ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
YAS Ministry sanctioned 189 sports infrastructure projects, 360 Khelo India Centres, 24 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and 160 Khelo India Academies in last three years: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur
Key Highlights:
- YAS Ministry formulated multiple schemse for promotion of sports; Khelo India Scheme, National Sports Awards, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Fund to name a few.
‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility of development of sports, including formulation of policy to promote sports and encourage sportspersons in rural areas, rests with State/Union Territory Governments. Central Government supplements their efforts. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has formulated the following schemes to promote sports and encourage sportspersons in the country, including rural areas: -
 Khelo India Scheme
 Assistance to National Sports Federations
 Special Awards to Winners in International sports events and their Coaches
 National Sports Awards, Pension to Meritorious Sports Persons
 Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Fund
 National Sports Development Fund
 Running Sports Training Centres through Sports Authority of India
Details of the above schemes are available in the public domain on the websites of this Ministry and the Sports Authority of India.
The Union Government keeps receiving proposals from various State/Union Territory Governments from time to time. Proposals are sanctioned according to the parameters of the respective Schemes subject to the completeness of the proposals, technical feasibility and availability of funds under the Schemes. During the last three years, this Ministry sanctioned 189 sports infrastructure projects, 360 Khelo India Centres, 24 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and 160 Khelo India Academies for promotion and development of sports in the country, including Maharashtra.
This information was given by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri takes charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as the Cabinet Minister;
Shri RameswarTeli took charge as the Minister of state in the ministry
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri today took over the charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as the Cabinet Minister. Shri RameswarTeli took charge as the minister of state in the ministry. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who was holding the charge before the cabinet reshuffle, was also present on the occasion.
Shri Puri on the occasion made the following statement:
“Today, I feel honoured by the trust reposed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Jee who has made me the Cabinet Minister of this important ministry. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Jee’s are big shoes to fill.
The work of this Ministry touches each and every citizen in the country directly or indirectly. The energy issues in this Ministry have immense potential and several challenges. The need to adapt to changing times, adopt new technologies and to be in consonance with the energy transition taking place across the world, provides a fascinating opportunity.
As we transform towards a 5-Trillion economy, energy availability and consumption will be of paramount importance. My focus will be on increasing domestic production of crude and natural gas, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatamnirbhar Bharat.
I will also work towards development of a natural gas-based economy in the country and increase the share of natural gas in primary energy mix of the country to 15% by 2030 as announced by Hon’ble PM.
In the last seven years, under the able guidance of my predecessor Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Jee, a number of path-breaking reforms and initiatives have been ushered in the sector. I would strive to take them forward, and fulfil the expectations of the Prime Minister, our people and the country.”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
In a landmark stride, India’s Recovery Rate crosses 96%, one of the highest in the World
Active Cases further slide to 2.57 lakhs
Total Recoveries exceed the Active cases by more than 96 lakh
Total 25 cases of UK mutant virus sequenced
India has crossed a significant milestone in its fight against COVID.
National Recovery rate has crossed 96%  today, one of the highest globally. The exponential rise in the recoveries has led to the improvement in the Recovery Rate.
The total recovered cases have crossed 98.6 lakhs , the highest globally. The gap between active cases and recovered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 96,02,624.
In another achievement, the active cases have drastically declined to 2.57 lakh. The total positive cases of the country are 2,57,656 and now comprise merely 2.51%of the total cases.
With a high number of COVID patients recovering every day and the sustained fall in the mortality rate, India’s steady trend of registering dipping active cases continues. 21,822 new confirmed cases recorded in the last 24 hours in the country whereas 26,139 new recoveries were registered in the same period. It has led to a net decline of 4,616 cases from the total active caseload.
77.99% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs.
Kerala has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 5,707 newly recovered cases. 4,913 people recovered in Maharashtra followed by 1,588 in Chhattisgarh.
79.87% of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs.
Kerala has reportedthe highest daily new cases at 6,268. It is followed by Maharashtra with 3,537 new cases.
299 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.
Ten States/UTs account for 80.60%of these.
Maharashtra reported maximum casualties with 90 new fatalities. Kerala and West Bengal both follow with 28daily deaths.
The consortium of 10 Government labs i.e. INSACOG has so far found a total of 25 cases of mutant UK virus after genome sequencing. Four new cases were found by NIV, Pune and one new case was sequenced in IGIB, Delhi. All 25 persons are in physical isolation in health facilities.
