ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
NITI Aayog
Prime Minister Chairs Meeting with various sectoral groups in a pre-budget exercise
Calls for a focussed effort from all stake holders to achieve the 5 Trillion Dollar Economy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called for a focussed effort from all stakeholders in order to achieve the target of 5 Trillion Dollar Economy in India.
Prime Minister was interacting with various senior Economists, Private Equity/Venture Capitalists, Business Leaders from Manufacturing, Travel & Tourism, Apparel & FMCG, Analytics, subject experts in the fields of Agriculture, Science & Technology and Finance.
The meeting was held at NITI AAYOG in New Delhi today as part of the pre-budget exercise.
Prime Minister said that he was happy that the two hour open discussion has brought to forefront the experience of people on the ground and those working in their respective fields.
He said that this would enhance the synergy between policy makers and various stakeholders.
Prime Minister said that the idea of 5 Trillion Dollar Economy is not a sudden development and that it is based on a deep understanding of the strengths of the country.
He said that the strong absorbent capacity of Indian economy shows the strength of basic fundamentals of the Indian economy and its capacity to bounce back.
Prime Minister said that the sectors like Tourism, Urban Development, Infrastructure and Agri based Industry have a great potential to taking forward the economy and for employment generation.
He said that open discussions and brainstorming in such forums lead to a healthy debate and understanding of the issues.
Prime Minister said that this would also foster a positive mood and “can do” spirit in the society.
Stating that India is land with unlimited possibilities he requested all stakeholders to do their bit to bridge the gap between reality and perception.
He said, “We must all work together and start to think like a nation”
Economists like Shri Shankar Acharya, Shri R Nagaraj, Ms. Farzana Afridi, Venture Capitalist Shri Pradip Shah, Industrialists Shri Apparao Mallavarapu, Shri Deep Kalra, Shri Patanjali Govind Keswani, Shri Deepak Seth, Shri Srikumar Misra, Subject Experts Shri Ashish Dhawan and Shri Shiv Sarin were among the 38 delegates who participated in the discussions.
Minister for Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Railways and Commerce Shri Piyush Goyal and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Shri Narendra Tomar, Secretaries from various Ministries, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Shri Rajiv Kumar and CEO of NITI Aayog Shri Amitabh Kant attended the meeting.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Fertilizer Subsidies
There is no proposal to cut Fertilizers Subsidies.
Urea is being provided to the farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price . The MRP of 45 kg bag of Urea is Rs. 242 per bag  and the MRP of 50 kg bag of Urea is Rs. 268 per bag . The difference between the delivered cost of fertilizers at farm gate and net market realization by the urea units is given as subsidy to the urea manufacturer / importer by the Government of India.
As far as Phosphatic and Potassic  fertilizers are concerned, Government is implementing Nutrient Based Subsidy  Scheme w.e.f 1.4.2010. Under the said scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy decided on annual basis, is provided on each grade of subsidized Phosphatic and Potassic  fertilizers depending upon its nutrient content. This subsidy is given by Goverment of India to the P&K fertilizer companies which are therefore able to provide P&K fertilizers to the farmers at a subsidized MRP, which is lower than it would have been. Accordingly, farmers across the country who are procuring fertilizers at MRP, is availing the benefit of subsidy.
The details of the subsidy paid by the Govt. during last three years is as given below:
|
||
||
||
||
|

|
|
Year
|
|
Indigenous
Urea
|
|
Imported
Urea
|
|
Indigenous
P&K
|
|
City
Compost
|
|
Imported
P&K
|
|
Total
|
|
2016-17
|
|
40000.00
|
|
11256.59
|
|
11842.88
|
|
0.55
|
|
6999.99
|
|
70100.01
|
|
2017-18
|
|
36973.70
|
|
9980.00
|
|
14337.00
|
|
7.26
|
|
7900.00
|
|
69197.96
|
|
2018-19
|
|
32189.50
|
|
17155.36
|
|
14820.35
|
|
10.00
|
|
9260.00
|
|
73435.21
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister for the Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri D V Sadanand Gowda in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Clarification on passing of ordinary and special resolutions by companies under the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder on account of the threat posed by COVID-19
In continuation of the earlier Circular  issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs  on 8th April, 2020 regarding conduct of extraordinary general meetings  through video conferencing  or other audio visual means , the MCA has issued another Circular  today to provide greater clarity regarding issue of notices to members for such meetings by using only electronic means, in view of the COVID-19 related lockdown and social distancing requirements, while at the same time ensuring that the relevant companies facilitate registration of email addresses of the members who have not done so and make suitable disclosure in this regard at the time of issue of public notice in the newspapers.
