ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Government notified the National Policy on Biofuels to promote the use
Target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030
Activities undertaken for technological development in the biofuel sector
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that The Government notified the National Policy on Biofuels  - 2018 on 04.06.2018 to promote the use of biofuels in the country. The NPB envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by 2030 and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030.
Some of the activities undertaken for technological development in the biofuel sector are as follows:
Department of Biotechnology is promoting innovation Research, Development and Demonstration in Biofuel areas through various Schemes like the Centre of Excellence, extramural projects, fellowship schemes, and international cooperation.
Department of Biotechnology is supporting projects to ease the utilization of biofuels by making them cost effective. In Gujarat, Department of Biotechnology is implementing a project on self-sustainable model for energy generation by adopting clean technology for conversion of mixed organic waste into methane and bio-fertilizer.
Collaboration of IOC R&D with Department of Biotechnology, in the area of Bioenergy.
Development of integrated 2G ethanol enzymatic technology using biomass feedstock such as rice straw, wheat straw, bagasse etc.
Development and successful demo of raw material agnostic high yield Bio-methanation technology to produce bio-gas.
Development of agri waste pre-treatment technology for in-situ preparation of feed for bio-gas units.
Collaborative research with IISC, Bengaluru for development of technology to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen from biomass to tackle biomass challenge while improving ambient air quality.
The measures taken by the Government to promote the use of biofuels in the Country including Gujarat, includes allowing use of sugarcane and food grains  for conversion to ethanol; administered price mechanism for procurement of ethanol under EBP Programme including enhanced ex-mill price of ethanol year on year from ethanol supply year 2017; lowered GST rate to 5% on ethanol and biodiesel for EBP and biodiesel blending Programme respectively; amendment in Industries  Act for free movement of ethanol; interest subvention scheme for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity in the country; opened 2G route for procurement of ethanol; allowing direct sale of bio-diesel  for blending with High Speed Diesel etc.
Ministry of Finance
6TH GST DAY CELEBRATED AT JANTA BHAWAN, GANGTOK
On the occasion of 6th GST Day, the Central GST in collaboration with State GST of Sikkim celebrated GST Day at Janta Bhawan, Gangtok. At the very outset the officials were given a warm welcome with Khada Arpan ceremony. A welcome speech was delivered by Shri R. W. Sherpa, Superintendent of CGST & Central Excise, Gangtok, welcoming all the esteemed guests comprising from various trade fraternity.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri Manoj Rai, Commissioner, State GST Sikkim highlighted the evolvement of GST during the last 6 years and its benefits for the stakeholders in particular and all the public in general.
Screen projection related to development of GST in the past 6 years was presented by State GST Officials followed by a cake cutting ceremony. The stakeholders from trade fraternity showcased the benefits of GST with their speech.
Goods and Services Tax  Day is observed in India on July 1 every year to commemorate the implementation of the GST regime in the country. GST is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services across the country. It is a destination-based tax that has replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by the central and state governments, making the taxation system simpler and more transparent.
The ceremony was concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. A. L. Bhutia, Assistant Commissioner, Gangtok CGST & CX Division, Siliguri Commissionerate.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Intriguing layer where internal rotation profile of Sun changes theoretically explained
It was long known the Sun’s equator spins faster than the poles. However, a peek into the internal rotation of the Sun using sound waves revealed the existence of an intriguing layer where the rotation profile of the Sun changes sharply. The layer is called as near-surface shear layer , and it exists very close to the solar surface, where there is an outward decrease in angular velocity.
Having long probed the explanation of this layer, Indian astronomers have found a theoretical explanation for its existence for the first time. Understanding NSSL is crucial for the study of several solar phenomena like sunspot formation, solar cycle, and it will also help in understanding such phenomena in other stars.
A researcher, Bibhuti Kumar Jha, from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, along with the senior scientist, Prof. Arnab Rai Choudhuri, from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, has for the first time given the theoretical explanation of the existence of NSSL in the Sun. This work has been published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
In their study, they have used an equation called the thermal wind balance equation. It explains how the slight difference in temperature between solar poles and equator, called thermal wind term, is balanced by the centrifugal force appearing due to solar differential rotation. Most scientists believe that this condition is true only in the interior of the Sun, and it does not hold near the solar surface. In this work, the authors have shown that this belief actually holds near the surface as well.
They have noted that if this condition is true near the solar surface, it can explain the existence of NSSL, which is inferred in helioseismology  based observation.
Fig: The solar rotation profile calculated based on the theoretical model given by Jha and Choudhuri . The solid black and dashed red contours are the contours of constant angular rotation based on the model and observation, respectively.
