ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Investment of Asean and Taiwan in India’s Food Processing Sector
The following Memorandum of Cooperation / Memorandum of Understanding  have been signed with Japan, Italy, Vietnam and Taiwan:
- An MoC has been signed between Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GoI, and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan for promotion of investment in the food processing sector including cold chain.
- An MoU has been signed between Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GoI and Italy to enhance cooperation in the field of food processing to promote capacity building, skill development, exploring market potential, supply of advanced food processing technologies etc.
- An MoU has been signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards of India and the Directorate for Standard, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam for Cooperation in the fields of Standardization and Conformity Assessment.
- An MoU has been signed between Ministry of Agriculture &Farmers’ Welfare and Taipei Economic & Cultural Centre, Taiwan for effective cooperation in the field of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, aqua culture and food processing fields.
100% Foreign Direct Investment  is permitted under the automatic route for the food processing sector. Details of FDI in Food Processing sector from ASEAN countries and Taiwan for the last three years are as under: -

|
|
S. No.
|
|
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021--22
|
|
1.
|
|
ASEAN countries
|
|
202.47
|
|
39.04
|
|
320.62
|
|
2.
|
|
Taiwan
|
|
1.01
|
|
0
|
|
0
This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address Matua Dharma Maha Mela on 29th March
On the occasion of 211th birth anniversary of Shree Shree Harichand Thakur ji, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address Matua Dharma Maha Mela 2022 at Shreedham Thakurnagar, Thakurbari, West Bengal on 29th March at 9:00 PM tonight via video conferencing.
Shree Shree Harichand Thakur ji devoted his life for the cause of betterment of the oppressed, downtrodden and deprived persons in undivided Bengal during the pre-independence era. The social and religious movement started by him originated from Orakandi  in 1860 and led to the formation of the Matua Dharma.
Matua Dharma Maha Mela 2022 is being organised by All India Matua Mahasangha from 29th March to 5th April 2022.
Prime Minister's Office
PMO tweet regarding presence of Rajasthan CM in PM's programme in Rajasthan
The Prime Minister Office has issued the following tweet in response to a tweet by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan regarding the CM's presence in the Prime Minister's programme in the state. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is visiting Sikar today.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"Shri @ashokgehlot51 Ji,
In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join.
During PM @narendramodi’s previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence.
You are most welcome to join today’s programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well.
Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued."
"श्री @ashokgehlot51 जी, प्रोटोकॉल के अनुसार आपको विधिवत आमंत्रित किया गया था और आपका भाषण भी रखा गया था। लेकिन आपके ऑफिस ने बताया कि आप शामिल नहीं हो पाएंगे। प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi की पिछली यात्राओं के दौरान भी आपको हमेशा आमंत्रित किया गया है और आपकी गरिमामयी उपस्थिति भी रही है। आज के कार्यक्रम में भी आपका बहुत-बहुत स्वागत है। विकास कार्यों से जुड़ी पट्टिका पर आपका नाम भी प्रमुखता से अंकित है। हाल में आपको लगी चोट की वजह से अगर कोई शारीरिक परेशानी ना हो, तो कार्यक्रम में आप जरूर शामिल हों और इसकी शोभा बढ़ाएं।"
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Government extends support under Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products  till 30th June 2024
The Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products  support which was notified till 30th September 2023 is now being extended till 30th June 2024 at the same rates to the existing export items. This will help our exporting community to negotiate export contracts in the present international environment on better terms. The Scheme is WTO compatible and is being implemented in an end-to-end IT environment.
In another development, in line with the Scheme framework, the RoDTEP Committee has again been constituted in the Department of Revenue to review and recommend the ceiling rates under the RoDTEP Scheme for different export sectors. The Committee held its first interaction today at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi with the Export Promotion Councils /Chamber of Commerce and discussed the methodology and other issues relating to the Scheme and its implementation. The EPCs in their observations emphasized the need for enhancing the RoDTEP budget allocation and for higher rates to be made available to all export items to help them secure greater market access abroad.
The RoDTEP Scheme was introduced by the Government as a duty remission scheme on exports and is being implemented from 1st January 2021. The Scheme provides a mechanism for reimbursement of taxes, duties and levies, which are currently not being refunded under any other mechanism, at the central, state and local level, but which are incurred by the export entities in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported products. Under the Scheme, a support of Rs. 27,018 crores has been extended for the 27 month period till 31.03.2023. The RoDTEP scheme operates under a budgetary framework and for FY 23-24, a budget of Rs 15,070 crores is available to support 10610 HS lines at the 8 digit level.
