ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog Releases Report on Not-for-Profit Hospital Model in India
NITI Aayog today released a comprehensive study on the not-for-profit hospital model in the country, in a step towards closing the information gap on such institutions and facilitating robust policymaking in this area.
“There has been relatively low investment in the expansion of the health sector in the private domain.The stimulus announced yesterday provides us an opportunity to change this situation. The report on the not-for-profit sector is a small step in that direction,” said Dr VK Paul, Member , NITI Aayog.
The report was released by NITI Aayog Member Dr VK Paul, in the presence of CEO Mr Amitabh Kant, Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal, and representatives of hospitals across the country who participated in the study.
The study provides insights into the operation model of not-for-profit hospitals. It presents research-based findings on such hospitals—categorized under ownership and premise of service—and makes subsequent comparisons with private hospitals and health schemes of the Union government.
NITI Aayog has been extensively studying the private-sector healthcare-delivery landscape in the country. While there exists adequate information on for-profit healthcare providers and institutions, there is a dearth of reliable and structured information on their not-for-profit counterparts, known for their tireless service in making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to everyone.
The not-for-profit hospital sector provides not only curative but also preventive healthcare. It links healthcare with social reform, community engagement, and education. It uses government resources and grants to provide cost-effective healthcare to people without being concerned about profits. However, over the years, this sector has remained understudied.
The study discusses in detail the cost-containment strategies implemented by not-for-profit hospitals. It seeks to understand the challenges that burden the operations of these institutions and hinder their growth.
The report proposes short- and long-term policy interventions—such as developing criteria to identify these hospitals, ranking them through a performance index, and promoting top hospitals for practising philanthropy, among others. It also highlights the need to use the expertise of these hospitals in managing human resources with limited finance in remote areas.
Read the report here.
Cabinet
Cabinet approvesa Cooperation Arrangement between India and Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of food safety and related areas
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Cooperation Arrangement between Food Safety & Standards Authority of India , Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock , Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of Food Safety and related areas.
The areas of cooperation include the following:
- Establishment of a mechanism of information exchange and communication;
- Facilitating technical exchange on identified topics of interestespecially about import procedures, quality control operations, sampling,testing, packaging and labeling;
- Facilitating/organization of joint seminars, workshops, visits, lectures,training programme, etc;
- Other areas of interest to the participants within their responsibilitiesas they may mutually determine.
The cooperation arrangement will facilitate information sharing training and capacity building measure and learning from each others best practice to improve food safety ecosystem.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 184.68 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 16.05 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,84,68,98,455
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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16,05,51,136
More than 184.68 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 16.05 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices without levy of any License Fee
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval forthe proposal of DoT for setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators  to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices  spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in the country. There shall be no license fee for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.
The proposal will promote the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in the country and, in turn, will help in proliferation of Broadband Internet, enhancement of income and employment and empowerment of people.
Salient Features:
This Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface will be known as PM-WANI.PM-WANI eco-system will be operated by different players as described herein under:
- Public Data Office : It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.
- Public Data Office Aggregator : It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
- App Provider: It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service.
- Central Registry: It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. To begin with, the Central Registry will be maintained by C-DoT.
Objectives
While no registration would be required for PDOs, PDOAs and App Providers will get themselves registered with DoT through online registration portal  of DoT, without paying anyregistration fee.Registration shall be granted within 7 days of the application.
This is expected to be more business friendly and in line with efforts for ease of doing business.COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated delivery of stable and high speed Broadband Internet  services to an increasingly large number of subscribers in the country including areas which do not have 4G mobile coverage. This can be achieved by deployment of Public Wi-Fi.
Further, the proliferation of public Wi-Fi will not only create employment but also enhance disposable incomes in the hands of small and medium entrepreneurs and boost the GDP of the country.
Proliferation of Broadband Services through public Wi-Fi is a step towards digital India and consequential benefit thereon.
No License Fee for providing broadband internet services using public Wi-Fi Hotspots will massively encourage its proliferation and penetration across the length and breadth of the country. Availability and use of Broadband will enhance incomes, employment, quality of life, ease of doing business etc.
Prime Minister's Office
Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Sweden's Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Stefan Löfven
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will hold a Virtual Summit with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden H.E. Stefan Löfven on 5th March, 2021.
This will be the fifth interaction between the two leaders since 2015. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had visited Stockholm in April, 2018 for the First India Nordic Summit. Prime Minister H.E. Stefan Löfven had visited India in February, 2016 for the special Make in India week. Earlier, the two leaders had met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, 2015. In April, 2020, the two Prime Ministers had a telephonic conversation to discuss the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, Their Majesties Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden had visited India in December, 2019.
India and Sweden have warm and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, freedom, pluralism and rules-based international order. Both countries have very close cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, innovation, science & technology as well as research and development. Around 250 Swedish companies are actively operating in India in various sectors such as health & life sciences, auto industry, clean technology, defence, heavy machinery & equipment. Around 75 Indian companies are also active in Sweden.