The public notice to be issued by relevant companies would also be required to specify the manner in which members who are holding shares in physical form or who have not registered their email addresses with the company can cast their vote through remote e-voting or through the e-voting system during the meeting.
A similar framework for smaller companies i.e. companies which are not required to provide e-voting facility to their members has also been specified in the Circular. This procedure is being allowed on account of disruption caused in postal services, whereby it has become difficult to serve or receive notices by post.
The Circular also provides that where certain companies intend to transact a business only through postal ballot  in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013/rules made thereunder, then in such case, the relevant provisions of the Companies  Rules, 2014 with regard to voting by electronic means and the framework provided for e-voting in the present Circular and earlier Circular dated 08th April, 2020 issued by MCA would be applicable mutatis mutandis.
The above clarifications are expected to greatly facilitate the conduct of business by companies during these extraordinary times. For further details the General Circular Number 17/2020 dated 13th April 2020 may be referred which is available on the MCA’s website at:
http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/Circular17_13042020.pdf
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
EXPORT OF IT INDUSTRY SERVICES
The Government of India  has taken various initiatives to promote Information Technology and Information Technology enabled Services  sector in the country. Some of the initiatives are as detailed below:
- Software Technology parks of India  Scheme: Software Technology Parks of India , an autonomous society under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is implementing Software Technology parks of India  Scheme, which is a 100% export oriented Scheme for the development and export of computer software, including export of professional services using communication links or physical media. The exports by STPI registered IT/ ITeS Units for the year 2020-21 were Rs. 5.02 lakh crore.
- Special Economic Zones : The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ Rules, came into effect on 10th February, 2006, providing for simplification of procedures and for single window clearance on matters relating to central as well as state governments. The main objectives of the SEZ Act are:
- generation of additional economic activity
- promotion of exports of goods and services
- promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources
- creation of employment opportunities
- development of infrastructure facilities
The exports by IT/ITeS units in SEZs for the year 2020-21 were Rs. 5.1 lakh crore.
- National Policy on Software Products-2019: GoI has approved National Policy on Software Products-2019 with an aim to develop India as the global software product hub, driven by innovation, improved commercialization, sustainable Intellectual property , promoting technology start-ups and specialized skill sets, for development of the sector, based on ICT. The objective of the policy is to create a robust Indian Software Product development ecosystem leading to ten-fold increase in India share of the Global Software product market and so as to generate direct and in-direct employment for 3.5 million people by 2025.
- Next Generation Incubation Scheme  has been approved to support software product ecosystem and to address a significant portion of National Policy on Software Product . It is envisaged to create a vibrant software product ecosystem to complement the robust IT Industry for continued growth, new employment and enhance competitiveness.
- Some other initiatives to promote IT sector exports include Future Skills PRIME, Market Development Initiative in Nordics and Africa Region, Market Outreach Initiatives etc. under Champion Sector Services Scheme .
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
KV Pattom celebrates Fit India School Week
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom in collaboration with SAI LNCPE Thiruvananthapuram, under Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports organized Fit India School Week 2022. Essay competition, debate, quiz, yoga, meditation, aerobics, Zumba etc. were held as part of week long celebrations. SAI LNCPE Principal and Regional Head Dr. G Kishore distributed the prizes to the winners. The aim of Fit India Week is to create awareness among students about sports fitness and the importance of sports.
--NS--
(Visitor Counter : 68
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Soy product manufacturers are encouraged to take BIS certification for use of Standards Mark 
BIS has published seven Indian Standards for soy products
BIS organized an awareness and implementation webinar on ‘Indian Standards on Soy Products’ on 9 March 2022. With the increasing health consciousness among the general people, the use of soya bean is getting acceptance in the form of textured vegetable protein , Soy milk, Tofu, soy dahi, etc.
In order to maintain the quality and safety of these soy products, physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters and their test methods are standardized. Implementation and certification of the Indian standards on soy products will aid in integrating soy products into the Indian diet. Thus, enhanced quality and safety of the soy products will benefit the producer by commanding better prices and the end consumers will receive safe products enhancing the overall public health.
More than 50 participants from micro and medium-scale industries attended the webinar. Information pertaining to the current Indian Standards on soy products and new standards in the pipeline were shared, highlighting the important requirements prescribed. The manufacturers were encouraged to take BIS certification for use of Standards Mark  on their products. Information on the BIS Conformity Assessment Scheme and the process of application of license were also provided.
