ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Cabinet approves Long Term Agreements for supply of iron ore to Japan and South Korea through MMTC Limited
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the renewal of Long Term Agreements for supply of iron ore  of grade +64% Fe content to Japanese Steel Mills  and POSCO, South Korea for another five years  through MMTC Limited.
Details:
- The present LTAs are valid until 31.3.2018. The renewed LTAs with steel mills of Japan and POSCO, South Korea shall be for a period of five years from 1.4.2018 to 31.3.2023.
- The range of quantity of iron ore to be exported under LTA per annum shall be 3.80 million tons  per annum to 5.50 million tons per annum  of both NMDC and non-NMDC origin iron ore with quantitative ceilings for export of Bailadila Lumps at 1.81 million MTs per annum and Bailadila Fines at 2.71 million MTs per annum.
- The quantities of iron ore proposed for supply to JSMs and POSCO, South Korea through MMTC Limited under these LTAs will be of grade +64% Fe content. The break up is as follows:-
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Japanese Steel Mills
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3.00 ~ 4.30 million tons per annum
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POSCO, South Korea
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0.80 ~1 .20 million tons per annum
- The existing policy of single agency operation and exports through MMTC, with trading margin of 2.8% of FOB price, shall be continued.
Benefits:
Export of iron ore under the LTAs would help to strengthen India’s bilateral ties with long-standing partner countries, Japan and South Korea secure an export market and result in inflow of foreign exchange.
The agreement will enable India to secure international market for its ores and ensure stable economic ecosystem which provides direct and indirect employment in mining, logistics and related sectors.
Background:
The history of India's iron ore exports to Japan is almost six decades old and is a consistent component of India's bilateral relations with Japan. MMTC has been supplying iron ore to JSMs since 1963 and to South Korea since 1973. The current LTAs with Japanese Steel Mills  and POSCO, South Korea, for supply of iron ore for a period of three years will expire on 31st March, 2018. The Cabinet, in its meeting held on 24.06.2015 had authorized MMTC Limited to engage in Long Term Agreements with Japanese Steel Mills  and POSCO, South Korea, for supply of iron ore for a period of three years .
Ministry of Culture
Book Bazar to be organized by the Sahitya Akademi at Kolkata
Kolkata, May 22, 2018.
Sahitya Akademi, The National Academy of Letters, an autonomous of the Government of India, Ministry of Culture, is going to organize a Book Bazar at its eastern regional office premises at 4 D. L. Khan Road, Kolkata 70025 on 25 May – 2 June 2018 . The Book Bazar will remain close on Sunday only. In the Book Bazar, Sahitya Akademi publications in Hindi, English, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Manipuri, Nepali and Odia will be sold with the special discount up to 60%. Eminent Bengali writer Sri Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay will inaugurate the Book Bazar on 25 May 2018 at 3.00 pm.
In this context it is also to mention that Sahitya Akademi has a library with rich resources in their office complex. The membership enrolment process is going on. Sahitya Akademi is also going to organize a “Book Discussion Programme” once in every month where the members can participate and share their views with eminent litterateurs.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of certain assets of the Prestige Group by affiliates of Blackstone Group Inc.
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of certain assets of the Prestige Group by affiliates of Blackstone Group Inc.
The principal activity of the Acquirers viz affiliates of Blackstone Group Inc, is that of investment holding and related activities. However, at present, they do not have any business operations, in India or worldwide. The Acquirers are affiliates of funds advised or managed by the affiliates of The Blackstone Group Inc.
The Target Entities are engaged in the business of real estate development in India. They have a diversified portfolio of real estate development projects in key segments such as residential, commercial and hospitality across several cities in India.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Janaushadhi Week
More than 50,000 Suvidha Sanitary Napkin packets were distributed free of cost
Janaushadhi week  is being celebrated across the country through more than 6200 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras. Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners are organising different types of activities for making awareness about health and hygiene.
On fourth day today an event for empowering the women’s of the country with the theme of ‘Suvidha Se Sammaan’ was held. On this occasion, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, BPPI officials and other stakeholders participated in the activities and hosted the camps to educate the females about the usages of Sanitary Pads during menstrual period. Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, today free distribution camps for Suvidha Sanitary Napkins were hosted at about 2000 places and more than 50,000 Suvidha Sanitary Napkin packets were distributed free of cost to the women’s.
