ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Record Outlay of Rs 1,10,055 Crore for Railways, of which Rs1,07,100 Crore for Capital Expenditure
National Rail Plan for India to create “Future Ready” Railway System by 2030
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor  and Eastern DFC expected to be commissioned by June 2022
Future DFC projects namely East Coast Corridor, East-West Corridor and North-South Corridor to be undertaken
Introduction of more vista dome LHB coaches on tourist routes
Indigenously developed automatic train protection system for high density network and highly utilized network routes
Indian Railways has received a record outlay of ` 1,10,055 crore, of which ` 1,07,100 crore is for capital expenditure. This record outlay was announced by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in the Parliament today. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030.
Smt. Sitharaman said, “Bringing down the logistic costs for our industry is at the core of our strategy to enable ‘Make in India’.” The Finance Minister announced that Western Dedicated Freight Corridor  and Eastern DFC are expected to be commissioned by June 2022.
Further, the Finance Minister proposed the following additional initiatives to be taken up:
- The Sonnagar – Gomoh Section  of Eastern DFC will be taken up in PPP mode in 2021-22. Gomoh-Dankuni section of 274.3 km will also be taken up in short succession.
- Future dedicated freight corridor projects namely East Coast corridor from Kharagpur to Vijayawada, East-West Corridor from Bhusaval to Kharagpur to Dankuni and North-South corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada will be undertaken. Detailed Project Reports will be undertaken in the first phase.
- 100% electrification of Broad-Gauge routes will be completed by December, 2023. Broad Gauge Route Kilometers  electrified is expected to reach 46,000 RKM i.e., 72% by end of 2021 from 41,548 RKM on 1st Oct 2020.
Passenger Convenience and Safety
Smt. Sitharaman also proposed following measures for passenger convenience and safety:
- Introduction of the aesthetically designed Vista Dome LHB coach on tourist routes to give a better travel experience to passengers.
- High density network and highly utilized network routes of Indian railways will be provided with an indigenously developed automatic train protection system that eliminates train collision due to human error.
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Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister addresses the 97th Annual Convocation of Delhi University
First time in the history of the University, 1,78,719 digital degrees were awarded online
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' addressed the 97th Annual Convocation of the University of Delhi, held today at the Multi-purpose hall, Indoor Stadium Sports Complex, Delhi. The Minister also inaugurated the Maharishi Kanad Bhawan. First time in the history of the University, 1,78,719 digital degrees were distributed online by the Union Minister of Education.
In his address to the august gathering , the Minister asserted that the duty of a University was to patronize, promote, support, & guide other educational institutions. He observed that the University was supporting and promoting institutions located in remote areas under the Vidya Vistar Yojna.
Emphasizing the need for reforms in the education sector, Shri Pokhriyal said that the University of Delhi can further contribute to nation-building by advancing Center of Excellence on National Education Policy. The efforts will not only strengthen Indian education system but also make India a global knowledge superpower, he added. Shri Pokhriyal congratulated the students and parents on this important day of their lives and motivated them to face the future challenges with hard work and determination.
He appreciated the efforts of the University of Delhi for ensuring no disruption in the holistic development of its students during this pandemic year.
Dean Examinations, Prof. D. S. Rawat congratulated all the award holders - 670 doctoral degrees, 44 DM/M.Ch degrees, 156 medals and 36 prizes from multidisciplinary fields. The University’s Brochure was released which has a dedicated section on Resilience to Covid -19. The biggest achievement has been to become the first University in the Country to conduct Open Book Examination  for such a large number of students keeping health and safety of the students as the top most priority as instructed by the Ministry of Education.
The Vice Chancellor  shared with immense pride that the University has launched Vidya Vistar scheme to support institutions in the remote areas. Under V2 scheme, this University will offer expertise of the faculty members, library resources and other academic facilities to the partner institute. The initiatives of the University in terms of establishment of new Centres of learning - Delhi School of Public Health, the Delhi School of Climate Change & Sustainability, the Delhi School of Skill Enhancement & Entrepreneurship Development to provide education in new concepts were also announced.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Sh. Hardeep Singh Puri appreciates aviation professionals and stakeholders for commendable efforts during Covid-19 crisis
Over 591 tons of cargo transported during Covid-19 lockdown by Lifeline Udan flights covering over 3,43,635 km
Sh. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State, I/C, Civil Aviation appreciated aviation professionals and stakeholders for their commendable efforts during Covid-19 crisis by making life saving medical & essential supplies available to citizens across the country under Lifeline Udan. In a tweet today, the Minister shared that 3,43,635 km has been covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date. 347 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 206 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. 591.66 tons of cargo has been transported till date.
