ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Scientists fabricated optically active flexible biodegradable polymer-nanocomposite films
Researchers have fabricated an optically active biodegradable nanocomposite film with excellent mechanical properties that can be used as a stretchable optical devices like flexible display, flexible organic LED, etc.
Polymers have become an indispensable part of our daily life. However, different engineering applications demand highly flexible and optically active polymers. In this regard, numerous methodologies have been adopted to improve the properties of polymeric materials by using suitable nanomaterials. The nanomaterials are known to enhance the properties of the polymers keeping the inherent properties of the polymers intact. Scientists have reported that polyvinyl alcohol  is one of the most widely studied synthetic biodegradable polymers having good film-forming and excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, its optical and mechanical properties can be tuned by incorporating suitable nanomaterials.
A research group from physical sciences division of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology , Guwahati, an autonomous institute of North-East India under the Department of Science and Technology , fabricated a biodegradable PVA-CuO nanocomposite film using a facile solution casting technique, where Cu salt used as a precursor for the in-situ CuO nanoparticles formation under different heat treatment.
This research group is led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, along with Mr. Saiyad Akhirul Ali, working as a Junior Research Fellow . Their tests have proved superior optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite films under different heat treatments. The formation of the CuO nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix under heat treatment is confirmed by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The evaluation of mechanical properties validated the formation of a highly flexible and robust nanocomposite film with tensile strength as high as 39 MPa and flexibility of 169% with copper chloride loading.
The PVA-CuO nanocomposite film fabricated by the simple solution casting technique followed by the heat treatment method recently published in the journal of Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, can be used as a stretchable optical device.
Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.131840
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SNC/PK
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Ministry of Culture
Day One of Auction of Mementos received by Prime Minister, witnesses overwhelming response at NGMA, New Delhi
The physical auction of Mementos received by the Prime Minister, organised by National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, received an overwhelming response from passionate bidders on Day 1 today, the 27th January, 2019. The two-day physical auction shall culminate on 28th January 2019 and the e-auction will take place from 29th to 31st January 2019 for remaining items which are not sold during the physical auction on the portal www.pmmementos.gov.in.
Exclusive items that were auctioned included statues, photographs, paintings and articles such as angavastram, shawls, commemorative coins, traditional musical instruments, hats, pagris and jackets etc. to name a few. There has been tremendous buzz generated in respect of these gift items in view of the fact that these items have been accessible to the general public through auction being espoused for the noble charitable work. The proceeds contributes towards the project Namami Gange.
The bidders supported the cause wholeheartedly as certain items such as statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, base priced at Rs. 1000/- was finally auctioned for Rs. 22,000/-, items such as statues of Gautam Buddha, portraits, photographs and paintings of Prime Minister, 3D painting of Gomukh , Statue of Mahatma Basveshwara, Statue of Swami Vivekananda and silver coated Shivlinga were also auctioned at a high price. Public also enjoyed viewing the display of these items at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Railways and Commerce Shri Piyush Goyal, Member of Parliament Shri Manoj Tiwari and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi visited the auction along with other dignitaries and senior officials from the Government of India.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Intrusion from Neighbouring Countries
India’s land borders are characterized by deserts, mountains, forests and riverine terrain. Vigilant Border Guarding Forces prevent efforts by infiltrators to exploit the vulnerable patches.
The number of cases of infiltration border-wise, reported during the last 2 years and current year upto January, 2021 are as under:-
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|
S. No.
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|
Border
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|
No. of cases of Infiltration
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|
-
|
|
Indo-Pakistan
|
|
61
|
|
-
|
|
Indo-Bangladesh
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1045
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|
-
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|
Indo-Nepal
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|
63
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|
-
|
|
Indo-Bhutan
|
|
Nil
|
|
-
|
|
Indo-Myanmar
|
|
Nil
|
|
-
|
|
Indo-China
|
|
Nil
Infiltrators apprehended by the Border Guarding Forces were handed over to the State Police concerned.
