ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM at 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Unveils various facilities at the University
Our aim is to reduce India's carbon footprint by 30-35% and increase the share of natural gas by 4 times : PM
Urges the youth of the 21st century to move forward with a Clean Slate
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He laid the foundation stone of ‘45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel’ and ‘Centre of Excellence on Water Technology’. He also inaugurated ‘Innovation and Incubation Centre – Technology Business Incubation’, ‘Translational Research Centre’ and ‘Sports Complex’ at the University.
Addressing the students, the Prime Minister said it is not an easy thing to graduate at a time when the World is facing such a big crisis, but your abilities are much bigger than these challenges. He added that students are entering the industry at a time when due to pandemic, major changes are taking place in the energy sector across the world.
The Prime Minister remarked that in this way, today the energy sector in India, has immense potential for growth, Entrepreneurship and employment. He announced that today the country is moving forward with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 30-35% and efforts are taken to increase the share of Natural Gas in our energy needs by 4 times in this decade. Work is on to double the oil refining capacity in the next five years, Energy security related startup ecosystem is being strengthened and a fund has been created for students and professionals, the Prime Minister informed. .
The Prime Minister asked the students to have purpose in life. He stressed that it's not that successful people don't have problems, but the one who accepts challenges, confronts them, defeats them, solves problems, only succeeds. He added those who take on challenges, later succeed in life. He said youth of the 1922-47 period sacrificed everything for freedom. He urged the students to live for the country and join the movement of Atmanirbhar Bharat and develop a sense of responsibility.
The Prime Minister remarked that the seed of success lies in a sense of responsibility and a sense of responsibility should be turned to the purpose of life. He pointed out that the same people are successful in life, do something by which there is a sense of responsibility in their lives. Those who fail are the ones who live in the Sense of Burden. He added a sense of responsibility also gives rise to a sense of opportunity in a person's life. He said India is progressing ahead in many sectors and young graduates must march ahead with commitment. He also emphasized on protecting nature and the environment.
The Prime Minister urged the present generation, the youth of the 21st century, to move forward with a Clean Slate. Clean Slate and Clean Heart means clear intentions. He remarked that the hopes and expectations of the world are high from India in the 21st century and India's hopes and expectations are associated with the students and professionals.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Minister to inaugurate newly constructed terminal building and associated works of Chipi Airport, Sindhudurg on 5th March
Flight operations at Sindhudurg airport to start soon
Bids called from airlines to operate flights under UDAN 3.1 from Sindhudurg to Mumbai, Pune and Nashik
The Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industry Shri Suresh Prabhu will inaugurate the newly constructed terminal building and associated works of Chipi Airport, Sindhudurg tomorrow, along with Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis.
Flight operations from the airport  will commence very soon. Routes connecting Sindhudurg to Pune, Mumbai and Nashik have already been approved under UDAN 3.1 and bids from airlines have been invited.
The Konkan region has a long and beautiful coastline blessed with picturesque white sandy beaches. The region is not only blessed with rich natural beauty but also has ancient temple and historical forts. With the airport coming up in the region, air connectivity to areas of Northern Karnataka, western Maharashtra and parts of Goa will improve. It will also boost tourism in the region and bode well for economic development of the region.
Features of Chipi Airport, Sindhudurg:
- Total cost of the project is about Rs. 520 crore
- Newly constructed Terminal Building has a capacity to handle 400 passengers per hour and with an annual passenger capacity of about 10 lakh
- Runway Length of the airport is 2500 M X 45 M, which is suitable for operations of A-320 and B737 type of aircraft
- Apron, Taxiway, Isolation Bay and boundary wall have been completed
- Fire station and other associated facilities have been completed. Security cabin and Watch Tower have also been completed
Ministry of Communications
Order to Distribution Platform Operators for deploying Conditional Access System and Subscriber Management Systems under provisions of regulation 4A of Telecommunication  Services Interconnection  Regulations, 2017
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  notified the Telecommunication  Services Interconnection   Regulations, 2021 , on 11th June 2021 which provides for a framework for technical compliance of CAS & SMS. The said framework is incorporated as Schedule IX in the Interconnection Regulations, 2017.