Ministry of Defence
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AT SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND
The Southern Naval Command observed World Environment Day on 05 Jun 23 with ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ as the theme and waste segregation, plastic waste removal, afforestation and mangrove restoration as focus areas.
Pursuant to the global campaign of keeping coastlines clean, around 3000 Naval personnel, defence civilians and families of Southern Naval Command undertook mass clean-up drives of beaches, harbours and waterfront areas of Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Puthuvype Beach, Puthenthode Beach, Vypin Beach, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Queen’s Walkway, Bolgatty and CoPT walkway at Kochi city. Around 4700 kg of plastic and non-biodegradable waste was collected during the campaign. In addition, a 2 km stretch of the Venduruthy channel was also cleaned while restoring about 1 lakh sq m of mangroves along the channel’s banks.
Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, PVSM, AVSM, NM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command along with Mrs Madhumati Hampiholi, President, Naval Wives Wellness Association  participated in the clean-up drive at Fort Kochi beach along with SNC Parivaar. The beach cleanship drive also saw motivated participation by recently joined Agniveers, NCC cadets, school children and families from ICICI Foundation. Hon’ble Mayor Adv M Anilkumar, Kochi Municipal Corporation also graced the occasion with his presence. Speaking to the media team present at the beach, C-in-C South reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment and continued efforts towards environment conservation, green initiatives and energy efficient practices. He also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken as part of environment friendly month in May-Jun 23 and Puneet Sagar Abhiyan at Kochi city. He urged each one to adopt Mission LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment approach towards a sustainable and healthier future.
As part of the Environment Day, more than 1600 saplings were planted by the participants from different Naval units at Kochi. In addition, community awareness/ public outreach programmes, painting and ‘best-of-waste’ competitions, lectures, workshops/ seminars etc were also organised centred around the theme and Mission LiFE. Other outstation naval units located at Jamnagar, Lonavla, Chilka, Coimbatore, Goa, Ezhimala and Malad  also enthusiastically conducted similar events with all out efforts towards making a tangible impact in environment conservation and cleaning.
Children of the Navy Children Schools and KVs in Southern Naval Command also actively participated in the event through conduct of special assembly, educative skits, environmental quiz, seminars, slogan writing, poster making and painting competitions.
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Ministry of Communications
“Licensing framework for Audio Conferencing/ Audiotex/ Voice Mail Services” to be part of Unified License, decides Telecom Department
In a series of policy reforms initiated in telecom sector, Government has issued the “Licensing framework for Audio Conferencing/ Audiotex/ Voice Mail Services under Unified License” and amendments in the terms and conditions of the existing standalone license of “Voice Mail Service / Audiotex / Unified Messaging Services ”. Presently, standalone license for VMS/Audiotex/ UMS are being issued by DOT as per the existing guidelines dated 16.07.2001.
After examining the TRAI’s Recommendations on “Licensing framework for Audio Conferencing/Audiotex/ Voice Mail Services”, DoT has decided to make this license a part of the Unified License  by adding a new Chapter for this authorisation. However, the migration from existing license to Unified license will be optional for existing licensees holding VMS/ Audiotex/ UMS license. No new standalone license or their renewal will be issued for VMS/ Audiotex/ UMS license against the DOT guidelines issued on 16.07.2001.
The major highlights of the changes as per Revised policy issued are:
- The license is being made part of “Unified Licence” by adding a new Chapter for the authorisation titled “Audio-conferencing/ Audiotex/ Voice Mail Service”.
- The Audio Conferencing unit can be connected to both PSTN/Mobile and IP network as per TEC standards.
- Dial out facility will be allowed even if using resources of more than one access service provider subject to license conditions.
- Point-to-point conferencing has been allowed for providing services to Registered Enterprises in India.
- The Service Area for the License under UL is being changed from “SDCA” to “National level” i.e. All India level. However, it will remain SDCA for standalone license of VMS/ Audiotex /UMS.
- The licence fees of the new licensees and existing licensees will be 8% of AGR, which is at par with other licensees of UL.
This framework will be effective from 01.01.2022.
Prime Minister's Office
PM lauds Mudra Yojana on completion of 8 years
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded Mudra Yojana on completion of 8 years.