Government of India has adopted a multi-pronged approach to stop cross-border intrusions and secure our territories, which inter-alia includes deployment of Border Guarding Forces along the International Borders, effective domination of the borders by patrolling, laying Nakas, manning observation posts along the borders, vulnerability mapping of Border Out Posts , deployment of surveillance equipment, strengthening of intelligence network, erection of border fencing & floodlighting and deployment of technological solutions in non-feasible areas like riverine gaps, etc.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
The All India Car Rally 'Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama' of the National Security Guard  under the ongoing 'AzadiKaAmritMahotsav' flagged off from Victoria Memorial
Kolkata; October 10, 2021
Lt Gen KK Repswal, Chief of Staff, Eastern Region flagged off the All India Car Rally 'Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama' of the National Security Guard  under the ongoing 'AzadiKaAmritMahotsav' from Victoria Memorial, Kolkata today.
Freedom Fighters such as Shri Nepal Ranjan Ghosh and Shri Nipendra Chandra Dutta along with Indian Sports Shooter Shri Joydeep Karmakar were also felicitated on the occasion.
Flagged-off by Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah from the historic Red Fort in Delhi on October 2, the car rally reached Kolkata yesterday on October 09 and visited Netaji Bhawan Barrackpore. It has already visited Kakori Memorial  and Bharat Mata Mandir . The car rally will now visit Swaraj Ashram , Tilak Ghat , Freedom Park , Mani Bhawan/August Kranti Maidan  and Sabarmati Ashram .
NSG’s car rally will pass through 18 cities in 12 states covering a distance of 7,500 kms. The rally is scheduled to pass through important and historical places associated with the Freedom Movement and Freedom Fighters of the country and end on 30th October, 2021 at the Police Memorial in New Delhi.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to revive and instill in today's youth the spirit and sacrifices of the unsung Martyrs and Freedom Fighters. Organized under the aegis of the Union Home Ministry, the objective of these rallies is to spread the message of mutual brotherhood by visiting historic places associated with the Freedom Struggle, to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by meeting the youth and inspire them for patriotism, to pay tributes to all patriots and martyrs of the Freedom Movement and to strengthen the spirit of National integration, patriotism and brotherhood among citizens and the youth.
Ministry of Defence
Indo – Kazakhstan Joint Exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK 2017” Begins
A fourteen day joint training exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK – 2017” between the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Army commenced today with the Opening Ceremony at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The joint exercise is aimed at enhancing the military ties between the two countries as also at achieving interoperability between the two armies. The training contingents comprise of platoon strength from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and a similar strength of the Kazakhstan Army.
(Col Aman Anand
PRO
Ministry of Finance
Delhi South CGST unearths fake invoicing racket involving tax evasion of Rs. 17 crore, 2 held
The Central Goods and Service Tax  Delhi South Commissionerate busts racket of firms fraudulently claiming Input Tax Credit  of ₹17 crore.
A specific intelligence was developed by the officers of Central Goods and Service Tax  Delhi South Commissionerate concerning certain bogus firms that were created solely for the purpose of generating goods less invoices and passing on of ineligible input tax credit along the chain.
Inspections were conducted at the registered premises of 03 bogus firms/company namely M/s. NexGen Busicorp, M/s. XEL Informatics and M/s. GW Infotech Pvt. Ltd. registered in the jurisdiction of CGST Delhi South Commissionerate that were engaged in fake invoicing and circular trading. Incriminating documents were resumed from the premises of the taxpayers.
Preliminary enquiry conducted so far into the transactions of these firms has revealed tax evasion of Rs. 17 crore approx. The Proprietor/Director in his confessional statements has admitted his role in passing and availing fraudulent ITC without any underlying supply of goods.
The persons behind these bogus firms have defrauded the government exchequer and committed offences specified under section 132 and 132 of the CGST Act 2017 which are cognizable and non-bailable. Two persons namely Sh. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava and Sh. Sunil Gulati have been arrested on 17.03.2023.The accused were produced before the Duty Metropolitan Magistrate following which they have been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
Further investigation is in progress.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 99.12 Cr
Recovery Rate currently at 98.15%; Highest since March 2020
14,623 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload  is lowest in 229 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 117 days
With the administration of 41,36,142 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 99.12 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 97,99,506 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,76,101
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
90,98,715
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,62,683
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,55,81,720
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
39,73,05,720
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,57,29,771
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
16,88,22,731
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8,76,73,217
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10,62,77,396
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6,20,54,229
|
|
Total
|
|
99,12,82,283
The recovery of 19,446 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,34,78,247.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.15%. Recovery Rate is currently at its highest peak since March 2020.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 115 consecutive days now.
