ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 172.81 Cr
More than 49.16 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 97.55%
44,877 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 5,37,045
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 4.46%
With the administration of more than 49.16 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 172.81 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,93,53,556 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,99,410
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99,30,634
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
38,78,308
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,05,152
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,73,74,818
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
53,58,037
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,20,32,858
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,47,92,245
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
54,80,44,294
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
42,63,39,386
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,16,19,377
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17,62,74,802
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,58,81,409
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10,98,24,107
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
79,94,610
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1,72,30,955
|
|
Total
|
|
1,72,81,49,447
1,17,591 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,15,85,711.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.55%.
44,877 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 5,37,045. Active cases constitute 1.26% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,15,279 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 75.07 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 4.46% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 3.17%.
Prime Minister's Office
Remarks by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the One Ocean Summit
President Macron,
Excellencies,
Namaskar!
I congratulate President Macron on this important global initiative for oceans.
India has always been a maritime civilization.
Our ancient scriptures and literature talk about the gifts of the oceans including marine life.
Today, our security and prosperity are linked to oceans.
India's ''Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative'' contains marine resources as a key pillar.
India supports the French initiative of a ''High Ambition Coalition on Bio-diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction ''.
We hope for a legally binding international treaty this year.
India is committed to eliminating single-use plastic.
India recently undertook a nation-wide awareness campaign to clean plastic and other waste from coastal areas.
Three hundred thousand young people collected almost 13 tons of plastic waste.
I have also directed our Navy to contribute100 ship-days this year to cleaning plastic waste from the seas.
India will be happy to join France in launching a global initiative on single use plastics.
Thank you, President Macron.
Ministry of Defence
Employees in BRO
The details of number of regular personnel employed in BRO are as under:-
|
|
Manpower
|
|
Person in position
|
|
Group ‘A’
|
|
620
|
|
Group ‘B’ Gazetted
|
|
238
|
|
Group ‘B’ Non Gazetted
|
|
4942
|
|
Group ‘C’
|
|
27430
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
33230
Border Roads Organisation is a Central Government Department under Ministry of Defence. All the facilities granted by Central Government to its employees governed under Central Civil Services Rules  are also admissible to GREF Personnel. Since BRO is working in difficult and inhospitable areas with adverse climatic conditions, therefore, following additional facilities are also extended to the employees:
- Free ration at par with Army
- Free Uniform
- CSD canteen facilities at par with Army
- Free single accommodation to subordinates. Free single accommodation to Officers in non-static locations only.
- 60 days Earned Leave in field units having six working days in a week etc.
The employment of casual paid labourers in BRO depend upon work load and weather conditions. State wise approximate strength of casual paid labourers in BRO is as under:-
|
|
S. No.
|
|
States
|
|
No. of Casual Paid Labourers
|
|