Publication links:
ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.14266
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab1717
For further details Bibhuti Kumar Jha  and Arnab Rai Choudhuri  can be contacted.
AYUSH
Ministry of Ayush to organise two day scientific convention on World Homeopathy day
A two-day scientific convention is being organised in New Delhi under the aegis of Ministry of Ayush by three apex bodies, namely, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, National Commission for Homoeopathy and National Institute of Homoeopathy on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day  on 9th& 10th April 2022 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramanium Auditorium, New Delhi. World Homoeopathy Day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann to mark his 267th birth anniversary. The theme of this scientific convention is ‘Homoeopathy: People’s Choice for Wellness’.
This scientific convention on 9th April 2022 will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Ayush, ports, Shipping and Waterways Sh. Sarbnanda Sonowal, along with MoS for Ayush and WCD Dr Mahendrabhai Munjpara. The delegates of this convention would include homoeopathic researchers, scientists from interdisciplinary streams, practitioners, students, industrialists as we all as representatives of various homoeopathic associations.
This convention is an opportunity to review the path trodden so far, achievements in the field of Homoeopathy and to formulate future strategies for development of Homoeopathy. There is an imminent need to initiate a dialogue among the major stakeholders of Homoeopathy which will address much needed practice standards in clinical research informatics, data standards in clinical research, policy issues, educational standards and instructional resources. This can be achieved by merging together the clinical care delivery and research as a part of a changing paradigm in global health-care delivery in the context of rapid innovations in technology. A necessity to identify and propose strategic actions towards an effective and efficient inclusion of Homoeopathy in integrative care is indispensable.
The deliberations that will take place during this scientific convention will therefore aim at enhancing the acceptability of Homoeopathy by the public in general and give insights to a future roadmap for advancement of Homoeopathy as first choice for people’s wellness.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review preparedness for cyclone “MAHA” over Gujarat and Maharashtra
A meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee , chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba, was held today to review the preparations for the cyclone over Gujarat, Maharashtra and Daman & Diu.
Cabinet Secretary took stock of the current situation and preparedness for rescueand relief operations and directed that immediate assistance, as required, be provided.
IMD informed that the Cyclone, currently over east central Arabian Sea is moving west and north westwards and is likely to intensify further till 5th November morning. It will thereafter weaken and crossthe Gujarat and Maharashtra coast by mid night of 6th November and early morning of 7th November2019. Heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching upto 90 to 100 kmph and tidal waves up to 1.5meter,are expected.
Chief Secretaries of Gujarat and Maharashtra informed that necessary preparations have been made by them and NDRF, SDRF teams alongwith Coast Guard and Naval ships have already been positioned. The district authorities have been put on alert and all fishing activities have been suspended. Daman and Diu Administration also apprised of their preparedness and evacuation plans.
Senior officials of the Ministries of Home, Defence,as well as those from IMD, NDMA and NDRF, attended the meeting. Chief Secretaries of Gujarat and Maharashtra alongwith officers from the UT Administration participated in the meeting.
Ministry of Coal
Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs to hold chintan shivir to strategise on Way Forward for the Coal Sector
Domain experts invited for deliberations
A two day Chintan Shivir is being organised at the Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat from 17th to 18th February 2020 for senior officers of Ministry of Coal and all CMDs of Coal companies to strategise on “Way forward for the Coal sector”. The Shivir will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi, who is also expected to actively guide the discussions on the agenda topics. Domain experts in various fields are being invited for detailed deliberations towards reaching the target of One Billion Tonnes production by 2023-24 as a way of eliminating the import of coal which is a substantial drain on the foreign exchange outgo.
The topics that will be taken up for brainstorming are –
- Future of Coal in India
- Strategy for achieving 1 BT production by CIL and country
- One Billion tonne Strategy for evacuation
- Support of local communities/sustainable coal
- Investment in Coal Sector & Business Diversification
- Alternate Models of Land Procurement
- SEWA-Community support programme
An outcome document based on the deliberations will guide the Coal sector in the coming months.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Cabinet approves signing of MoU in the field of Judicial Cooperation between Judicial Service Commission of Maldives
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  in the field of Judicial Cooperation between India and Judicial Service Commission of the Republic of Maldives. This is the eighth MoU signed between India and other countries in the field of Judicial Cooperation.
This MoU will provide a platform to tap benefits of Information Technology for court digitization and can be a potential growth area for the IT companies and start-ups in both the countries.
