is providing the assistance directly to beneficiaries including Scheduled Tribes  through Direct Benefit Transfer  under various schemes such as pension schemes- Atal Pension Yojna, Scholarship schemes, PAHAL-Direct Benefits Transfer for LPG, PM Awas Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi , Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  etc.
This information was given by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta in Rajya Sabha today.
Click the link for details.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Steps to Revive Aviation Industry amid Covid-19 Pandemic
All efforts have been made to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector. Some of the measures taken to support the aviation sector include inter-alia:
1. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, domestic air services have been restarted in a calibrated manner. Initially only one third  of the summer schedule 2020 was allowed to be operated which was subsequently increased to 45% on 26 Jun 2020 and then to 60% on 02 Sep 2020.
2. Operation of Regional Connectivity Scheme  - UDAN  flights were allowed without the above-mentioned restrictions.
3. Exclusive air-links or Air Bubbles have been established with countries which include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Qatar, Maldives, UAE, UK and USA. These are temporary arrangements aimed at restarting international passenger services while regular international flights remain suspended due to COVID-19.
4. Promoted private investments in existing and new Airports through the PPP route.
5. Adequate care taken to ensure that cargo terminals at all major airports were operational, whenever required.
6. GST rate reduced to 5% for domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul  services.
7. Encouraging Indian carriers to increase their share in International air cargo traffic.
8. Route rationalisation in the Indian airspace in coordination with Indian Air Force for efficient airspace management, shorter routes and reduced fuel burn.
This information was given in a written reply by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State  Civil Aviation, in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
MeitY organises meeting with IT Secretaries of States and UTs
28 States and Union Territories participated
Deliberations held with States on ‘Digital India Initiatives for Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business’
Ministry of Electronics and IT organised a meeting with IT Secretaries from States and Union Territories under the chairmanship of Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY on the theme ‘Digital India Initiatives for Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business’. This was attended by 28 States and Union Territories and Senior Officers from MeitY and its Organizations namely NIC, NICSI, DIC, CDAC, NIELIT, UIDAI, BiSAG, and STPI.
The sessions and interactions with States and UTs were moderated by Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY and Shri Abhishek Singh, P&CEO, NeGD, MeitY.
The latest initiatives of MeitY comprising the budget announcements made for 2023-24, Electronics Manufacturing including Semiconductor Manufacturing, E-Governance – Aadhaar based address update, Entity DigiLocker, Digital Government Policy, Emerging Technologies, Chips to Startup, National Blockchain Framework and Secured cloud solutions were showcased and shared. All participating States and UTs shared their latest citizen centric E-Governance Initiatives, use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Drone, IoT etc for governance especially in health, agriculture, property registration and mining areas etc, Electronics manufacturing and the progress of digital infrastructure and upcoming and planned areas of improvements.
Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY made opening and closing remarks. In his remarks, he shared the Digital India progress made since the last such meeting and the plan of action for FY 2023-24. He appreciated the States and UTs for sharing their best practices and latest Digital India Initiatives. He sought suggestions from States to make the upcoming IT Ministers’ conference action oriented. He emphasized that cross-sharing of the latest digital developments and replication of these are important to save time & efforts and to accelerate digital governance.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown FCI moves 662 rakes carrying about 18.54 Lakh MT food grains across the country in 14 days since 24th March
FCI has sent enough stocks to states throughout the country to implement PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana  wherein 5 kg foodgrain per person per month for next three months has to be distributed free to all National Food Security Act  beneficiaries. Many states like UP, Bihar, Telangana, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Mizoram have already started lifting foodgrains from FCI under this scheme. In course of next few days other states will also start lifting the foodgrains for distribution under PMGKAY. FCI is working tirelessly and has ensured that enough food grain stocks are made available in every part of the country during countrywide lockdown. In last 13 days since 24.03.2020 when the lockdown was announced to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, FCI moved an average of 1.41 Lakh MT food grain per day as against the pre-lockdown daily average of about 0.8 Lakh MT. A total of 603 rakes carrying about 16.88 Lakh MT food grains have been transported across the country till 05.04.2020. Another 59 rakes to carry approximately 1.65 Lakh MT foodgrain are being loaded today.
