ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Culture
Government has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres to protect, preserve & promote various forms of folk dances, art and culture of the tribals in the country: Shri G Kishan Reddy
Key Highlights:
- Sahitya Akademi especially encourages preservation and promotion of unrecognized and tribal languages
- Funds provided to State Governments under Support to Tribal Research Institutes Scheme to strengthen and support TRIs
The Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centresto protect, preserve & promote various forms of folk dances, art and culture of the tribals in the country. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis throughout the country.
Sahitya Akademi, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, encourages the preservation and promotion of languages, especially the unrecognized and tribal languages.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs is administering a scheme namely “Support to Tribal Research Institutes ”. Through this scheme, funds are provided to State Governments to strengthen and support the Tribal Research Institutes  in their infrastructure needs, Research & Documentation activities, evidence based action and applied research to find solution and create replicate models of development, construction and maintenance of tribal museums, organization of tribal festivals, programs for preservation of tribal cultural heritage in dance, music, painting etc. & training and capacity building programs.
This information was given by Minister of Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory in election
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory in the election.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Heartiest congratulations to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory in the election. I am confident that India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership will continue to strengthen in your second term. My best wishes to you and the friendly people of Uzbekistan."
Ministry of Defence
Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus assumed charge as FOGA
Goa, 1 August 2023
Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus took over as Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area  at a Ceremonial Parade held at INS Hansa, Goa. Prior to taking over as FOGA, he served as Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy.
Commissioned into the Executive branch of the Indian Navy on 01 July 1991, Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus was selected for the pilot’s course in June 1992 and joined the fighter stream of Naval Aviation upon completion of the course.
He has flown Kiran, HPT-32, MiG-21, Sea Harrier and MiG-29K aircraft and has over 3,000 h of flying experience. He was the first Indian Pilot to land MiG-29K on INS Vikramaditya. He underwent Flying Instructors Course in 2001 and is an instructor on Sea Harrier and MiG-29K aircraft.
Rear Admiral Theophilus was selected to head the MiG-29K project and after completing training in Russia, he commissioned the squadron and later led the squadron for integration with aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. He has also served as Captain  of INS Vikramaditya. His command tenures include INS Trinkat, Talwar and Tarkash.
PIB Panaji | Gautam SK/S.Thakur/P.Malandkar
(Visitor Counter : 365
Ministry of Education
Union Budget 2021-2022: Highlights for the Department of School Education and Literacy
Over 56 lakh school teachers to be trained through NISHTHA in 2021-2022
As per the Union Budget 2021-2022 announcement, during the year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 30 lakh elementary school teachers were trained digitally, covering the whole gamut of education. Taking this further, in 2021-22, training of 56 lakh school teachers will be enabled through NISHTHA.
NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement is an Integrated Teacher Training Programme aimed at improving learning outcomes at the Elementary level. It was launched by Department of School Education and Literacy on 21st August, 2019.
During the pandemic, all 18 modules of NISHTHA were made online and translated in 10 regional languages. 27 states and 7 autonomous  organisations under MoE and MoD began conducting online NISHTHA courses in 10 languages  for approximately 24 lakhs elementary school teachers. These modules will be completed by teachers by April 2021.
Specialized online NISHTHA training will be extended to teachers of foundational years from August 2021. Online Training for teachers of Secondary/senior secondary level will be initiated in July 2021. Mentors  shall also be prepared alongside for continuing the hand holding of teachers after training is over.
Ministry of Defence
ARMY CHIEF REVIEWS SECURITY SITUATION ALONG THE LAC IN HIMACHAL PRADESH AND UTTARAKHAND
The Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande is currently on a three day forward area visit to the LAC in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This is the maiden visit of the Army Chief to this sector after taking over as the Chief of the Indian Army. The Army Chief is accompanied by Army Commander, Central Command and GOC, Uttar Bharat Area.
During visits to the forward posts, the COAS is being briefed by local commanders about the prevailing situation along the borders. Taking a first-hand assessment of the operational preparedness in forward areas, the Army Chief is scheduled to witness the high altitude operational capabilities of deployed formations, including mountaineering skills and long range patrolling. The COAS is also reviewing the ongoing infrastructure and development work and the Army-Citizen connect in the forward areas.
While interacting with the Commanders during his visit, the Army Chief emphasised the need for vigil and alertness along the borders. He expressed his satisfaction on the rapid improvement of defensive posture and operational readiness of formations. He appreciated the absorption of modern technology in undertaking persistent surveillance.
