ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal taken over the charges of Southern Command, Pune
Pune, 1 November 2022
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal has taken over the reins of Southern Command of the Indian Army on 01 November 2022.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune& Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer was commissioned into 7/11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1984. He has vast operational experience of all types of terrain be it counter insurgency area, high altitude & icy glaciated region of Siachen or the desert sector. He commanded 1/11 Gorkha Rifles on Line of Control in J&K, an elite brigade in the Western Theatre, a frontline Counter Insurgency Force in the Kashmir Valley and Trishakti Corps in North East. The General Officer has also held key instructional and staff appointments which include Instructor at Commando Wing, Belgaum, Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General  at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence ,New Delhi. He has also been diplomat soldier, having done a stint as Officer-in-Charge, PPO Dharan at the Embassy of India in Nepal.
After assuming command he paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at Southern Command War Memorial, Pune.
The outgoing Army Commander Lieutenant General JS Nain, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal complimented all ranks of the Command for their unflinching commitment, dedication and devotion in accomplishing assigned tasks in extremely challenging operational environment.
MI/PM
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Growth Rate of Shipping Industry
The total number of Indian seafarers who were employed on Indian or foreign flag vessels increased as under:
|
|
Year
|
|
Total No. of seafarers engaged
|
|
Growth %
|
|
2017
|
|
154349
|
|
7.23
|
|
2018
|
|
208799
|
|
35.27
|
|
2019
|
|
234886
|
|
12.49
The number of vessels under Indian flag have increased from 1313 as on 01.04.2017 to 1431 as on 01.04.2020.
The tonnages of vessels under Indian flag have increased from 11.55 MT as on 01.04.2017 to 12.68MT as on 01.04.2020. The comparative position indicating the no. of vessels and tonnage for last three years is as below:
|
|
As on
|
|
Coastal
|
|
Overseas
|
|
Total
|
|
No. of vessels
|
|
Gross tonnage
|
|
No. of vessels
|
|
Gross tonnage
|
|
No. of vessels
|
|
Gross Tonnage
|
|
01.04.2017
|
|
908
|
|
1.52MT
|
|
405
|
|
10.02MT
|
|
1313
|
|
11.55MT
|
|
01.04.2018
|
|
934
|
|
1.48MT
|
|
448
|
|
11.10MT
|
|
1382
|
|
12.58MT
|
|
01.04.2019
|
|
947
|
|
1.50MT
|
|
458
|
|
11.28MT
|
|
1405
|
|
12.78MT
|
|
01.04.2020
|
|
975
|
|
1.48MT
|
|
456
|
|
11.20MT
|
|
1431
|
|
12.68MT
The growth rate of World shipping along with growth rate in India, as ascertained from Indian National Shipowners’ Association, is as below;
Growth Rate of World and India During 2018-2020 
|
|
Country
|
|
1st Jan 2018
|
|
1st Jan 2019
|
|
1st Jan 2020
|
|
World Fleet
|
|
1833549
|
|
1881589
|
|
1961597
|
|
% of Growth
|
|
3.45
|
|
2.6
|
|
4.3
|
|
Indian Fleet
|
|
18792
|
|
19175
|
|
19372
|
|
% of Growth
|
|
9.86
|
|
2.04
|
|
1.03
In order to make the shipping industry more attractive and competitive, the Government has taken various measures in recent years. These are reduction in GST from 18% to 5% on bunker fuel used in Indian flag vessels; providing cargo support to Indian shipping industry through Right of First Refusal ; allowing shipping enterprises based in India to acquire ships abroad and flag them in the country of their convenience; bringing parity in the tax regime of Indian seafarers employed on Indian flag ships vis-à-vis those on foreign flag ships; removal of licensing requirement for chartering of foreign registered ships for encouraging coastal movement of agriculture and other commodities, fertilizers, EXIM laden Transshipment Containers and Empty containers, etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping  Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha today in a written reply.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh being handed over a Demand Draft and a Cheque as contribution to the PM Cares Fund by Bharatiya Yog Sansthan at New Delhi
Emphasising the point that COVID evoked worldwide interest in Yoga, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today that Yoga had already gained worldwide popularity after the declaration of “International Yoga Day” by the UNO at the behest of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and it found further steep rise in its popularity when even those who were yet to initiate themselves into the practice of Yoga, also began to take a serious interest in the benefits of Yoga during the COVID pandemic and the lockdown that ensued.
