ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizure of 18.1 kg Ambergris worth Rs 31.67 crore at Tuticorin Coast
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  busts Ambergris smuggling gang racket, a threat to the nation’s flora and fauna and seized 18.1 kg of Ambergris at Tuticorin Coast which is valued at ₹31.67 crore  in illicit market.
Based on specific information that a gang would be attempting to smuggle ambergris out of India through the sea route near the coast of Harbour Beach, Tuticorin to Sri Lanka during the night hours of 18.05.2023, DRI Officers intercepted a vehicle along with five persons and recovered 18.1 kg of ambergris from the front seat of the vehicle. The occupants confessed the smuggling attempt.
Ambergris is a product of sperm whales, which is a protected species listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is thus prohibited for possession/export/transport. Ambergris was thus seized along with the vehicle used for transporting the prohibited item.
DRI in its endeavour to protect and safeguard the flora and fauna from such smuggling attempts has intensified its vigil and surveillance in the coastal areas. In the last two years, DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of Ambergris valued at Rs. 54 crore in the international market, attempted to be smuggled out of India from the Tuticorin Coast.
Four persons from Kerala and Tamil Nadu actively involved in this smuggling attempt of Ambergris were arrested and remanded under judicial custody.
Further investigation is under progress.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates the team of AIIMS Nagpur to receive the NABH accreditation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the team of AIIMS Nagpur to become the 1st of all AIIMS to receive the NABH accreditation.
Sharing the tweet of AIIMS Nagpur, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Congratulations to the team at @AIIMSNagpur on this feat, setting a benchmark in delivering quality healthcare services.”
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Textiles to organise pan-India programme “Jharokha - Compendium of Indian handicraft/ handloom, art and culture”
The first event in Bhopal today celebrates womanhood and the contribution of women in the field of art, craft and culture
As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Textiles are organizing “Jharokha-Compendium of Indian handicraft/ handloom, art and culture”. It will be a PAN India celebration which will be held at 16 locations in 13 states and UTs.
Jharokha is acelebration of the traditional Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and art & culture. The first event under this celebration is being organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradeshstarting from 8th March 2022 on the occasion of International Women’s Day. It will be organized at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station which is named after the brave and fearless Queen Kamlapati of the Gond kingdom of Madhya Pradesh.
Thisfirst event celebrates womanhood and the contribution of women in the field of art, craft and culture. All the stalls at the event are being setup by the women artisans making it more special. The event will be inauguratedby women who have been role models in the societyfeaturing renowned artist and Padma Shree awardee - Ms. Durga Bai Vyam,Director, AKAM; Ministry of Culture – Ms. Priyanka Chandra, IAS officer – Ms. Anubha Shrivastava, IPS officer – Ms. KiranlataKerketta and professor – Ms. Jaya Phookan. These women are a shining example of women empowerment. Their participation in the event will be an inspiration for other women to come forward and showcase their talent in different fields.
- The celebrations at Jharokha will include showcasing of handicraft and handloom products from across the country.
- Women artisans, weavers, and artists who have given their significant contribution in promoting and reviving Indian handloom and handicrafts will also be felicitated in the event.
- A literary corner focused on local art, culture and festivals will be setup at each venue along with food stalls celebrating local Indian cuisines.
- Another highlight of Jharokha will be the cultural events. These events will continue for 8 days and will include folk dance and singing performances by local teams and artists.
- A dedicated corner for Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat  encompassing the culture and art of Manipur and Nagaland will also be setup at the venue.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Myths vs. Facts on COVID Vaccine
There have been some social media posts regarding composition of the COVAXIN vaccine where it has been suggested that COVAXIN vaccine contains the newborn calf serum.
Facts have been twisted and misrepresented in these posts.
Newborn Calf Serum is used only for preparation/ growth of vero cells. Different kinds of bovine and other animal serum are standard enrichment ingredient used globally for vero cell growth. Vero cells are used to establish cell lines which help in production of vaccines. This technique has been used for decades in Polio, Rabies, and Influenza vaccines.
These vero cells, after the growth, are washed with water, with chemicals , many times to make it free from the newborn calf serum. Thereafter, these vero cells are infected with corona virus for viral growth.
