ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan dedicates a Natural Gas based Crematorium built under GAIL’s CSR Initiative to the people of Bhubaneswar
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India today dedicated a pioneering Natural Gas based crematorium to the people of Bhubaneswar at Dharam Vihar here. This significant endeavour was realized with the support of GAIL  Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility  initiatives.
The dedication ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament, Bhubaneswar, Smt. Sujata Chhotray, Corporator, Ward No. 63, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Shri Ayush Gupta, Director , GAIL  Limited and other senior officials from both GAIL  Limited and local administration.
The natural gas-based crematorium, undertaken as a part of GAIL's ‘Support for Piped Natural Gas  Crematorium in Bhubaneswar & Cuttack, Odisha’ project. The PNG-based crematorium at Dharam Vihar, Bhubaneswar, is a testament to GAIL’s commitment to sustainable development and environmentally-friendly practices. GAIL will establish two more state-of-the-art PNG crematoriums at strategic locations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The other sites i.e., Alugadi, Aiginia, Bhubaneswar and Khannagar, Cuttack are in the advance stages of construction. The estimated budget for all three locations is Rs. 16 crore. This project aligns with GAIL's goal to promote cleaner fuels, thereby enhancing air quality and reducing carbon emissions.
The primary objective of the project includes the establishment of three modern PNG-based crematoriums, encouraging eco-friendly cremation practices, reducing air pollution, providing efficient facilities for last rites, and raising awareness about the benefits of PNG cremation among local residents.
GAIL’s proactive involvement in this initiative exemplifies its dedication to CSR initiatives, community welfare, and environmental conservation.
GAIL is implementing various Natural Gas pipelines, City Gas Distribution and coal-gasification-based Fertilizer plant in the state of Odisha. 1,650 km high pressure cross-country pipeline at an estimated investment of Rs. 6,850 crore, City Gas Distribution in 5 Geographical Areas across 11 districts at an investment of Rs. 1,729 crore are at various stages of implementation. In addition, GAIL is also a Joint Venture partner in Talcher Fertilizer project which is being set up with an approximate investment of Rs. 17,000 crore.
During the implementation phase of these projects, approximately 1 crore direct and indirect man-days of employment will be generated. While during the operational phase, this figure will be approximately 20 lakh man days per year.
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals ready for Special Campaign 3.0
Following up on the success stories of the two preceding special campaigns, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals is mobilizing its resources to undertake Special Campaign 3.0. With the objective of creating a better ambience and more spacious workplaces, the Department is gearing to achieve 100% scanning and subsequent conversion of all existing physical files to electronic files. This is likely to result in the freeing of substantial space occupied by physical files.
In order to declutter the e-space, the department has also taken up the task of reviewing all e-files that were opened prior to 2022. Individual officers have been assigned the specific task of reviewing the 9800 e-files.
In addition to maintaining cleanliness in its office, the department is also committed to spreading swachhta messages to the general public and mainstreaming swachhta activities in everyday life. To achieve this, 255 cleanliness campaigns are being organized in various public places spread all over the country.
Prime Minister's Office
Hard work of middle class defines the spirit of New India: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared articles, graphics, videos and information about the initiatives that have strengthened middle class of the country and expanded their opportunities.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"The middle class is at the forefront of driving growth and innovation. Their hard work defines the spirit of New India. Our government has consistently worked towards greater ‘Ease Of Living’ for the benefit of the middle class. #9YearsOfEnabledMiddleClass"
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Mushaira, based on Gandhian ideals, organised by Ministry of Minority Affairs in Mumbai today
Governor of Maharashtra inaugurated poetic tribute to the Father of the Nation
As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, a “Mushaira” was organised by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in Mumbai today.
The Mushaira was inaugurated by Governor of Maharashtra, Ch. Vidyasagar Rao. Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi; Member of Parliament Shri Gopal Shetty; MLA Shri Aashish Shelar were other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Addressing the audience, Maharashtra Governor appealed to everyone to take conscious efforts to change the perception of Urdu among people. He said that there is a misconception that it is a language of Muslims, and that it is the language only of gazals, sher and shayari. Urdu is one of the sweetest and richest languages and is the “soul” of Mushaira, he stated. He further said that Mushaira will spread the essence of the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and promote socio-cultural harmony and brotherhood in society.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs said that while on the one hand, these programmes will spread the message and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, on the other hand, such programmes will also strengthen social harmony and brotherhood in society. Shri Naqvi said that since ages, Urdu has been a proponent of humanity, principles and discipline. He said Urdu has played a key role in connecting people across the world. Remembering the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations, the Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi is an idea, institution, culture and a thought, and the central government has organised a year-long programme in his honour.
