ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government’s new policy paying dividends in containing Left Wing Extremism
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs  has been implementing the ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ since 2015 to combat Left Wing Extremism . This envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security and development related measures.
The significant features of the new policy were zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reached the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas.
MHA had categorized 106 districts in 10 states as Left Wing Extremism affected. These districts are covered under the Security Related Expenditure Scheme  of the MHA for the purpose of reimbursement of security related expenditure like transportation, communication, hiring of vehicles, stipend for surrendered Maoists, temporary infrastructure for forces etc to the states. Out of 106 districts, 35 districts which accounted for 80-90 % of country-wide LWE violence were categorized as ‘Most Affected Districts’. This categorization provided the basis for focused deployment of resources - both security and development related. Over the last few years, a number of districts have been carved into smaller districts. This has resulted in the geographical area of the 106 SRE districts to be spread over 126 districts and that of the 35 most affected districts to be expanded to 36 districts.
Over the last four years, there has been a substantial improvement in the LWE scenario. Incidents of violence have seen a 20% decline with a 34% reduction in related deaths in 2017 as compared to 2013. The geographical spread of LWE violence also shrunk from 76 districts in 2013 to just 58 districts in 2017. Besides, just 30 of these districts account for 90% of the LWE violence in the country. At the same time certain new districts have emerged as the focus of expansion by the Left Wing Extremists.
MHA recently undertook a comprehensive exercise in consultation with the States to review the affected districts in order to ensure that the deployment of resources is in sync with the changed ground reality. Accordingly, 44 districts have been excluded and 08 new districts have been added to the list of SRE districts.
In order to counter Maoist efforts to expand their influence in the tribal areas at the tri-junction of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, three districts of Kerala have been included in the list of SRE Districts. Despite the fact that there is hardly any violence in the new districts, the move is pre-emptive.
As a result of the exercise, 90 districts in 11 States will now be covered by the Scheme, down from 126. The list of ‘Most Affected Districts’ has been pruned to 30, down from 36. The revised categorization is a more realistic representation of the actual LWE scenario.
Ministry of Defence
BRO Brave COVID-19 Threat to Make Bridge, Undertake Snow Clearance Operations
Braving the threat of COVID-19, the Border Roads Organsation  personnel are working relentlessly to completely replace Daporijo bridge , the only lifeline of Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh to restore Lines of Communication for all 451 villages and Security Forces located along the China border. The personnel of 23 BRTF/Project Arunank, on special request from Local Administration, is working in full swing in spite of the dilapidated state of existing bridge. A BRO statement said it is committed with the resolve of opening this vital line of communication by planned date, with all necessary precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Part of the country, BRO is presently engaged in Snow clearance operations on Manali - Leh axis, day and night despite inclement weather and COVID 19 threat to provide relief to Lahaul valley and Ladakh in an earlier time frame. Presently Rohtang Pass and Baralachala Pass is being addressed by four snow clearance teams. This is the first time, BRO personnel were inducted by air to Sarchu to carry out snow clearance of mighty Baralachala Pass from Sarchu side.
The Border Roads Organisation, an important arm of the Ministry of Defence, plays pivotal role in constructing and maintaining operational road infrastructure in inhospitable and far flung border areas to support the armed forces meet their strategic needs.
Prime Minister's Office
PM shares Union Minister, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey's article on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared the Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey's article on the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Sharing a tweet by the Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, the Prime Minister's office tweeted;
"केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री @DrMNPandeyMP लिखते हैं कि भारत हमेशा से 'वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम' और विश्व बंधुत्व का पथप्रदर्शक रहा है।"
Ministry of Railways
Achievements of Indian Railways sports persons at International and National levels in 2019
Indian Railways sportspersons have performed excellently in the year 2019 by winning medals and bringing laurels to themselves as well as Indian Railways at National and International levels.
Following Railway Sportspersons have been honored with National Sports Awards during 2019-20:-
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Sr. No
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Name of the Sportsperson
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Sport
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Award
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Zone
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1
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Shri Bajrang Punia
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Wrestling
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Rajeev Gandhi Khel Ratna
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NR
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2
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Shri S. Bhaskaran
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Body Building
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Arjuna Award
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SR
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3
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Ms Sonia Lather
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Boxing
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Arjuna Award
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NWR
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4
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Shri Chinglensena Singh Kangujam
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Hockey
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Arjuna Award
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NWR
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5
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Ms Poonam Yadav
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Cricket
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Arjuna Award
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NCR
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6
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Shri Niteen Kirrtane
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Tennis
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Dhyanchand Award
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|
CR
At National Level, Indian Railway team won National Championship titles in 11 games and stood runners-up in 06 and podium third in 02 games out of 23 games participated.