During the Summit, the two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues including further strengthening of cooperation in the post COVID era.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals  on ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts' pertains to climate change. Achievement of India’s pre-2020 voluntary goal, and Nationally Determined Contributions in the post-2020 period  will reflect in achievement of SDG Goal 13. Despite having no binding obligation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change , in 2009 India announced its voluntary goal to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison to 2005 level. India achieved 24% reduction in emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2016.
Further under the Paris Agreement, India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions  to UNFCCC in 2015 outlining eight targets for the period 2021-2030, including  to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level,  to achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund , and  to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. The other targets pertain to sustainable lifestyles; climate friendly growth path; climate change adaptation; climate finance; and technology and capacity building.
Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change  which provides an overarching policy framework for all climate actions including mitigation and adaptation. NAPCC comprises of eight core Missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge for climate change. 33 States and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plan on Climate Change  consistent with the objectives of NAPCC. The adaptation activities in the States and Union Territories of India are being supported through National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change . NAFCC is implemented in project mode and till date, 30 adaptation projects have been approved under NAFCC in 27 States and UTs.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Election Commission
ECI appoints Sh B Murali Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer & Shri M K Das as Special Police Observer for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020
After the Review Meeting with Civil and Police Officers of Delhi, Election Commission of India has appointed Sh B Murli Kumar  as Special Expenditure Observer as also appointed Sh Mrinal Kanti Das  as Special Police Observer for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020.
As Special Expenditure Observer, Sh Murali in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, will be supervising and monitoring the work being done by the electoral machinery and ensure that stringent and effective enforcement action is undertaken based on intelligence inputs and complaints received through C-VIGIL, Voter Helpline 1950 against all persons/entities trying to induce voters by distributing cash, liquor & freebies etc. Similarly Sh Das as the Special Police Observer is assigned to oversee the deployment and other security related issues.
It may be recalled that Sh M K Das, who retired as Director General of Manipur Police, was also deputed earlier as Special Police Observer for Tripura and Mizoram during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections and also the recently held Jharkhand Assembly elections. Given past experience in the Investigation Wing of Income Tax Department, Sh B Murali Kumar was also appointed Special Expenditure Observer for 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency and for the recently concluded Assembly elections in Maharashtra & Jharkhand.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah held a review meeting in New Delhi today on the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir
Shri Amit Shah appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir forthe successful conduct of the AmarnathYatra
Shri Shah said it is the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to have a prosperous and peaceful Jammu & Kashmir, and to achieve this, security forces should strive to make the border and the LOC impregnable
Union Home Minister asked security forces and the police to continue with the coordinated efforts through meticulous and well-planned counter-terrorism operations to wipe out terrorism
Union Home Minister also said people of Jammu &Kashmir would decisively defeat the proxy war with the help of security forces
The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah held a review meeting in New Delhi today, on the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, the National Security Advisor, Shri AjitDoval and other senior officials of the Government of India, including the Army and Jammu & Kashmir Government attended the meeting.
Shri Amit Shah reviewed the working of the security grid and on various actions being taken to reduce the incidents of terrorism over the last few years. He appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for the successful conduct of the AmarnathYatra this year, which was held after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Union Home Minister asked security forces and the police to continue with the coordinated efforts through meticulous and well-planned counter-terrorism operations to wipe out terrorism. The cases registered under the UAPA were also reviewed and it was stressed that investigation should be timely and effective. The agencies concerned should work on improving capacities for ensuring quality investigation. He said it is the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to have a prosperous and peaceful Jammu & Kashmir, and to achieve this, security forces should strive to make the border and the LOC impregnable and once the fear of cross-border movement of terrorists, arms and ammunition is eliminated, the people of Jammu &Kashmir would decisively defeat the proxy war with the help of security forces.
Terror eco-system comprising elements that aid, abet and sustain the terrorist-separatist campaign to the detriment of the well-being of common man requires to be dismantled, said the Union Home Minister.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
OIL organizes study visit for school students to a Sucker Rod Pump
Oil India Limited , India’s second largest National Exploration & Production Company, organised a study visit for school students to a Sucker Rod Pump in one of its installation at Duliajan on 21st September 2021 as a part of celebration under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Production Engineers from Oil India Limited explained the students about the functions of a rod pump. The engineers explained the students about the artificial lift technique in a well that provides mechanical energy to lift oil from bottom-hole to surface. The students were explained how efficient, simple, and easy the technique is for field people to operate, and can be used to pump a well at very low bottom-hole pressure to maximize oil production rates.
Around 25 students from nearby school visited the site today and were happy to learn about the rod pump and its function in hydrocarbon production process.