The “Mushaira” was based on the themes of the teachings and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, as part of the nationwide commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
Famous Urdu poets like Wasim Barelvi, Haseeb Soz, Manzar Bhopali, Mansoor Usmani , poetess Dr. Naseem Nikhat, poetess Shabina Adeeb, poetess Nikhat Amrohvi, singer Salma Agha, Shri Shakeel Azmi, Qaiser Khalid and Col. Dr V P Singh gave strong messages of peace, humanity and unity through their poetry.
Famous film director, producer and actor Annu Kapoor informed those present about the purpose of this “Mushaira”.
A large number of people from political, social, cultural and other fields, intellectuals and youth were present to encourage the performing poets.
On October 6, 2018, the Ministry had organised “Mushaira” at New Delhi, which was attended by thousands of people from all walks of life.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union MoS Shobha Karandlaje inaugurates Farmers’ Field Day in Imphal. She encourages NE farmers in oil palm cultivation
Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Shobha Karandlaje on Wednesday encouraged oil palm cultivation in the northeastern states including Manipur.
The Union minister who arrived in Imphal today on a brief few hours visit to Manipur was addressing the inaugural function of Farmers’ Field Day Cum Input Distribution hosted by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre in Imphal.
She said that India is currently importing 70% of oil palm for its consumption from other countries and the Central government has been trying to make it self-reliant in the production of the oil palm.
To achieve the target, she said, the Centre is giving emphasis to the northeast region of the country.
The Union minister asserted that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving special focus in agriculture and its allied sector.
Keeping this in mind and being 70% of the total population of the country farmers, the budget allocation in this sector has also increased manifolds in the last seven.
As a result, the country is now able to export vegetables and fruits products outside the country.
India is leading ahead in the export of agricultural products in the global market, she said.She reiterated that the Centre is also giving special emphasis to the round development of the northeast region and added that in line with this, her ministry is also assisting the farmers of the region directly as well as indirectly through the respective state governments.
Various welfare schemes for the farmers are being implemented across the country. Financial assistance is also being provided to self-help groups and cooperative societies.
Besides, her ministry is providing financial assistance to the farmers in the construction of their dwelling houses.
So far, 11 crore farmers across the country have been benefited under the scheme, she said and urged the farmers of the state to avail the benefits of the scheme.
Asserting that 25 different projects are currently implementing for the welfare of the farmers, she called upon the farmers of the state to avail the benefits of the schemes,
The Union minister also assured to extend Centre’s all possible assistance to the farmers of the state to enhance their income and living condition.
Earlier, on her arrival at the ICAR NEH Region complex, the Union minister opened exhibition stalls of women agripreneurs as a part of the Farmers’ Field Day Cum Input Distribution.
The Union minister along with other dignitaries of the inaugural function also distributed critical inputs to the farmers from different districts of the state.
According to the organizers, inputs were distributed to around 300 farmers from across the state.
ICAR Manipur Centre organized the Farmers’ Field Day with the theme “Rice Field Day '' to showcase eleven rice varieties including three newly released rice varieties during the programme hosted as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahatsav.
Ministry of Defence
Major boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence: MoD signs contract with L&T for procurement of 41 indigenous Modular Bridges, worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army
In a major boost to indigenisation of defence equipment under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved the proposal for indigenous manufacture of 41 sets of Modular Bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. These game-changing bridges have been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation  and shall be produced by Larsen & Toubro  as DRDO-nominated production agency. The contract for the procurement of Modular Bridges was signed with L&T on February 08, 2023 at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,585 crore.
Each set of Modular Bridge shall consist of seven carrier vehicles based on 8x8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles and two launcher vehicles based on 10x10 Heavy Mobility Vehicles. Each set shall be capable of mechanically launching a single span fully decked 46-meter assault bridge. The bridge can be employed over various types of obstacles like canals & ditches with quick launching and retrieval capabilities. The equipment is highly mobile, versatile, rugged and capable of keeping pace with wheeled and tracked mechanized vehicles.