The launching of Suvidha Sanitary Napkins with revised rates was done by the Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri D.V.Sadananda Gowda & Minister of State for Shipping  & Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. Since inception to till 2nd March, 2020 over 2.91 crore pads was sold at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras. After the revision in the prices over 1.73 Crore pads have been sold till 2nd March, 2020 at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
“Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” is a noble initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India which is now making an impact on masses in its endeavor to provide quality medicines at an affordable price. The number of Kendras has grown to more than 6200 and 700 districts are covered under the scheme at present. Further, total sales in the financial year 2019-20  have crossed Rs 383 crore which led to total savings of approximately Rs 2200 crore of common citizens as these medicines are cheaper by 50 to 90% of the average market price. The scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
National Policy for Domestic Workers
The Central Government has not enacted any separate law to protect the interest of domestic workers. However, the Ministry of Labour & Employment is considering to formulate a National Policy on Domestic Workers which is in the draft stage. The salient features of the proposed draft National Policy on Domestic Workers are as under:
 Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations.
 Domestic workers will have the right to register as unorganized workers. Such registration
will facilitate their access to rights & benefits.
 Right to form their own associations/unions
 Right to minimum wages, access to social security
 Right to enhance their skills
 Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation
 Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals for grievance redressal
 Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of private placement agencies.
 Establishment of a grievance redressal system for domestic workers.
The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 has been enacted for providing social security to all unorganized workers including domestic workers. The Act provides formulation of social security schemes viz life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits & old age protection. The State Governments are mandated under the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 to formulate suitable welfare schemes for the unorganized sector workers including domestic workers relating to provident fund, employment injury benefits housing, education schemes for children, skill up gradation of workers, financial assistance & old age homes.
The State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerela, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Tamilnadu and Tripura have included domestic workers in the schedule of Minimum Wages Act and the Workers are also entitled to file case before the concerned authorities in case of grievance in this regard. The matter of constitution of State Domestic Workers Board is under the jurisdiction of the State Governments.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
NCSTC-GUJCOST Webinar Series to be organised - Overcoming COVID-19 by Awareness & Preparedness
The National Council for Science & Technology Communication , Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, in association with the Gujarat Council of Science & Technology , will be organizing a Citizen’s Science Webinar Series on ‘Science Communication in the Time of COVID-19’ during 10-16 May 2020 everyday between 10-11 a.m. The webinar would be accessible online through internet.
The webinar would address ways of tackling the current pandemic by applying various methods and means, an urgent need of the hour. It will develop awareness and preparedness to deal with and address current health crisis posed by COVID-19 to help overcome the situation.
In order to facilitate necessary actions and preparedness of the society to address the challenge, such strategies to reach out to society with the necessary information by involving various stakeholders, including students, academics, media and volunteers,and so on, would be an advantage.
Communication of associated risks through effective science popularisation for promoting community-level response will help translation and usage of authentic scientific and health information and facilitate crisis management.
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Election Commission
ECI Allots 2010 VVPATs for Coochbehar  & 1834 for Alipurduar  PCs in West Bengal for First Phase of General Election, 2019
Kolkata, April 10, 2019
In the first phase of General Election, 2019, polling will be held tomorrow in 91 out of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies spread over 20 States and Union Territories including West Bengal.
Polling will be held in two Parliamentary constituencies of the State in the first phase- Coochbehar  and Alipurduars .
The Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Sanjoy Basu today informed media that several measures have been taken for conducting free and fare poll in the two constituencies.
For Coochbehar  constituency Election Commission of India  has allotted 2010 ballot units, 2010 control units and 2010 VVPATs. For Alipurduars , ECI has allotted 1834 ballot units, 1834 control units and 1834 VVPATs.
ECI has also arranged for micro-observers, off-line CCTVs, webcasting and the like. According to Shri Basu, total 790 micro-observers have been deployed for the two constituencies, out of which 350 are for Coochbehar  and 440 for Alipurduars . Total 374 video cameras have been allotted for the same, out of which 228 are for Coochbehar  and 146 for Alipurduars  constituencies. There are provisions of 180 off-line CCTVs also and that solely for Alipurduars  constituency. Online webcasting facilities will be in 533 polling stations, out of which 279 are in Coochbehar  and 254 in Alipurduars  constituencies.