The COAS, during his interaction with the troops deployed on the forward posts, appreciated their high morale and exhorted them to maintain the high standards of professional excellence. He also complimented the excellent synergy between the Army, CAPF, Civil Administration and Police towards operational effectiveness and sustainable development in the border areas.
Ministry of Steel
Steel sector companies doing their best to supplement Medical Oxygen supply in the country;
Steel Sector produced 3474 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen yesterday;
All out efforts being made to enhance production of LMO and for dispensing the same
Under the guidance and direction of Union Steel Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Public Sector Undertakings, under the Ministry of Steel, and other Private companies in the steel sector, in this hour of need, are with the nation and continuing their best to supplement the efforts of the Government in making available Liquid Medical Oxygen.
Total daily Medical Oxygen production capacity of Steel plants is 2834 MT. In the Steel Sector, there are 33 oxygen plants  of which 29 are tapped regularly.As against 2834 MT of daily LMO production capacity in the Steel Sector, the production of LMO is 3474 MT as reported on 24th April 2021. This is higher than the LMO production capacity because most units have reduced the production of Nitrogen and Argon and only producing LMO.With all these efforts, 2894 tonnes were dispatched to different states on 24th April by Steel Plants in Public & Private Sector as against 1500/1700 Metric Tonnes /Day a week earlier.
Steel plant requires gaseous oxygen, primarily for steel making and for oxygen enrichment in Blast Furnaces, apart from some general purposes like lancing and gas cutting. Hence Captive Oxygen Plants in Integrated Steel Plants are designed to produce primarily gaseous products of Oxygen, Nitrogen and Argon and then routed through Pressure Reduction & Management System  to meet the process need at desired pressure. Such plants can produce 5-6% maximum Liquid Oxygen  at the peak capacity, which is a highly pure product compared to the industrial oxygen. Plants can only optimize LOX production by sacrificing some gaseous Oxygen and optimize process parameters.
In the meantime, all out efforts are being made to enhance the production of liquid oxygen and for dispensing the same for which all oxygen plants whether in private or public are working 24x7 and dispensing oxygen. Steel plants are also filling oxygen cylinders and supplying to the States/hospitals.
Steel plants in both public and Private sector are striving hard to supply the liquid oxygen to different states. The Average delivery of Liquid Medical Oxygen by SAIL has been raised to more than 800 tonnes per day. Around 1150T of LMO was delivered on 23rd April, and the quantity delivered yesterday was 960 Tonnes. SAIL has been continuously enhancing LMO supply. Total Liquid Medical Oxygen supplied from SAIL integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Bokaro, Rourkela, Durgapur and Burnpur from August, 2020 till yesterday has been 39,647 Tonnes.
As far as RINL is concerned, in the last FY 20-21, it had supplied 8842 ton of LMO. This FY, from 13th April till today morning, more than 1300 ton of Medical Oxygen has been dispatched There is increase from 100 ton to 140 tons in last three days. First Oxygen Express had chugged off RINLVizag Steel Plant site on 22nd April, carrying 100 tons of Liquid Medical Oxygen to Maharashtra to meet medical exigencies of Covid patients.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Constitution Day
Prime Minister mentions in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast
Nation to read Preamble at 11.00 am on Constitution Day
Department of Justice acts as a nodal department to coordinate various activities
The yearlong nationwide activities on Constitution Day are being launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly, beginning November 26, 2019. The day 26th November is celebrated every year as Constitution Day . These activities aim to reiterate and reorient the citizens towards the values and principles expressed in the Indian Constitution and encouraging all Indians to play their rightful role in strengthening the Indian Democracy.
Various sections of the society will do a mass reading of the Preamble to the Constitution at 11:00 am on the Constitution Day. Like every year, each Ministry/ Department/ Organisation will take up a mass reading of Preamble of the Constitution to mark the occasion. Talks, discussions and seminars will also take place all over the country on the Constitution Day.
The aim is to publicize the glorious and rich composite culture and diversity of our nation. Further, it aims to create awareness of Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. As citizens of our great nation, we believe firmly in Gandhian thought that ‘The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek’ and as said by Sardar Patel, ‘Every Indian should forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jaat. He must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in his country but with certain duties’.