While accepting a Demand Draft and a Cheque donated by the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan towards PM Cares Fund, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled PM Modi’s words that from Hollywood to Haridwar, people had taken serious note of Yoga during the Corona health crisis.
Recalling his long association with Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the volunteers of the Sansthan had toiled hard to teach and propagate Yoga right from the times when there was no TV or electronic media available.
Today, however, Yoga is fast getting integrated with people’s lives and the awareness about health has suddenly increased manifold during the last twelve weeks or so, he said.
During the lockdown period particularly, Dr Jitendra Singh observed, many people resorted to Yoga not only to seek a betterment in their immunity status, but also to get over the pangs of loneliness, anxiety or possible depression.
Even before the Corona pandemic arrived, people across the world had realized the benefits of Yoga in various health conditions including non-communicable disease like Diabetes Mellitus, where the practice of Yoga and its benefits have even accepted by the western physicians as an adjuvant therapy in the management and control of blood sugar levels. The scientific customization of Yoga in treatment of modern day disorders like heart disease and hypertension has, in fact, given credence to integrated or holistic approach in the management of diseases.
During the lockdown period, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that a number of online Yoga programmes were also organized and the constraints of lockdown inspired the launching of several new options like practice of Yoga with online or digital support.
One of the fall-outs of the post-COVID era would be, remarked Dr Jitendra Singh, that even after the Corona virus is gone, those who have become habitual of Yoga during the lockdown period, will most likely continue to practise it for the rest of their lives, thus turning it into a lifetime blessing.
Delegation of Bharatiya Yog Sansthan was led by its General Secretary Des Raj, National Executive Member Sharat Chander Aggarwal, Delhi President Lalit Kumar Gupta and others.
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
People Patronize Monpa Handmade Paper of Tawang after PM’s push in Mann ki Baat
The sale of the 1000-years old heritage Monpa handmade paper or “Mon Shugu” is quickly catching pace, thanks to its special mention by Prime Minister in his radio program Mann ki Baat. Khadi and Village Industries Commission, which revived this ancient art at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on 25th December 2020, has made Monpa Handmade paper available online through its e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.
On the first day of its launch, more than 100 sheets of Monpa Handmade paper were sold. The orders were received from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The handmade paper, handcrafted by trained local artisans in Tawang, was put to online sale on Sunday  after the Prime Minister spoke about this ancient art. Monpa Handmade Paper is not only supporting environment protection but has also opened new avenues of income for the local artisans. The handmade paper sheet measuring 24 inch in length and 16 inch in width is priced economically at Rs 50 per sheet.
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said owing to its religious and cultural significance, Monpa Handmade Paper had great market potential in India and abroad. “On the first day of its online sale, we received orders for over 100 sheets. The Prime Minister’s appeal will definitely make this paper popular among people. We will explore new market avenues for Monpa Handmade paper that will strengthen this industry and local artisans in Arunachal Pradesh,” Saxena said.
Revival of this art assumes significance as Monpa Handmade paper was once produced in every household in Tawang and the paper was exported to many countries like Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar and Japan among others. However, with the new technologies coming in, the handmade paper industry almost disappeared in the last 100 years.
Notably, Monpa Handmade paper is made from the bark of tree Shugu Sheng grown locally in Tawang and is identified by its distinctive translucent fibrous texture. The paper is weightless but its natural fibers add great tensile strength to this paper making it apt for various art works. Monpa handmade paper has been used for writing Buddhist scriptures, manuscripts and for making prayer flags. Writing on this paper is also known to be tamper-proof. The Monpa Handmade paper industry set up in Tawang aims at engaging the local youths with this art professionally and earn.
Initially, the paper unit has engaged 9 artisans who can produce 500 to 600 sheets of Monpa handmade paper per day. The artisans will be earning wages of per day Rs 400 per day. To begin with, 12 women and 2 men from local villages have been trained to make Monpa handmade paper.
