ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launches IoT sensor products developed at C-MET, Thrissur
Indigenously developed IoT sensor solutions will help to position India as a global hub for sensors and devices - Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma
The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launched three IoT sensor based products, which include “Smart Digital thermometer”, “IoT enabled Environmental Monitoring System” and “Multichannel data Acquisition System”, developed by C-MET in the CoE in IIoT sensors. The technology transfer of “Multichannel data Acquisition System” to M/s Murata Business Engineering India Pvt. Ltd. was also carried out in the same function.
Speaking on the occasion, he mentioned the importance of research and development to focus on the requirements of the society and government’s initiatives to boost electronic manufacturing in the country. Sensors are one of the most widely used components in the industry and C-MET’s efforts through translational research on IoT sensors for developing commercial ready components and devices is in line with the government’s Atmarnirbharata mission. Indigenously developed IoT sensor solutions will help to position India as a global hub for sensors and devices.
With the advent of concepts like Smart cities and intelligent systems, sensors that can detect, feel, respond and send the data to anywhere in the world through Internet of Things  has revolutionized the electronics market. IoT enabled sensors which can be monitored and controlled remotely, through internet connectivity, are the heart of smart devices and systems. Centre for materials for Electronic Technology , Thrissur an R&D institute under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Govt. of India is a premier institute engaged in the development of electronic materials, components and devices. C-MET has developed many indigenous technologies and transferred them to industries for commercialization. Under the programme “Centre of Excellence in Intelligent IoT sensors, C-MET has developed three IoT sensor based products, which include “Smart Digital thermometer”, “IoT enabled Environmental Monitoring System” and “Multichannel data Acquisition System”. These products which were launched by Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma IAS today, are expected to help the Indian industries to explore the global sensor market with indigenous solutions.
Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator MeitY, Shri Thachat Ragash Menon, General Manager, M/s Murata Business Engineering India Pvt. Ltd., Dr. B.B. Kale, DG, C-MET, Dr. N. Raghu, Director, C-MET, Thrissur and Dr. A. Seema, Senior Scientist, C-MET, Thrissur also spoke on the occasion.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MSMEs DURING COVID
The Government of India has launched Self Reliant India  Fund, a fund of funds which aims to extend growth funding to MSMEs.
The highlights of SRI Fund are as under:-
- To provide funding support to Daughter Funds for onward provision as growth capital through equity, quasi-equity and debt .
- To support faster growth of MSMEs and thereby ignite the economy and create employment opportunities.
- To support MSMEs to graduate beyond the MSME bracket and become National/International Champions.
- To support MSMEs which help making India self-reliant by producing relevant technologies, goods and services.
- Daughter Funds which are interested in investing in MSMEs shall be empanelled.
- 20% of the funds invested in MSMEs shall be provided by SRI Fund.
- MSMEs as per the definition given in the MSMED Act shall be eligible provided, after assessment, they are found viable, have a positive growth trajectory, and have a defined business plan for growth. Previous 3 years CAGR will be considered.
- Non Profit institutions, NBFCs, financial inclusion sector, micro credit sector and other financial intermediaries shall not be eligible for consideration.
Assuming an average investment of Rs. 10.00 Crore per MSMEs, approximately 5000 MSME are likely to be benefited.
The financial support under this scheme intends to increase the financial capacity of viable MSMEs for growth to expand their business and become National/International Champions.
The scheme is being implemented by a special purpose vehicle named “NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited”. As informed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited, a Commitment of Rs.1,080 crore has been approved so far.
This information was given by Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Ministry Revises CGHS Package Rates for the benefit of CGHS Beneficiaries
Referral Process under CGHS simplified; beneficiaries can now be referred through video call
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to revised the CGHS package rates for all CGHS beneficiaries. The Union Govt has also simplified the referral process under CGHS for the benefit of its employees.
After due examination of demands from stakeholders and taking into consideration the increase in costs of various components of health care, the Union Health Ministry has proposed to initially revise the CGHS package rates of consultation fees, ICU charges and room rent, as per details given under:
Revised CGHS rates:
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Item
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Existing
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Revised
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Consultation Fee –
OPD Consultation
IPD Consultation
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Rs 150
Rs.300
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Rs 350
Rs 350
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ICU charges –
includes Rs 750 for non-NABH hospitals and Rs 862for NABH hospitals includes – monitoring, RMO charges, nursing care and in addition Room rent is as per ward entitlement of beneficiary –general ward / semi-private ward / private ward is permitted.15% more for NABH accredited
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Rs 862 for NABH + Room rent as per ward entitlement
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Rs 5,400/-  including accommodation for all ward entitlements.