Vistara has operated 7 cargo flights during 19-23 April 2020 covering 8,989 km and carrying around 20 tons of cargo. Spicejet operated 522 cargo flights during 24 March to 23 April 2020 covering 7,94,846 km and carrying 3993 tons of cargo. Out of these, 178 were international cargo flights. Blue Dart operated 184 cargo flights covering 1,87,155 km and carrying 2957 tons of cargo during 25 March to 23 April 2020. Out of these, 6 were international cargo flights. Indigo has operated 37 cargo flights during 3-23 April 2020 covering 48,344 km and carrying around 101 tons of cargo and including 8 international flights. This includes medical supplies carried free of cost for the government. Domestic Cargo Operators are operating cargo flights on a commercial basis.
In International Sector, the quantity of medical cargo brought in by Air India on 23rd April 2020 from Hongkong and Guangzhou is 61 tons. Further, Blue Dart has uplifted around 86 tons of medical supplies from Guangzhou from 14th April to 23rd April 2020.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 to be held at Shillong on August 8-9, 2019
Theme: “Digital India: Success to Excellence”
The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances , in association with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology , Government of India and the State Government of Meghalaya will organize the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance  2019 on 8-9th August, 2019 at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Union Minister of State  for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh will preside over the function. Shri Conard Kongal Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya will be the Chief Guest of the event. The theme of this Conference is “Digital India: Success to Excellence”.
The Conference is a part of the DARPG’s 100 days initiatives in the new Government. This is the first time the event is being organized in North-Eastern region of the country. This Conference provides a platform to disseminate knowledge on effective methods of designing and implementing sustainable e-Governance initiatives to provide end-to-end Digital Services, exchange experiences in solving problems, mitigating risks, resolving issues and planning for success.
Discussions will be held on six sub-themes in Plenary session during the Conference: India Enterprise Architecture , Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and capacity building, Emerging Technology for Practitioners, Secretariat Reforms, National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment . Four Breakout Sessions will be held on sub-themes - One Nation One Platform, Engaging with Innovators and Industry, End-to-End Digital Services: IT initiatives of State Governments.
The Conference would provide considerable momentum to the e-Governance initiatives in the North Eastern region, providing opportunities for civil servants and industry captains of the region to showcase their successful interventions in e-Governance in improving end to end service delivery. 15 States would be presenting their IT initiatives and success stories in the breakout sessions.
28 States and 8 Union Territories have confirmed their participation in the Conference and over 500 delegates are expected to attend it. An Exhibition will also be organized during the event to showcase India’s achievements in the field of e-Governance, along with a Hall of Fame/ photo exhibition on the award winners.
Shri Hamletson Dohling, Minister of Information Technology & Communication and Urban Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya will address the inaugural session. Senior Secretaries from the Government of India including Shri K.V. Eapen, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and Pensions and Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology would address the conference.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi addresses “Pradhanmantri Mudra Yojna” promotion camp in Hyderabad
Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said here that under the “Mudra Yojna”, launched on 08th April 2015, the Centre has approved about 9.13 crore loans. Addressing the common people, traders, industries’ representatives and people from social sector in Hyderabad during “Pradhanmantri Mudra Yojna” promotion camp, Shri Naqvi said that there are about 76 percent women in these beneficiaries of “Mudra Yojna”. More than 55 percent of the beneficiaries are SC/ST/OBCs and Minorities.
Shri Naqvi said that today each and every country of the world has recognising India as an emerging economic power. Today, India has become one of the safest and strongest destination for investment. Shri Naqvi said that during the last three years, the NDA Government has moved forward towards strengthening the Indian economy. Growth rate has been above 7 percent during the last three years.
Shri Naqvi said that “Demonetisation” has started giving results. Direct Benefit Transfer has ensured transparency, as money has been given directly into the bank accounts of needy.