At International Level, Shri Ravi Kumar , Shri Bajrang Punia  and Ms. Vinesh Phogat , Wrestling players have qualified for Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 to be held in Tokyo  from 24th July, 2020 to 9th August, 2020.
Indian Railway Weightlifters - Ms. Jhilli Dalabehera  won gold Medal, Ms. S. Mirabai Chanu  won gold Medal, Ms. M. Santoshi  won Silver Medal, Ms. Rakhi Halder  won gold Medal, Shri R.V. Rahul  won Silver Medal and Shri Pardeep Singh  won gold Medal in the Commonwealth Senior  Championships held at Apia  from 06.07.2019 to 14.07.2019.
Shri Swapnil Dhopade  Chess player won Bronze Medal in the Commonwealth Chess Championship held at Delhi from 30.06.2019 to 07.07.2019.
Ms.Chitra P.U.   Won Gold Medal, Ms.Anu Rani   won Silver Medal, Shri Ajay Kumar Saroj   won Silver Medal and Ms. Parul Chaudhary   won Bronze medal in the 23rd Asian Athletics Championship held at Doha  from 21.04.2019 to 24.04.2019.
Greco Roman player - Shri Sunil Kumar  Wrestling player won Silver Medal and Free Style  players - Shri Bajrang Punia  won gold Medal, Shri Parvin Rana  won Silver Medal, Shri Rahul Aware  won Bronze Medal, Shri Satyavrat Kadyan  won Bronze Medal, Shri Sumit  Bronze Medal, Ms. Vindesh Phogat  won Bronze Medal, Ms. Sakshi Malik  won Bronze Medal and Ms. Divya Kakran  won Bronze Medal in the Asian Wrestling Championship held at Xian  from 23.04.2019 to 28.04.2019.
Ms. Jhilli Dalabehera  won Silver Medal in the AWF Senior Asian Weightlifting Championship held at Ningbo, China from 17th to 29th April, 2019.
Ms. Sonia  and Shri Asish  won Bronze Medals in the Asian  Boxing Championship held at Xian China from 23.04.2019 to 28.04.2019.
Ms. Pranati Nayak  Gymnastic player won Bronze Medal in the 8th Senior Asian Gymnastic Championship held at Ulaanbaatar  from 19th to 22nd June, 2019.
Indian Railway Volleyball  team won gold Medal in the 17th USIC  Volleyball Championship held at Albena Bulgaria from 24th to 29th August, 2019.
Indian Railway Athletics  teams won the 17th USIC Men and 14th USIC Women  Athletics team Championships held at Trutnov, Czech Republic from 10th to 13th September, 2019.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Indian Council of Agricultural Research  has approved registration of record 15 new breeds of livestock and poultry this year
ICAR has approved registration of record 15 new breeds of livestock and poultry this year alone taking the total to 40 during 2014-18, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at a ceremony for awarding breed registration certificates to the stakeholders today said that the 15 newly registered breeds include two cattle breeds - Ladakhi  and Konkan Kapila ; three buffalo breeds - Luit , Bargur , Chhattisgarhi ; one sheep breed – Panchali ; six goat breeds – Kahmi , Rohilkhandi , Assam Hill , Bidri , Nandidurga , Bhakarwali ; one pig breed – Ghurrah ; one donkey breed – Halari  and one chicken breed – Uttara .
The Minister further said that these native breeds are renowned for heat tolerance, disease resistance and thriving on low input system. The process of identification of animal breeds and their documentation is not only important in providing value to the ingenious animal breeds and introducing various development programs of the government for their improvement but also plays a special role in preserving the biodiversity of the country. We have about 15% of total cattle, 57% of total buffalo, 17% of goat, 7% of sheep and 4.5% of chicken of the world. There is still the possibility of many populations in pure form in the remote areas which need to be assessed for registration as breeds in the coming years.
He said that other than recognition of new breeds; the improvement, protection and conservation of existing breeds are equally important. Keeping this in mind, a number of measures have been taken to protect native breeds. In Rashtriya Gokul Mission, more than Rs 2000 crore has been allocated for the improvement and conservation of our indigenous breeds.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Purushottam Rupala, Smt. Krishna Raj and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present on this occasion.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
UIDAI showcases proof of concept of new initiatives that aim to expand Aadhaar usage through people empowerment, at Global Fintech Fest
Voluntary use of Offline KYC with two factor authentication to help residents avail multiple service of choice
New Initiatives guided by principles of simplicity of usage and respect for privacy
The Unique Identification Authority of India  is working on a set of new initiatives to help residents use Aadhaar voluntarily for availing multiple services of their choice, a move that would expand usage of Aadhaar and support Ease of Living. This initiative leverages three existing Aadhaar components - Offline KYC Verification, Local Face Matching and mAadhaar Application to unlock new user experience.