During recent years, the close relationship between India and Maldives has intensified multi-dimensionally. With the signing of this agreement on cooperation in the field of law and justice, the good relations between the two countries will receive further impetus. It will not only enable exchange of knowledge and technology in judicial and other legal areas between the two countries but will also further the objectives of “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
IREDA observes International Women’s Day
IREDA organizes two interactive sessions on "India@75: Financial Freedom for Women" and "India @75: Freedom from Medicines", as part of the celebrations
Women employees of IREDA enthusiastically participated in the celebration
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.  celebrated International Women’s Day today, with the felicitation of female employees and a dedication to encouraging women's leadership in all work areas.
Extending his warmest wishes to all female employees, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, underlined, "To support the women workforce, IREDA adheres to several policies like Child Care Leave and Maternity Leave etc. The company also provides exclusive facilities to the female employees, like weekly consultations with a reputed Gynaecologist  and daily yoga sessions by the lady yoga teacher. Further, IREDA is committed to achieving gender equality in leadership roles across the organisation and boosting the percentage of women employees in the company, which currently stands at 24%." Shri Chintan Shah, Director , Mrs. Manish Saxena, Chief Vigilance Officer, IREDA, and other senior officials also took part in the event.
As a part of the celebration, IREDA organised an interactive session addressed by Ms. Praveen Mahajan , former Chairperson of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs . She is the first woman to head CBITC and the first woman President of the All-India Tennis Association . Ms. Mahajan shared her experiences and insights with female employees of the company. Shri Rahul Chandaliya, Founder, Rati Finance, interacted with the participants on "India@75: Financial Freedom for Women". Dr. Ritu & Dr. Arti from Saksham Social Welfare Society addressed the ladies on "India @75: Freedom from Medicines". Mrs. Manisha Saxena, CVO, IREDA, also encouraged female employees through motivational talks.
The event, which was in continuation of the celebration of "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav", witnessed enthusiastic participation from the female employees. The programme ended with a cultural extravaganza by the female employees.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address programme marking 10th death anniversary of late Shri Harmohan Singh Yadav on 25th July
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address a programme marking the 10th death anniversary of late Shri Harmohan Singh Yadav on 25th July, 2022 at 4:30 PM via video conferencing.
Shri Harmohan Singh Yadav  was a towering figure and leader of the Yadav community. Prime Minister’s participation in the programme is in recognition of the contribution of the late leader for farmers, backward classes and other sections of the society.
Shri Harmohan Singh Yadav remained active in politics for a long time and served in various capacities as MLC, MLA, member of Rajya Sabha and chairman of 'Akhil Bhartiya Yadav Mahasabha'. He was also instrumental in establishing many educational institutions in and around Kanpur with the help of his son Shri Sukhram Singh.
Shri Harmohan Singh Yadav was awarded Shaurya Chakra in 1991 for display of valour in protecting the lives of several Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs participates in Swachhta Campaign and Special Campaign 2.0
The Department of Economic Affairs , Ministry of Finance, along with its CPSE, attached and autonomous organisations, is actively participating in Swachhta Campaign and Special campaign 2.0 for disposal of pending matters  from October 2nd, 2022 to October 31st, 2022.
During the Special Campaign 2.0, DEA’s thrust is on cleanliness drive, weeding out of old records, liquidating the pendency in respect of VIP References, Parliament Assurances, DCN, References from PMO/State Governments, Public Grievances, Public Grievances Appeals, etc. Several rounds of meetings have taken place, including review at the level of the Secretary, DEA. Teams have been formed at ground level to coordinate activities and ensure the success of the campaign. During the campaign, beautification of corridors of North Block as well as renovation of rooms has been undertaken by DEA.
Extensive cleanliness drive has been undertaken by the CPSE under DEA - Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited  on its 10 sites.
As part of campaign there has been considerable achievement in disposal of pending matters. In week 2, against 19 pending Parliament Assurances, 13 have been fulfilled. Against 278 Public Grievances, 185 have been disposed of. 27 Public Grievance Appeals have been disposed against 40 pending appeals. After reviewing 1,750 files, 1,520 files have been weeded out so far.
During the campaign, through the sale of scrap Rs. 50,000/- has been realied apart from reclaiming 5000 sq.ft. of office space.
As a best practice, DEA is working on the conservation of historic economic records .
Ministry of Women and Child Development
STATUS OF CHILD CARE INSTITUTES
The funds are released according to the requirements and demands made by the respective States/UTs government. State-wise funds released under Child Protection Services Scheme - Mission Vatsalya including for Child Care Institutions  during the last three years and the current year is at Annexure-I.
State-wise number of children in Child Care Institutions  including homes of various types for financial year 2019-20 and 2020-21 is at Annexure-II.
