ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Satisfactory progress of sowing area coverage under Kharif crops
Oilseeds coverage area jumps more than three-fold, significant gains in Cotton, Coarse Cereals, Cotton, Pulses & Rice
More rainfall this year accumulates almost double of decade’s average water storage in 123 reservoirs
The country has received the rainfall of 155.2 mm against the normal of 128.2 mm during the period from 1.06.2020 to 25.06.2020. There has been satisfactory progress of sowing area coverage under Kharif crops, the status of which is given as under:
- Sowing Area Coverage of Summer Crops:
- Rice: About 37.71 lakh ha area coverage under summer rice as compared to 32.05 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Pulses: About 19.40 lakh ha area coverage under pulses as compared to 11.45 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Coarse Cereals: About 47.96 lakh ha area coverage under coarse cereals as compared to 26.09 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Oilseeds: About 83.31 lakh ha area coverage under oilseeds as compared to 24.07 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Sugarcane: About 49.69 lakh ha area coverage under sugarcane as compared to 47.77 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Jute & Mesta: About 5.88 lakh ha area coverage under jute & mesta as compared to 6.98 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
- Cotton: About 71.69 lakh ha area coverage under cotton as compared to 39.23 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
In Rabi Marketing Season  2020-21, a total of 403.44 Lakh MT wheat is arrived in FCI out of which 387.20 Lakh MT is purchased.
As on 25.06.2020, the live water storage in 123 reservoirs is 194% of the live storage of corresponding period of last year and 171% of storage of average of last ten years.
Click here for detailed data on Sowing Area Coverage of Summer Crops
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
States exhibiting surge in Daily New COVID cases and High Active Caseload urged to Return to Fundamentals of “Test, Track and Treat”
Accelerate Vaccination for specified population categories in worst affected districts in Mission Mode
Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary and Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member , NITI Aayog today interacted with Health Secretaries and MDs  of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UTs of Delhi and Chandigarh. These States/UTs have in the recent past seen increased positivity and increased number of daily positive cases. They reviewed the ongoing public health measures of surveillance, containment and management of COVID cases in wake of the steep rise in daily new cases of COVID and the high number of active caseload being reported from these eight States/UTs.
In a detailed presentation, it was pointed out that 9 districts in Delhi, 15 in Haryana, 10 in Andhra Pradesh, 10 in Odisha, 9 in Himachal Pradesh, 7 in Uttarakhand, 2 in Goa, 1 in Chandigarh continue to be of concern as these districts are seeing a decrease in total tests being conducted, low share of RT-PCR tests, increase in weekly positivity and low number of contact tracing of the COVID positive cases. These together can pose high risk of transmission to the neighbouring States and UTs. A granular analysis of the COVID response in the districts was shared with the States/UTs for further action.
States were specifically asked to:
- Continue with the effective strategy of ‘Test Track & Treat’ that had yielded rich dividends at the height of the pandemic.
- Improve overall testing in districts reporting reduction in testing
- Increase share of RT-PCR tests in districts dependent on high levels of antigen testing.
- Refocus on surveillance and stringent containment of those areas in selected districts which are seeing cluster of cases.
- Carry out an average close contact tracing of minimum of 20 persons per positive case.
- Focus on clinical management in districts reporting higher deaths.
- Actuate their health infrastructure to provide effective clinical management to all the patients as a surge in cases also affects the case fatality rate in those districts.
- Accelerate vaccination for priority population groups in districts reporting higher cases.
- Make optimal use of the available vaccine doses and focus on critical districts.
- To collaborate with the private hospitals to open up vaccination time-table for a minimum of 15 days and maximum of 28 days at a time.
- Promote COVID-appropriate behaviour through communication and enforcement.
Stress was laid on prompt isolation and on medical supervision of those active cases presently in home isolation for early identification of progressive deterioration of the disease. The States were also asked actively watch out for super-spreading events and share their best practices in breaking the chain of transmission.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with “India Unit” of the Egyptian Cabinet headed by Prime Minister of Egypt
Shortly after arriving in Cairo on a State Visit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a meeting on 24 June 2023 with the "India Unit” in the Egyptian Cabinet. This India Unit was set up earlier this year following the State Visit of President of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to India as Chief Guest for Republic Day 2023. The India Unit is headed by the Prime Minister of Egypt H.E. Mr. Mustafa Madbouly, and comprises a number of Ministers and senior officials.