14,623 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload has fallen below 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,78,098, which is now lowest in 229 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.52% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
13,23,702 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 59.44 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 1.34% remains less than 3% for the last 117 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be1.10%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below 3% for last 51 days and below 5% for 134 consecutive days now.
Department of Space
Cabinet approves Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III Continuation Programme – Phase 6
Thirty Operational Flights of PSLV
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle  Continuation Programme  and funding of thirty PSLV operational flights under the Programme.
The Programme will also meet the launch requirement of satellites for Earth observation, Navigation and Space Sciences. This will also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry.
The total fund requirement is Rs. 6131.00 Crores and includes the cost of thirty PSLV vehicles, essential facility augmentation, Programme Management and Launch Campaign.
Major Impact:
The operationalisation of PSLV has made the country self-reliant in the launching capability of satellites for earth observation, disaster management, navigation and space sciences. The PSLV Continuation programme will sustain this capability and self-reliance in the launching of similar satellites for national requirements.
The PSLV Continuation Programme – Phase 6 will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency up to eight launches per year, with maximal participation by the Indian industry. All the operational flights would be completed during the period 2019-2024.
The Programme will also meet the launch requirement of satellites for Earth observation, Navigation and Space Sciences. This will also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry.
PSLV Continuation Programme was initially sanctioned in 2008, and four phases have been completed and the fifth phase is expected to be completed by Q2 of 2019-20. The Phase 6 approval will cater to the launch of satellite missions during the period Q3 of 2019-20 to Q1 of 2023-24.
Background:
PSLV has emerged as a versatile launch vehicle to carry out Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit , Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit  and low inclination Low Earth Orbit  missions. With the recent successful launch of PSLV-C41 on 12th April, 2018, PSLV has completed three developmental and forty three operational flights and the last forty one flights have been successful. PSLV has established itself as a workhorse vehicle for national satellites with a production capacity that would enable responding fast to commercial launch opportunities also.
PIB Headquarters
STATE LEVEL DAK ADALAT ON 23rd JANUARY
Department of Posts, Office of the Chief Postmaster General Head Quarter Region, Hyderabad is conducting ‘Dak Adalat’ on January 23rd, 2020 to hear the complaints and grievances of the public relating to postal services. The Adalat will be held at 03.00 PM at the Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Dak Sadan, Abids, Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Headquarters Region, Hyderabad – 500 001.
The complaints and grievances of public from Telangana State may be sent in a postal envelop or cover, duly super scribed with the words Dak Adalat’ and addressed to Shri Santhosh Netha. K, Asst. Postmaster General, , Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Telangana Circle, Hyderabad – 500001. The last date for receiving complaints and grievances is January 16, 2019, according to a press note issued by the Asst. Postmaster General, O/o CPMG, Telangana Circle, Hyderabad.
Ministry of Culture
Launching of Time Machines at Science City, Kolkata
Kolkata, 18th December, 2019
Science City, Kolkata added a new feather to its decorated cap by introducing a pair of state-of-the-art Time Machines for visitors of all ages. Installed each with an approx. cost of Rs.2.90 crore with partial funding from the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, these three degree of freedom capsule simulators from M/s. Doron Precision System Inc, USA can bring to visitors unbelievable experience through 3D projections on a 65” LED monitor. Today, these motion simulators have been installed by none other than the renowned film personality Mr. Dhritiman Chatterjee, eminent Director, Mr. Sandip Ray and other cast & crew of the most talked-about film of this year ‘Professor Shanku O Eldorado’, based on a story by the immortal Satyajit Ray. While talking about the importance of introducing these unique facilities, Mr. Subhabrata Chaudhuri, Director, Science City said, “Keeping in view the popularity of the earlier version of Time Machine, which, till the last date could attract around 45 lakh visitors, almost 14.2% of the total footfall to Science City, we have installed these Motion Simulators, each capable of accommodating around 15 visitors at a time with films of varied interests ranging from The Wall of China to The Roman Race. It is expected that people of all sections will truly enjoy this show with polaroid glasses that provide immersive feeling while inside the capsules.”
Science City, which remains open 364 days every year  for 11 hours from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm, will extend these facilities to visitors with the first show being around 10 am and last being at 7.30 pm. Since, as Mr. Chaudhuri remarked, Professor Shanku, the popular fiction character of Satyajit Ray’s story, has a special connection with Time Machines, the Science City authorities have felt it befitting to get this facility inaugurated by the renowned actors of the upcoming film ‘Professor Shanku O Eldorado’.
