ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspects Namami Gange STP projects at Dinapur and Ramana
Minister also visits Ganga Tarini, a floating Ganga Museum and Jalaj, a mobile livelihood center on the Ganga
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reviewed the ongoing Namami Gange projects in Varanasi during his visit to the city today. He inspected the 140 Million Litres Day  Dinapur Sewage Treatment Plant  from inlet upto outfall point into Varuna. He was accompanied by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga , Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.
Union Minister, Sh. Shekhawat instructed the officials of Dinapur STP to conduct periodic chemical checks to ensure that the sewage does not have any industrial or other toxic discharge. Under the Namami Gange program, 2 STPs at Dinapur and Goitha  have been recently completed at Varanasi, of which, the Dinapur STP was inaugurated late last year by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2018.
Furthermore, the 50 MLD STP being constructed in Ramana will bolster the existing sewage treatment capacity of the city and take it to 412 MLD which is adequate to meet the sewage treatment demand till 2035 and stop untreated sewage from entering the Ganga in Varanasi.
Shri Shekhawat also inspected all the 84 iconic Ghats of Varanasi by boat with a particular focus on the 26 Ghats, where the projects of repair/ renovation have been taken up under the Namami Gange Program. He also reviewed the project for regular cleaning of the 84 Ghats as well as the river surface cleaning project, both of which have been put in place under the Namami Gange Program to ensure cleanliness in and around the river.
Apart from inspecting the Ghats, he also observed the Ghat pumping stations and tapping of drains. Out of 23 drains, 20 drains have already been tapped. The remaining 3, including Assi are being tapped through Ramana STP project, which is to be completed during this year.
The Minister also visited ‘Ganga Tarini’, a floating museum on a house boat which showcases a film display on Ganga and its rich biodiversity. It is a first of its kind initiative to inform people about the various facets of the river including the social, cultural, historical and economical aspects. Ganga Tarini has been developed by the Wildlife Institute of India  in collaboration with NMCG.
Shri Shekhawat also visited ‘Jalaj’, a boat which moves along the Ghats of Varanasi and the nearby villages, displaying and selling products prepared by the Ganga Praharis and local villagers, as a boost to better livelihood opportunities for people living along the banks of the Ganga. The trained Ganga Praharis also educate the local people and tourists regarding Ganga river, biodiversity and cleanliness.
Ministry of Railways
International Rail Coach Expo to be hosted by Integral Coach FactoryChennai
For the first time an International Rail Coach Expo  to focus on Rail Coaches and train sets, is being held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from 17th to 19th May, 2018, in the ICF RPF Parade Grounds, Chennai.Many reputed rail car and equipment builders will be showcasing their technology and products. It will be a unique platform to bring different suppliers under one roof and create synergy for “Make in India”.
The expo is being hosted by Integral Coach Factory, popularly known as ICF, under the Ministry of Railways, in coordination with CII  and RITES Ltd. a PSU under Ministry of Railways with the following features:-
- Exclusive Rail Coach and train sets for display for the first time in India
- 100+ exhibitors from 10+ countries
- Conferences/seminars on specialized subjects on Rail Coach and Train sets
- Key brands from rail coach and train sets will be displaying products focusing on innovation and future technologies
- Exclusive platform to meet and interact with the decision makers and senior officials of ICF and other Indian Railway production units
- Display of Rolling Stock designs viz. train sets for 160 kmph
- Display of Rolling stock designs including interiors, passenger amenities and other comfort features
- Development of Rolling Stock including emerging technologies in manufacture of train coaches with Stainless Steel, Aluminium Car body and others
- The development of High Speed Trains and the options available for Indian Railways
The IRCE will be inaugurated on 17th May, 2018, at 10.00 hrs and will be open from 10.00 hrs. to 18.00 hrs. for 3 days viz. 17th to 19th May, 2018. The inaugural function will be attended by Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Minister of State of Railways, Minister for Industries Tamil Nadu, Chairman Railway Board, Railway Board Members, GMs and other HODs from all Indian Railways.
The expo will be of interest for train enthusiasts, railway suppliers, designers, developers, and general public. The Expo will be open for public viewing between 15.00 hrs. to 18.00 hrs. on 17th and 18th May, 2018.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
No proposal to convert National Commission for Safai Karamcharis into a statutory body.
Definition of safai karamchari as per National Commission of Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993 is “Safai Karamchari” means a person engaged in or employed for, manually carrying human excreta or any sanitation work”. This act has since lapsed in 2004 and there has been considerable changes in the activities/status of safai karamcharis.