BIS has published seven Indian Standards for soy products, which are listed below:
- IS 7835 : 2013 – Edible medium - Fat soya flour — Specification 
- IS 7836 : 2013 – Edible low - Fat soya flour — Specification 
- IS 7837 : 2013 – Edible full - Fat soya flour — Specification 
- IS 16489: 2018 – Soymilk  — Specification
- IS 17651: 2021 – Soy Nuts — Specification
- IS 17652: 2021 – Soy Butter — Specification
- IS 17673: 2021 – Soy Amrakhand — Specification
BIS is in process of developing new Indian Standards for soy products covering new products, where the request has been made by ICAR - Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal. Participant were encouraged to comment on the draft standards, as and when they are open for public comments.
- Doc. No. FAD 16  C – Draft Indian Standard Soy Curd — Specification
- Doc. No. FAD 16  C – Draft Indian Standard Soy Nuggets — Specification
- Soy Based Extruded Snacks – Specification
- Soy Chakka and Soy Shrikhand - Specification
- Soy Muffins – Specification
- Soy Sattu - Specification
- Soy Biscuits - Specification
- Tofu  - Specification
Ministry of Finance
DGGI Gurugram officials arrest man for defrauding exchequer in excess of ₹ 13.76 crore
The Gurugram Zonal Unit of Directorate General of GST Intelligence has arrested a person, namely Mr. Pradeep Jain, resident of Muzaffarnagar, UP who is Director of M/s PSR Metals Pvt Ltd, Muzaffarnagar.
An investigation was conducted against M/s PSR Metals Pvt Ltd located at Khasra No 362/2, Near Begrajpur Industrial Area, Village HussainpurBopada, Muzaffarnagar, UP-251001 by way of visits conducted at the registered address of the said company. During the investigation, Mr. Pradeep Jain, Director of M/s PSR Metals Pvt Ltd. claimed to procure both old and non-guarantee batteries from various registered and unregistered dealers and also claimed to manufacture lead from old batteries and doing trading of new batteries . It is pertinent to mention here that in GST regime, old/scrap batteries are taxed at 18% GST rate and new/fresh batteries are taxed at 28% GST rate. However, verification with their suppliers revealed that they had sold only fresh batteries to M/s PSR Metals Pvt Ltd.
Confronted with these facts, Mr. Pradeep Jain now claimed that they were also manufacturing lead from these new batteries, whereas earlier he claimed only trading of the same. Investigation showed that it was not economically viable to manufacture lead from destroying and breaking down fresh batteries to pick miniscule lead therein. It appeared that they were actually using bazaar scrap to manufacture such lead and was using the ITC of fresh batteries while clearing these new batteries without issuance of invoices.
Thus, Mr. Pradeep Jain, was found to have defrauded the exchequer in excess of ₹ 13.76 crore. by clearance of goods without issue of invoices. He was therefore arrested on 27.02.2021 under section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017. The Magistrate sent him to Tihar Jail for 10 days’ Judicial Custody. Further investigation in the matter is under progress
Ministry of Power
CHANDEL DISTRICT CELEBRATES BIJILI MAHOTSAV & UJALA DIWAS
As celebrated all over the country, Bijili Mahotsav and Ujala Diwas was celebrated under the theme “Ujjawal Bharat, Ujjawal Bhawishya”, under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Power @2047” at Thamnapokpi, Chandel District . Today’s function was organised by ministry of power  & Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Govt. of India in Association with the Govt. of Manipur.
Today’s function was graced by, DC Chandel, Shri. Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Group GM, NHPC, Shri Premananda laishram, GM III, MSPDCL, Shri P. Shamungou and village Chief of Thamnapokpi, Shri Th. Beshang.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Chandel, Shri. Mayanglambam Rajkumar, said that the development in the power sector we see today is the result of the conscious efforts of the people leaders, scientists etc who have worked hard with a vision of providing power in very sectors and every nook and corner of the country. He further added that power is a much for the development of all the sectors, may it be agriculture, service or manufacturing sectors which in turn effects the overall development of a country’s economy.
Giving his opening remark DGM Chandel, Shri Letkhomang Haokip said that almost all the villages in Chandel district including the villages in the far flung border areas are all electrified through grid or by solar power.