The modular bridges will replace the manually-launched Medium Girder Bridges  that are currently being used in the Indian Army. The indigenously designed and manufactured Modular bridges shall have many advantages over the MGB such as increased span, less time for construction and mechanical launching with retrieval capability. The procurement of these bridges will give a major boost to the bridging capability of the Indian Army on the Western Front. The project will showcase India’s progress in designing and developing world class military equipment and pave the way for enhancing defence exports to friendly countries.
Ministry of Mines
Efforts to Attain Self –reliance in Critical & Strategic Mineral Requirements
Australia, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile likely to be Source Countries
In order to ensure mineral security of the nation and to attain self-reliance in the area of critical & strategic minerals, the Ministry of Mines has created a Joint Venture company namely Khanij Bidesh India Ltd  with participating interest of National Aluminium Company Ltd , Hindustan Copper Ltd  and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd . KABIL is mandated to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of critical and strategic nature such as Lithium, Cobalt etc. This initiative aimed at giving further fillip to Atma Nirbhar Bharat will cater to the requirements of crucial sectors such as e-mobility, renewable energy, medicine, aerospace, aviation etc.
Based on a commissioned study and selection criteria, select source countries have been shortlisted for exploring possibilities of mineral asset acquisition abroad. So far, engagement of KABIL is under way with source countries like Australia, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile which are endowed with cited critical and strategic minerals. The primary interface has been the respective Embassies and Missions of India in those countries for sharing of information primarily with state owned organizations for taking up due diligence and investment decisions with respect to prospective mineral acreages.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Present President’s Colour to Indian Naval Aviation on September 6
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind will visit Goa from September 5 to 7, 2021. On September 6, 2021, the President will present President’s Colour to the Indian Naval Aviation at a function at INS Hansa at Dabolim.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Shri Hemant G. Contractor, Chairman, PFRDA delivers 37th CVC Lecture
Shri Hemant G. Contractor, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority  delivered the 37th lecture of the “Lecture Series” organized by the Central Vigilance Commission  here today. He spoke on the topic “Pensions and Social Security”.
He differentiated between social security, social assistance and social insurance as concepts and discussed the concept of social protection as a broad idea, encompassing social security and voluntary welfare measures.
The history of social security schemes in the context of the emergence of the modern nation state was highlighted. Further, he listed out various progressive social security laws of the Indian state and the related schemes launched under these laws. The unique need for social security in India, stemming from the increase in longevity as a result of the welfare state and the gradual breakdown of the joint family system was explained during the lecture.
The speaker explained many aspects of the National Pension Scheme , the role of PFRDA in regulating the pensions and social security schemes and spoke of the Atal Pension Yojana in the context of the opening of Jan Dhan Accounts and the implementation of the Direct Benefits Transfer  scheme by the government.
Full time and part time Chief Vigilance Officers  based in Delhi/NCR attended the lecture along with Chairman-Cum-Managing Directors , Board of Directors and Managers of Public Sector Enterprises as well as officers of the vigilance administration. The lecture may be viewed online as it was webcast live through National Informatics Centre . The web page link is available on www.cvc.nic.in.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 144.54 Cr
More than 66 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.36%
16,764 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 91,361
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 47 days
With the administration of 66,65,290 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 144.54 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,54,27,550 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,87,564
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
97,08,297
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,85,606
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,68,89,042
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
49,88,95,079
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
33,05,31,530
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
19,43,82,386
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
15,00,28,450
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,13,19,090
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9,48,89,670
|
|
Total
|
|
1,44,54,16,714
7,585 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,42,66,363.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.36%.
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 last 186 days now.
16,764 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 91,361. Active cases constitute 0.26% 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 12,50,837 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 67.78 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.89% remains less than 1% for the last 47 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be 1.34%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below 2% for last 88 days and below 3% for 123 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Communications
Cabinet approves signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between India and United Kingdom on cooperation in the field of Telecommunication/ICTs
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding  between the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of India and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sports  of United Kingdom Government on cooperation in the field of Telecommunications/Information and Communication Technologies .