Ministry of Science & Technology
World Oceans Day celebrated at CSIR-NIO
Goa, 8 June 2022
World Oceans Day celebrated at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography. The function was presided over by the Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Addressing the event, Dr. Pramod Sawant said that the oceans form a critical part of the biosphere as they are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine.
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
Dr.Sawant also mentioned that the Oceans serve to generate oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, regulate the climate, and also are a backbone for international trade. He spoke on the benefits of the oceans and also the various pressures the ocean faces due to destructive fishing, marine pollution, ocean acidification which take a toll on the health of our Oceans”. He emphasised on the role played by scientists and students in sharing the knowledge and research to improve the health of our Oceans.
He congratulated the local fishermen and farmers for participating in the Green Mussels Culturing programme organised by CSIR-NIO under skill development initiative. He also distributed certificates and congratulated the winners of various national competitions held at CSIR-NIO for the World Oceans Day on the theme “Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean”.
Earlier Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director CSIR-NIO, expressed the World Oceans Day greetings and laid epmhasis on the need to protect our Oceans. He briefed on CSIR-NIO's contribution to ocean science and society. He also mentioned that the institute is also involved in national programs like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jigyasa which is a student-scientist connect program as a scientific social responsibility and also contributes to flagship programmes of Aaatmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa symbolising the spirit of Cooperative Federalism.
Chief Minister released a Magazine on ‘Samudramanthan’, a compilation in the form of splendid scientific works, Rhythms in Poetry & Essay and Ingenuity in Photography and Drawing.PIB Panaji | S.Thakur/D.Rane
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Prime Minister's Office
PM to interact with Gennova Biopharma, Biological E and Dr. Reddy’s teams tomorrow
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact tomorrow via video conferencing with Gennova Biopharma, Biological E and Dr. Reddy’s teams involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Tomorrow, on 30th November 2020, PM @narendramodi will interact, via video conferencing, with three teams that are involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. The teams he will interact with are from Gennova Biopharma, Biological E and Dr. Reddy’s."
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Telangana on the Statehood Day; extends wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Telangana, on the Statehood Day. The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
“On Telangana’s Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of this wonderful state. Telangana is known for its hardworking citizens who are making great contributions to our nation’s development. I pray for the progress of Telangana.
Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh. From science to sports, education to enterprise, AP’s contribution is immense. May the state prosper in the coming years", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Prime Minister to inaugurate International Energy Forum in New Delhi
India will host the 16thInternational Energy Forum  Ministerial Meeting from 10-12th April 2018 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the Meeting on 11th April 2018.Petroleum Ministers from 42 countries would attend the Meeting.The biennial IEF Ministerial Meetings are the world's largest gathering of Energy Ministers who engage in a dialogue on global energy issues. The IEF Ministerial meetings are informal dialogues, at both the political and technical levels, aimed to improve policy and investment decisions, and through increased knowledge and experience sharing. The Minister for External Affairs SmtSushmaSwaraj will deliver the valedictory speech at the Concluding session on 12th April 2018.
Global energy security, sustainable and inclusive growth, energy access and affordability, fiscal regimes and legal reforms to attract investments in the energy sector and energy sector digitalization-benefits and challenges would be part of the deliberations among other important issues.
The International Energy Forum  is an inter-governmental arrangement set up in 1991,based in Riyadh which serves as a neutral facilitator of informal, open, informed and continuing global energy dialogue among its members comprising of energy producing and energy consuming states, including transit countries.
There are 72 membercountries of IEF, including India, covering all six continents, which are signatories to the Charter of the IEF. Its membership accounts for 90% of global supply and demand for oil and gas.
The Executive Board  set up in 2002 comprising of 31 designated representatives of Ministers of the member states comprise the governing board of IEF. It meets twice a year. International Energy Agency  and Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries  are non-voting members of the Executive Board. The EB is chaired by the Host State of the next biennial Ministerial Meeting.Currently, India is the Chair of the Executive Board of IEF.