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Room Rent –
General ward
Semi-Private ward
Private ward
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Rs 1000/-
Rs 2,000/-
Rs.3,000/-
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Rs 1,500/-
Rs. 3,000/-
Rs.4,500/-
The referral process under CGHS has also been simplified. Earlier the CGHS beneficiary had to visit the CGHS Wellness Center himself and take referral to the hospital. But now, if the CGHS beneficiary is unable to go, he can send someone on his behalf with his documents to the wellness center. The medical officer can refer the beneficiary to go to the hospital after checking the documents. Apart from this, CGHS beneficiary can also take referral through video call.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India crosses a Landmark Milestone in Testing with more than 13 cr tests
High volumes of Testing ensure falling Positivity Rate
Active Caseload falls to 4.86% of Total Cases
India has crossed yet another landmark milestone in the fight against the global pandemic. Keeping in line with its commitment to conduct more than one million tests every day, 10,66,022 samples were tested in the last 24 hours which has increased India’s total cumulative tests to 13,06,57,808.
The last one crore tests were conducted in a span of just 10 days.
An average of more than 10L tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels and is presently following a downward trajectory. The cumulative national Positivity Rate stands at 6.93% today, less than the 7% mark. The daily positivity rate yesterday was just 4.34%. Higher volumes of testing eventually lead to low Positivity rate.
In the last 24 hours, 46,232 persons were found to be infected with COVID. The Daily Positivity Rate of 4.34% point out that a comparatively huge volume was tested to detect these cases from the population. With a continuous surge in daily cases in European and the American countries, India is taking all cautionary steps to bring the trajectory of the disease under control. In view of the increase in COVID cases of some of the north Indian States, the Centre has advised all states and UTs to ramp up testing.
24 States/UTs have a conducted more tests per million population than India as a whole.
12 States/UTs have lower tests per million than national average, and have been advised to substantially ramp up the levels of testing.
India’s present active caseload of 4,39,747comprises 4.86% of India’s Total Positive Cases, and has been sustained below the 5% mark.
India has registered 49,715 new recoveries in the last 24 hours taking the total recovered cases to 84,78,124. The Recovery Rate has improved to 93.67% today.The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases is steadily increasing and presently stands at 80,38,377.
78.19% of the new recovered cases is contributed by ten States/UTs.
Delhi saw 8,775 persons recovering from COVID. Maharashtra and Kerala reported 6,945 and 6,398 new recoveries, respectively.
Ten States/UTs have contributed 77.69%of the new cases.
Delhi reported 6,608 cases in the last 24 hours. Kerala recorded 6,028 new cases while Maharashtra reported 5,640 daily cases yesterday.
82.62% of the 564 case fatalities that have been reported in the past 24 hours are from Ten States/UTs.
27.48% of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra which reported 155 deaths. Delhi also saw a three figure fatality count of 118 contributing another 20.92% of the fatalities.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways bags 13 awards at the 'National Energy Conservation awards 2020’
These awards have been given to Indian Railways’ zones and workshops for significant improvements in energy conservation by adopting various measures to promote energy efficiency
Relentless and continuous efforts to provide clean and green transportation to all its stakeholders and commuters has resulted in Indian Railway bagging 13 awards in three prestigious categories of National Energy Conservation Awards  for the year 2020, organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency , Ministry of Power.
Western Railway has been awarded the First Prize, Eastern Railway has been awarded the Second prize, North Eastern Railway & South Central Railway has been awarded Certificate of Merit in the Transport Category.
In Building Category, Divisional Railway Manager’s offices at Bhavnagar and Rajkot have won the first and second prize respectively. Electrical Department, DRM Office, North Eastern Railway has been awarded Certificate of Merit.
In Railway workshops subcategory, Diesel Loco Shed, South Central Railway, Vijayawada has bagged the First prize, Kanchrapara Workshop, Eastern Railway, North 24 Parganas has won the second prize. The certificate of Merit has been awarded to Mechanical Workshop, North Eastern Railway, Izzatnagar, Central Railway Workshop, Mysore, Mechanical Workshop, Dibrugarh, North East Frontier Railway and Central Workshop, Ponmalai, Southern Railway, Tiruchchirapalli.
These awards have been given to Indian Railways’ zones and workshops for significant improvements in energy conservation by adopting various measures to promote energy efficiency. Indian Railways is committed to improve performance towards energy efficiency and clean environment in the coming years.
Prime Minister's Office
PM conveys Cheti Chand greetings
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Cheti Chand.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Best wishes on Cheti Chand. Jai Jhulelal!”