Prime Minister's Office
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy calls on the Prime Minister
Ms. Federica Mogherini, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
Prime Minister Modi and Ms. Mogherini discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest. The Prime Minister and Ms. Mogherini agreed on the need to strengthen the security cooperation between India and EU, particularly on the issue of counter-terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi recalled his successful visit to Brussels in March 2016 for the last India-EU Summit, and said that he is looking forward to the next India-EU Summit to be held in India in October 2017.
Ministry of Finance
Release of Direct Tax Statistics
The Central Board of Direct Taxes  has been releasing key statistics relating to Direct Tax collections and administration in public domain from time to time. In continuation of its efforts to place more and more information in public domain, the CBDT has further released Time-Series data as updated upto F.Y. 2021-22.
The key highlights of some of these statistics are as under:
 Net Direct Tax Collections have increased by 121.18% from Rs. 6,38,596 crore in F.Y. 2013-14 to Rs. 14,12,422 crore in F.Y. 2021-22.
 Net Direct Tax Collections have increased by 160.17% from Rs. 6,38,596 crore in F.Y. 2013-14 to Rs. 16,61,428 crore  in F.Y. 2022-23.
 Gross Direct Tax Collections have increased by over 126.73% in F.Y. 2021-22, reaching a figure of Rs. 16,36,081 crore from Gross Direct Tax Collections of Rs. 7,21,604 crore in F.Y. 2013-14.
 Gross Direct Tax Collections have increased by over 172.83% in F.Y. 2022-23, reaching a figure of Rs. 19,68,780 crore  from Gross Direct Tax Collections of Rs. 7,21,604 crore in F.Y. 2013-14.
 Direct Tax Buoyancy at 2.52 in F.Y. 2021-22 is the highest Direct Tax Buoyancy recorded over last 15 years.
 Direct Tax to GDP ratio has increased from 5.62% in F.Y. 2013-14 to 5.97% in F.Y. 2021-22.
 The Cost of collection has decreased from 0.57% of total collection in the F.Y. 2013-14 to 0.53% of total collection in the F.Y. 2021-22.
The availability of the Time-Series data in public domain will be useful for academicians, research scholars, economists and the public at large in studying long-term trends of various indices of the effectiveness and efficiency of Direct Tax administration in India. This time series data is available at www.incometaxindia.gov.in.
Cabinet Secretariat
NITI Aayog reconstituted
Government has reconstituted NITI Aayog. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the re-constitution of National Institution for Transforming India  Aayog as follows:
- Chairperson Prime Minister
- Vice-Chairperson Dr. Rajiv Kumar
- Full-Time Members  Shri V.K. Saraswat
 Prof. Ramesh Chand
 Dr. V.K. Paul
- Ex-officio Members  Shri Raj Nath Singh, Minister of Defence
 Shri Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs
 Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and
Minister of Corporate Affairs
 Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare;Minister of Rural Development;
Minister of Panchayati Raj.
- Special Invitees  Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport
and Highways; Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
 ShriThaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social
Justice and Empowerment.
 Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways; and
Minister of Commerce and Industry
 Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State
 of the Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation and Minister of State
 of Ministry of Planning.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri unveils statue of Maharani Lakshmi Bai in a college at Hisar
Life of Lakshmi Bai has been inspiring women for generations: Shri Puri
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep S. Puri today unveiled the statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai at the Maharani Lakshmi Bai college for Women, Bhiwani Rohilla in Hisar  through video conferencing.
Unveiling the Statue, Shri Puri said that in this 21st century there is lot of discussion on the issue of women empowerment and gender equality, but we have forgotten that Indian history is replete with stories of women bravery, sacrifices and achievements and the story of the Rani Lakshmi Bai is one of them. This statue which will go on inspiring the students of this college, he added.
Describing Rani Lakshmi Bai as a major symbol of revolt against the repression of British Raj, the Minister said that her life has been inspiring nationalism and Indian women for generations who led the freedom revolution of India with utmost bravery, skill and force against British rule.
The Minister said that Rani Lakshmi Bai has been depicted only as a freedom revolutionary in films and in stories, but only a few people know that she was an intellectual par excellence who was equally good in English language too.
Shri Hardeep Puri also dedicated the Commerce Block of the college in the name of the great educationist, teacher and founding father of the college, Shri Ashok Mittal.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  chairs roundtable of German Small and Medium Enterprises in Berlin
Reaffirms Government of India's firm commitment towards improving ease of doing business in India
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  Shri Anurag Jain chaired a round table of German Small and Medium Enterprises  in Berlin today and shared his thoughts on sustainable growth, startups, digitalization and green technology. Shri Jain is a part of the official delegation accompanying Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on his tour to Germany.
