ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Shri R.K.Singh approves proposal for acceptance of Letter of Undertaking issued by IREDA, PFC & REC in lieu of Bank Guarantees for Earnest Money Deposit 
Shri R K Singh, the Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has approved a proposal for acceptance of Letter of Undertaking issued by IREDA, PFC & REC in lieu of Bank Guarantees for Earnest Money Deposit  by SECI, NTPC and NHPC in the case of tenders/biddings for developing Renewable Energy projects in the country.
In a letter written to SECI, NTPC, NHPC, the the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has conveyed that SECI, NTPC, NHPC or any other implementing agency on behalf of MNRE  may accept Earnest Money Deposit , in the form of Bank Guarantee or ‘Payment on Order instrument’.
'Payment on Order instrument’ means Letter of Undertaking from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited  or Power Finance Corporation Limited  or REC Limited  [the three non-banking financial institutions under Ministry of New & Renewable Energy / Ministry of Power ], to pay in case situation of default of RE power generator in terms of tender conditions and /or Power Purchase Agreement  arises. Such Letter will have same effect as that of a Bank Guarantee issued by any public sector bank. Such "Payment on Order instrument" would have terms and conditions similar to that of any Bank Guarantee given by any public sector bank and would promise to pay the Procurer on demand within stipulated time. RE power generators can seek such Letters by offering due security to the above mentioned three non-banking financial institutions .
The communication further mentions, “the above decisions may be treated as amendments to the respective Standard Bidding Guidelines   and notified accordingly.”
The three non-banking financial institutions – IREDA or PFC or REC may issue such Letter of Undertaking/ ‘Payment on Order instrument’ to pay as per their policy, on merits and after due diligence.
Shri R K Singh Minister of New & Renewable Energy and Power said, "This decision of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy will go a long way in ensuring Ease of Doing Business in RE sector as the developers will now have one more option in fulfilling the tender requirement."
RCJ/ M
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NITI Aayog
International Conference on Sustainable Growth through Material Recycling inaugurated by Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari
NITI Aayog’s International Conference on “Sustainable Growth through Material Recycling: Policy Prescriptions” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri. Nitin Gadkari at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in the capital today. Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog Shri. Rajiv Kumar, CEO, NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant and renowned experts from all over the world in material recycling took part in the deliberations at the conference. The day long conference brings together a host of experts for identifying policy prescriptions for the development and growth of material recycling in India towards creating more jobs, reduce dependence on exports, protect the environment and take steps towards adopting circular economy concepts.
In his inaugural speech, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasised that citizen participation is the key towards a successful recycling movement. “Recycling will increase growth, create wealth, and generate employment”, said the Minister. Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar in his keynote speech highlighted the benefits of recycling and reuse on environment, economy and the social sector. He emphasized the short, mid and long term targets so that material recycling can reduce our reliance on finite resources, virtually eliminate our dependence on landfills and minimise the impact on our environment for the sustainable development of the Indian state and the wellbeing of citizens. CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant brought to the fore India’s ambition to grow sustainably in double digits. He underlined the Government’s commitment to the importance of recycling & said that it will benefit all major sectors of the Indian economy.
The day-long conference has 5 technical sessions on “Circular Economy in Material Recycling”, “Infrastructural Issues in Recycling Industry”, “Standardization and certification in Recycling Industry”, “Environmental Benefits of Material Recycling”, “Financial and Taxation issues in Recycling Industry”, “Financial and Taxation issues in Recycling Industry” respectively, followed by a Valedictory Session to be chaired by Dr. V K Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog. It is expected that the deliberations at the conference will provide inputs for the policy formulation on various aspects related to material recycling.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Shri Anurag Thakur takes charge as Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Shri Anurag Thakur, has today assumed his charge as Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Speaking with the media on the occasion, the Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made strenuous efforts to take the nation forward in the last seven years and that as Minister of I&B it will be his responsibility to take that mission forward. Shri Thakur said that he will make all efforts to deliver on the responsibilities placed on him by the Prime Minister and he looked forward to the cooperation of media in his efforts.
The Minister was welcomed in his chamber by Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of I&B. In an interaction with senior officials of various media units and Prasar Bharati, Shri Thakur said that his endeavor will be to work with all the media heads as a team.
Shri Anurag Thakur is a four time elected Member of the Indian Parliament  from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. He has earlier held the charge of Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs from 31stMay 2019 till 7th July, 2021. Within Parliament he has served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT and Member of Public Accounts Committee. During the 16th Lok Sabha, he was appointed as the Chief Whip, Lok Sabha, becoming the youngest to assume the post.