Prime Minister Madbouly and his Cabinet colleagues outlined the activities that the India Unit has been undertaking, and proposed new areas of cooperation. They appreciated the positive response from their Indian counterparts, and look forward to deepening India-Egypt bilateral relations in numerous sectors.
Prime Minister appreciated the setting up of the India Unit and welcomed this ‘whole of the government approach’ to take forward bilateral relations with India, and shared India’s readiness to work closely with Egypt in various areas of mutual interest.
Discussions took place on ways to strengthen cooperation in areas like trade and investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, IT, digital payment platforms, pharma and people to people ties.
Other than Prime Minister Madbouly, seven Egyptian Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting, including:
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaker El- Markabi, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy
H. E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Dr. Hala Al-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Maait, Minister of Finance
H.E Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
H.E. Eng. Ahmed Samir, Minister of Industry and Trade
Prime Minister's Office
Mr. Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia meets PM
Mr. Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia met the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
"Had an excellent meeting with Mr. Jensen Huang, the CEO of @nvidia. We talked at length about the rich potential India offers in the world of AI. Mr. Jensen Huang was appreciative of the strides India has made in this sector and was equally upbeat about the talented youth of India."
Ministry of Science & Technology
Pune based start-up all set to bring non-toxic, gentler, long lasting hand sanitiser to the market
An environment friendly hand sanitizer that is gentle on the hands and does not dry them, will soon be available in the market. The alcohol free, aqueous, non-inflammable and non-toxic hand sanitizer has been developed from Silver Nanoparticles by a Pune based start-up.
Recurrent drying up of hands due to repeated application of hand sanitizers is a challenge which people have faced during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The hand sanitizer developed by WeinnovateBiosolutions prolongs antimicrobial activity thus obviating the need for repeated applications.Silver nanoparticles give slow and sustained release of silver ions to kill microorganisms that come in contact. Besides, it can be stored in ambient conditions.
It has successfully completed Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation  approved clinical trial for the hand sanitizer and demonstrated high efficiency in killing viruses.
WeinnovateBiosolutionswas supported by CAWACH 2020 grant of National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board  under the Department of Science and Technology  and incubated at Entrepreneurship Development Centre , Pune. They developed the colloidal silver solution-based hand sanitiser. The technologyoperates on the ability of the silver nanoparticles to prevent the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding.
“We are very confident of the study outcomes and waiting to get the license for our hand sanitiser formulation from CDSCO, India. We are sure that such innovation will push India towards its 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission and make India a self-sustained nation to face such pandemics in future”, said Dr. Anupama Engineer, Cofounder & COO WeinnovateBiosolutions.
Silver nanoparticles have been found to be an effective antiviral which act against many deadly viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, Herpes simplex virus, Influenza virus, and so on. Recent reports have suggested the role of Glutathione capped-Ag2S NCs  in inhibiting the proliferation of Coronavirus by preventing the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding. Thecolloidal silver on which the technology of the sanitizers of WeinnovateBiosolutions is based can help arrest Covid -19 spread by blocking the RNA replication and infectivity by blocking the surface glycoproteins.
A study to evaluate the efficacy of hand sanitiser on different types of viruses is also currently underway by the group.
Ministry of Railways
‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi Aur Stations’ celebrations to conclude on 23rd July, 2022
Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to interact with freedom fighters and their family members
All Zonal Railways will be participating
Indian Railways will organise closing event of the Iconic Week Celebrations of the ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ here on 23rd July, 2022. Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw will grace the occasion. He will interact with freedom fighters and their family members through video conference.
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Indian Railways is organising week long celebrations of the ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ from 18th July-23rd July. During the event, the importance of 75 identified stations/27 trains in the freedom struggle has been highlighted.
All Zones/Divisions through their nominated Stations  will be connected through VC on the closing event. General Managers will attend the function throughVC. In this regard, Railway Board has already written to General Managers of all Zonal Railways.
The function will be livestreamed at all zones/ Divisions through their nominated stations  with two way communication link
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri visits BEL-Pune
The Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Ajay Bhatt, visited the Pune Unit of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited  today and had a first-hand look at the Unit’s strengths in the domains of Laser Systems, Electronic Fuzes & Ammunition, Energy Storage Products and Combat Systems.
