ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
Cabinet approves implementation approval for implementation of 1320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the investment approval for 2x660MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant  in District Bulandshahar of Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs.11,089.42 crore and Amelia Coal Mine in District Singraulli, Madhya Pradesh.
The project will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs. 1587.16 crore and will be implemented by THDC India Limited, a Mini Ratna CPSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
The Khurja STPP will be based on Supercritical Technology with two units of capacity 660 MW each, equipped with latest emission control technology to protect the environment and has high efficiency and uses less fuel to generate power. Amelia Coal Mine was allotted to THDC India Limited by Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India in January, 2017.The Khurja STPP will improve the deficit power scenario of Northern Region and particularly of Uttar Pradesh, which has already signed Power Purchase Agreement with THDCIndia Limited for purchase of 60% Power from the Project and the other beneficiary states i.e. Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.
The project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment and overall development of District Bulandshahar and nearby districts of Western Uttar Pradesh. The Khurja STPP will start yielding benefits from 2023-24.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Priority treatment during security check is provided for persons with disability at all major airports managed by AAI as well as JV airports and airports under PPP
Priority treatment during security check is provided for persons with disability at all major airports managed by Airports Authority of India  as well as Joint Venture  airports and airports under Public Private Partnership  mode. Security personnel are trained during induction to assist persons with disability and are also sensitised about the 'Standard Operating Procedure for screening of passengers with special needs and medical conditions' issued by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Further, 'Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation' are being formulated by Ministry of Civil Aviation as per the directives of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which specify the accessibility features to be provided by the airport operators, airlines and security forces. It will enable passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility to move about safely, freely and use all the facilities within airport terminals. The draft guidelines also contain provision for facilities like priority treatment during security check, special arrangements to facilitate screening of persons with special needs keeping the dignity and privacy of the passenger in mind, trained airport, airlines and security staff etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Of Civil Aviation  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today
Special Service and Features
Connect hearts by sending each other postcards
Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Subhash Sarkar told the medium for strengthening relations
Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Subhash Sarkar told a unique way to connect with each other during the academic program organized in BHU. He said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam has become a medium to connect each other. To strengthen this bond, we should send each other postcards. Postcard will make us feel connected to each other. During the programme, the Union Minister of State distributed postcards among the teachers from Tamil Nadu with his address written on them. The teachers also wrote down their addresses and gave them to the Union Minister of State. Dr. Subhash Sarkar said that I will reply to all the teachers and I will wait for their reply.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth Anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth Anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Tributes to the great V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth anniversary. Our nation is indebted to him for his rich contribution to the freedom struggle. He also placed great emphasis on economic progress and becoming self-reliant. His ideals continue to inspire us."
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Welfare of Senior Citizens in Maharashtra
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an Umbrella scheme namely Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana  for welfare of Senior Citizens across the country including Maharashtra. This has the following components, namely:
 Scheme of Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens ;
 State Action Plan for Senior Citizens ;
 Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana ;
  Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens - Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity ;  Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction :Elderly Self Help groups;
 Promoting silver economy;
 Channelizing CSR funds for Elderly care;
 Scheme for Awareness Generation and Capacity Building for welfare of Senior Citizens – Training, Awareness, Sensitization, Setting up of National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
Details of the funds in respect of IPSrC, SAPSrC and RVY for the year 2018-19, and 2019-2020 are placed at Annexure.
Annexure
Details of funds released under the umbrella Scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana  during 2018-19 to 2019-20 in respect of Maharashtra:-

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Sl. No.
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Scheme
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F.Y. : 2018-19
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F. Y. : 2019-20
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1
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Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens 
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833.75
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1304.05
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2
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State Action Plan for Senior Citizens 
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-
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150.00
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3
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Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
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1699.00
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0.00
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on his birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister said, "My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary. He is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic #MujibBorsho celebrations."