Definition of safai karamcharis as per Article of Association of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation is “Safai Karamchari” means a person, including his/her dependents, engaged in or employed for any sanitation work and includes waste pickers, but excludes domestic worker and manual scavengers.
As per mandate of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis identification of safai karamcharis has not to be done by them. Sanitation is a state subject and no central data is maintained in this regard.
Commission submits its Annual Report on status of safai karamaharis and recommends to take necessary action for welfare of safai karamacharis by State and Central Government.
There is no such proposal for converting the Commission into a Statutory body.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the start of Ramzan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his greetings on the start of Ramzan.
In a tweet the Prime Minister said;
“Best wishes on the start of Ramzan.”
Prime Minister's Office
List of MoUs signed during visit of Prime Minister to France 
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Name of MoU
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ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Education and Youth, Government of the French Republic forCooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Training
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MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT between National Institute of Solar Energy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission 
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COOPERATION AGREEMENT between Centre for Development of Advanced Computing , an autonomous scientific society of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and ATOS
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IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT between ISRO and CNES France for Joint Maritime Domain Awareness
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
URDPFI guidelines, 2014 recommend 10 to 12 sq.mt. of open space per person in our cities
MoHUA supports efforts of States/ UTs through its various schemes to improve accessible and safe space for citizens
The Urban Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation  guidelines, 2014 recommend 10 to 12 sq.mt. of open space per person. State/ Union Territories Urban Development Authorities/ Urban Local Bodies are expected to adopt URDPFI guidelines in accordance with prevailing local conditions which may vary from city to city. While preparing or revising the Master Plans, cities may prescribe norms based on the URDPFI guidelines.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  Ministry has circulated Urban Green Guidelines, 2014 to all the States and Union Territories for their adoption. Also, MoHUA supports the efforts of States/ Union Territories through its various schemes to improve accessible and safe space for citizens. Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation , development of ‘Green spaces and parks’ is an admissible component. So far, 2,058 parks/ green spaces have been developed covering around 4,061 acres.
Further, AMRUT 2.0 has been launched on October 1, 2021, under which, rejuvenation of water bodies to augment water and enhance amenity value and development of green spaces are admissible components. Funds for these projects  earmarked the total project allocation.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
DIVYA KALA MELA 2022 2nd to 7th December, 2022 Swami Vivekananda Road, Near Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Statue , India Gate, New Delhi.
Around 200 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 22 states/UTs will be showcasing their products and skills.
The event is scheduled to be inaugurated on 2ndDecember, 2022 at 4.00 P.M. by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment.
Department is organizing a unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country, ‘Divya Kala Mela’from 2ndto 7th December, 2022 at Swami Vivekananda Road, Near Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Statue , India Gate, New Delhi. The event would present an enthralling experience to the visitors as vibrant products from various parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works and packaged food etc. will be seen together.
Around 200 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 22 states/UTs will be showcasing their products and skills. There would be Products in the following broad category:Home Décor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, Toys & Gifts, Personal Accessories - Jewellery, Clutch Bags.It will be an opportunity for all to go ‘vocal for local’ and products made by Divyang craftsmen with their extra determination can be seen/purchased.
The six Days ‘Divya Kala Mela’ will be open from 11.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. and witness a series of cultural activities, including performances by Divyang artists and well-known professionals alongside. Visitors can also enjoy their favorite foods from various regions of the country at the event.
The event is scheduled to be inaugurated on 2ndDecember, 2022 at 4.00 P.M. i.e. Tomorrow by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI. The occasion will be graced by Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, GoI, Shri Ramdas Athawale, and Ms.Pratima Bhoumik.
Department has grandiose plans to promote the concept, as part of which ‘Divya Kala Mela’ would be organized every year and will not be limited to Delhi, but across the country.
Ministry of Finance
CBDT releases the fifth annual APA report
CBDT records signing of 95 APAs in FY2022-23, the highest ever in any financial year since the launch of the APA programme
CBDT also records highest 32 Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements  signed in any financial year in FY2022-23
The Advance Pricing Agreement  programme of CBDT is one of its foremost initiatives for promoting an investor-friendly and non-adversarial tax regime in India. Since its inception, the Indian APA programme has contributed significantly to the Government of India’s mission of promoting ease of doing business.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes  has recently released the fourth and fifth annual APA reports. The reports present key data and statistics pertaining to the APA programme. These include sectoral distribution of applicants, nature of transactions covered, transfer pricing methodologies applied etc.