Shri Naqvi explained the people about “Mudra Yojna” and various other schemes such as “Start Up India”, “Stand Up India”. Under the “Mudra” scheme, loan is being given in various category- Up to Rs 50,000 in “Shishu Category”; from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh under “Kishor Category” and from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh under “Tarun Category”.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Empowering Nari Shakti of North East India on Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram, under the aegis of NEC, Ministry of DoNER.
Menstruation and menstrual practises still face major socio-cultural restrictions, resulting in women as well as adolescent girls, which pose a significant barrier in the path of hygienic health practices. Young adolescent girls tend to be less prepared for menstrual hygiene management and suffer from apprehensions, fear, and shame during their menses. In rural areas, women do not have access to sanitary products, or they have very little knowledge about the types and methods of use, or they simply can't afford them owing to the high cost.
Awareness Campaign on Female Hygiene & Care Products was successfully conducted across District Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh under the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society , Shillong and Changlang Community Resource Management Society  in collaboration with the District Administration, supported by the North Eastern Council & Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India.
It is a convergence of the Chief Minister's flagship program-promoting girls' health and hygiene scheme and waste management awareness.
Under NERCRMSS and CCRMS, self-help groups are producing low-cost biodegradable and re-usable sanitary napkins with a focus on rural women and girls.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Boost to Metro Rail connectivity in Bhopal
Cabinet approves Bhopal Metro Rail Project comprising two corridors
 Karond Circle to AIIMS  Bhadbhada Square to RatnagiriTiraha
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved implementation of Bhopal Metro Rail Project comprising two corridors of total length 27.87 Km  Karond Circle to AIIMS  and  Bhadbhada Square to RatnagiriTiraha  which will connect major public nodes and city cluster areas of Bhopal.
Details:
- The length of Karond to AIIMS corridor is 14.99 km, which is mostly elevated and partly underground  and comprises of 16 Stations .
- The length of Bhadbhada to RatnagiriTiraha corridor is 12.88 km comprising of 14 stations all elevated.
- The project will provide continuous availability of affordable, reliable, safe, secure and seamless transport system in the urban agglomeration of the city, which will reduce the accidents, pollution, travel time, energy consumption, anti-social incidents as well as regulate urban expansion and land use for sustainable development.
- The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 6941.40 crore and the project will be completed in four years.
Benefits:
The population of 23 lakh of Bhopal agglomeration area is expected to be benefitted by Bhopal Metro Rail Project directly and indirectly. The corridors will be having Multimodal Integration with Railway Stations & BRTS Stations and will have feeder network of Bus, Intermediate Public Transport  and Non Motorised Transport . The Project will have non-fare box revenue from rental & advertisement as well as Value Capture Financing  through mechanism of Transit Oriented Development  and Transfer of Development Rights .
The residential areas along this Metro Rail corridors shall be immensely benefitted by this project, as the people of these areas will be able to travel on trains from their own neighborhoods to reach different areas of the city conveniently.
Karond to AIIMS corridor will pass through the heart of city and connect densely populated areas with Bus Station, Railway Stations and AIIMS. Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri corridor will connect upcoming Smart City's Area Based Development  with BFIEL and surrounding industrial areas. TheMetro will provide Eco friendly and sustainable public transport to residents, commuters, industrial workers, visitors and travelers.
Progress:
- A SPY namely Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Ltd.  has been constituted for implementation of the Project.
- The financing of Bhopal Metro Rail Project will be partly from GoI and GoMP on equal equity basis and partly as loan from European Investment Bank .
- M/s DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH in consortium with M/s Louis Berger SAS and M/s Geodata Engineering S.p.A has been appointed as General Consultant  for Bhopal Metro Rail Project.
- The tenders for first civil work package have been invited and work will start soon.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Under the scheme PM-Kissan all Small and Marginal farmers  families having cultivable land upto two hectares will be provided income support of Rs.6000/- per year directly into their bank accounts, in three equal installments
In order to assist in benefit transfer, a platform named PM Kisan Portal  has also been launched for uploading the SMF details
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh has written to the Chief Ministers of all States for their support in the effective & speedy implementation of “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi ” so that the entitled benefits are expeditiously transferred to the farmers.
In his letter to the Chief Ministers, the Union Agriculture Minister writes that under the scheme, selection of eligible small farmer families has to be undertaken by the State Governments and the necessary details such as bank accounts etc., are to be provided on the online portal so that the first installment of the benefits can be transferred to the eligible families.