Ministry of Railways
Railways taking steps to normalize passenger services in phased manner
Railways Passenger Reservation System  to be shut down during lean business hours of night for next 7 days
This will enable upgradation of system data and updation of new train numbers
As part of Railways’ efforts to normalize passenger services and revert back in a phased manner to the pre-covid levels of service, the Railways Passenger Reservation System  will be shut down for 6:00 hours during the lean business hours of the night for next 7 days. This is to enable upgradation of system data and updating of new train numbers etc. Since huge amount of past  and current passenger booking data are to be updated in all Mail/ Express trains, this is being planned in a series of carefully calibrated steps and implemented during night hours in order to minimize impact on ticketing services.
The activity will be performed starting from the intervening night of 14 and 15-Nov to the night of 20 and 21-Nov starting at 23:30 hrs and ending at 0530 hrs.
During these 6 hours  period, no PRS Services  will be available.
During the period railway personnel will ensure the advance charting for the trains to start during the affected timings. Except for the PRS services, all other enquiry services including 139 services will continue uninterrupted.
Ministry of Railways has requested it’s customers to support the Ministry in the effort to normalize and upgrade the passenger services.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 2110
Ministry of Power
NTPC in pact with Électricité de France S.A. for cooperation in international power sector
In a significant development for the power sector, Électricité de France S.A. , one of the world’s leading power sector companies headquartered in Paris, France, and NTPC Ltd, India’s largest energy integrated company signed a Memorandum of Understanding  to explore potential power project development opportunities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. NTPC is ranked as the number 2 Independent Power Producer  in Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings.
The MOU was signed by Mr. UjjwalKanti Bhattacharya, Director  from NTPC side in the august presence of H.E. Mr. Jawed Ashraf , H.E. Emmanuel Lenain , Mr. Gurdeep Singh, CMD – NTPC, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General – ISA, Mr. A K Gautam Director  NTPC, Mr. C K Mondol Director  NTPC), Mr. Harmanjit Singh Nagi, CEO & Country President – EDF India, Mr. N M Gupta, Head of International Business – NTPC and senior executives from NTPC, EDF, ISA and French Embassy in India.
The MoU will bear witness to the cooperation between EDF, France and India’s largest power major NTPC for exploring power project development opportunities around regions of mutual interest like Middle-East, Europe & Africa.
The two companies will also collaborate for knowledge sharing, R&D, technical services and consultancy assignments globally
NTPC expressed optimism about its collaboration with EDF and mentioned ‘NTPC’s collaboration with EDF will further increase our competitiveness in the international markets. NTPC aims to expand its portfolio of power generation assets globally. This MoU supports our roadmap for the development of clean energy projects worldwide. We believe this alliance will bring multiple mutually constructive investment opportunities in the global markets.’
On the same note, EDF mentioned ‘We are excited to join forces with NTPC and work on low-carbon energy opportunities in India and other growth markets. Now operating in around 25 countries, EDF has a global track record and we look forward to unlocking further collaboration opportunities with NTPC.’
EDF and NTPC will jointly explore the possibility of power project development in the countries of mutual interest, as well as exchange knowledge and technical expertise. The parties will also explore collaboration around technical services, including international consultancy assignments, and will consider the possibility of pursuing pilot programmes in the clean energy sector together.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce amends SEZ rules to liberalize Work From Home  for SEZ units
WFH permitted upto 31.12.2023
WFH may be provided to upto 100% of all employees of the SEZ unit
Department of Commerce had further amended SEZ rules to liberalize Work From Home for SEZ units. DoC has amended the Special Economic Zones  rules to insert a new rule 43A vide notification dated 14.07.2022 to enable Work From Home  for SEZ units. Further, DoC had also issued a Standard operating Procedure  vide Instruction dated 12.08.2022 to streamline the implementation of amended rule across all SEZs.
After notification of Rule 43A and issue of Instruction dated 12.08.2022, DoC received further representations from NASSCOM as well as units seeking further flexibility in WFH facility. The matter was examined in DoC in consultation with stakeholders and accordingly, Rule 43A has been substituted with new rule vide notification no. GSR 868 dated 08.12.2022. The salient features of the notification are as under:
-
- WFH regime is significantly liberalised based on consultation with all stakeholders.
- Erstwhile regime based on permissions has been converted into an intimation-based regime.
- WFH can be provided to upto 100% of all employees of the SEZ unit.