In response to a series of tweets by MyGovIndia, the Prime Minister said;
"#PMMudraYojana has played a vital role in funding the unfunded and ensuring a life of dignity as well as prosperity for countless Indians. Today, as we mark #8YearsOfMudraYojana, I salute the entrepreneurial zeal of all those who benefitted from it and became wealth creators."
"This video gives a good idea about the speed and scale of Mudra Yojana."
In response to a tweet by the Finance Ministry, the Prime Minister said;
"Commendable! A tribute to the hardwork of our people."
PIB Headquarters
UNDER WATER CLEAN-UP BY INDIAN COAST GUARD ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
World Environment Day is being observed on 5th June 2019 to raise awareness about importance of healthy and green environment in human lives. The Indian Coast Guard being nodal agency for oil spill response in maritime zones of India has a mandate for protection of marine environment. All Coast Guard units under Eastern Region are conducting various awareness campaigns, special coastal clean-up and extensive plantation drives as part of Environment Day.
Coast Guard along with M/s Dive India conducted underwater clean-up off Kovalam beach, Underwater debris clean-up is a regular phenomenon in popular public beaches around the world to raise awareness as 80% of marine trash comes from land based sources. This is the first time that the efforts were made in Indian waters for underwater clean-up to remove sunken debris, nets and other items to promote World Environment Day. Approximately 500 Kg of trash was removed in the two hour long clean-up operations off Kovalam beach on 5th June 2019
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
33% increase in Paddy procurement for ongoing KMS 2020-21 in comparison to corresponding period of last year
Total 20.37 Lakh MT paddy procured on MSP from about 1.7 lakh farmers
Approval given for procurement of Pulse and Oilseeds for Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
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 done in previousseasons.
Paddy procurement for KMS 20-21 has now gained good momentum with start of procurement in some other states like Kerala and increase in the pace in ongoing procuring States which has resulted in a total Paddy procurement of 20,37,634 MT from about 1.7 lakh farmers of the country having MSP value of ₹3847.05 crores. This is a whopping increase of over 33% vis-a-vis procurement in the corresponding period last year.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 30.70 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds for Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, 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 thesecrops 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 procuring agencies.
Upto 07.10.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 376.65 MT of Moong having MSP value of Rs. 2.71 Crores benefitting 269 farmers in Tamil Nadu 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 against the sanctioned quantity of 1.23 LMT for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling at or above MSP. Respective State Governments are making arrangements for commencement of procurement in respect of Moong and other Kharif Pulses andOilseeds.
The Procurement of seed cotton  during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 has started from 1st October, 2020 and on 7th October, 2020 Cotton Corporation of India has procured a quantity of 3525 bales under MSP for a value of Rs 994.28 lakh benefitting 753 farmers.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH
Rastriya Mahila Kosh  was established by the government of India in 1993 as a national-level organisation under the Ministry of Women and Child Development as a society under the Society Registration Act, 1860, to bring about the socio-economic upliftment of poor women. RMK provides micro-finance services to the needy and poor women in the informal sector through a client friendly, without collateral security and third party guarantee. The loans are granted for Income Generating Activities , housing, micro-enterprises, family needs, etc. Funds were disbursed by RMK till 31.03.2020. Details of funds allocated, sanctioned/ utilised during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20, State / UT-wise are at Annexure-I. District-wise data is not maintained by RMK.
As on 31st March, 2020, amount allocated to the State of West Bengal was Rs 2,746.29 lakh. Out of this, Rs 2,292.79 lakh was disbursed to Intermediary Micro-financing Organisations  of which Rs 453.50 lakh remained unutilized/ undisbursed.
For effective implementation, credit is provided to the poor women beneficiaries through Intermediary Micro-financing Organisations  working at grass-root level such as NGOs, Women Federations, Co-operatives, not for profit companies registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act and other Voluntary/ Civil society organisations, etc. by following a client friendly, simple, without collateral loan required for livelihood and income generation activities, housing, micro-enterprises, etc. RMK has also taken a number of promotional measures to popularise the concept of women empowerment by way of micro-financing, thrift and credit, capacity building and marketing linkages through Self Help Groups  format and also enterprise development for poor women. Since inception, Rs 31,513 lakh has been disbursed by RMK to 1728 IMOs which has benefited 7,41,163 women.