The numbers of beneficiaries have not shown an increase during the last two year period.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his Jayanti at Rajghat
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his Jayanti today at Rajghat.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi At Rajghat. His ideals reverberate globally and his thoughts have provided strength to millions of people. #GandhiJayanti "
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Maharashtra and Goa
The Income Tax Department carried out a search and seizure operation on 25.08.2021 on a group based in Maharashtra and Goa. The group is a prominent steel manufacturer and trader of Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Goa. More than 44 premises were covered in the search operation.
During the course of the search and seizure operation, many incriminating documents, loose papers and digital evidences were seized.
Evidence detected during the search revealed that the group was engaged in fraudulent practice of booking bogus purchases of scrap and sponge iron from various 'fake invoice issuers'. Premises of fake invoice issuers were also covered during the search. Such invoice issuers have admitted that they supplied only bills but no materials and also generated fake e-way bills to show it as genuine purchases and to claim GST input credit. With the active support of GST Authorities, Pune, "Vehicle movement tracking app" was used to identify fake e-way bills. Total bogus purchases identified from these parties, so far, is about Rs.160 crore. The verification is still in progress and quantum of bogus purchases is likely to increase substantially.
Further, shortage of goods to the tune of Rs.3.5 crore and excess stocks of Rs. 4 crore was also found from the premises and the same has been admitted by the assessees. Unaccounted investment in property was also unearthed. Unaccounted cash of Rs. 3 crore and jewellery amounting to Rs. 5.20 crore has been seized from different premises. Unaccounted silver articles of 194 Kg valued at about Rs. 1.34 crore have been found during the search and have been accepted and declared as additional income by the assessee.
So far, a total of Rs.175.5 crore of unaccounted income has been unearthed including unaccounted cash and jewellery, shortage and excess of stock and bogus purchases.
The search operation is still continuing and investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
MONITORING MECHANISM FOR RIVER POLLUTION
The National Green Tribunal  vide its order/judgment dated 22.02.2021, in Original Application No 673 of 2018 has inter-alia directed that Ministry of Jal Shakti  may devise an appropriate mechanism for more effective monitoring of steps for control of pollution and rejuvenation of all polluted river stretches in the country. The said mechanism may be called “National River Rejuvenation Mechanism”  or given any other suitable name
The NGT’s Order /judgment dated 22.02.2021 has not stipulated any time line for constituting the NRRM.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Pinaka Mk-I  Rocket System and Pinaka Area Denial Munition Rocket Systems successfully flight-tested by DRDO & Indian Army
Pinaka Mk-I  Rocket System  and Pinaka Area Denial Munition  rocket systems have been successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation  and Indian Army at Pokhran Firing Ranges. A total of 24 EPRS rockets were fired for different ranges during the last fortnight. Required accuracy and consistency was achieved by the rockets meeting all trial objectives satisfactorily. With these trails, the initial phase of technology absorption of EPRS by the industry has successfully been completed and the industry partners are ready for user trials/series production of the rocket system.
The Pinaka rocket system has been developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune supported by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, another Pune-based laboratory of DRDO.
The EPRS is the upgraded version of Pinaka variant which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade. The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements. After establishing the performance efficacy of the enhanced range version of Pinaka, the technology was transferred to the industries viz. Munitions India Limited  and Economic Explosives Limited Nagpur. Rockets manufactured by MIL under Transfer of Technology from DRDO were flight tested during this campaign. Different variants of munitions and fuzes which can be used in the Pinaka rocket system were also successfully test evaluated in the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy has congratulated the teams for completing the flight trials of new design rockets based on advanced technologies in record time.
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Ministry of Finance
Highlights of the Monthly Account of the Government of India upto November 2017
The Monthly Accounts of the Union Government of India upto November 2017 have been consolidated and reports published. The highlights are given below:-
The Government of India has received Rs.8,66,710 crore  upto November 2017 comprising Rs. 6,99,392 crore Tax Revenue , Rs.1,05,469 crore of Non Tax Revenue and Rs.61,849 crore of Non Debt Capital Receipts. Non Debt Capital Receipts consists of Recovery of Loans  and Disinvestment of PSUs .
Rs.3,85,286 crore has been transferred to State Governments as Devolution of Share of Taxes by Government of India in this period.
Total Expenditure incurred by Government of India is Rs.14,78,815 crore , out of which Rs.12,94,700 crore is on Revenue Account and Rs. 1,84,115 crore is on Capital Account. Out of the total Revenue Expenditure, Rs.3,09,799 crore is on account of Interest Payments and Rs.2,06,068 crore is on account of Major Subsidies.