For the implementation of the scheme, the States shall prepare database of eligible beneficiary landholder farmer families in the villages capturing the Name, Age, Gender, Category  , Aadhaar Number , Bank Account Number, IFSC Code. Though mobile number is not mandatory but it is advised that when available it may be captured so that the information related to sanction/transfer of benefit can be communicated. States/UTs shall ensure that there is no duplication of the payment transferred to eligible families. Speedy reconciliation in case of wrong/incomplete bank details of the beneficiary should be ensured.
Shri Singh also informed that in order to make integrated platform available in the country to assist in benefit transfer, a platform named PM Kisan Portal  has also been launched for uploading the SMF details at a single web portal in a uniform structure.
The letter further states that that a committed involvement of the administrative machinery from the State level to the village level is absolutely essential for timely implementation of this scheme.
PIB Headquarters
Income Tax Offices in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Region to remain open on 30, 31 March
The press release issued by Ms. R Ilavarasi, Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax, Office of the Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, TN & Puducherry Region Chennai, states that the last date for filing belated/revised tax returns for the Assessment Year 2018-19 falls on 31st March 2019 and the financial Year also closes on 31st March 2019. Therefore all the Income Tax Offices in Tamilnadu & Puducherry Region shall remain open on 30th March 2019 and 31st March 2019 during normal office hours to facilitate filing of tax returns by the taxpayers.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Concessions for Setting -Up of FPIS & Mega Food Parks in Hilly Areas
Ministry of Food Processing industries  has been implementing Central Sector Umbrella Scheme - Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana  since 2016-17 for overall growth and development of food processing sector including setting up of Food Processing Industries. Under the component schemes of PMKSY, special concessions are provided for setting up of such industries and Mega Food Parks in North Eastern States  and difficult areas like Himalayan States/UTs, State notified Integrated Tribal Development Project  areas and Islands. These concessions include lower eligibility threshold during evaluation and higher rate of grants for selected projects. The details of higher grants in such areas under relevant component schemes of PMKSY including Mega Food Parksare placed at Annexure.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives in a bus accident in Uttarkashi; announces ex-gratia relief for the victims of accident
PM condoles the loss of lives in a bus accident in Uttarkashi; announces ex-gratia relief for the victims of accident
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed pain over the loss of lives in the bus accident at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.
“My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon.”, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident.
Ministry of Defence
Army Static Switched Communication Network  Phase IV of the Indian Army to be established by M/s ITI;
To provide big boost to the operational capability of defence forces;
Provides an opportunity to the PSU in providing impetus to the Indian economy
In order to meet the long pending demand of the Indian Army the Cabinet Committee on Security, has approved the proposal for establishment of Army Static Switched Communication Network  Phase IV Network to be implemented by M/s ITI, a Public Sector Undertaking, at an estimated cost of Rs. 7796.39 crore with an implementation schedule of 36 months from the date of signing of the contract. The contract has been signed with M/s ITI Ltd. on 01.10.2020. The project is a strategic and theatre area communication network which will upgrade the existing Asynchronous Transfer Mode Technology to Internet Protocol  / Multi Protocol Label Switching  Technology. Optical Fibre Cable , Microwave Radio and Satellite will be used as communication media.
The project will provide better survivability, responsiveness and high bandwidth in any operational scenario and enhance the communication coverage of network closer to IB/LC/LAC. The network will extend the high bandwidth communication to the remote operational areas in Central and Eastern Sectors and enhance communication reach to the forward locations in the Western border too. Thus, the project would augment the communication network of Indian Army in the sensitive forward operational areas which in turn will provide a major boost to the operational preparedness of the Indian Army especially keeping in view the current operational situation at LAC.
Further, with approximately 80% indigenous content, the project will provide a boost to the Indian Industry. The project involves execution of civil works, laying of OFC, tower construction, etc.and with utilization of local resources, hiring of manpower, it would generate employment opportunities especially to the people in remote border areas, support and boost rural economy, assist in upliftment of the local of the local economies, provide skill development during the prolonged period of execution and maintenance of the network.
The project is also a big opportunity for the public sector to showcase its capability and provide an impetus to the Indian economy and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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