This was demonstrated at the Global Fintech Fest 2022, here in Mumbai, which is one such exercise to make the burgeoning Fintech industry aware about latest developments and to seek their feedback.
The guiding principles of these initiatives are – simplicity in usage for the residents, respecting the privacy of every individual, and empowering resident to share their information voluntarily to transact and avail a host of services of their choice, explained Dr. Saurabh Garg, CEO, UIDAI.
Simplicity is achieved by focusing on residents’ experience and allowing residents to voluntarily share their Offline KYC information without any connectivity to UIDAI backend and establish Proof of Presence using mAadhaar application on their own smartphones.
This ensures privacy, as it does not require the sharing of the resident’s Aadhaar number. Moreover, Proof of Presence can be established through local matching on the residents’ own smart-phone. In addition, a resident has control of sharing only the self-selected KYC fields with the service provider and business application in a secure manner.
Voluntary use of Offline KYC with two factor authentication can help residents in availing multiple services at a time services across sectors and sub sectors are getting unbundled, choice are myriad and aspirations of residents to avail seamless services and benefits are growing faster. UIDAI through Aadhaar, which is a platform for enabling good governance and ease of living, is continuously working to empower residents.
These proposed features are proof concepts, and would undergo a thorough consultation with all the stake holders including public and experts. These initiatives will be finalized after the due consultation and after following required rules and protocols; and once finalized allow residents to harness their own information voluntarily to avail services.
Aadhaar saturation is near universal among the adult residents in India, and among the overall population it has a saturation level of nearly 94%. UIDAI is touching lives of residents more than 7 crore times a day via various authentications. Once implemented the new initiatives will further expand use of offline authentication and shall support residents in getting services of choice via voluntary usage of Aadhaar.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. Following is the full text of his message -
“I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan and symbolizes brotherhood and togetherness of community. The festival reaffirms the spirit and importance of compassion, charity and generosity in our lives.
In our country, festivals are always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But given the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate the festival by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols.
May the noble ideals associated with Eid-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, harmony and the spirit of humanity.”
Following is the Hindi version of the message -
“ईद-उल-फितर के आनंदमय अवसर पर मैं अपने देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूँ।
ईद-उल-फितर रमज़ान के पवित्र माह के समाप्त होने के उपलक्ष्य में मनाया जाता है और यह सामुदायिक भाईचारे तथा एकजुटता का प्रतीक है। यह त्योहार हमारे जीवन में करूणा, परोपकार और उदारता की भावना और महत्व को सुदृढ़ करता है।
हमारे देश में, त्योहार सदैव ऐसे अवसर होते हैं जिनमें परिवार और मित्र साथ मिलकर खुशियां मनाते हैं लेकिन कोविड-19 विश्वव्यापी महामारी से उत्पन्न परिस्थिति को देखते हुए, मैं देशवासियों से आग्रह करता हूं कि वे कोविड-स्वास्थ्य और स्वच्छता संबंधी नयाचारों का पालन करते हुए इस पर्व को मनाएं।
मैं कामना करता हूँ कि ईद-उल-फितर से जुड़े महान आदर्श हमारे जीवन को शांति, सद्भाव और मानवता की भावना से समृद्ध करेंगे।”
President's Secretariat
President of India Presents Gallantry Awards for the year 2020
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning .
This was the first set of awards for the year 2020, the second set of awards will be presented this evening at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-II.
Click here for list of awardees.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Plan to Tackle Heat Wave in India
India Meteorological Department  has issued red colour warning during hot weather season of 2019 due to prolonged spells of heat wave & severe heat wave over northwest & central parts of India.
As reported by National Disaster Management Authority of India in their Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan – 2016, since 1992, more than 22,000 people died as a result of exposure to extreme heat.
The primary responsibility of heat wave management rests with the States. The concerned State Governments are required to undertake necessary measures as per their relief codes / relief manuals and set up infrastructure in Government hospitals to deal with patients suffering from heat wave related illnesses.
In year 2016, National Disaster Management Authority  issued Guidelines for ‘Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave’. NDMA issued revised guidelines in the year 2017.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have also issued ‘Guidelines on Prevention and Management of Heat Related Illnesses’ in the year 2015.
All States / UT Governments and Ministries / Departments concerned are required to take necessary action as per the guidelines issued by NDMA. So far, 13 State Governments have prepared their Heat Action Plan and are implementing the same. National Centre for Disease Control  has also been advising State Health Departments to follow guidelines on “Prevention and Management of Heat Wave related Illness”.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya visits NFL Panipat Unit
Shri Mandaviya emphasises on balanced use of fertilizers
Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya visited Panipat unit of National Fertilizers Limited  today.