- WFH permitted upto 31.12.2023.
- For units already availing WFH under earlier regime, intimation could be sent by email till 31.01.2023.
- Units seeking WFH in future can email an intimation on or before the date of commencement of WFH.
Hybrid mode of working has become a norm, especially in the IT/ITES sector in the wake of disruptions caused by the pandemic. The representatives of the IT/ITES industry had represented to the  to enable the units in Special Economic Zones  to adopt hybrid mode of working and for providing Work From Home  facility to the employees SEZ units. The decision has been made after duly noting the genuine needs of the industry and also noting the scope of benefits to economies of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities that such a facility could entail.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
COVID-19 Relief Package for MSMEs
One of the major schemes announced under Covid 19 relief package was Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  with coverage of Rs 3.00 lakh crore. The coverage was further enhanced to Rs 4.50 lakh crore and subsequently to Rs 5.00 lakh crore, with an amount of Rs. 50,000 crore allocated to hospitality and related sectors.
The criteria for relief package under ECLGS include  credit outstanding not exceeding Rs 50.00 crore as on 29.02.2020/31.03.2021/31.01.2022 for business in any sector;  credit outstanding above Rs 50.00 crore and upto Rs 500 crore on the mentioned dates for businesses belonging to healthcare sector or one of the sectors identified by the Kamath Committee;  credit outstanding for any amount on the mentioned dates for businesses in hospitality and related sectors;  days past due not exceeding 60 days on the mentioned dates;  account not being an Non Performing Asset  on date of sanction/disbursement.
Under ECLGS, against the announced package of Rs 5.00 lakh crore, guarantees for loans amounting to Rs. 3.60 lakh crore has been issued i.e. 72%.
ECLGS was formulated to ensure extension of credit support upto the extent specified to all businesses  having loan outstanding upto Rs 50.00 crore, unless the borrower opted out or was found ineligible.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 598
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Carriage of DD channels on Cable TV Network
In view of the contribution of Doordarshan towards dissemination of accurate information about policies and programmes of government, acceleration of socio-economic change, promotion of national integration and stimulation of scientific temper, it is mandated that all Cable TV Networks should carry DD channels. However, it is noticed that the same is not being done by several cable operators, which is in contravention of existing rules.
It has accordingly been decided that an Affidavit be sought from both existing MSOs as well as fresh applicants that they are carrying all 24 DD Channels, besides Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha TV channels, on their TV network. The same has to be submitted within one month of issue of notice.
Format of the Affidavit may be accessed at www.mib.gov.in, www.digitalindiamib.com and also under the procedure for submission of applications online on the portal www.broadcastseva.gov.in.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Organises ‘Run for Unity’ to Mark the Birth Anniversary of SardarVallabhbhai Patel
Contributions of Sardar Patel towards Farmers’ Co-operatives Remembered
As part of the Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav, On the Occasion ofRashtriyaEktaDiwason 31st October, 2021 , Officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of FAHD, participated in the ‘Run for Unity’, which was organized to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to commemorate the legacy of one of the founding fathers of India.
In the HQ of the Departmentat KrishiBhawan,JointSecretary  Shri. G N Singh flagged off the “Run for Unity” from Krishi Bhawan to R/A Janapath and back to Krishi Bhawan after “pledge taking ceremony”. Addressing the participants, hementioned the contributions of Sardar Patel, who had advocated farmers’ co-operatives as early as 1942 which marked the beginning of Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited, later popularly known as Amul.
Staffs including senior officials of the Department have participated. After the run, there was a “pledge taking ceremony” at Krishi bhavan wherein all the staff and employees also joined virtually, in taking the Ekta Shapath  to reinforce the dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation.
Sardar Patel was known for leading India’s freedom struggle from the front and was instrumental in unifying the country after partition for which he was referred to as the “Ironman of India”.
Department organised similar events in all Union Territories with the participation of Animal Husbandry and Dairying department officials and farmers. A swachhata drive in Krishi Bhawan premises also organized after the Run for Unity.
UPSC
Combined Defence Services Examination , 2017 – Declaration of Final Result
The following are the lists, in order of merit of 192  candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination , 2017 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in November, 2017 and SSB interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 145th Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad  Training Course i.e. No. 204 F Course.
There are some common candidates in the three lists for various courses.
The number of vacancies, as intimated by the Government is 100 for Indian Military Academy [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificates  holders], 45 for Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala Executive  [including 06 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders ] and 32 for Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
The Commission had recommended 3701, 2248 and 914 as qualified in the written test for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy respectively. The number of candidates finally qualified are those after SSB test conducted by Army Head Quarters.