The MoU will contribute in strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding in the field of Telecommunications/ICTs. Post-Brexit, the MoU is also aiming for enhanced scope of cooperation and opportunities for India. The Parties have identified the following areas of common interest for cooperation in:-
- Telecommunications/ICT policy and regulation;
- Spectrum Management;
- Telecommunication connectivity including mobile roaming;
- Telecommunications/ICT technical standardizations and testing & certification;
- Wireless Communications;
- Technological development in Telecommunications/ICT including 5G, Internet of Things/Machine to Machine, Cloud Computing, Big Data etc,;
- Security of Telecommunication Infrastructure, Security in the provision and use of telecommunication services;
- Building capacity in high technology areas and exchange of expertise wherever possible;
- Collaboration and Sharing of information on Research & Development on emerging technologies and innovation where appropriate;
- Exploring opportunities for joint work in signatory countries and third countries on Telecommunications/ICT;
- Facilitating Trade, investment and technology activities through Telecommunication/ICT industry delegations and visits, events, exhibitions etc. as mutually agreed; and
- Other forms of cooperation in Telecommunications/ICT as mutually agreed upon by the Parties, falling with the scope of MoU.
Ministry of Finance
Odisha becomes the 7th State to complete ease of doing business reforms
Additional borrowing permission of Rs. 1,429 crore issued
Additional borrowing permission of Rs.20,888 crore granted so far to 7 States for ease of doing business reforms
Odisha has become the 7th State in the country to successfully undertake “Ease of Doing Business” reform stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Thus, the State has become eligible to mobilise additional financial resources of Rs. 1,429 crore through Open Market Borrowings. Permission for the same was issued by the Department of Expenditure on 30th December, 2020. Odisha has now joined the six other States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, who have completed this reform. On completion of reforms facilitating Ease of Doing Business , these six States have been granted additional borrowing permission of Rs. 20,888 crore.
The ease of doing business is an important indicator of the investment friendly business climate in the country. Improvements in the ease of doing business will enable faster future growth of the state economy. Therefore, the government of India had in May 2020, decided to link grant of additional borrowing permissions to States who undertake the reforms to facilitate ease of doing business. The reforms stipulated in this category are:
 Completion of first assessment of ‘District Level Business Reform Action Plan’
 Elimination of the requirements of renewal of registration certificates/approvals/licences obtained by businesses under various Acts.
 Implementation of computerized central random inspection system under the Acts wherein allocation of inspectors is done centrally, the same inspector is not assigned to the same unit in subsequent years, prior inspection notice is provided to the business owner, and inspection report is uploaded within 48 hours of inspection.
In view of the resource requirement to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India had on 17th May, 2020 enhanced the borrowing limit of the States by 2 percent of their GSDP. Half of this special dispensation was linked to undertaking citizen centric reforms by the States. The four citizen centric areas for reforms identified were  Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System,  Ease of doing business reform,  Urban Local body/ utility reforms and  Power Sector reforms.
So far 10 States have implemented the One Nation One Ration Card System, 7 States have done ease of doing business reforms, and 2 States have done local body reforms. Total additional borrowing permission issued so far to the States who have done the refoms stands at Rs. 51,682 crore.
Ministry of Defence
FLEET CARD-FUEL ON MOVE AN INITIATIVE TO SPEED UP IAF CONVOY MOVEMENTS
Indian Air Force in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited  has taken a leap forward in fuel supply chain management by introducing a ‘Fleet Card - Fuel on Move' for its varied fleet of vehicles. This innovative initiative taken by the Indian Air Force provides a paradigm shift to the logistics management of fuel.
‘Fleet Card', the energy security for IAF vehicles on move, was launched by the Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff at Headquarters Western Air Command, Subroto Park on 28 Mar 22 in the presence of Air Marshal S Prabhakaran, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command and Mr. SM Vaidya Chairman IOCL.
HQ Western Air Command was earmarked as lead agency in the implementation and execution of this innovative concept of "Fuel on Move". Availability of Fleet Card will permit the convoy to refuel at any IOCL fuel stations thus increasing the pace of movement and reducing the lead time for readiness at operational locations across the nation.
CAS complimented team WAC and IOCL for this initiative that has enhanced the operational preparedness and capability of the IAF.