Ministry of Home Affairs
One Day State Mourning on September 11th as a mark of respect on the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland passed away on 8th September 2022. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day State Mourning on September 11th throughout India.
On the day of Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day.
Ministry of Steel
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan welcomes the amendment of the Minerals  by Govt. Companies Rules 2015 by Ministry of Mines; calls it important step towards ensuring raw material security for Indian steel sector
In a step towards ensuring raw material securityand seamless renewal of mining leases allocated to the Government companies, Ministry of Mines has amended the Minerals  by Government companies rules 2015. It has substituted “may, for reasons to be recorded” in rule 3, in sub-rule  and rule 4, in sub-rule  with “shall, for reasons to be recorded”.This implies that for all mining leases for minerals granted to Government companies, the State Government upon an application made to it in this regard by the Government company or corporation at least twelve months prior to the expiry of the mining lease, shallextend the period of the mining lease for further period of upto twenty years at a time.
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas &Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan had taken up this issue with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi. Soon after assuming charge, Minister Pradhan has taken up raw material security for the Indian steel sector on priority. In another recent order, SAIL has also been allowed to offload in a year up to a quantity equivalent to maximum 25% of total iron ore production in the previous year subject to clearance from the respective State Governments, where the mines are located.
As per provision of Section 8A of Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957 , the lease of 31 working mines of iron ore are expiring on 31.03.2020. Recent orders passed by the Ministry of Mines are important steps towards ensuring raw material security for Indian steel industry and effective management of situation in wake of probable disruptions in March 2020. It will also ensure price stabilization of raw materials and will have positive effect on the secondary steel sector.
Lauding the amendment, Shri Pradhan said “It is an important step towards ensuring raw material security for steel PSUs. This will also ensure price stabilization of raw materials and will have positive effect on the secondary steel industry.We are committed to ensuring raw material security for the Indian steel industry”
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Ministry of Finance
Shri S. Ramesh takes over as Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
Shri S. Ramesh, IRS has taken over as Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs [CBIC], on superannuation of Smt. Vanaja N. Sarna today . Prior to his elevation, he was Member  in the Board.
Shri S. Ramesh began his career in Mumbai as Asst Commissioner, Central Excise and thereafter in Mumbai Customs. He has worked in various capacities in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Chennai, Trichy etc. He was the Chief Commissioner, Chennai Customs Zone from 2013 to 2016. Thereafter, he took over as Director General, Systems & Data Management. He joined the Board in September, 2016 as Member .
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation
he Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between the Airports Authority of India  and its French counterpart, Civil Aviation Authority , France to implement Technical Cooperation Program in civil aviation sector.
The Technical Cooperation Program will be beneficial for enhancement of skills and expertise of AAI’s officers. This MoU is also beneficial for imparting training of engineers, technicians, managers etc.
Prime Minister's Office
PM's Media Statement at the Start of the 17th Lok Sabha
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, welcomed all the new MPs ahead of the first session of 17th Lok Sabha.
In the media statement before the start of session, Prime Minister said ,“Today marks the start of the first session after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. I welcome all new MPs. With them comes new hopes, new aspirations and new determination to serve”.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness in the increased number of women Parliamentarians in the 17th Lok Sabha. He said that the Parliament is able to fulfil the aspirations of people when it functions smoothly.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of opposition in parliamentary democracy. He expressed hope that the opposition will play an active role and participate in House proceedings. The opposition need not worry about their numbers in the Lok Sabha, the PM said.
“When we come to Parliament, we should forget Paksh and Vipaksh. We should think about issues with a ‘Nishpaksh spirit’ and work in the larger interest of the nation”, PM added.
Election Commission
Factually Incorrect reporting by a section of the media
It has come to the notice of Election Commission of India that a section of the media has wrongly interpreted the statement made by CEC Sh Sunil Arora in his inaugural address at the International Webinar held in New Delhi on 21st September 2020.
Please note that the ECI press release issued at 1630hrs on 21.9.2020, specifically read "CEC mentioned that the Commission would take a decision within the next two to three days, on visiting Bihar. "
All Media organisations who have based their stories quoting copy of ANI are requested to take note of official press release of ECI and correct the news items to read only about the ECI's visit to be scheduled to State of Bihar in near future.
Please note that Commission's schedule of visit to State of Bihar has no correlation with announcement of dates of Bihar Elections, as stated/ alluded by the ANI copy.
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SBS/MR/AC
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Prime Minister's Office
PM attends the ‘At Home’ reception by Chief of Air Staff
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the ‘At Home’ reception by Chief of Air Staff, at the Air House, New Delhi today.
At the venue, Prime Minister visited the exhibition ‘IAF Innovation Display’. The theme of the exhibition was self-reliance through innovation and indigenisation.
Prime Minister also released the commemorative stamp of the Marshal of Indian Airforce, Shri Arjan Singh.