The vero cells are completely destroyed in the process of viral growth. Thereafter this grown virus is also killed  and purified. This killed virus is then used to make the final vaccine, and in the final vaccine formulation no calf serum is used.
Hence, the final vaccine  does not contain newborn calf serum at all and the calf serum is not an ingredient of the final vaccine product.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah greets technocrats on Engineer's Day
Home Minister pays obeisance to the legendary engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya on his birth anniversary
Engineers have played a pivotal role in nation-building by contributing to every sector of the economy
In recent times their role in shaping the technological revolution has elevated India's prestige on the global stage
Visvesvaraya Ji powered our civilization with his inimitable engineering genius, designing and shaping a vast range of structures
His contributions will continue to inspire dreams in the minds of our new generations
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has greeted technocrats on Engineer's Day. Home Minister also paid obeisance to the legendary engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya on his birth anniversary. The birth anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya is celebrated as Engineer’s Day.
In his post on ‘X’, Shri Amit Shah said “Engineers have played a pivotal role in nation-building by contributing to every sector of the economy. In recent times their role in shaping the technological revolution has elevated India's prestige on the global stage. May this day inspire them further to contribute to the fulfilment of our nation's dreams”.
In his another post on ‘X’, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said “Visvesvaraya Ji powered our civilization with his inimitable engineering genius, designing and shaping a vast range of structures. His contributions will continue to inspire dreams in the minds of our new generations”.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
More than 8 lakh net subscribers added during first quarter of FY 21: EPFO payroll data
The provisional payroll data published by EPFO on 20th August 2020 reveals that the subscriber base of EPFO increased by around 8.47 lakh members during the first quarter of FY21. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak had adversely affected the enrolments in the month of April and May 2020. Despite the lockdown, around 0.20 lakh and 1.72 lakh net new subscribers were added to social security schemes of EPFO in the month of April and May 2020.The month of June has seen speedy recovery with addition of 6.55 lakh net subscribers registering a remarkable 280% month on month growth. The data published comprises of all the new members who have joined during the month and whose contribution is received.
The subscriber base growth is on account of increased number of new subscribers, lower exits and higher rejoining by exited members. The new subscriber joining has increased roughly by 64 % from 3.03 lakh in May to 4.98 lakh in June 2020. In addition, the exits from EPFO subscriber base declined by nearly 33% from 4.45 lakh in May to 2.96 lakh in June 2020.
The number of members who exited and then rejoined, indicates switching of jobs by subscribers within the establishments covered by EPFO. This has also increased by approximately 44% for the month of June, 2020 over May, 2020, with more subscribers choosing to retain membership by transferring funds rather than opting for final settlement.
Gender wise analysis highlights that the new enrolment of female workers has improved from 37085 in April 2020 to 106059 in June 2020 in absolute terms, even though the overall female participation in workforce remains low.
Category wise analysis of industry indicates “Expert services” category had a share of approximately 46% and 45% during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. In the first quarter of 2020-21 it stands at 52.7% which is reflecting that many industries are yet to recover but Expert Services has made good progress. The absolute figure for net enrolment in Expert Services category during June 2020 is 3.45 lakh, which is more than the monthly average of 3 lakh during 2019-20. Expert services predominantly consist of man power agencies, private security agencies and small contractors.
The new establishments that remitted their first ECR has grown from its low of 820 in April 2020 to 1802 in May. In the month of June 2020 the growth continued with 2390 establishments registering their first ECR recording a month on month growth of 32%
EPFO manages social security funds of workers in the organised/semi organised sector in India and has more than 6 crore active members. The payroll data is provisional as updation of employee records is a continuous process and it gets updated in subsequent months.
Ministry of Finance
Cases pertaining to ‘Panama Papers’: Investigation in full swing
Pursuant to revelations made by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists , a Washington based organization in April 2016 about certain Indians having linkages with entities in offshore no tax/low tax jurisdictions, the Government constituted a Multi-Agency Group  on 4th April 2016, inter alia, to facilitate co-ordinated and speedy investigation. The MAG consisted of officers of Central Board of Direct Taxes , Enforcement Directorate , Financial Intelligence Unit  and Reserve Bank of India. So far, the MAG has submitted 7 reports to the Government.