Ministry of Defence
Expansion of National Cadet Corps
The Government has launched expansion of NCC in Border Tehsils, Coastal Taluks and taluks housing Air Force Stations by providing 1 lakh vacancies. This includes 92 Coastal Taluks. The details are as follows:
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Name of District
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Name of Taluk
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Vishakhapatnam
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Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka
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Anakapalli
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Atchuthapuram
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Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore
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Allur, Kavali, Indukurpet, Venkatachalam, Muthukuru, Kaluvoya, Atmakur, Vidavalur, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore
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Prakasam
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Yerragondapalem
The details of incentives provided to NCC cadets  are given below:
- Incentives in educational institutions, inter-alia, include:
State Governments have notified incentives for NCC ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Certificate holders for admissions into higher educational institutions by way of  reserving percentage of seats and/or  weightage in terms of grace / bonus marks.
- Incentives in job opportunities:
- Armed Forces: Vacancies are reserved in the officer cadre by each of the Services for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders as below:
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S No
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Training Establishments
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Total Vacancies per course|
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Officer Training Academy, Chennai
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SD+SW - 50+4
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Indian Military Academy
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SD – 25
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Air Force Academy
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10% of course vacancies
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Naval Academy
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SD - 06Two courses are inducted per year.
SD – Senior Division 
SW – Senior Wing 
- Other Ranks of Armed Forces: Bonus marks are provided to NCC ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ certificate holders when applying for Other Ranks of Armed Forces.
- Ministry of Home Affairs: Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs has provided following incentive/bonus marks to NCC ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ Certificate holders in recruitment examination for the post of Sub-Inspector  and Constable , Central Armed Police Forces :
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate – 5% of max marks.
- NCC ‘B’ Certificate – 3% of max marks.
- NCC ‘A’ Certificate – 2% of max marks.
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has also provided following incentives to all Under Graduate and Post Graduate programmes of Indian Maritime University:
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate – 5% of max marks.
- NCC ‘B’ Certificate – 3% of max marks.
- NCC ‘A’ Certificate – 2% of max marks.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni and Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy in Lok Sabha today.
ABB/Savvy
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Prime Minister's Office
PM thanks President of Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has thanked President of Sri Lanka, Shri Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his contribution to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
"Sincerely thank President of Sri Lanka, Shri Gotabaya Rajapaksa for contributing $ 5 million to the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Our cooperation will go a long way in fighting this disease effectively”, the Prime Minister said.
(VRRK/ VJ
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Builder hardware products from India have considerable global demand, says MoS Commerce Mr Som Parkash
Builder hardware industry is linked to the construction equipment industry where the revenue was valued at US$ 6.5 billion in 2020 and construction market is expected to be the third largest globally by 2025: MSME Secretary B B Swain
India is the 17th largest supplier of builder hardware products and is on its way to fulfil the government ambition to become a global manufacturing hub of builder hardware products
Builder Hardware is another performer making India as one of the top 20 suppliers with a 1.2 percent share in the world builder hardware export pie, said Minister of State of Commerce & Industry Mr Som Parkash.
While addressing the Builder Hardware Expo, organised by EEPC India, virtually today the Minister noted that builder hardware products from India have considerable demand across the continents.
Indian builder hardware product is one of the best performing segments in the Indian engineering goods sector which has been the key driver of merchandise exports from the country.
"Builder hardware industry is linked to the construction equipment industry where the revenue was valued at US$ 6.5 billion in 2020 and the construction market is expected to be the third largest globally by 2025," said Mr B B Swain, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises .
India is the 17th largest supplier of builder hardware products and is on its way to fulfil the government ambition to become a global manufacturing hub of builder hardware products.
Mr Swain stated that EEPC India with more than 60 per cent of its members representing MSME sector took several initiatives even during pandemic to provide global interaction opportunities to small players in the form of webinars and virtual Expos.
"The Government of India has been proactive to ensure that all the benefits of the MSME schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in time," said Mr Swain.
EEPC India Chairman Mr Mahesh Desai said that the four-day virtual Expo would provide opportunity to the Indian exhibitors to display an array of over 200 domestic builder hardware products to overseas buyers from nine focus regions and trade blocs.
"The buyers would comprise contractors, builders, building engineers, architects, landscape artists, interior designers, consultants and project management professionals," he said.
Speaking at the Expo, EEPC India Vice Chairman Mr Arun Kumar Garodia said India belongs to the league of leading builder hardware manufacturing and exporting nations.