The dignitary was given a presentation on BEL’s vast array of products and capabilities in both Defence and non-defence. Shri Ajay Bhatt was taken around the factory and shown state-of-the-art facilities for production of Electronic Fuzes for Artillery Guns, Laser Products , Li-Ion Cell manufacturing and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear  Systems .
Shri Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, CMD, BEL, and Shri G S N Murthy, GM , were present during the visit of the Raksha Rajya Mantri.
Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care HE Mr Mark Butler in New Delhi
Ministers agree to work together in areas of Skilling and to address global demands of Skilled workforce
Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today met HE Mr Mark Butler, Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care.
The Ministers had good discussions on working towards mutual recognition of qualifications in nursing and age-care related courses through sharing of training content and harmonisation of skills. They also discussed lowering of costs and language proficiency for ensuing ease-of-entry of skilled professionals.
Both the Ministers agreed to work together to achieve mutual objectives in priority areas of skilling as well as for addressing global demands of skilled workforce.
Earlier in the day, a Roundtable on Health Workforce Training & Skill Pathways was held in New Delhi to discuss innovative collaborations in education, skill development, and healthcare partnership between both countries.
During the Roundtable Australian Minister for Health Care and Aged Care HE Mr Mark Butler and Secretary, MSDE Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari had discussions which would assist in charting out a path for both countries to develop and utilize talent, build competencies, streamline recruitment across borders, as well as define the future of India's contribution to healthcare in Australia.
Both countries recognize the valuable contributions they can offer each other. As this partnership evolves, they will continue to enhance the capabilities and expertise necessary to shape the future of these critical sectors.
Ministry of Education
National Webinar on Internationalisation of Higher Education under Shikshak Parv
A National Webinar on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education’ was conducted today by Department of Higher Education and University Grants Commission. Government of India has recently launched National Education Policy-2020 making way for large scale, transformational reforms in both school and higher education sectors. Ministry of Education is organising series of Webinars as part of ‘Shikshak Parv’ starting from 8th September 2020.
Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Chairperson , Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Shri Alok Mishra, Director, NITI Aayog, Prof. I. K. Bhatt, Former Director, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Dr. S. Vaidhya subramaniam, Vice Chancellor, SASTRA Deemed University were the guest speakers on the Webinar. Dr. Manju Singh, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, UGC moderated the session.
India’s ancient and rich education and cultural heritage have tremendous potential to attract students from abroad, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said. He emphasised on making coordinated efforts by all HEIs in a single platform to enhance our global outreach.
Shri Alok Mishra enumerated the drivers and strategy of internationalisation in a detailed presentation. Shri Mishra focused on an ecosystem of World Class University, articulated institutional commitment and internationalisation at home and abroad to drive internationalisation of higher education in India.
Dr. S. Vaidhya subramaniam, highlighted the need of effort towards channelising our resources in the policy pathway to steer internationalisation. Dr. Vaidhya subramaniam deliberated on three models - full physical presence, through collaboration and through online education for entry of foreign institutions in India.
Prof. I. K. Bhatt stressed on the importance of constituting a taskforce to address concerns regarding internationalisation of higher education. Prof. Bhatt further underlined the need for framing an agenda for internationalisation. Dr. Singh summing up the rich insight from the Webinar emphasised on authentic data with dedicated portal; facilitating of credit transfer, twinning, joint degree, dual degree; autonomy to HEIs and addressing rigidity of approval process; simplified and streamlined admission procedure for international students; international students office at all HEIs; and brand building to drive internationalisation.
The Webinar was joined by academia, international organisations, industry and Higher Education Institutions. Few of the participants also made their observations on the presentations by expert panellists.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Cabinet approves strengthening the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of Central Public Sector Enterprises
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has has approved the strengthening of the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of Central Public Sector Enterprises  inter se and also between CPSEs and other Government Departments/Organizations. The Cabinet decision is based on recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries . The decision will put in place an institutionalized mechanism within the Government for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of CPSEs without the matter being referred to the Courts of law.
Details:
- A new two-tier mechanism will be put in place of the existing Permanent Machinery of Arbitration  mechanism to resolve commercial disputes  between CPSEs inter se and CPSEs and Government Departments/Organizations, outside the Courts of law.