President's Secretariat
President’s Message on The Eve OF Christmas
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Christmas.
In a message the President said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially our Christian brothers and sisters in India and abroad.
May this day, marking the birth of Jesus, promote in us and our families the universal message of love, sacrifice and compassion. May it renew our society’s sense of fraternity. And may it herald a season of peace and friendship across the world”.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Special Focus by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education  on Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta and reducing pendency in Government
KVKs in the country have adopted 900 villages to demonstrate microbial-based agricultural waste management
The Government of India has announced Special Campaign 2.0 from October 2nd to October 31st, 2022, with a focus on “Swachhata  and reducing pendency in Government”. It reinforces the importance of timely disposal of references and clean workspace in Government offices.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras  in the country have adopted 900 villages to demonstrate and promote microbial-based agricultural waste management and Vermicomposting. Technologies related to the microbial decomposition of agricultural residues and conversion of farm residues and other organic wastes into vermicompost were demonstrated to 22,678 farmers. Apart from farmers, awareness of vermicomposting was created among 3,000 schoolchildren.
Crop residues are valuable organic inputs to improve soil health and crop productivity when utilized after proper decomposition. Due to the long duration of the natural composting process of most of the crop residues, farmers resort to burning, resulting in environmental pollution apart from the wastage of a valuable asset. Composting technologies using efficient microbial decomposers like “PUSA Decomposer” accelerates the decomposition process resulting in high-quality organic manure in a shorter period. Application of composted residues rather than burnt ash to soil adds organic carbon and other essential plant nutrients to the soil and promotes microbial activity in the soil. Farm residues and other agricultural wastes like cow dung, kitchen wastes etc., after partial decomposition, can be converted to vermicompost using efficient species of earthworms. Vermicompost supplies essential plant nutrients, promotes beneficial soil microbes and improves soil health, thereby aiding in improved crop productivity and ensuring sustainability. Surplus vermicompost produced may also be marketed to ensure additional income.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Activities of Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under special campaign 2.0
During the Special Campaign 2.0, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has undertaken overall cleanliness activities in all subordinate/attached offices, autonomous bodies and all field units in all states  of India. The various activities covered are cleaning up exercises both within and outsides office premises, removal of scrap, disposal of all old and redundant files, cleaning of bushes in the outfields, planting of trees and plants within the office premises.
The successful implementation of Special Campaign has resulted in substantial reduction of pending matters and resulted in efficient management of space in the Department and its subordinate/attached offices.
Agriculture Minister and Secretary, DA&FW have taken review of the progress made and give their valuable suggestions during the Special Campaign. Secretary, DA&FW also had video conference with all nodal officers of subordinate/attached offices, PSU and autonomous bodies under the administrative control of this Department.
Achievements of DA&FW:
During the preparatory phase, 105 Swachhata Campaign Sites were identified against which cleanliness activities have been conducted at 291 sites. Against the target of 38,249 physical files identified for review and weeding under Record Management, 73,995 physical files have been reviewed and 47,286 physical files have been weeded out. 405 e-files have also been closed.
As on 1st October 2022, 370 Public Grievances were pending in DA&FW and lots of new PGs were also received from 2nd to 31st October, 2022 and total numbers of 1,439 Public Grievances have been disposed off during the Special Campaign 2.0. Apart from that, 19 Reference from MPs, 5 Parliamentary Assurances, 3 State Government References and 2 PMO References have been disposed off.
Revenue of Rs. 5,16,240/- has been generated by disposing scrap material and obsolete furniture and machinery etc. An additional workable area of 19,652 Sq ft has been freed after the disposal of these scraps material.
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Krishi Bhawan
Directorate of Cotton Development, Nagpur
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Ministry of Railways
ECoR: 16405 VACANT POSTS FILLED UP IN LAST EIGHT YEARS
East Coast Railway has filled up 16 Thousand 405 vacant posts in last Eight years through the Recruitment Drives by Railway Recruitment Boards  and Railway Recruitment Cell .
Safety is topmost priority in Railways. Railway is aware about the sensitive matter regarding Safety in train operations. East Coast Railway is consistently monitoring its workforce and taking necessary steps for filling up of vacant posts.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 epidemic, East Coast Railway  has increased its employee’s strength from 45,507 as on 1st April 2019 to 47,331 as on 1st January, 2023.