The amended Interconnection Regulations, 2017 envisions the operationalization and oversight of the framework for CAS and SMS which is to be carried out through a Testing and Certification Agency. The TRAI designated Telecommunication Engineering Centre , Department of Telecommunications as an agency to, inter alia, notify and maintain Test Schedules and Test Procedures for Conditional Access System  and Subscriber Management System ” as per the requirements specified under Schedule IX of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, empanel/declare the list of accredited labs that fulfill the requirements for carrying out the testing as per the defined Test Schedules and Test Procedures and provide certification for all products tested and certified by the accredited testing labs. Accordingly, TEC has released the Test Guides, certification procedure namely “Certification procedure for certification of Conditional Access System  and Subscriber Management System ” and it has also accredited an agency for testing of CAS and SMS as per the Test Guide. TEC is in the process of accrediting more testing labs for carrying out such testing.
The certification process would enable the standardisation of CAS and SMS in the systems deployed by Distribution Platform Operators, which would enable access of only subscribed television channels to the subscribers and thereby ensuring a check on piracy. Also, the broadcasters will get their fair share of revenues.
Today on 9th August, 2023, TRAI has issued an order to all the Distribution Platform Operators that in case a new CAS/SMS is to be deployed on or after 01st March 2024, then they should only deploy such CAS and SMS systems that are tested by a testing lab accredited by TEC and certified by TEC or any other agency as designated by the Authority for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of Schedule IX of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017. Further, the Distribution Platform Operators are required to get their existing CAS and SMS upgraded to such CAS and SMS that are duly tested and certified by TEC to meet the requirements specified under Schedule IX of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017 on or before 1st March 2025.
A copy of the Order is available on TRAI website . For clarification/information, if any, Shri Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, Advisor  may be contacted at advbcs-2@trai.gov.in or Telephone Number +91-11-23237922.
Ministry of Finance
Constitution of an Expert Committee on Investment Funds
The International Financial Services Centres Authority  has been established as a unified regulator to develop and regulate financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Service Centres  in India.
The Fund Industry has been playing an increasingly important role in intermediating between seekers of capital and investors. IFSC has been actively engaging with stakeholders to enhance the Global reach of GIFT-IFSC. The regulatory approach has been to benchmark with Global Standards and adopt a facilitative framework to provide ease of operations for seeker as well as provider of capital.
IFSCA, in its endeavour to develop a comprehensive and consistent regulatory framework based on global best practices with a special focus on ease of doing business, has constituted an Expert Committee on Investment Funds to recommend to IFSCA on the road map for the funds industry in the IFSCs. The Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Mr. Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd. The Committee comprises of leaders from the entire Fund Management ecosystem including from areas such as technology, distribution, legal, compliance, and operations.
The constitution of the committee can be accessed through the following weblink:
https://ifsca.gov.in/IFSCACommittees
While the committee has been constituted to holistically review the Global best practices and make recommendations to IFSCA on the roadmap for the industry, the following shall be the specific terms of reference of the Expert Committee:
a. To recommend IFSCA on long term vision for operations of Investment Funds in IFSC.
b. To make recommendations with respect to structure of Investment Funds in IFSC. The recommendations may be two-fold:
i. Short term in nature that can be implemented by IFSCA immediately . Such suggestions may fall under the exclusive regulatory purview of IFSCA.
ii. Recommendations that may be implemented in mid-term . Such suggestions may also pertain to regulatory purview of other regulators.
c. To identify issues that may be critical for development of the Investment Funds industry at IFSCs including inter-regulatory issues.
d. Any other relevant item on building the ecosystem inter-alia on asset managers, hedge funds, PE, VC, sovereign funds, family offices, and the accompanying professional services.
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s message on National Girl Child Day
Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message on National Girl Child Day:
“National Girl Child Day is a day to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the girl child, whose excellence in many fields makes us proud.
It is imperative to reject discrimination against the girl child and ensure equal opportunities for the girl child.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to challenging stereotypes based on gender & promote gender sensitisation as well as gender equality.”
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves amendment to export policy for Wheat or Meslin Flour
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the the proposal for amendment of policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour  from export restrictions/ ban.
Impact:
The approval will now allow to put a restriction on the export of Wheat Flour which will ensure a curb on rising prices of wheat flour and ensure food security of the most vulnerable sections of the society.
Implementation:
Directorate General of Foreign Trade  shall issue a notification to this effect.
Background:
Russia & Ukraine are the major exporters of wheat accounting for around 1/4th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing demand of Indian wheat. As a result, the price of wheat in domestic market showed an increase. In order to ensure food security of 1.4 billion people of the country, the decision was taken to put a prohibition on export of wheat in May 2022.