Ministry of Defence
Search for Missing AN-32 of IAF Continues
Extensive efforts are on to locate the Indian Air Force AN-32, which went missing on 03 Jun 19. The aircraft got airborne from Jorhat Airfield forMechuka Advanced Landing Ground. Once the aircraft did not report at the destination, overdue actions were initiated. Indian Air Force commenced extensive search and rescue operations and launched C-130, AN-32, Mi-17 and ALH  helicopters. The aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors. Indian Navy P-8 I aircraft joined the search operations today. CARTOSAT AND RISAT satellites of ISRO are also taking images of the area. Post sunset, search by helicopters have ceased for the day. However, search by all sensors with night capability and the ground party will continue throughout the night. All possible assistance is being provided by Indian Army, Indian Navy, Police and State administration. The families of all air-warriors on board the aircraft have been informed and are being regularly updated on the progress of search for the missing aircraft.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
MeitY invites applications under the Chips to Startup  Programme from academia, R&D organisations, startups and MSMEs
Online applications open until January 31, 2022
In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s plan to transform India into the next semiconductor hub, the Ministry of Electronics and Information  has sought applications from 100 academia, R&D organisations, start-ups and MSMEs under its Chips to Startup  Programme.
The Chips to Startup  Programme aims to train 85,000 number of high-quality and qualified engineers in the area of Very large-scale integration  and Embedded System Design as well as result in development of 175 ASICs , Working Prototypes of 20 System on Chips  and IP Core repository over a period of 5 years. This will be a step towards leapfrogging in the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing  space by way of inculcating the culture of SoC/ System Level Design at Bachelors, Masters and Research level and act as a catalyst for growth of Start-ups involved in fabless design.
The programme would be implemented at about 100 academic institutions/R&D organisations across the Country . Startups and MSMEs can also participate in the programme by submitting their proposals under Academia- Industry Collaborative Project, Grand Challenge/ /Hackathons/RFP for development of System/SoC/IP Core.
The C2S Programme addresses each entity of the value chain in electronics viz. quality manpower training, research and development, hardware IPs design, System design, application-oriented R&D, Prototype design and deployment with the help of academia, industry, start-ups and R&D establishments.
Under the Programme, based on the Institutions’ expertise, Technology Readiness Level  and design experience acquired during earlier SMDP Programmes, proposals are invited in three different categories, i.e., Design and Development of Systems/SoCs/ASICs/Reusable IP Core, Development of Application Oriented Working Prototype of IPs/ASICs/SoCs, and Proof of Concept oriented Research and Development of ASICs/FPGAs.
C-DAC , a scientific society operating under MeitY, will serve as the nodal agency for the programme.
Online applications are open at the Chips to Startup  website until January 31, 2022.
The project proposals should be submitted at C2S portal  in the format prescribed at the portal. The institutions applying under the programme should meet the eligibility criteria defined at the portal and should be in line with the proposals’ guidelines.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre amends the Legal Metrology  Rules 2011 for enhanced protection of Consumer Rights
The amendments to come into effect from 1st April, 2022
Amendment to ensure that consumers are able to make an informed choice and reduced compliance for industries
Mandatory declaration of MRP in Indian currency inclusive of all taxes on pre packedproducts
For protection of Consumer rights, Unit Sale Price for all pre packed commodities meant for retail sale is introduced
Declaration of date of manufacture on the pre packed commodities is made mandatory for pre packedcommodities under the revised rules
To safeguard interest of consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has omitted the Rule 5 of the Legal Metrology , Rules 2011 defining the Schedule II prescribing the pack sizes of various types of commodities. A new provision has been introduced to indicate the unit sale price on pre packed commodities, which will allow easier comparison of the prices of the commodities at the time of purchase.
Earlier, the month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or pre-packed or imported was required to be mentioned in the package. Representation from Industry and associations in this respect has been received to remove this ambiguity.
For reducing compliance burden and removing the ambiguity of declaration of date on pre packedcommodities for consumers, the declaration has now been required to the month and year in which the commodity is manufactured for the pre packed commodities.
The provisions of declarations of MRP has been simplified by removing illustrationand providing for making the mandatory declaration of MRP in Indian currency inclusive of all taxes. This has allowed the manufacturer/packer/importer to declare the MRP on the pre packed commodities in a simplified manner.
Rules for declaring the commodities sold in pre packed commodities in numbers have been eased out for reducing the compliance burden for manufacturer /importer/packer. Earlier suchdeclarations could be denoted as ‘N’ or ‘U’ only. Now the quantities can be expressed in terms of the number or unit or piece or pair or set or such other word which represents the quantity in the package. This will remove the ambiguity of declaration of quantity sold by number in pre packed commodities.
Ministry of Education
IIT Ropar develops nation's first power-free CPAP device 'Jivan Vayu'
Aimed at saving lives in low resource areas and during transit
Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar has developed a device ‘Jivan Vayu’ which can be used as a substitute of CPAP machine. However, this is Nation’s first such device which functions even without electricity and is adapted to both kinds of oxygen generation units like O2 cylinders and oxygen pipelines in hospitals. These provisions are not available in otherwise existing CPAP machines.