|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
2217
|
|

|
|
Rajasthan & Punjab
|
|
3516
|
|

|
|
Utrakhand
|
|
4744
|
|

|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
16363
|
|

|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
13482
|
|

|
|
Mizoram
|
|
1854
|
|

|
|
Andaman & Nicobar
|
|
331
|
|

|
|
Nagaland
|
|
1679
|
|

|
|
Manipur
|
|
2838
|
|

|
|
Sikkim
|
|
4045
|
|

|
|
West Bengal
|
|
745
|
|
|
|
|
|
51814
The following facilities have been provided to casual paid labourers working in BRO:
- Compensation under Employees Compensation Act, 1923.
- Financial assistance in the event of death from Border Roads Special Relief Fund .
- Non-productivity bonus.
- Ex-gratia amount is paid to the casual paid labourers or to their NOK @ Rs. 5 Lacs, 4 Lacs & 3 Lacs in case of death, permanent disability and partial disability respectively.
- Warming facilities for casual paid labourers working above 8000 Ft height.
- Supply of safe drinking water, free electricity in casual paid labourers Camp and issue of ration on Govt. rates.
- Nursery/Primary School facilities and crèches for children of CPLs, vegetable shops.
- Transport facilities to worksite is also being provided.
- Medical facilities are being provided to casual paid labourers through Medical Inspection Room.
- Shelter for accommodation etc.
The facilities provided to casual paid labourers have not been withdrawn/discontinued.
All benefits as applicable to women employees of Central Government are automatically extended to women employees in BRO.
BRO engages labourers on requirement basis preferably from local areas. BRO is a defence organization and formation of union is not allowed.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Naba Kumar Sarania in Lok Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/HS
(
Ministry of Defence
Vande Bharatam zonal level competitions from tomorrow in Bengaluru
To select dance troupes for Republic Day 2022 as part of Vande Bharatam project
Vijayawada, Dec10, 2021
Vande Bharatam, the Dance Competition being held to select the best talent to perform at the Republic Day Parade on 26th January, 2022 in New Delhi, has reached an exciting stage. After the successful and energetic performances held in Kolkata and Mumbai, the journey of Vande Bharatam is now moving to Bengaluru.
The third zonal level event of this competition will be held at Dr. B R Ambedkar Bhavan, Bengaluru tomorrow . More than 36 State Level Qualifying Teams participatated in various states of the South Zone would take part in the event. Groups selected from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar are going to represent in the Zonal level competition.
Among the four zonal level events of this competition, the first event was held at Kolkata on  followed by the second at Mumbai on . Participants of both the zones raised the bar of the competition with their excellent performances. It may be noted that this is for the first time dance troupes that perform in Republic Day parade are being chosen based on an all-India level competitions.
This is a unique initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture to commemorate the 75th year of India’s Independence being celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Vande Bharatam competitions which began at district level on November 17, 2021 saw participation of more than 3,870 contestants in 323 groups. The winners at the district level took part in State level competitions from November 30, 2021. More than 20 virtual events were conducted for the State-level competitions over a span of 5 days till December 04, 2021. Over 300 groups were selected for the state-level comprising of over 3,000 dancers/participants.
Thus, over a period of one month the event gave an opportunity to all aspirants to showcase their talent to win a slot at national level.
The earlier zonal level events in Kolkata and Mumbai, witnessed the rich dance forms, music, songs of India in classical, folk, tribal and contemporary forms. The third zonal level event in Bengaluru is equally reflected to live up to the expectation.
The zonal level competitions will be broadcast LIVE on the official Facebook page & YouTube channel of Vande Bharatam along with the website  and mobile application platform.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of veteran singer, Vani Jairam
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran singer, Vani Jairam.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“The talented Vani Jairam Ji will be remembered for her melodious voice and rich works, which covered diverse languages and reflected different emotions. Her passing away is a major loss for the creative world. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Ministry of Tourism
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Paraguay for Strengthening Cooperation in the field of Tourism
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Paraguay for Strengthening Cooperation in the field of Tourism. The MoU was signed in New Delhi on 27th September, 2019.
Salient features and main objectives of the MoU:
- Expansion of bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector;
- Exchange of information and data related to tourism;
- Encouraging cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators and airlines;
- Establishing exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development;
- Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors;
- Exchanging visits of Tour Operators/Media/Opinion-Makers for promotion of two-way tourism;
- Exchange of experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination, development and management;
- Participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country; and
- Promoting safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.
Benefits:
The MoU between India and Paraguay will help the two nations in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector. It will further help India in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Paraguay, which in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation. It will create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation. The MoU will explore to incorporate the best practices in order to implement the measures that will realize the objectives set out in this MoU.
Prime Minister's Office
H. E. Mr. Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya calls on PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met H. E. Mr. Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition in Kenya, in New Delhi today.
Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled their long association, going back over a decade when he had visited Kenya as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Mr. Odinga also warmly recalled his earlier visits to India in 2009 and 2012.
The two leaders discussed the progress in India-Kenya relations in recent years, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Ministry of Finance
Gross Fixed Capital Formation  in Indian economy increases from Rs. 32.78 lakh crore  in 2014-15 to Rs. 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-23 
The Government and private sector together invest in the economy. This was stated by Union Minister for State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chudhary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today while giving details of the total worth of the investment proposals approved by the Government since 2014 onwards to till date.
The Minister stated that this is indicated by Gross Fixed Capital Formation  in the Indian economy which has increased from Rs. 32.78 lakh crore  in 2014-15 to Rs. 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-23 . Financial year-wise GFCF at constant  prices is given below:
|
|
Gross Fixed Capital Formation at Constant  Prices 
|
|
|
|
2014-15
|
|
2015-16
|
|
2016-17
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20|
|
2020-21#
|
|
2021-22@
|
|
2022-23^
|
|
GFCF
|
|
32,78,096
|
|
34,92,183
|
|
37,87,568
|
|
40,83,079
|
|
45,40,509
|
|
45,92,579
|
|
42,55,689
|
|
48,78,773
|
|
54,34,691
Notes:: Third Revised Estimates; #: Second Revised Estimates; @: First Revised Estimates, ^: Provisional Estimates
Source: MoSPI
The Minister further stated that the government is implementing the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure'  and 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment' . Government approved and released special assistance  in the form of 50-years interest free loan for capital expenditure on capital projects including capital projects pertaining to sectors like health, education. irrigation. power. etc for capital expenditure for different States. The year-wise and State- wise details of the approved and released amount for the period from 2020-21 to 2023-24  is given in ANNEXURE 1.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Cabinet approves the proposal to extend the EPF contribution 24%  for another three months from June to August 2020 under PMGKY/AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval for extending the contribution both 12% employees' share and 12% employers' share under Employees Provident Fund, totaling 24% for another 3 months from June to August, 2020, as part of the package announced by the Government under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana / Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the light of COVID-19, a Pandemic.
This approval is in addition to the existing scheme for the wage months of March to May, 2020 approved on 15.04.2020. The total estimated expenditure is of Rs.4,860 crore. Over 72 lakh employees in 3.67 lakh establishments will be benefitted.
Salient Features:
The salient features of the proposal are as under:
- For the wage months of June, July and August, 2020, the scheme will cover all the establishments having upto 100 employees and 90% of such employees earning less than Rs. 15,000 monthly wage.
- About 72.22 lakh workers working in 3.67 lakh establishments will be benefited and would likely to continue on their payrolls despite disruptions.
- Government will provide Budgetary Support of Rs.4800 crore for the year 2020-21 for this purpose.
- The beneficiaries entitled for 12% employers' contribution for the months of June to August, 2020 under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana  will be excluded to prevent overlapping benefit.
- Due to prolonged lockdown, it was felt that businesses continue to face financial crisis as they get back to work. Therefore, the Hon'ble FM, as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, announced on 13.5.2020 that the EPF support for business and workers will be extended by another 3 months viz. for the wage months of June, July, and August, 2020.
The steps taken by the Government from time to time to ameliorate the hardships faced by the low paid workers are well accepted by the stakeholders.
Ministry of Defence
Opening Ceremony: Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ,
Field Training Military Exercise  on 10 September 18 at Aundh Military Station
The Inaugural Military Field Training Exercise for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technological and Economic Cooperation nations named MILEX-18 scheduled from 10 September 18 to 16 September 18 started with a Grand Opening Ceremony on 10 September 18 at Aundh Military Station. Contingents of the member nations came together for the Opening Ceremony. The Parade was Commanded by Captain Gaurav Sharma, who is part of the participating Indian contingent. The Contingents marched together smartly at the Drill Ground of Aundh Military Station. Major General Sanjeev Sharma, General Officer Commanding, Golden Katar Division, Chief Guest for the Opening Ceremony, reviewed the Parade, in presence of number of Officers and officials of participating nations. During the parade there was also a fly past of Army Aviation helicopters who carried the National flags of the member nations. The General Officer Commanding interacted with the Contingents after the completion of the Parade. The members of all participating nations also interacted and familiarised with each other after the Opening Ceremony.
The aim of the forthcoming exercise is to practice the BIMSTEC Nations in planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations. The exercise schedule is focused upon learning of best practices, team building & special tactical level operations in a counter-terrorist environment in semi urban setting. The inaugural edition of the BIMSTEC MILEX 18 was carried out in all Military grandeur, razor edge precision and with complete sanctity that a Military Parade should display.
Col Aman Anand
PRO 
(Visitor Counter : 1509
Ministry of Textiles
Cotton procurement through MSP operations continuing at 34 centres in Maharashtra; Total 36,500 quintals of Kapas equivalent to 6900 bales procured during lockdown period
Around 77.40 % of total Kapas produced in Maharashtra had already arrived in the markets and been sold till 25th March, 2020; Cotton Corporation of India  procured 91.90 lakh quintals of Kapas equivalent to 18.66 lakh bales of cotton valuing Rs.4995 crores from cotton farmers