The Panama Papers contained brief particulars of about 426 persons, prima facie, Indians or persons of Indian origin. The Income Tax Department conducted enquiries in all 426 cases, inter alia, through making 395 references to 28 foreign jurisdictions. Based on analysis of the information obtained and investigation conducted, the outcome so far indicates 147 actionable cases and 279 non-actionable cases .
Out of the 147 actionable cases:
- Investigations have led to the detection of undisclosed credits of about Rs. 792 crore, so far;
- Searches have been conducted in 35 cases and surveys in 11 cases;
- In other cases, the persons have been confronted with the evidences during enquiries;
- In 5 cases criminal prosecution complaints have been filed;
- In 7 cases notices under section 10 of the Black Money  and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 have been issued;
- Further investigation in all the above cases is in progress.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO successfully flight tests Indigenously Developed Anti Radiation Missile 
New generation Anti Radiation Missile  was successfully Flight tested today onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
The RUDRAM is first indigenous anti-radiation missile of the country for Indian Air Force , being developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation . The missile is integrated on SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft as the launch platform, having capability of varying ranges based on launch conditions. It has INS-GPS navigation with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. The RUDRAM hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy.
The Passive Homing Head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. The missile is a potent weapon for IAF for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence effectively from large stand-off ranges.
With this, the country has established indigenous capability to develop long range air launched anti-radiation missiles for neutralising enemy Radars, communication sites and other RF emitting targets.
ABB/Nampi/DK
(Visitor Counter : 5612
Ministry of Coal
Overall Coal Production Increases by 12% to 57.93 Million Ton in September
Twenty five Mines’ Production Goes Beyond 100 Per Cent
India’s overall coal production increased by 12.01 per cent to 57.93 Million Ton  from 51.72 MT during September, 2022 as compared to September 2021. As per the provisional statistics of the Ministry of Coal, during September 2022, CIL,SCCL and captive mines/others registered a growth of 12.35 %, 8.43% and 12.37 % by producing 45.67 MT, 4.93 MT and 7.33 MT respectively.
Of the top 37 mines, 25 mines production level has been more than 100 per cent and another five mines’ production stood between 80 and 100 per cent during September.
At the same time, coal despatch increased by 1.95 per cent to 61.18 Million Ton  from 60.02 MT during September 2022 as compared to the same period last year. During September, 2022, CIL , SCCL and Captive mines /others registered a growth of 1.03, 4.13 and 6.84 per cent by despatching 48.88 MT, 4.77 MT and 7.53 MT respectively.
Power utilities despatch has increased to 51.71 MT during Sept 2022 as compared to 50.16 MT same time last year. Coal based power generation has registered a growth of 13.40 % in Sept'22 as compared to the previous year. The overall power generation in Sept'22 has been 13.77% higher than the power generated in September 2021.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Avra Laboratoriesannounces establishing three research chairs at CSIR to support and recognize exemplary work in the field of translational research
Dr S. Chandrasekhar, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and Dr Amol A. Kulkarni, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory awarded the fellowship for the period 2020-2023
HAL, under CSR, to extend funding support to Establishment of one Makeshift Hospital in Himachal Pradesh and a COVID Testing Centre at Ladakh
On the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day, Avra Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company founded by Padmabhushan Dr A. V. Rama Rao, announced today that it would establish three research chairs at CSIR to support and recognize exemplary work in the field of translational research. The chairs, will provide a three-year fellowship to selected scientists to recognize and advance their efforts. Dr S. Chandrasekhar, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and Dr Amol A. Kulkarni, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory have been awarded the fellowship for the period 2020-2023.
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility program, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , has agreed to extend generous funding support to Establishment of one Makeshift Hospital in Himachal Pradesh and a COVID Testing Centre at Ladakh at a cost of over a crore".
The prestigious CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Award for the year 2019 is conferred on Tata Chemicals Limited , Pune for the technological advancement it has made in the production of 'Fructo-oligosaccharides' , also known as FOSSENCE which being 100./0 soluble dietary fiber caters to the growing base of health and lifestyle-conscious consumers.