Figure 1: Jivan Vayu breathing circuit for CPAP therapy delivering a positive pressure of up to 20cm H2O and accelerated flow rate of up to 60 LPM
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure  is a treatment method for patients having breathing problems during sleep called sleep apnea. The machine uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open for easy breathing. It is also used to treat infants whose lungs have not fully developed. The machine blows air into the baby's nose to help inflate his or her lungs. The treatment is all the more necessary during early stages of the Covid-19 infection. It reduces lung damage and allow patients to recover from the inflammatory effects.
Figure 2: Computer Aided Design of ‘Jivan Vayu’, optimized using flow parameters
Fulfilling all the medically required parameters, this leak-proof, low-cost CPAP delivery system, “Jivan Vayu’ is designed for a 22mm CPAP closed circuit tube. It can even be customized as per the size of the tube. Since it can run during power failures, this can be used to safely transport a patient.
Figure 3: 3D printed prototype of ‘Jivan Vayu’ a CPAP therapy device designed for accelerated oxygen delivery
“This was the need of the hour during the present Covid pandemic when power supply is the key concern for saving lives of those on medical equipments such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators”, said Dr. Khushboo Rakha, Assistant Professor, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, who has developed the device at the Advanced Materials and Design Lab of IIT Ropar.
“It has an inbuilt viral filter at the air entrainment end which has a viral efficacy of 99.99%”, assures Dr Rakha. The viral filter ensures that the air does not bring in any pathogens from the environment. The device has been manufactured using 3D printing and has also been tested mechanically.
‘Jivan Vayu’ can deliver high flow oxygen  while maintaining a continuous positive pressure of up to 20 cm H2O. The device is designed to maintain an FiO2 of above 40% with a PEEP  of 5-20 cm H2O.
Dr. Khushboo Rakha and her team have collaborated with Mr. Suresh Chand, Faculty Incharge, Rapid Prototyping Lab, Siemens Centre of Excellence at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh for 3D printing of the device.
The device is ready for medical testing and mass manufacturing.
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhoVSfNacr0
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves the proposal of Tau Investment to acquire shares in J B Chemicals
The Competition Commission of India  approves the proposal of Tau Investment to acquire shares in J B Chemicals. The proposed combination envisages acquisition of acquisition of up to 64.90% of share capital of J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited by Tau Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. .
Tau Investment is a company incorporated in Singapore. It is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of KKR Asian Fund III L.P. It is an affiliate of funds, vehicles and/or entities managed and/or advised by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., which is an indirect subsidiary of KKR & Co. Inc.
J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited is an Indian pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is listed on BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Cabinet apprised about MoU between India and Morocco to promote exchange of information and technical cooperation in the field of Housing and Human Settlement
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India andMorocco to promote exchange of information and technical cooperation in the field of Housing and Human Settlement.
Implementation of the MoU would strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Housing & Human Settlement. Both countries will cooperate to address the challenges faced by cities, with the aim of promoting sustainable inclusive urban growth, whilst improving commercial and trade relations between the two countries. This will primarily include, but not limited to, low cost and mass affordable housing, water supply and sanitation, urban transport and smart cities development.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Cabinet approves construction of New 4 - Lane Bridge on Kosi river at Phulaut , Bihar
Travelling distance between Phulaut to Bihpur will come down from 72 km to 12 km
Cabinet gives a go ahead to Rehabilitation and up-gradation of Birpur -Bihpur Section of National Highway in Bihar
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the project for construction of 6.930 km long 4-lane bridge at Phulaut in Bihar. The CCEA also cleared the decks for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing Birpur- Bihpur section of National Highway-106 from Km 106 to Km 136 to '2 lane with Paved Shoulder’ in Bihar at a capital cost of Rs 1478.40 crore. The construction period for the project is three years and likely to be completed by June, 2022.
Impact:
- There is a 10 km long missing link between Phulaut and Bihpur on NH-106 and falling in the catchment area of Kosi River. As such, presently, the traffic from Phulaut to Bihpur requires to take a detour of approximate 72 km. On construction of the new 4-Lane Bridge across river Kosi under this project, distance between Phulaut and Bihpur shall be reduced to only 12 km.
- The new bridge will generate direct employment of about 2.19 lakh man-days during construction.
- The construction of this new Bridge will fill the existing 30 km long gap between Udakishanganj and Bihpur of National Highway Number 106 in Bihar, which will provide through connectivity between Nepal/ North Bihar/ East-West Corridor  and South Bihar/ Jharkhand/ Golden Quadrilateral , besides full utilization of National Highway Number-31.
- Presently, the existing NH is having single/ intermediate lane configuration with poor road geometry, therefore, average speed on the highway is below 20 km /hour. With the upgradation of highway to 2-lane with paved shoulder configuration and construction of bridge on the missing link, the travel speed would increase to the design speed of about 100 km/ hour.
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