German SMEs shared their future plans for investment in India. The Secretary reaffirmed Government of India's firm commitment towards improving ease of doing business in India. Shri Jain also met Mr Markus Jerger, Chairman, BVMW and discussed opportunities for greater investment and cooperation in the MSME sector between India and Germany in the fields of Food processing, Textiles, Manufacturing, AI, Technology, Hydrogen and Green Energy, Sustainability, Digitalization among others.
Special Service and Features
Seizure of 1020 Grams of Gold spanners of 24K purity totally worth ₹47.56 Lakhs by Chennai Air Customs
Based on specific intelligence, a passenger, Shri. Mahaboob Basha S/o Shri Mahaboob Sahib resident of D.No. 5/128A, Bojjavaripalli, Proddatur, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh-516360, who arrived from Riyadh by flight No. EK 546 Dtd. 09.05.2022 at 2030 Hrs was intercepted by the Air Customs Officers. On search of his baggage, 6 gold spanners totally weighing 1020 grams totally valued at Rs. 47.56 Lakhs were ingeniously concealed with shiny silver colour coating on it. The recovered gold spanners were seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Pax was arrested.
Further investigations under progress, according to a press release issued by Pr.Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM extends best wishes to Global Investors' Summit 2017 in Jharkhand
PM extends best wishes to Global Investors' Summit 2017 in Jharkhand
(Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended best wishes to the Global Investors' Summit 2017 in Jharkhand.
"Best wishes for @InvestJharkhand. May the deliberations in this Summit lead to fruitful outcomes that contribute to Jharkhand’s growth.
Investment generated from @InvestJharkhand will create several opportunities for people of the state and give wings to their aspirations.
Skills and determination of people of Jharkhand and proactive efforts of Jharkhand Government are bringing record development in the state.", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Year Long Activities related to Citizens Duties: A Step towards New India
Indian nation witnessed a jubilant celebration of Constitution Day on 26th November, through mass reading of Preamble to the Constitution as a commitment to extol and imbibe the principles and values enshrined in our Constitution and to pay tribute to its founding fathers. Heralding towards New India, it is decided that a continuous and gradual transmission of constitutional values in the lives of every individual is the need of the hour.
For this purpose, in its responsibility as the nodal coordinating department, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice is undertaking specific concerted initiatives to create awareness for organizing year long activities and programmes related to Citizens’ Duties including Fundamental Duties. Inter- ministerial meetings at the level of Secretaries have been pioneered by Secretary , DoJ. Recently, interactions have been instituted to involve various community based platforms, NGO partners and utilization of CSR funds available with Ministry of Corporate Affairs , Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises , Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways , M/oHRD and CSC e- Governance Services to ensure decentralized dissemination of messages on Citizens’ Duties. Possible suggestions are being invited through video conference with Nodal Officers appointed by the governments of States and UTs for preparation of annual calendar and its effective implementation. Till date 25 States/UTs and 22 Central Ministries and Departments have designated Nodal Officers.
In addition a repository of resource related to ‘Constitution and Citizens’ Duties’ has been created on DoJ Website. A special “Constitution Day and Citizens Duties” Web page has been created on the Homepage of Department of Justice website wherein Ministries, State Governments and UT Administration can upload / images/videos and reports and an annual calendar for organizing series of activities related to Citizens’ Duties. Brochure, Posters and Standees designed on the above subject have also made available on its website. The process of translating these various IEC materials in 22 Scheduled languages is in process. List of Resource persons from 20 SLSA/DLSA through NALSA and 8 State Bar Councils for delivering Talks and Lectures on Constitution and Citizens Duties have been made available on DoJ website. Online Quiz and National Essay Contest on My Gov.in has been launched in collaboration with Department of Legal Affairs.
Need for concerted, piecemeal endeavour on Citizens’ Duties will enable the Ministries  to break their silos and work towards unified and Constitutional literate India.
President's Secretariat
Change of guard ceremony to be held at 1030 Hrs on April 8
The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will held at 1030 hrs. instead of its regular timing 0800 hrs. this Saturday  due to the ceremonial reception being accorded to the Prime Minister of People’s Republic of Bangladesh.