The results of Medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.
Verification of date of birth and educational qualifications of these candidates is still under process by the Army Headquarters. The candidature of all these candidates is, therefore, Provisional on this score. Candidates are requested to forward their certificates, in original, in support of Date of Birth/Educational qualification etc. claimed by them, along with Photostat attested copies thereof to Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.
In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters.
These results will also be available on the UPSC website at http://www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available on the website after declaration of final result of Officers’ Training Academy  for Combined Defence Services Examination , 2017.
For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone Nos.011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day.
Click here for full list
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
CPWD Floral Tableaux 2019 in RDC Parade
CPWD floral tableaux theme based on the “Dandi March” movement
Since beginning CPWD has been participating in Republic Day and displaying flower tableaux during Parade at Rajpath.Year 2019 is being observed as 150thBirth Anniversary of Father of Nation. To mark the occasion, the expert committee of the RDC has decided the concept, about Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. CPWD floral tableaux theme is based on the “Dandi March” movement started by Mahatma Gandhi and Title is “VANDE MATARAM”.
In CPWD floral tableaux different variety of flowers, foliage, ground covers have been used. It usually takes about 2½ and 3 months for fabrication of the structure and after that mossing work is taken up.Flower works started on 25th morning so that flower remain fresh and intact,approx. 2.5 to 3 lakhs natural flower were fixed up by skilled employees under constant supervision of senior officers.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Use of Electric Vehicles
Ministry of Heavy Industries formulated a Scheme namely Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of  Electric Vehicles in India  Scheme in 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles  in the country with an aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. At present, Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 5 years w.e.f. 01st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crores.
GST on electric vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%; GST on chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced from 18% to 5%.
Government vide S.O. 5333 dated 18th October, 2018 has granted exemption from the requirements of permit to the Battery Operated Transport Vehicles and Transport Vehicles running on Ethanol and Methanol fuels. Government vide GSR 525 dated 2nd August, 2021 has exempted Battery Operated Vehicles from the payment of fees for the purpose of issue or renewal of registration certificate and assignment of new registration mark.
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 under section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended in 2019. As per guidelines, State Governments are to facilitate operation of Electric/ Alternate fuel- based vehicles.
- The details of electric vehicles, state-wise, are mentioned at Annexure-I.
ANNEXURE I REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART  OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1217 ANSWERED ON 8TH DECEMBER, 2021 ASKED BY DR. SANTANU SEN REGARDING USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
|
|
State Name
|
|
Total
|
|
Andaman & Nicobar Island
|
|
158
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
20
|
|
Assam
|
|
43,057
|
|
Bihar
|
|
58,014
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
1,768
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
11,881
|
|
Delhi
|
|
125,347
|
|
Goa
|
|
1,312
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
13,063
|
|
Haryana
|
|
24,206
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
615
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
1,321
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
10,954
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
72,544
|
|
Kerala
|
|
11,959
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
6
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
52,506
|
|
Manipur
|
|
519
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
33
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
19
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
53
|
|
Odisha
|
|
9,887
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
1,386
|
|
Punjab
|
|
8,069
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
46,862
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
23
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
44,817
|
|
Tripura
|
|
7,103
|
|
UT of DNH and DD
|
|
127
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
23,428
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
255,700
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
43,384
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
870,141
|
|
|
|
Note: The details given are for digitized vehicle records as per centralized Vahan 4 and data for
Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Lakshadweep are not been provided as they are not in centralized Vahan 4.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 1727
Ministry of Finance
Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs held bilateral meeting with the US Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, Mr. David Malpass in Washington D.C. and discussed the need to restart the dialogue under the Economic and Financial Partnership and for greater cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern especially in the multilateral fora.
On the sidelines of 2018 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance held bilateral meeting with the US Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, Mr. David Malpass in Washington D.C. yesterday. The discussion centered on the need to restart the dialogue under the Economic and Financial Partnership and for greater cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern especially in the multilateral fora.
Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs also met with the Belgian delegation led by the Treasury Secretary, Belgium, Mr. Johan Van Overtveldt and discussed areas of economic cooperation including India joining EBRD as a member. Shri Garg also met the Director General for Economic Development and International, DFID, Mr. Nick Dyer.
The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg is currently on an official tour to Washington D.C. to attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund  and the World Bank and other associated Meetings. He is accompanied by Mr. Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI and other senior officials.