The activities on Constitution Day will see participation and cooperation from all Ministries/ Departments at the Centre/State, Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertakings, Armed Forces and Central Public Organisations etc. Further to make it a peoples’ movement, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has interacted with the entire nation through ‘Mann ki Baat’ on November 24, 2019. The President of India, the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Minister for Law & Justice and all Members of Parliament will participate in a special function being organized in the Central Hall of the Parliament on the Constitution Day. A Digital Photo Exhibition will be inaugurated and a Portal on Youth Parliament Scheme will also be launched on this occasion. As mark of solidarity and an appeal to citizens of India to exhort their contribution during the campaign, an electronically signed Pledge by the Prime Minister be rendered to the public at large.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Maharashtra from February 12 to 13
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Maharashtra  from February 12 to 13, 2020.
On February 12, 2020, the President will grace and address the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Bank Management in Pune.
On February 13, 2020, the President will present ‘Colour’ to the INS Shivaji in Lonavala.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Pharma Exports grow over 125% in last 9 years
Investment of Rs. 21,861 Crore received under PLI Schemes
In a major feat, India's Drug and Pharmaceutical products exports grow by 125 per cent from Rs. 90,415 Crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 2,04,110 Crore in 2022-23. Drugs and Pharmaceuticals exports constitute 5.71 per cent of the total exports from India. India ranks 3rd worldwide for the production of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals by volume exporting to around 200 countries/territories with the top 5 destinations being the USA, Belgium, South Africa, UK, and Brazil.
India also accounts for 60 per cent of global vaccine production making it the largest vaccine producer in the world. India is also one of the biggest suppliers of low-cost vaccines in the world and is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, occupying a 20% share in global supply by volume. Further, India has supplied over 298 million COVID-19 vaccines to around 100 countries across the globe under Vaccine Maitri initiative .
Government of India has launched three Production Linked Incentive  Schemes, – Bulk Drugs , Medical Devices  and Pharmaceuticals , to attain self-reliance, boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the sector. The following table illustrates the investment received under the PLI Schemes :
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
PLI Scheme
|
|
Investment Received

|
|
1.
|
|
Bulk Drugs
|
|
2405.69
|
|
2.
|
|
Medical Devices
|
|
837.23
|
|
3.
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
18618.09
|
|
Total
|
|
21,861
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
(Visitor Counter : 287
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture operates Museum Grant Scheme  and Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science  for modification and modernization of museums
Main Highlights
- During the last two years , 8 museums have been funded under Museum Grant Scheme for development/modernization of existing museums.
Ministry of Culture operates two schemes namely Museum Grant Scheme  and Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science , one of the components of which is development/modification of existing museums and modernization/upgradation of existing Science Cities/Science Centers/Innovation Hubs respectively.
These schemes aim to provide financial assistance to modernize/upgrade and create a congenial spatial setting for diverse exhibitions, galleries and visitors amenities in the existing Museums and Science Cities/Science Centers/Innovation Hubs. One of the components under Museum Grant Scheme is Digitization of Museum Collections which primarily focuses on digitization of museum collection.
During the last two years , 8 museums have been funded under Museum Grant Scheme for development/modernization of existing museums. Similarly, 13 Science Cities/Science Centers/Innovation Hubs have been funded under Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science for modernization, renovation and improvement of existing facilities.
This reply was given by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves appointment of Adjudicating Authority and establishment of Appellate Tribunal under Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the appointment of Adjudicating Authority and establishment of Appellate Tribunal under Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988.
Salient Features:
- Appointment of an Adjudicating Authority, along with the three additional Benches and to establish the Appellate Tribunal under the PBPT Act;
- To provide the officers and employees to Adjudicating Authority, Benches of the Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal by diverting the existing posts at the same level/rank from the Income Tax Deptt./Central Board of Direct Taxes ;
- The Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal shall sit in the National Capital Territory of Delhi . Benches of Adjudicating Authority may sit in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, and the necessary notification in this regard shall be issued after making consultation with the Chairperson of the proposed Adjudicating Authority.
Benefits:
The approval will result in effective and better administration of cases referred to the Adjudicating Authority and speedy disposal of appeals filed against the order of the Adjudicating Authority before the Appellate Tribunal.