The fifth report includes status of applications filed till 31st March, 2023. The statistics are updated till Financial Year  2022-23, for the present. The report highlights various achievements of the APA programme in FY 2022-23. In FY 2022-23, CBDT recorded the highest ever APA signings in any financial year since the launch of the APA programme, signing a total of 95 APAs.
CBDT also signed 32 Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements  in FY 2022-23 being the maximum number of BAPAs in any financial year till date. This figure is more than double the previous signing record of 13 BAPAs in any financial year. The report also details the country-wise distribution of these applications. The BAPAs were signed as a consequence of entering into Mutual Agreements with India’s treaty partners namely Finland, the UK, the US, Denmark, Singapore, and Japan, showcasing the maturity of India’s relationship with various treaty partners.
A record of the largest number of single day signings in the history of the programme was also created with a total of 21 APAs signed on 24th March, 2023. Additionally, signing of the 400th Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreement  and the 500th APA were also milestones achieved in this year. The report is available at:
https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Lists/Latest%20News/Attachments/601/APA-Report-Final-2023.pdf.
CBDT stands committed to strengthen the APA programme further.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot Launches ‘2nd Edition of ISL Dictionary’ for Hearing Impaired Persons
ISL Dictionary Includes 6000 Words Under Categories of Academic, Legal, Medical, Technical & Everyday Terms
Shri ThaawarchandGehlot,Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the “2nd Edition of Indian Sign Language  Dictionary” brought out by ‘Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre ’ under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities , M/o Social Justice & Empowerment at a function here today. The first edition of the dictionary with 3000 words was launched on 23rd March 2018. With the second edition, dictionary includes total 6000 words under the categories of academic, legal, medical, technical and everyday terms.
The ISL Dictionary is also available on ISLRTC's YouTube channel. Around 1000 videos have been uploaded already and the rest are in the process of being uploaded on YouTube. The videos can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFjydPMg4Dapq9vcdmGyHs8uJhiqMgUrX.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Gehlot applauded the efforts of ISLRTC in bringing out such a useful dictionary for hearing impaired persons of our country. He said that the dictionary is intended to serve as a resource for ISL teachers, ISL learners, teachers of the hearing impaired, interpreters, parents of hearing impaired children, researchers, etc. Hearing impaired persons will benefit from this dictionary since they can look up information about a particular sign and its English/Hindi equivalents. The Dictionary includes total 6000 words under the categories of academic, legal, medical, technical and everyday terms. It has been made with the involvement of the hearing impaired community, by giving due consideration to their suggestions and understanding.The videos contain the sign, the English term for the sign and pictures where relevant. A word list is also given with the English and Hindi equivalents of the signs.
Two National Workshops were conducted from 7th-9th February, 2018 and from 22nd-24th January 2019 with hearing impaired participants from all over India to provide feedback and suggestions on ISLRTC’s Dictionary. The videos recorded in the workshops have also been included as regional signs in the Dictionary.
According to Census 2011, there are 50.71 lakh hearing impaired persons in India. Most of the hearing impaired persons use Indian Sign Language to communicate. The aim of the dictionary is to help spread the use of ISL and result in better education and employment opportunities for hearing impaired persons. The dictionary is intended to serve as a resource for ISL teachers, ISL learners, teachers of the hearing impaired, interpreters, parents of hearing impaired children, researchers, etc. Hearing impaired persons will benefit from this dictionary since they can look up information about a particular sign and its English/Hindi equivalents. The Dictionary has been made with the involvement of the hearing impairedcommunity, by giving due consideration to their suggestions and understanding.
Prime Minister's Office
PM speaks to Sikkim Chief Minister
Takes stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the Sikkim
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the Sikkim. He has also assured all possible support in this situation.
Shri Modi also prayed for the safety and well-being of all those affected.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected.”
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Signing of MOU Between NHAI/NHLML, NHIDCL and Ministry of Tourism for developing Way-Side Amenities
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari along with Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Union MoS, Shri Shripad Naik witnessed the signing of MoU between NHAI / NHLML, NHIDCL of Ministry of Road Transport and highways and Ministry of Tourism.
This is a significant MoU which will facilitate leveraging expertise of Ministry of Tourism and Indian Tourism Development Corp  for developing Way-Side Amenities and View-Points at tourist places.