CSIR celebrated its 79th Foundation Day at its premises here today. Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Health and Family Welfare and Vice President, CSIR presided over the event. While, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR  and Mr. A. Chakraborty, Head, HRDG, were present on the occasion, all CSIR labs and several others joined the event through various social media platforms.
Ministry of Defence
DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR
Government of India has set up two Defence Industrial Corridors  in order to attract total investment worth Rs 20,000 crore by the year 2024-25 for defence industries, develop domestic supply chain and strengthen defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country. In Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor , there are 06 nodes namely, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur, Chitrakoot & Lucknow, and in Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor  05 nodes namely, Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem & Tiruchirappalli. Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority  is the nodal agency for UPDIC and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation  is the nodal agency for TNDIC. Both the States have promulgated their respective Aerospace & Defence Policy to attract investments in DICs.
As per available information, 108 Memorandum of Understanding  have been signed with industry/organisation in UPDIC having potential investment of Rs 12,191 crore. Investment of Rs 2,445 crore has been made and 1611 Hectare of lands has been acquired so far for development of UPDIC. Further, in Tamil Nadu, arrangements have been made through MoUs etc with 53 industries for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore. Investment worth Rs 3,894 crore has been made and 910 Hectare of land has been acquired so far for development of TNDIC.
The DICs have been established to develop a holistic defence manufacturing ecosystem which is a progressive and ongoing process.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Sanjay Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM praises the team of doctors of Central Command Indian army for rehabilitating a young patient's skull defect using advanced 3D printing technology
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised team of doctors of Central Command India army for rehabilitating a young patient's skull defect using advanced 3D printing technology for titanium cranioplasty repair.
Responding to a tweet by Central Command Indian army about aforesaid surgery, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Commendable!”
Ministry of Science & Technology
KIRAN SCHEME
During 2020-21, the Department of Science and Technology has provided financial support of the tune of around Rs. 95 crores on various women centric programmes under KIRAN  Scheme. Around 110 women scientists from 24 States/UTs in ‘Women Scientist Scheme’ received financial assistance under KIRAN during 2020-21. The state-wise list of recipients is given below:
|
|
Sl.No.
|
|
States/UTs
|
|
No. of women scientists supported
|
|
-
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Assam
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Delhi
|
|
9
|
|
-
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Haryana
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
14
|
|
-
|
|
Kerala
|
|
3
|
|
-
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
3
|
|
-
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
23
|
|
-
|
|
Manipur
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Odisha
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Punjab
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
8
|
|
-
|
|
Telangana
|
|
11
|
|
-
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
7
|
|
-
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
5
|
|
-
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
110
This information was given by Minister of State  for M/o Earth Sciences and M/o Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Department of Space
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informs that the government has approved the establishment of a new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu for carrying out the launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles  developed by ISRO
Indian Space Policy 2023 that has the provision for utilization of spaceport for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities , subject to technical feasibility and range safety constraints: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the Indian Space Policy – 2023 has been approved and released in the public domain. The Policy opens up the sector
for enhanced participation of Non-Government Entities  across the entire value chain of the space economy, while clearly delineating the roles of various stakeholders viz. IN-SPACe, ISRO, NSIL and DOS.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Government has set up the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre  as a single-window agency
for promotion and authorization of space activities. The budget allocations for IN-SPACe:
2021-22 Rs. 10 Cr
2022-23 Rs. 33 Cr
2023-24 Rs. 95 Cr
Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory – India  project has been approved by the Government of India at an estimated cost of Rs. 2600 Crore, with Department of Atomic Energy as the Lead Agency. He said, after completion of the project, the LIGO-India will be operated as a national facility for detecting Gravitation Waves and Research in related areas of Astronomy.
On the issue of Chandrayaan-3, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the spacecraft was successfully launched
onboard LVM-3 on 14th July 2023 at 14:35hrs from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR. Currently, the spacecraft is in the translunar orbit, with the Lunar-Orbit Insertion 
planned on August 5, 2023.
<><><><><>
SNC/PK
(Visitor Counter : 1573