"The Government of India has now set a National Mission of merchandise exports to reach US$ 400 billion within this fiscal, US$ 500 billion by FY-24 and US$ 1 trillion by FY-28 by making Indian products the only choice for global buyers," he said.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
212.75 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
22,40,162 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 59,210
Active cases stand at 0.13%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.68%
9,685 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,38,55,365
6,168 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
88.64 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,18,642 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 52 kg Cocaine worth over Rs 500 crore under Operation Namkeen
Continuing its streak of significant seizures, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  has recovered 52 kg of cocaine, estimated to be valued at over Rs 500 crore in the international illicit market, from an import consignment.
On the basis of extensive data analysis and field surveillance, intelligence was developed by DRI that certain consignments being imported from Iran were likely to contain narcotic drugs. In order to interdict the narcotic drugs, “Op Namkeen” was launched by DRI and a consignment, declared to contain 1,000 bags of common salt having gross weight of 25 MT, which had been imported at Mundra port from Iran, was identified for detailed examination.
Acting on above intelligence, the said consignment was examined for three continuous days - from 24th to 26th May 2022. During examination, some bags were found to be suspicious, as a substance in powder form having distinct smell was found in these bags. Samples were drawn from those suspected bags and testing was conducted by officials of Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Government of Gujarat. The testing confirmed the presence of cocaine in these samples. Thus far, 52 kg of Cocaine has been recovered by DRI. Examination and seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 are in progress. Roles of various persons involved in the said import consignment are also being investigated by DRI.
In the fiscal year 2021-22, during its operations across the country, DRI had seized 321 kg of cocaine, which is valued at over Rs. 3,200 crore in the international illicit market. In the last one month, DRI has booked some significant cases, including recoveries of 205 kg of heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port, 395 kg of yarn-laced with heroin at Pipavav port, 62 kg heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi and 218 kg of heroin off the coast of Lakshadweep Islands . In addition, 61.5 kg of gold has been seized from Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi in a novel modus operandi involving concealment of high purity gold in triangle valves of metal taps.
DRI’s ability to effectively detect and affect such seizures acts as a deterrent to those attempting to compromise India’s economic frontiers. DRI remains committed to continuing its relentless crackdown against the perpetrators of such crimes.
Ministry of Finance
E-filing of Income Tax Returns registers an increase of 19%
There have been some incorrect reports in media pertaining to reduction in numbers of Income Tax Returns e-filed during Financial Year 2018-19 as compared to F.Y. 2017-18. This is factually untrue, because the figures for F.Y. 2017-18 and F.Y. 2018-19 are not directly comparable.
It is stated that during F.Y. 2017-18, out of a total of 6.74 crore ITRs which were e-filed, 5.47 crore ITRs were filed for Assessment Year 2017-18 . In comparison, during F.Y. 2018-19, a total of 6.68 crore ITRs were e-filed which included 6.49 crore ITRs of current A.Y. 2018-19 marking an increase of almost 19%. This would imply that substantially larger number of taxpayers filed their ITRs electronically in the F.Y. 2018-19 as compared to F.Y. 2017-18.
Furthermore, during F.Y. 2017-18, apart from the returns for the A.Y. 2017-18, nearly 1.21 crore ITRs were filed for A.Y. 2016-17. The balance number of ITRs filed for A.Y. 2015-16 and prior A.Ys is 0.06 crore. In comparison, during F.Y. 2018-19 only 0.14 crore ITRs for A.Y. 2017-18 were filed. Thus, the apparent decrease in the number of ITRs filed during F.Y. 2018-19 pertaining to earlier years was due to an amendment in Section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 brought in vide Finance Act, 2017, w.e.f. 01.04.2018, which mandated that a revised return could be furnished only upto the end of the relevant Assessment Year. As a result, only 0.14 crore ITRs pertaining to A.Y. 2017-18 were filed during F.Y. 2018-19 as these were the revised ITRs for the relevant A.Y. which could only be filed due to change in law and no other ITR of any earlier A.Y. could be filed in view of the amended provisions of law.
These figures are also available in the Tab-> 'Filing growth ' on the e-filing website.