5259 candidates were appointed in East Coast Railway in Level 1 posts during last 8 years and the recruitment process was done by Railway Recruitment Cell . Apart from Level 1 posts, 11146 candidates got appointment in East Coast Railway in different categories in last 08 years. All the above posts include primarily Safety category posts and a few common General posts. These apart, recruitment process is also in final stage for filling up 2,858 vacancies in ECoR by RRBs and RRC in various levels including maximum numbers in Safety categories.
As a result, the percentage of vacancies to total sanctioned staff strength in ECoR has been reduced from 17.3% as on 1st April 2019 to 14.9% as on 1st January, 2023. This indicates that the vacancies are being filled up on regular basis in East Coast Railway.
RoM
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Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Report on the activities undertaken by NSSO – DPC, Ahmedabad on 06.07.2023 during the Swachchhata Pakhwada 01.07.2023 to 15.07.2023
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India is observing Swachchhata Pakhwada across the country from 01.07.2023 to 15.07.2023 through its Regional Offices/Centres. The Data Processing Center, Ahmedabad under the National Sample Survey Office  of the Ministry has planned various activities during the Swachchhata Pakhwada.
On 06.07.2023, a rally was organized by DPC, Ahmedabad in which about 40 officers/employees of the office walked to the destination - Nava Vadaj Hindi Shala No.-1, Vyaswadi, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad-380014  with slogans and banners related to cleanliness from 10.00 am to 10.30 am to sensitize the public about Swachchhata.
In the programme organized in the school premises of Nava Vadaj Hindi Shala No. 1, tree plantation activity was undertaken jointly by the officers of the DPC, Ahmedabad; School Management and the respected invitees to the programme. A cleanliness drive was undertaken in the school premises. Shri Vijaybhai Panchal, Corporator, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad graced the occasion with his invaluable presence. A brief introduction was given about the purpose of the cleanliness drive and the organization by Dr. Rahul S. Jagtap, Deputy Director General and Shri L. M. Jadeja, Director.
The students of class-VIII of the school were sensitized about the importance of cleanliness in public life by Dr. Jigar Solanki, Medical Officer and Dr. Gunja, Nava Vadaj Urban Health Centre, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation .
Ms. Prafulla Mehta, Sub-Inspector, Malaria Department, AMC was also present in the programme. A short but content-full street play on classification of wet waste and dry waste was performed to the students by Shri Saugata Roy and Smt. Alpa B. Pandya, staff of DPC, Ahmedabad. Shri Santosh Zaware and Miss Snehal Nazirkar, Interns at DPC, Ahmedabad presented some statistical data on cleanliness status of various states and major cities throughout the country in a chart form to the students. The Swachchhata Pledge was administered by Dr. Rahul S. Jagtap to all the participants of the programme.
Smt. Chandrodaya Koshti, Principal of the school acquainted the visitors to the recommendable hygienic practices followed in the school. Smt. Swagata Mitra, Joint Director, DPC, Ahmedabad, at the end of the programme, held an affectionate short quiz with the students and delivered vote of thanks.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Locust control operations carried out at 37 places in 10 districts of Rajasthan and Gujarat during night of 26th-27th July 2020
Control operations have been done in nearly 4.3 lakh hectares area in 10 states since 11th April 2020
Locust control operations were carried out at 36 places in 09 districts viz. Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar of Rajasthan and 01 place in Kutch district of Gujarat against swarms and hoppers by Locust Circle Offices  in the intervening night of 26th-27th July, 2020.
Today , swarms of immature pink locusts, adult yellow locusts and/or hoppers are active in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Sriganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar of Rajasthan and 01 place in Kutch district of Gujarat.
Starting from 11th April 2020 till 26th July 2020, control operations have been done in 2,14,642 hectares area in States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana by LCOs. Till 26thJuly 2020, control operations have been done in 2,14,130 hectares area in States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar by State Governments.
No significant crop losses have been reported in the States of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Haryana. However, some minor crop losses have been reported in some districts of Rajasthan.
Presently, 104 central control teams with spray vehicles are deployed in the States of Rajasthan, and Gujarat, and more than 200 Central Government personnel are engaged in locust control operations. Further, 5 companies with 15 drones are deployed at Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur and Phalodi in Rajasthan for effective control of locusts on tall trees and in inaccessible areas through spraying of pesticides. A Bell helicopter has been deployed in Rajasthan for use in Scheduled Desert Area as per the need. Indian Air Force also is conducting trials in anti-locust operation by using Mi-17 helicopter.