Appointment of the Adjudicating Authority would provide first stage review of administrative action under the PBPT Act. Establishment of the proposed Appellate Tribunal would provide an appellate mechanism for the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority under the PBPT Act.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Hon’ble President to give away the National Safety Awards  National Safety Awards -2013 & 2014
Occupational safety, health and welfare of persons employed in all mines - coal, metalliferous and oil - all over the country comes under the domain of the Central Government. Provisions for occupational safety of persons employed in mines are contained in the Mines Act, 1952, and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder. The responsibility of implementation of the provisions of the Mines Act and the legislation framed thereunder lies with the mine management. The Directorate General of Mines Safety under the Ministry of Labour & Employment oversees compliance of the same through a system of periodic inspection and inquiry. Recognizing the need for involvement of the work persons in safety and health matters, the Government has been promoting the concepts of "Self-Regulation" and "Participative Management" with a view to influence human behaviour at work so that a real breakthrough in accident prevention could be achieved. A variety of safety educational/ promotional measures have been conceived, formulated and promoted from time to time for the cause of safety. National Safety Awards  Scheme is one such measure.
To recognize and encourage any notable and exemplary performance for prevention of accidents in mines, the Union Ministry of Labour launched the National Safety Awards  in the year 1982-83. These awards were given away for the first time in the year 1984 for the contest years 1982 & 1983 and thereafter, regularly every year.
For the purpose of the contest for National Safety Awards  all mines have been divided into 7 different groups depending upon the type of mineral and nature of workings. The indicators of safety performance for determining eligibility of these awards are:
· Longest accident free period  in terms of manshifts worked during three consecutive years ending with the contest year
· Lowest injury frequency rate  during three consecutive years ending with the contest year
To scrutinize and adjudge applications from mines for awards, a tripartite National Safety Awards Committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The Committee comprises of eight representatives from mine managements, eight representatives from trade unions and Government represented by Director General as Chairman and one officer of DGMS as its Member Secretary.
In all, there are 37 Winner prizes and 34 Runner-up prizes which will be given away to the winning mines in the award function organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The award for each mine is received jointly by one management representative and one workers’ representative. Awards for the contest year 2013 & 2014 will be given away by Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on 17th August, 2017 at 1200-1300 hours at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Export of Organic AGRI-Products
A product is allowed to be exported as organic productonly when accompanied by a Transaction Certificate issued by a Certification Body accredited by National Accreditation Body  for organic products under the National Programme for Organic Production  of the Department of Commerce. Organic products for export will be so certified only if produced, processed and packed as per the standards laid down in NPOP.
The promotion of exports of organic products is a continuous process. The Agriculture Export Policy provides that no restrictions will be placed on export of organic products. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority , an autonomous organization under the administrative control of Department of Commerce, has been mandated with the export promotion of organic products. APEDA provides assistance to the exporters of organic products under various components of its export promotion scheme. APEDA also undertakes various activities to promote exports of organic products viz. addition of new products under NPOP, making efforts to get NPOP standards recognized by the importing countries, promoting ‘India Organic’ brand through participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, organizing Buyer-Seller Meets , organizing capacity building and outreach programmes etc.
Region-wise data is not maintained. The State/UT-wise details of the organicagri-products exported from the country during 2018-19 are given below:
Annexure-I
|
|
Export of Organic Products 
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State Name
|
|
Exported Qty 
|
|
Value 
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
3726.81
|
|
13075.60
|
|
2
|
|
Assam
|
|
458.13
|
|
1043.38
|
|
3
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
15.80
|
|
306.77
|
|
4
|
|
Daman & Diu
|
|
25555.20
|
|
13006.12
|
|
5
|
|
Goa
|
|
489.78
|
|
3760.13
|
|
6
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
64910.65
|
|
53026.34
|
|
7
|
|
Haryana
|
|
29677.67
|
|
23715.69
|
|
8
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
11.27
|
|
134.36
|
|
9
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
2169.51
|
|
3891.95
|
|
10
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
2.87
|
|
43.40
|
|
11
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
11897.28
|
|
23704.95
|
|
12
|
|
Kerala
|
|
6139.12
|
|
26166.99
|
|
13
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
314115.05
|
|
140197.07
|
|
14
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
75304.17
|
|
46326.00
|
|
15
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
0.70
|
|
24.39
|
|
16
|
|
New Delhi
|
|
40151.32
|
|
27937.37
|
|
17
|
|
Punjab
|
|
248.18
|
|
298.72
|
|
18
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
23269.27
|
|
13843.49
|
|
19
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
3382.73
|
|
9473.72
|
|
20
|
|
Telangana
|
|
4000.27
|
|
81464.39
|
|
21
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
4658.09
|
|
7184.69
|
|
22
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
191.99
|
|
606.95
|
|
23
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
3802.72
|
|
26205.30
|
|
Total:
|
|
614178.56
|
|
515437.75
|
|
Source: TraceNet/ APEDA
This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.