It is also stated that the number of paper ITRs for A.Y. 2017-18 was only 9.2 lakh  and the number of paper ITRs for A.Y. 2018-19 is 4.8 lakh . As per the above details, it is evident that most of the taxpayers have steadily switched to e-filing which is clear from the dwindling numbers of paper returns filed for A.Y. 2018-19 compared to earlier years.
UPSC
Lateral Recruitment for Joint Secretary Level/ Director/ Deputy Secretary Level Posts on Contract Basis
Three Joint Secretaries and 14 Directors/ Deputy Secretaries will be inducted through lateral recruitment
In continuation to Union Public Service Commission’s advertisement No. 52/2023, dated 20.05.2023, inviting applications against 20 posts of the level of Joint Secretary/ Director/ Deputy Secretary on contract basis, as per the requisition received from the Department of Personnel & Training , Government of India, applications are invited against additional 17 posts of the level of Joint Secretary/ Director/ Deputy Secretary on contract basis in the following Departments/Ministries of the Government:
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Power
- Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare
- Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Three Joint Secretaries and 14 Directors/ Deputy Secretaries will be inducted through lateral recruitment in the above Ministries/Departments.
The detailed advertisement and instructions to the candidates will be uploaded on the Commission’s website on 3rd June, 2023. Interested candidates can apply from 3rd June, 2023 to 3rdJuly 2023.
Candidates will be short-listed for Interview on the basis of the information provided by them in their online application. They must ensure that such information is correct.
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SNC/PK
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
JNPA conducts stakeholders’ meeting to brief on the Sagarmala projects
Mumbai: 7 April, 2022
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority , India’s premier container port, organized a stakeholders’ meet chaired by Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA, on the completion of seven years of Sagarmala - the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping initiated by the Government of India in the year 2015. During the meeting, the Chairman apprised the various projects initiated by JNPA which are in line with the Sagarmala initiative in the presence of Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Deputy Chairman, JNPA and HoDs.
Expressing gratitude to stakeholders, Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA, said, “All the stakeholders play a crucial role in JNPA’s landmark achievements. They are an integral part of the port. Stakeholders’ views and opinions on various ongoing projects are valuable to us. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for the proactive and constant support in maintaining the country’s growth and ensuring seamless trade.”
“JNPA continues to be one of the leading destinations for investment in the country, especially in the port and maritime sector. The port’s growth story is self-explanatory for port’s operating efficiency and handling capacity with international standards,” he added further.
During the conference, JNPA apprised the stakeholders through a video and presentation on the numerous projects undertaken by JNPA under Sagarmala Programme. An interactive session with the Chairman followed the discussion. The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by Port officials and representatives of Terminal Operators, BCBA, AMTOI, Concor, CFSAI, CSLA, MANSA, & Transporter’s Associations.
JNPA has consistently played a crucial role in the Indian EXIM and maritime sector, ensuring world-class services with the help of stakeholders. The Sagarmala initiative will further empower the port to be at par with the global ports and contribute to boosting the national economy.
About JNPA:
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority  at Navi Mumbai is one of the premier container handling ports in India. Commissioned on 26th May 1989, in less than three decades of its operations, JNPA has transformed from a bulk-cargo terminal to become the premier container port in the country.
Currently JNPA operates five container terminals: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal , the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal , the Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd. , Nhava Sheva International Gateway Terminal  and the newly commissioned Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited . The Port also has a Shallow Water Berth for general cargo and another Liquid Cargo Terminal which is managed by BPCL-IOCL consortium and newly constructed coastal berth.
JNPA PRO/CP/PM
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Cabinet approves signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Spain to develop scientific and technical collaborations in astronomy
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding  between Indian Institute of Astrophysics , Bengaluru and the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias  and the GRANTECAN, S.A. , Spain to develop scientific and technical collaborations in astronomy field.
The activities to be carried out under this MoU will lead to  new scientific results;  new technologies;  Capacity building through increased scientific interaction and training;  joint scientific projects etc.
The joint research projects, training programmes, conferences, seminars etc. under the MoU will be open to all qualified scientists, students and technologists and will be supported solely on the basis of scientific merit and experience. The development of segmented telescope technologies as well as the development of robotic telescopes and other future potential specific collaborations.