However, due to prohibition on export of wheat , the demand for wheat flour has increased in foreign markets and it’ s exports from India have registered a growth of 200% during April-July 2022 compared to the corresponding period in 2021.
The increased demand for wheat flour in international market led to significant price rise of wheat flour in the domestic market.
Earlier, there was a policy not to prohibit or put any restrictions on the export of Wheat flour. Therefore, a partial modification of the policy was required by withdrawing the exemption from ban/ restrictions on export for Wheat Flour in order to ensure food security and put a check on mounting prices of Wheat flour in the country.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India achieves a Landmark Milestone with Highest ever Single-Day Vaccination Coverage of over 1 Crore doses
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage crossed 62 Cr landmark
Recovery Rate currently at 97.56%
46,759 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload is 1.10% of Total Cases
Daily Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 33 days
In a landmark achievement, India administered more than 1 Crore COVID-19 vaccine doses yesterday. With the administration of 1,03,35,290vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has surpassed the cumulative figure of 62.29Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 67,19,042sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 8 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,56,871
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
83,25,399
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,16,341
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,29,59,237
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
23,84,30,359
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2,46,73,492
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,80,70,436
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5,23,07,413
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
8,57,02,692
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4,38,46,894
|
|
Total
|
|
62,29,89,134
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.
The recovery of31,374patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,18,52,802.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.56%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 62 consecutive days now.
46,759new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently3,59,775. Active cases presently constitute 1.10% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 17,61,110tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 51.68 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 2.19% remains less than 3% for the last 64 days now. The Daily Positivity rate stands at 2.66%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below 3% for the last 33 days and below 5% for 82 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Defence
Visit of Indian Naval Ships to Sihanoukville, Cambodia
As part of Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment to South East Asia and Western Pacific, Indian Navy ships Sahyadri and Kiltan are making a port call at Sihanoukville, Cambodia from 05 – 08 Sep 19. The ships are part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet under the Operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, based at Visakhapatnam. The port call is a demonstration of India's warm ties with Cambodia.
IN Ships Sahyadri, under the command of Capt AshwinArvindand Kiltan, under the command of CdrGinto George Chacko, are the latest, indigenously designed and built multi-role Guided Missile Stealth Frigate and Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette respectively. The two ships are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors, can carry multi-role helicopters and represent the ‘coming of age’ of India’s warship building capabilities.
During the port call, there would be professional interactions between personnel of both the navies, official calls and interaction with dignitaries of the Royal Cambodian Navy. In addition, social engagements, visits by the local populace and various sports events are also planned during the visit. On completion of the visit, Indian Navy and Royal Cambodian Navy ships would be undertaking a Passage Exercise at sea, to further build on the levels of interoperability between the navies to ensure peaceful and secure seas for all.
The visit of the IN ships would further bolster the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and contribute to the security and stability in the region.
Ministry of Defence
Shareholding of Defence Related PSUs
There are 9 Public Sector Undertakings  making defence-related equipment under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence as per following details:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 
- Bharat Electronics Limited 
- BEML Limited 
- Bharat Dynamics Limited 
- Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited 
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited 
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited 
- Goa Shipyard Limited 
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited 
The details of Defence PSUs making defence-related goods in which Government has already decreased its shareholding in the last three years, are as follows:-
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Name of Defence PSUs under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, in which Government has decreased its shareholding in the last three years
|
|
Percentage of Government of India Shareholding as on 31.03.2018
|
|
Percentage of Government of India Shareholding as on date
|
|
1.
|
|
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 
|
|
89.97
|
|
75.15
|
|
2.
|
|
Bharat Electronics Limited 
|
|
66.79
|
|
51.14
|
|
3.
|
|
Bharat Dynamics Limited 
|
|
87.75
|
|
74.93
|
|
4.
|
|
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited 
|
|
100
|
|
74
|
|
5.
|
|
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited 
|
|
100
|
|
74.50
|
|
6.
|
|
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited 
|
|
100
|
|
84.83
|
|
7.
|
|
BEML Ltd
|
|
54.03
|
|
Strategic disinvestment underway
Disinvestment in Defence PSUs is done to bring in financial autonomy, facilitate people’s ownership and improve their efficiency through accountability towards its stake holders. It also provides an opportunity to the citizens to participate in the wealth and prosperity of these organisations.