As part of today’s programme, short films on universal household electrification, distribution system strengthening, capacity addition, one nation one grid, , renewable energy, consumer rights and state achievements were also shown to the public. An interaction session of the consumers with the officials of MSPDCL was also conducted as part of today’s programme.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy  rates for Phosphatic and Potassic  fertilizers for the year 2019-20
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for fixation of Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for P&K Fertilizers for the year 2019-20. The approved rates for NBS effective from the date of notification will be as under:
|
|
Per Kg Subsidy rates 
|
|
N 
|
|
P
|
|
K
|
|
S
|
|
18.901
|
|
15.216
|
|
11.124
|
|
3.562
The per kg. subsidy rates prior to notification will remain same as that of year 2018-19.
Expenditure:
The expected expenditure for release of subsidy on P&K Fertilizers during 2019-20 will be Rs. 22875.50crore.
Benefits:
This will enable the manufacturers and importers to formalize supply contracts for fertilizers and fertilizer inputs and make fertilizers available to the farmers in the year 2019-20.
Background:
Government is making available fertilizers, Urea and 21 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is being governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f 01.04.2010. In accordance to its farmer friendly approach, the Govt is committed to ensure the availability of P&K fertilizers to the farmers on affordable price.
Ministry of Defence
MoD signs Rs 473 crore contract with GSL for construction of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard
Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited  for construction of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard at a total project cost of Rs 473 crore. The contract was signed by Joint Secretary  Shri Dinesh Kumar and Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Cmde BB Nagpal  in New Delhi on March 28, 2022.
These surface platforms will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by GSL under Buy  Category. These eight high speed vessels will be based along the coast of India with capability to operate in shallow waters and enhance the security apparatus along the vast coast line.
While meeting the objectives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, this would boost the indigenous shipbuilding capability and increase employment opportunities in the sector. The contract will further boost the Government’s resolve of making India a defence manufacturing hub which caters to not only the domestic needs but also the export market.
Ministry of Steel
Ministry of Steel celebrates Swachhata Pakhwada
Ministry of Steel and all PSUs under its administrative control viz. SAIL, NMDC, RINL, KIOCL, MOIL, MECON, MSTC & FSNL observed the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ from 16th-31th March, 2023. This was as per the Calendar of Swachhata Pakhwada for the year 2023 released by the Department of Drinking water and Sanitation. Officers/officials of Ministry and employees in various plants/Units of PSUs spread across the country participated in various activities organized during the pakhwada.
The Pakhwada commenced by administering of ‘Swachhata Pledge’ ceremony by Secretary  on 16th March, 2023 at the Ministry of Steel. Banners were displayed at prominent places in the office premises of the Ministry for spreading awareness. Taking into account COVID and H3N2, face masks and sanitizers were distributed to the employees and housekeeping workers engaged in cleaning & sanitization of rooms of the Ministry. Further, competition on the theme of Cleanliness is Service  was organized for the employees of the Ministry. The winners of Essay competition and Officers/Officials were felicitated during the Pakhwada.
‘Shramdan’ by Officers/Officials of Ministry was done which included recording and weeding out of old files & records, removal of old posters/banners etc. Cleanliness inspection of rooms of Ministry was also conducted by a team of officers to observe cleanliness in Ministry of Steel. Swachhata Pakhwada concluded in Ministry on 31th March, 2023 with felicitating of housekeeping workers engaged in cleaning & sanitization of rooms of Ministry.
During the Swachhata Pakhwada, PSUs under the Ministry have taken up various activities such as administration of swachhata pledge, cleaning up of townships, factories, nearby villages/slums, cleaning up of schools run/ adopted by them under Swachh Vidyalaya, awareness program on curbing use of single use plastic etc. Apart from the above, Steel Safety Day was observed on 28th March, 2023. PSUs under administrative control of Ministry of Steel are also drawing up elaborated plans for the FY 2023-24 under Swachhata Action Plan which includes removal/reduction of slag, removal/reduction of iron ore fines and recycling of gaseous waste in power generation.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 346
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage achieves 142.38 crore
More than 65 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has achieved 142.38 Crore  today. More than 65 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10387034
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9686672
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18384953
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16848978
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
494953680
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
319047578
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
193472989
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
146968284
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
120805923
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
93256461
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
838004579
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
585807973
|
|
Total
|
|
1423812552
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 27th December, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
108
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4989
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
99
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11727
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1050628
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3633037
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
234745
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
951910
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
131272
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
501522
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
1416852
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
5103185
|
|
Total
|
|
6520037
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.