In addition to meeting the regular requirements of food grains under NFSA and additional allocation under PMGKAY, FCI is providing wheat and rice directly to State Govts without going through the e-auction route, at Open Market sale rates to ensure continuous supply of food grains. Wheat is given for meeting the requirements of manufacturers of wheat flour and other wheat products based on the assessment of requirements done by the respective District Magistrates. So far FCI has allotted 1.38 LMT Wheat in 13 states and 1.32 LMT Rice in 8 states under this model.
For details of loading and unloading of foodgrain during this period click on the following links:
- Statewise details of rakes loaded during lockdown period
- Statewise details of rakes unloaded during lockdown period
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Technology Assessment Cells
National Clean Air Programme  strategy document envisages Technology Assessment Cell to evaluate significant technologies with reference to prevention, control, and abatement of pollution.
In this regard, MoEFCC issued guidelines for National Knowledge Network  and Institutes of Repute  under National Clean Air Programme on 22.09.2022. National Knowledge Network  has been formed with a vision to build local technical capacities in order to have a larger pool of institutes to support activities under NCAP. NKN extends support on scientific & technical knowledge and laboratory based information, monitoring the progress of NCAP implementation and evaluate the performance. It provides recommendations for air quality management measures including specific research need and policy initiative to meet the objectives of the NCAP programme.
NKN consists of experts from IIT Kanpur, IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute , Automotive Research Association of India , Indian Meteorological Department , All India Institute of Medical Science , The Energy and Resources Institute , officials from Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board/ Pollution Control Committees , and independent experts.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications Organises Workshop on M2M  Services
Mumbai, 20 May 2022
Department of Telecommunications- Mumbai Licensed Service Area  organized a workshop on M2M Services on 20th May ‘2022. Department of Telecommunications has recently brought out a light-touch and simplified Registration framework for entities providing M2M services.
Deputy Director General , DoT, Mumbai LSA, The workshop Shri Ajay Kamal inaugurated the workshop. In his inaugural address, he mentioned that entities which are providing M2M services based on SIM shall register as M2MSP and entities which use  WPAN/WLAN  technologies in unlicensed spectrum shall register as WPAN/WLAN Connectivity Providers. He added that this registration will help in addressing concerns like connectivity with TSPs, KYC, traceability, and encryption for Service Providers.
Director , DOT, Mumbai LSA, Shri Sanjay Sethi, explained the various provisions of recently unveiled M2M Registration framework and online registration process on DoT’s portal https://saralsanchar.gov.in/ for M2M service providers and WPAN/WLAN Connectivity Providers. All the queries raised by the TSPs regarding the registration framework were clarified by DoT LSA and HQ NT team.
The webinar was attended by all Telecom Service Providers of Mumbai LSA and officers of DoT Mumbai LSA and NT wing of DoT HQ.PIB Mumbai | DL/DR
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AYUSH
Cabinet approves conferring the status of institution of national importance to the cluster of ayurveda institutions at Gujarat Ayurved University campus, Jamnagar
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approvalto confer the status of Institution of National Importance to the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Jamnagar by conglomerating the cluster of Ayurveda Institutes at Gujarat Ayurveda University campus, Jamnagar , namely,  Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda  Shri Gulabkunwerba Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and  Institute of Ayurveda Pharmaceutical Sciences including Pharmacy Unit and to subsume the Maharshi Patanjali Institute for Yoga & Naturopathy Education & Research into the Department of Swasthvritta of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.
The Bill to that effect is to be introduced in the ensuing Session of Parliament to declare Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar as Institution of National Importance.
Considering the rapidly growing role of AYUSH Systems in addressing the Public Health challenges of India, conferring the status of National Importance will boost the role and importance of Ayurveda in Public Health. The strengthening of Ayurveda will reduce government expenditure on health as Ayurveda is cost-effective because of its preventive and curative approaches.
There is rising interest and demand for knowledge and services of Ayurveda all over the world. India is the country of origin of Ayurveda and the world is looking up to India to showcase state of art institutions providing international level education and training in Ayurveda. Elevation of the proposed Institute to the status of Institution of National Importance will provide it the autonomy to upgrade standard of Ayurveda education, frame various courses in Ayurveda as per national and international demand, adopt advanced evaluation methodology, etc. It will have the mandate to frame its own certification courses for deeper penetration of AYUSH across masses and will give the capacity to bring out the unrealized potential of Ayurveda for addressing the major public health challenges faced by the country. It will help the institute to develop tertiary care in Ayurveda and to secure inter-disciplinary collaborations to give a contemporary thrust to Ayurveda.