By virtue of being among the top 11 largest consumers of oil and gas , India has been the Permanent Member of the Executive Board since its set-up in 2002. India had earlier hosted the 5th IEF Ministerial in 1996 at Goa.
Apart from member countries, invitations have also been extended to 20 other countries where India has oil and gas engagements/interests.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates shooters, Ramita, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ashi Chouksey for securing Silver Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women's team event at Asian Games
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed shooters, Ramita, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ashi Chouksey for securing Silver Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women's team event at Asian Games 2022.
Applauding the feat, the Prime Minister said "this Silver medal is the fruit of your hard work and dedication. Let's keep the momentum up as we continue to shine at the #AsianGames2022."
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP operation during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
Upto 13.10.2020, the progressive procurement of paddy has crossed 55.61 LMT, procured through over 4.80 Lac farmers with MSP value of ₹10,500.72 Crores
The arrival of Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21 has already commenced and Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes as was done in previous seasons.
Paddy procurement through FCI and other government agencies for KMS 20-21 has picked up fast in some of the procuring regions like Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and J&K. It is expected to start in other procuring states soon. Upto 13.10.2020, the progressive procurement of paddy has crossed 55.61 LMT, procured through over 4.80 Lac farmers with MSP value of ₹10,500.72 Crores.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 41.67 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds for Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under Price Support Scheme  so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuringagencies.
Upto 13.10.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 669.74 MT of Moong and Urad having MSP value of Rs. 4.82 crores benefitting 611 farmers in Tamil Nadu Maharashtra and Haryana. Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs. 52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu . In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
The Procurement of seed cotton  during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 has started from 1st October, 2020 and cumulative procurement as on 14th October, 2020 by Cotton Corporation of India has reached a quantity of 63262 bales under MSP for a value of Rs 17860.56 lakh benefitting 13077 farmers.
Prime Minister's Office
PM salutes the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
PM salutes the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
"Saluting the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Their valour & heroism will never be forgotten" the Prime Minister said.
Department of Space
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addresses G20 meeting, describes India as an emerging Space economy
Minister says, India is one of the very few countries who have built end to end capability in Space. As a result, there is a huge demand for Space based services which have huge commercial potential.
Addressing the inaugural session of G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting here today, Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh described India as an emerging Space economy.
G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting is being organised under India’s G20 presidency by the Department of Space, Government of India,
The Minister said that India is one of the very few countries who have built end to end capability in space. Over these years, space technology has penetrated to all walks of life. As a result, there is a huge demand for space based services which have huge commercial potential, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has decided to open up the space sector for the Indian private industry through the 2020 Space Sector reforms to enhance their participation in end-to-end space activities with hand holding of ISRO.
The Minister further said that the reforms aim to make private industries a co-traveller in India’s Space journey by allowing them to undertake independent end to end space activities. The increased private industry participation will eventually result in increased contribution of India in the global space economy.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that a nodal entity called Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center IN-SPACehas been created towards promoting and authorising private industries participation. The creation of IN-SPACe has received overwhelming response from the Indian space industry. The first privately built sounding rocket was launched last November and a space start-up has established a launch pad inside ISRO’s launch complex. A few start-ups have built and launched satellites, he added.
The Minister said that in order to give further boost to private investments, the Union Cabinet had approved India's space policy which envisages and encourages private participation in all areas of space activities.
Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the Department of Space for organising the Space Economy Leaders Meeting at Bengaluru and a Precursor event at Shillong. He added that the major objective of these events should be to make Space as a formal element of G20 discussions, in future. The Minister concluded by wishing all the best to the diplomats, heads of national space agencies and the space industries from G20 and guest countries for participating in the deliberations.
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff
The Government have appointed Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30th November 2021. The present Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, retires from service on 30th November, 2021.
Born on 12th April, 1962 Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC was commissioned on 1st January, 1983 in to the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar’s Sea Command includes INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. He also commanded Indian Navy’s Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat. He served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Before taking over as FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, he was Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar has undergone courses at the Naval War College, US, Army War College, Mhow and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.
Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar has been decorated with the Param Vishist Seva Medal , the AtiVishist Seva Medal  and Vishist Seva Medal..
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