- At the First level , such commercial disputes will be referred to a Committee comprising of Secretaries of the administrative Ministries/Departments to which the disputing CPSEs/Parties belong and Secretary-Deptt. of Legal Affairs. The Financial Advisors  of the two concerned administrative Ministries/Departments will represent the issues related to the dispute in question before the above Committee. In case the two disputing parties belong to the same Ministry/Department, the Committee will comprise Secretary of the administrative Ministry/Department concerned, Secretary-D/o Legal Affairs and Secretary-Department of Public Enterprises. In such a case, the matter may be represented before the Committee by the FA and one Joint Secretary of that Ministry/Department.
Further, in case of a dispute between CPSE and State Government's Department/Organization, the Committee will be comprised the Secretary of the Ministry/Department of the Union to which the CPSE belongs and Secretary-D/o Legal Affairs and a senior officer nominated by the Chief Secretary of the State concerned. In such a case, the matter may be represented before the Committee by concerned Principal Secretary of the State Government's Department/ Organization.
- At the Second level , in case the dispute remains unresolved, even after consideration by the above Committee, the same will be referred to the Cabinet Secretary, whose decision will be final and binding on all concerned.
- For the prompt disposal of disputes, a time schedule of 3 months at the first level has been prescribed.
Department of Public Enterprises  will issue guidelines immediately to all CPSEs through their administrative Ministries/Departments and State Governments/UTs for compliance.
The new mechanism will promote equity through mutual/collective efforts to resolve commercial disputes thereby reducing the number of litigations regarding commercial disputes in Court of Law and also avoid wastage of public money.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
ACC appointments
1. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Rajiv Gauba, IAS  as Cabinet Secretary with a tenure of two years from 30.08.2019 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Shri Rajiv Gauba, IAS  as Officer on Special Duty in the Cabinet Secretariat from the date of his assumption of charge till he takes over as Cabinet Secretary.
2. Shri Ajay Kumar, IAS , Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence as Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence vice Shri Sanjay Mitra, IAS  upon completion of his term.
3. Shri Brij Kumar Agarwal, IAS , presently in the Cadre, as Secretary to the Lokpal in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India.
4. Shri Subash Chandra, IAS , Special Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence vice Shri Ajay Kumar, IAS  upon his appointment as Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence.
Ministry of Finance
Shri Arun Jaitley addresses Chief Executives of Public Sector Banks  at the Annual Review Meeting of PSBs
Exhorts the banks to ensure all steps at their end to ensure clean lending and effective action in cases of fraud and wilful default
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley said the Formalisation of the Indian Economy through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code , GST, demonetisation and digital payments have enabled better assessment of financial capacity and risks, and coupled with inclusive growth through massive financial inclusion, has unlocked purchasing power which will drive India’s growth. The Finance Minister said that this should help India sustain a growth rate of around 8%. A growing economy will also help banks grow in strength, he added. Conversely, as lifelines of the economy, banks would need to build their strength to support the lending needs of a growing economy. The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley was addressing the Chief Executives and other whole-time Directors of Public Sector Banks  at the Annual Review Meeting of the PSBs in New Delhi today. The Finance Minister was, highlighting the factors that make for sustained high growth for India over the next decade.
While noting the positive results from the IBC mechanism, the Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley also flagged the need to assess and revisit the efficacy of the Debts Recovery Tribunal  mechanism, particularly in view of long lead times in disposal of cases. He underscored the requirement for expediting recovery through the DRT mechanism, so that their original objective of speedy recovery proceedings is realised.
The Finance Minister noted that the perception regarding the health of PSBs has become more positive as banks have posted positive results in terms of resolution, recovery, provisioning and credit growth. The Finance Minister said that the Amendment of IBC to debar wilful defaulters has had the unintended positive consequence of defaulting borrowers stepping forward to make payment in order to participate in the resolution process.
The Finance Minister also noted the continued relevance of PSBs in the Indian context, in view of their development contributions and to support financial inclusion. In this regard, he noted that support for non-retail banking from other lenders continues to be insufficient.
The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley also underscored the need to trust and confidence in the Banking System as a necessary precondition for meeting the needs of the economy. With the recent amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act, there now need not be any apprehension in the minds of bankers in supporting investments that are in the best interests of the economy, the nation and the banks. At the same time, he exhorted the banks to ensure all steps at their end to ensure clean lending and effective action in cases of fraud and wilful default, to justify the trust reposed in banks. Banks must strive to be seen always as institutions of clean and prudent lending, the Finance Minister concluded.