This will further enable National Highway Logistics Management Limited  to construct world-class WSAs at tourist places across all the North Eastern States. Senior government officials were also present at the occasion.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of fifteen thematic circuits identified for development under Swadesh Darshan scheme: Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for IntegratedDevelopment of theme-based Tourist Circuits for development of tourism infrastructure
including last mile connectivity in the country. Recognizing the potential of Village tourism inthe country, the Ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of fifteen thematic circuitsidentified for development under this scheme.
Ministry of Rural Development provides a list of leading sub districts to each State forselection of Non-Tribal clusters under SPMRM, within which the clusters could be identified.One of the parameters in the selection of these sub districts by the Ministry of RuralDevelopment is Presence of places of Tourism and Pilgrimage significance.
One of the rural development schemes being implemented is Shyama Prasad MukherjiRurban Mission  under Ministry of Rural Development. SPMRM is a program
focused on integrated development of Rural clusters by stimulating local economicdevelopment, enhancing basic services, and creating well planned Rurban clusters.SPMRM follows the vision of “Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurturethe essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness withoutcompromising with the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating acluster of “Rurban Villages”. Under SPMRM, 300 clusters are developed across 28 States and6 Union Territories. Tourism is one of the themes of Rurban cluster development. Tourismrelated activities/ projects are among the 21 component categories under SPMRM and suitableworks are undertaken in clusters with tourism potential.Under SPMRM, there are 105 clusters in 30 States/ UTs where tourism related activities have been proposed.
For the promotion of village tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism undertakes
several promotional activities in the domestic and international markets. As part of itsmarketing/promotional activities, the Ministry produces publicity material and collaterals inimportant and potential markets under the “Incredible India” brand-line. Promotions are alsoundertaken through the website and social media accounts of the Ministry.
This information was given by Minister of State for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patelin a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
EPFO's recently WhatsApp helpline to resolve Grievances under Nirbadh initiative gains popularity
Over 164000 Grievances Redressed through New Mechanism
To further enhance ease of living experience for its members, EPFO has recently launched WhatsApp based helpline-cum-grievance redressal mechanism, under its series of Nirbadh initiatives aimed at ensuring seamless and un-interrupted service delivery to subscribers during COVID-19 pandemic. This new grievance redressal mechanism using Whatsapp has gained immense popularity amongst EPFO's stakeholders. So far, EPFO has redressed more than 1,64,040 grievances and queries through WhatsApp. This has led to decline in registration of grievances/queries on social media like Facebook /Twitter by 30% and on EPFiGMS  by 16% since the launch of WhatsApp helpline numbers.
This facility has been given in addition to the various other means of grievance redressal forums of EPFO which include web-based EPFiGMS portal, CPGRAMS, social media pages  and a dedicated 24x7 call centre.
With WhatsApp emerging as a huge platform for communication in India, EPFO grabbed the extraordinary opportunity that the app provides to reach and communicate directly with all its stakeholders. This initiative will allow the PF subscribers to interact directly with EPFO’s regional offices at a personalized level adhering to one-to-one guidance principle. It will ensure prompt and secure services to the subscribers from the comfort of their homes.
WhatsApp helpline is now functional in all the 138 regional offices of EPFO. Any stakeholders can simply file grievance or seek guidance on any queries relating to services provided by EPFO, by putting a WhatsApp message on the helpline number of the concerned regional office where the PF account is maintained. Dedicated WhatsApp Helpline numbers of all regional offices are available at homepage of EPFO’s official website.
The helpline aims to make the subscribers self-reliant by taking digital initiatives of EPFO to the last mile, thereby reducing dependence on intermediaries. To ensure expeditious resolution of the grievance and reply to the queries raised on WhatsApp, each regional office has been equipped with a dedicated team of experts.
The ease of raising query and grievance on WhatsApp will drastically reduce the need for the subscribers to physically visit EPFO’s offices. This in turn will help maintain social distancing in EPFO’s workplace during COVID-19 pandemic.
The helpline is an attempt to further strengthen the direct channel of communication between EPFO and its subscribers amid the pandemic, thereby enhancing EPFO’s responsiveness and facilitating timely delivery of services to subscribers.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
More than 73.8 lakh doses have been administered in last 24 hours
63.09 Cr. vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
45,083 new cases in the last 24 hours
Active cases account for 1.13% of total cases
India's Active caseload stands at 3,68,558
Recovery Rate currently at 97.53%
35,840 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,18,88,642
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 65 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 3% for last 34 days
51.86 cr Total Tests conducted so far