CG
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Ministry of Defence
Inducting Pharma D Degree Holders in Defence
There is no proposal at present to induct persons having degree of Doctor of Pharmacy  in Armed Forces Hospitals/Army Medical Corps/DRDO.
The following posts have been created for Pharma D degree holders in Armed Forces Medical College , Pune:
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- Professor - 01 Posts
- Associate Professor - 01 Posts
- · Assistant Professor - 06 Posts
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shrimati Mala Rajya Laxmi Shahin Lok Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
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Prime Minister's Office
PM chaired a meeting to review the situation of Wheat supply, stocks and exports
PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review various aspects of wheat supply, stock and exports.
PM was given a detailed presentation on the issues. He was briefed regarding the impact of high temperatures in the months of March-April 2022 on Crop production. The status of procurement and export of wheat were reviewed.
In the light of increasing demand for agricultural products of India, the Prime Minister directed that all steps be taken to ensure quality norms and standards so that India evolves into an assured source of food grain and other agricultural products. He also asked officials to ensure maximum help to farmers. PM was also briefed regarding prevailing market rates which are beneficial to farmers.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to PM, Advisors, Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of Department of Food and PDS and Agriculture.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Union Education Minister calls on the Vice President and hands over the New Education Policy – 2020
Vice President lauds the new policy as holistic and learner-centric
Expresses happiness over importance given to mother tongue at primary level
The Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishak’ called on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at Upa-Rashtrapati Niwas today to brief him on the New Education Policy  - 2020 announced by the Government yesterday. The Minister also handed over a copy of the Policy and also a note highlighting the salient features of NEP-2020 to the Vice President.
The Vice President expressed happiness over this visionary policy and called it a major step forward to enhance access to quality education to all our children and youth.
Welcoming the emphasis on a holistic, learner-centered, flexible system that seeks to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society, Shri Naidu said it rightfully balances the rootedness and pride in India as well as acceptance of the best ideas and practices in the world of learning from across the globe.
He expressed happiness over the importance given to the mother tongue at primary level in the Policy.
“Diversity and respect for the local context as well as a recognition of the importance of India’s classical languages will undoubtedly give learners a holistic world view”, Shri Naidu opined.
The focus of NEP-2020 on ethics and human and Constitutional values would go a long way in the creation of an enlightened citizenship essential for deepening our democratic roots, VP added.
Calling the NEP-2020’s vision as truly global and essentially Indian, Shri Naidu said that it exemplifies India’s timeless quest for welcoming noble thoughts from all over the world.
The Vice President also expressed his satisfaction that the new policy reflected his conviction that there should be no imposition and no opposition to any language.
Special Service and Features
Shri V. Sankaran, former Director News, AIR, Chennai, died late last night after a brief illness
Shri V. Sankaran, former Director News, AIR, Chennai, died late last night after a brief illness. He was 74.
He has worked in RNI, PIB, AIR and DPR . He also served as correspondent during the Sri Lankan issue.
He served in Puducherry All India Radio for more than 10 years as correspondent.
Even after retirement he was continuously assisting the News Section as a casual News Editor till the COVID epidemic broke. His mortal remains are being taken to his hometown in Tirunelveli district. His last rites will be held in his village Ayyanarkulam in Tirunelveli district. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal GS Bedi AVSM VMVSM takes over as Director General 
Air Marshal GS Bedi Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal, Vayusena Medal, Vishisht Sewa Medal took over as Director General  at Air Head Quarters on 01 Feb 21.
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, the Air Marshal was commissioned in the flying branch of Indian Air Force in 1984. The Air Marshal has flown a wide variety of fighters and trainer aircraft. He has over 3700 hrs of flying in various challenging sectors. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader with vast instructional experience.
In a career spanning over 37 years, the Air Marshal has held a number of coveted command and staff appointments. He has commanded various frontline
Air Force bases besides peace keeping contingent in Democratic Republic of Congo. The Air Officer has served in some of the prestigious appointments in the IAF and was also the Air Adviser at the High Commission of India, London.
In the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he held the important appointment of Air Office Commanding Jammu & Kashmir, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Operations , Assistant Chief of the Air Staff  and Senior Air Staff Officer Southern Air Command. Prior to his present appointment, the Air Marshal was Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command.
For his distinguished service, he was awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2010 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2020 by the President of India.