Food and Agriculture Organization’s Locust Status Update of 21.07.2020 indicates that the risk of swarm migration from Horn of Africa prevails in coming weeks. In Somalia, the swarms are moving eastwards across the north and a limited number of swarms could migrate across the Indian Ocean to the Indo-Pakistan border area; during the remainder of this month.
- Hoppers’ mortality at Dechu, Jodhpur , Rajasthan
- LWO operation at Nohar, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan
- A spray operation by LWO at Nohar, Hanumangarh Rajasthan
- LWO operation at village khuiyan Tehsil Nohar, Hanumangarh Rajasthan
- A Drone operation at village Punaser , Tehsil Bapini, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Hoppers trapped in a trench at Village Gelu, Tehsil Tiwari Jodhpur , Rajasthan
PIB Headquarters
Precious gem stones worth Rs. 31.4 lakhs and 1.85 Kgs of Gold worth Rs. 84 lakhs seized by Customs at Chennai Airport - Two Arrested
On Wednesday based on information one Shabdeen, 66, of Chennai who arrived from Colombo by Srilankan Air Lines flight UL-125 was intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying precious gem stones as he was trying to get out in a rather hurried manner. On personal search two bundles wrapped with adhesive tape were found concealed in rectum. On cut opening the bundles precious/semi precious gem stones were found concealed inside. Jewellery valuer identified the precious stones as gems as Sapphires both Yellow and Blue, Rubies and Chrysoberyl Cats eye of various cut, size and colours totally weighing 3058.4 carat valued at Rs.31.4 lakhs. Same were seized Customs Act. The gems were to be handed over to some unknown person outside airport. He was taken out but no one approached him. The passenger was arrested.
In other case today AIU one Arthi Manoharan, 22, of Trichy who was bound for Colombo by Srilankan Airlines Flight UL-126 was apprehended near arrival bay area after having cleared immigration and security check on suspicion of carrying some contraband. On search of her hand bag one bundle wrapped with black adhesive tape was found. On cut opening 4 gold bars weighing 1.496 Kg valued at Rs. 67.50 lakhs were found concealed inside. On questiong she informed that she had collected the same from ladies toilet at the arrival Immigration side and she was to handover to some unknown person in bay area who would take it out of airport. No one came to receive the packet from her. The gold bars were seized under the Customs Act. She was arrested.
In another case one Seik Abdullah, 54, who arrived from Singapore by Air India Express Airlines Flight AI-687.2020 were intercepted at the exit. On personal search 3 bundles of gold in paste form recovered from rectum. On extraction 358 grams of gold valued Rs. 16.50 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act.
Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by Commissioner of Customs , Chennai International Airport.
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Ministry of Minority Affairs
Nai Pahal Scheme
Ministry of Minority Affairs is not implementing “Nai Pahal Scheme.” However, Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the following schemes:
 Nai Roshni -Nai Roshni scheme is a Central Sector scheme which aims to empower and enhance confidence in women by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for Leadership Development of Women. It is a six-day non-residential/five-day residential training programme conducted by selected Programme Implementing Agencies for the women belonging to minority community in the age group of 18 to 65 years. The training programme cover areas related to programmes for women, health and hygiene, legal rights of women, financial literacy, digital literacy, Swachch Bharat, Life Skills, and advocacy for social and behavioural changes, etc.
So far, around 4.35 Lakh women have been trained under the scheme.
 Naya Savera - Free Coaching and Allied Scheme - The Scheme aims to provide free coaching to students/candidates belonging to six notified minority communities i.e.Sikhs, Jains, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis for technical/professional courses and competitive examination for recruitment to Group ‘A’, ‘B’, & ‘C’ services and other equivalent posts under the Central and State Governments. The scheme is implemented across the country through empanelled project implementing agencies .
So far, more than 1.19 lakh minority students / candidates have benefitted from Naya Savera.
 Nai Udaan - Support is provided to minority candidates clearing Preliminary examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission , State Public Service Commission , Staff Selection Commission  etc.
So far financial support has been provided to around 9800 minority candidates.
 Nai Manzil – The Scheme “Nai Manzil” aims to benefit the minority youth  belonging to six notified minority communities of 17-35 years of age, who do not have formal school leaving certificate, i.e., those in the category of school – dropouts or educated in community education institutions like Madrasas. 30% of the beneficiary seats are earmarked for girl/women candidates and 5% of the beneficiary seats for persons with disability belonging to the minority community under the scheme. The scheme provides a combination of formal education (Class
VIII or X) and skills to enable beneficiaries seek better employment and livelihood. A total of 93485 beneficiaries have been trained so far under the scheme all over
India.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.