Shri Mandaviya Reviewed the ongoing works and congratulated team NFL Kisan for their outstanding services during this pandemic situation. Despite the stringent restrictions during lockdown due to COVID19 NFL sale jumps by 71%.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that soil testing is essential to obtain maximum quality production and to maintain soil fertility, He also visited Mobile Soil Testing Laboratry and asked officers for special focus on the balanced use of Fertilizers. After the meeting Shri Mandaviya planted a tree - symbol of growth and strength.
On arrival at the Panipat unit, Chairman and Managing Director of the company Mr. Virendra Nath Datt and Director  Mr. Nirlep Singh Rai welcomed the Minister. On this occasion, Mr. Anil Motsara, Chief General Manager  and General Manager  of Panipat unit, Mr. Ratnakar Mishra and other senior officers were also present.
A detailed presentation was made to the Minister through presentation on Panipat plant. During the presentation, the Minister discussed the business aspects related to the fertilizer sector and guided the company.
Prime Minister's Office
PM dedicates AIIMS Nagpur to the nation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation, AIIMS Nagpur today. The Prime Minister also took a walkthrough of the Nagpur AIIMS Project Model and witnessed Milestone Exhibition Gallery that was showcased on the occasion.
The Prime Minister's commitment to strengthening health infrastructure across the country will be strengthened through the dedication of AIIMS Nagpur to the nation. The Hospital, whose foundational stone was also laid by the Prime Minister in July 2017, has been established under the Central sector scheme Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
AIIMS Nagpur, being developed at a cost of more than Rs 1575 crore, is a hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, with OPD, IPD, diagnostic services, Operation theatres and 38 departments covering all major speciality and super speciality subjects of Medical Science. The hospital provides modern healthcare facilities to the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and is a boon to the surrounding tribal areas of Gadchiroli, Gondia and Melghat.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves recapitalisation of Export-Import Bank of India
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the recapitalization of EXIM Bank. The details are as follows:
- Issuance of Recapitalization Bonds by Government of India to the tune of Rs.6,000 crore for capital infusion in Export Import Bank of India .
- The equity will be infused in two tranches of Rs. 4,500 crore in FY 2018-19 and Rs.1,500 crore in FY 2019-20 respectively.
- The Cabinet also approved an increase in the authorized capital of Exim Bank from Rs. 10,000 crore to Rs. 20,000 crore. The recapitalisation bonds will be on the lines issued to Public Sector Banks.
Major Impact:
- Exim Bank is the principal export credit agency for India.
- The infusion of capital into Exim Bank will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with enhanced ability.
- The infusion will give an impetus to anticipate new initiatives like supporting Indian textile industries, likely changes in Concessional Finance Scheme , likelihood of new LoCs in future in view of India's active foreign policy and strategic intent.
Background:
Exim Bank of India  was established in 1982 under an Act of Parliament as the apex financial institution for financing, facilitating and promoting India's international trade. The Bank primarily lends for exports from India including supporting overseas buyers and Indian suppliers for export of developmental and infrastructure projects, equipment, goods and services from India. It is regulated by RBI.
Ministry of Textiles
Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Stakeholders of Textiles Industry in Varanasi
Shri Goyal calls for proactive steps to ensure better prices for weavers
Minister urges textiles industry to focus on high-quality products, develop culture of quality
People should spend 5% of travel budget on local goods to support weavers and craftsmen- Shri Goyal
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, has urged the textiles industry to focus on quality products to meet the demands of the global market, and called for proactive steps to ensure that weavers and craftsmen get better prices for their products.
He called for proactive action including better designs, higher quality, packaging and marketing to ensure weavers fetch better prices for their products in the international market. He said this while interacting with the stakeholders of handloom, handicrafts and textiles industry at Deendayal Hastkala in Varanasi.
The Minister inspected the Trade Facilitation Center set up for weavers and craftsmen of Varanasi. He expressed satisfaction over the facilities available at the centre and said tourists coming to the city should be told about this facility so that they visit and shop from here, benefitting the weavers of Varanasi.
Shri Goyal highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is very dedicated to the cause of improving the condition of the weavers and craftsmen of the country. He added, Prime Minister Modi believes that India’s diversity is reflected in the handloom. In line with the vision of the PM, textile parks are being set up across the country.
The minister stressed on the need to further improve the textile industry, adding that it requires developing a culture of ‘Quality’. India will realise its dream of becoming a developed country only when there is a change in our thought process. He emphasised on optimising the marketing chain to ensure greater benefits to craftsmen and weavers. He also appealed to people to spend 5 % of the travel budget on buying domestically produced goods to support our weavers and craftsmen.