To meet the challenges in Defence sector, including the emergencies, the Government has taken multi pronged actions for Indigenisation and manufacturing of Defence items within the country. Two  Positive lists  of Indigenisation comprising of 209 items have been notified for placing these items under import embargo with specified timelines. Further, Defence PSUs under Department of Defence Production have modernized their infrastructure, created new capacities and have developed a robust supply chain in the form of extensive vendor base to ensure production of defence equipment. Additionally, to enhance functional autonomy, efficiency, unleash new growth potential and innovation in Ordnance Factories, Government has approved corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board into 7 Defence PSUs. Besides this, there are 9 DPSUs including shipyards & 542 Defence licensees in the private sector which contribute to the Defence production within the country to meet emergency requirements.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri M Shanmugam in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Maternity Benefits Under the Maternity Benefit  Act,2017
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended vide the Maternity Benefit  Act, 2017, provides inter-alia for paid maternity leave to women workers and crèche facility by establishments. The Act is implemented by the Central Government as well as by State Government as appropriate government in their respective spheres which includes establishments engaged as mines, factories and construction.
The maternity benefits are also provided to women workers who are covered under the provisions of Employees’ State Insurance  Act, 1948. Every woman, entitled to the payment of maternity benefit under the Maternity Benefit Act, continues to be covered under this Act until she becomes qualified to claim maternity benefit under the ESI Act, 1948.
The number of women workers who received maternity benefit under ESI Act 1948 during the years 2019-20, 2020-2021 and 2021-22 is as under: -
|
|
Years
|
|
Number
|
|
2019-2020
|
|
49200
|
|
2020-2021
|
|
46327
|
|
2021-2022
|
|
45610
Ministry of Power
‘Bijli Utsav’ organized by REC in Varanasi as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of Independence, REC Limited, a public infrastructure finance company under the Ministry of Power organized a ‘Bijli Utsav’ at Karsada sub-station in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Shri PP Singh, Director  - Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited, Varanasi  along with Shri NK Maurya, Sr. CPM - REC and Shri DK Gupta, Sr. GM – REC inaugurated the event in the presence of other officials from REC and PuVVNL. Numerous dignitaries such as Shri Ram Charitra, Gram Pradhan - Bachchaon, Shri Munnalal Patel, Gram Padhan - Unvaav, Shri Mahendra Patel, Gram Padhan – Karsada and Shri Anil Pal, Gram Pradhan - Chitauni also graced the occasion.
Shri PP Singh, Director  - PuVVNL highlighted the benefits of electricity, the challenges faced during electrification in rural areas and how the quality of life improved with access to power. The event also witnessed several beneficiaries of Saubhagya Yojana who were invited on stage to share their experience.
To engage with the villagers, various cultural programmes such as Nukkad Natak and a Lok Gayan were held along with that a quiz on various Government programmes, on awareness about usage of electricity, billing, energy efficiency etc. was conducted to impart knowledge to the public. The event concluded with the distribution of LED bulbs as prizes to the winners of the competitions.
Given the large gathering, it was ensured that all Covid safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks were adhered to. In addition, masks were also distributed to all the attendees.
About REC Limited: REC Limited is a Navratna NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years in the area of its operations. It provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state governments, central/state power utilities, independent power producers, rural electric cooperatives and private sector utilities. Its business activities involve financing projects in the complete power sector value chain; different types of projects include Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy segments. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India.
Ministry of Defence
Western Naval Command all set to honour Corona Warriors tomorrow
Mumbai, May 2, 2020
The Armed Forces, in a move to acknowledge the Corona Warriors, are organising various activities tomorrow, 3rd May 2020. This was announced by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff yesterday. As part of this, Western Naval Command, Indian Navy is planning the day ahead with different tasks scheduled to be performed on land, air and water. Rehearsals are being planned today.
About 15 Navy ships are being planned to be illuminated from 1930 to 2359 Hrs, off Gateway of India, Mumbai. "India Salutes Corona Warriors" banners will be displayed while the ships siren and fire a flare at 1930 at Anchorage.
The helicopters of Indian Navy Aviation Assets will undertake the task of showering petals on COVID 19 hospitals. Kasturba Gandhi Hospital and INHS Asvini, Colaba in Mumbai and GMC and ESI Hospitals in Goa have been chosen for the same. The activity is tentatively planned to be undertaken between 1000-1030 hrs.
Additionally, the Runway of Naval Air Stations in Goa will display human chain messages to honour the Corona Warriors.
Aerial photography of every activity will be taken. Social distancing norms will be ensured during the activity.
Rehearsals have been planned for today at around the same time at which the activities are scheduled for tomorrow.