Steps have been taken to clear the outstanding payment to the farmers for the procured Kapas; Out of total procurement value, a sum of Rs.4987 crores has already reached the farmers
There have been media reports regarding problems being faced by farmers in selling Kapas in APMCs in Maharashtra.
The Ministry of Textiles reassures the farmers that the Cotton Corporation of India  along with its agent the Maharashtra State Cotton Growers’ Marketing Federation Ltd. is well geared and ready to implement the MSP operations of the Government of India in the State of Maharashtra.
MSP procurement is on in Maharashtra since October, 2019. As on 25th March,2020 Cotton Corporation of India  had already procured 91.90 lakh quintals of Kapas equivalent to 18.66 lakh bales of cotton valuing Rs.4995 crores from cotton farmers in Maharashtra through 83 centres.
Till 25th March, 2020 around 77.40 % of total Kapas produced in Maharashtra had arrived in the markets and sold to CCI and private traders. At the time of lockdown around 22.60 % of cotton was yet to arrive. Out of this outstanding Kapas, it is estimated that around 40 to 50 % of Kapas valuing approx. Rs. 2100 crore may be of FAQ grade and growers may wish to avail of MSP rates due to traders not offering better price in view of the pandemic situation.
The MSP operations are continuing and CCI’s procurement is on at 34 centres currently and a total of 36,500 quintals of Kapas equivalent to 6900 bales have been procured in Maharashtra during lockdown period.
The procurement is regulated by the state APMCs and 27 centres are coming under red zones as identified by the District administration wherein procurement is expected to pick up after 3rd May,2020. In remaining 22 centresthe State Government has been approached by the CCI for issue of passes/tokens to farmers to bring Kapas and the matter is being constantly monitored by the Ministry of Textiles through daily status reports on arrival of farmers &Kapas procurement in the APMCs. The necessary coordination of the CCI with the officials of Government of Maharashtra is being done through frequent Conferences for trouble shooting of emerging issues.The Textiles Ministry has also issued Advisory to the Government of Maharashtra to make appropriate arrangements in APMCs for facilitating access to the cotton farmers to avoid distress selling.
Steps have been taken by the CCI to clear the outstanding payment to the farmers for the procured Kapas. Out of total procurement value of Rs.4995 crores, a sum of Rs.4987 crores has already reached the farmers.
Ministry of Culture
Red Fort, Delhi to remain closed for public and general visitors from 22nd January to 31st January, 2019
As per directions of Archaeological Survey of India under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Red Fort, Delhi will remain closed for the Public and general visitors from the morning of 22nd January, 2019 to 31st January, 2019, in view of the Republic Day function and Bharat Parv.
Ministry of Defence
Celebration of Ordnance Factory Day
Kolkata, March 17, 2021
Ordnance Factory Day is observed every year on the 18th of March to commemorate the foundation of the first Ordnance Factory at Cossipore near Kolkata in 1801.
The Ordnance Factories organisation today comprises 41 factories organised into five operational divisions of the Ordnance Factory Board  and constitute a defence production conglomerate with the widest range of products in the world.
A major strength of the Ordnance Factories is their ability to effect successful indigenisation. The current indigenous content of the products is over 90% and in ammunition items it is 97%. A robust R&D set up has led to products of in-house R&D currently contributing to 25% of overall revenue.
The main achievements of the Ordnance Factories this year are the issue of the strategic high explosive HMX for the first time, bulk manufacture and issue of 130/155 mm ‘Sharang’ Gun System to the Indian Army, handing over of the Bullet Resistant Jacket to the Tamil Nadu Police; the issue of the first consignment of the 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher UBGL to the BSF; the successful completion of the user trials by the 5.56 x 30 mm Joint Venture Protective Carbine , the grant of bulk production clearance for the P-7 heavy drop parachute and the successful completion of the DGQA trials of the brake parachute for the Hawk trainer aircraft.
Issue of the first indigenously overhauled T-90 tank is also a significant achievement.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 219.58 Cr
Over 4.12 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 20,821
1,112 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.77%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 1.06%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219.58 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 4.12 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10415387
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10120566
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7071195
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18437141
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17720444
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13747649
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
41239308
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
32358008
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
62008237
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
53327225
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
561412960
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
516314283
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
100616408
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
204048437
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
197074452
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
50730358
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127681210
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
123218908
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
48342610
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
22,05,08,220
|
|
Total
|
|
2,19,58,84,786
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 20,821. Active cases now constitute 0.05% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.77%. 1,892 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,40,97,072.
1,112 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 1,44,491 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 90.04 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 1.06% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.77%.