In the present scenario, when there are substantial alternative credit facilities available to women through various initiatives of the government, RMK has lost its relevance and utility. Hence, in order to avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of financial resources, it has been decided to be closed down RMK.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Increasing private expenditure in agricultural sector
As per estimates of capital formation released by Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Gross Capital Formation  in agriculture and allied sectors at current prices for the year 2016-17  is estimated at Rs 64410 crore and Rs 279066 crore for public and private sector respectively.
As per report of the “Committee on Doubling Farmers Income”, in absolute terms, the additional private investment in agriculture sector that will be required to enable the doubling of farmers’ real income in India by 2022-23 is Rs. 78,424 crore at 2015-16 prices .
The total quantum of private investment should increase  from Rs. 61,000 crore in 2015-16 to Rs. 139,424 crore by 2022-23, at 2015-16 prices growing at an annual rate of 12.5 per cent.
While public investment usually strengthen infrastructure of the sector , private investment is associated with enhanced productive capacity. In order to incentivize corporate sector investments in agriculture sector, Government has already rolled out the following policy reforms:
 The Model Agriculture Produce & Livestock Marketing  Act 2017, which provides the opportunity for private sector to set up private markets, alternate marketing channels, online market platforms etc. in both agriculture and livestock marketing.
 The Model Agriculture Produce & Livestock Contract Farming & Services Act  Act, 2018, which enables private sector investments by way of capital, technology and extension all along the value system.
 Exemption to Farmer Producer Companies  under Income Tax Act - the Budget 2018 has offered an IT exemption to all FPCs with a turnover of upto Rs 100 crore per annum, by considering their incomes as agricultural income. This will incentivise corporate sector to partner with farmers as FPCs.
 100 per cent FDI in food retail – this will encourage foreign investments in establishing appropriate post-production infrastructure to strengthen the food supply chains.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
VICE PRESIDENT INAUGURATES ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’ EXHIBITION; EXHORTS PEOPLE TO LEARN ABOUT ART AND CULTURE OF THE PAIRED STATES
The Hon’ble Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated an exhibition on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’  at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University in the city today. Organised by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this exhibition highlights the various interesting aspects of the paired states of Haryana and Telangana like art forms, cuisine, festivals, monuments, tourism spots etc, The exhibition will be open for viewing from 12th to 14th December, 2021 at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University Campus, Nampally, Hyderabad. Noteworthy books brought out on the themes of art and culture have been put up on display by the Publications Division at the exhibition.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Shri Naidu said that such initiatives will go a long way in propagating the rich cultural heritage of the paired states and promoting people-to-people contacts. He complimented the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for this initiative that brings people from the both States together and creates awareness about our rich & diverse cultural heritage.
Telangana State Home Minister, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Vice Chairman, Telangana State Planning Board, Shri B. Vinod Kumar, attended the event. The senior officers of Ministry of I&B from ROB, PIB, DPD and AIR were present on the occasion.
The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme is a unique initiative by the Government to promote the spirit of national integration and to strengthen the fabric of emotional bonds between the people of our country. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat  programme was launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a significant part in the unification of the country post-independence.
Ministry of Finance
Relief to salaried taxpayers: standard deduction of Rs 40,000 allowed in lieu of present exemptions
2.5 Crores salaried employees and pensioners to benefit Differently-Abled will continue to get transport allowance at enhanced rate
In order to provide relief to salaried taxpayer, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, proposed to allow a standard deduction of Rs. 40,000/- in lieu of the present exemption in respect of transport allowance and reimbursement of miscellaneous medical expenses. However, the transport allowance at enhanced rate shall continue to be available to differently-abled persons. Also, other medical reimbursement benefits in case of hospitalisation etc., for all employees shall continue.
Presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in the Parliament here today, the Finance Minister said, “Standard deduction shall significantly benefit the pensioners also, who normally do not enjoy any allowance on account of transport and medical expenses. The revenue cost of this decision is approximately Rs.8,000 crores. The total number of salaried employees and pensioners who will benefit from this decision is around 2.5 crores.”
Shri Jaitley said, “The Government had made many positive changes in the personal income-tax rate applicable to individuals in the last three years. Therefore, I do not propose to make any further change in the structure of the income tax rates for individuals. There is a general perception in the society that individual business persons have better income as compared to salaried class.”
The Finance Minister further said, “Apart from reducing paper work and compliance, this will help middle class employees even more in terms of reduction in their tax liability.”
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