Cabinet approves extension of last date of Registration under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) from 30th June 2021 to 31st March 2022

 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for extending the terminal date for registration of beneficiaries for availing the benefit under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) for another nine months i.e. from 30th June, 2021 to 31st March, 2022. Consequent upon this extension, it is expected that 71.8 lakh employment will be generated in the formal sector as against the earlier projection of 58.5 lakh. As on 18.06.2021, benefit amounting to Rs.902 crore has been given to 21.42 Lakh beneficiaries through 79,577 establishments under ABRY.

Estimated expenditure of the scheme including the expenditure for the proposed extended period of registration upto 31.03.2020 will be Rs.22,098 crore.

Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Republic of The Gambia on Refurbishing Personnel Administration and Governance Reforms

 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India and the Public Service Commission, Office of the President, Republic of The Gambia on Refurbishing Personnel Administration and Governance Reforms.

Impact:

The MoU will help in understanding the personnel administration of both the countries and enable in improving the system of governance through replicating, adapting and innovating some of the best practices and processes.

Financial implications:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India and the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Nepal in 17 November 2020 and 4 January

2021 respectively.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired the 29th meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19

Dr Harsh Vardhan chairs 29th meeting of Group of Ministers (GOM) on COVID-19

GoM reiterates importance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour as States unlock in a calibrated manner

Second wave still not over; Concerns in Pockets highlighted 

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired the 29th meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 by a video-conference, here today. He was joined by Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare.

Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was present virtually.

The Group of Ministers placed on record its appreciation for all those who have worked tirelessly for COVID management, and for ramping up the coverage and speed of COVID vaccination across the country.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave a snapshot of India’s efforts to contain COVID-19 at the outset: “In the last 24 hours we have had only 46,148 cases making the active caseload decline significantly to 5,72,994 in the country. The recovery rate has been steadily increasing and stands at 96.80% today. 58,578 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours. Today is the 46th day in succession where our daily recoveries outnumbered new cases. Our case fatality rate has been 1.30%, daily positivity rate at 2.94% and weekly positivity rate also stands at 2.94% which has been consistently below 5% for 21 days now.” 

Speaking on COVID19 Vaccination drive, Dr. Harsh Vardhan observed, “India has achieved another milestone in COVID-19 vaccination and has overtaken USA in total number of Covid Vaccine doses administered so far. USA started vaccinating against COVID from 14 December 2020 whereas the drive was launched in India on 16th Jan 2021. Under the new policy of COVID Vaccination, the Union Government is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. Till today morning (8am), we have administered 32,36,63,297 vaccine doses to our countrymen in various categories. These include 1,01,98,257 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the 1st dose and 72,07,617 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 1,74,42,767 Frontline Workers (FLWs) (1st dose), 93,99,319 FLWs (2nd dose), and 8,46,51,696 for 18-44 years of age group (1st dose) and 19,01,190 for 2nd dose. 8,71,11,445 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (1st Dose), 1,48,12,349 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (2nd dose), 6,75,29,713 for above 60 years (1st Dose) and 2,34,08,944 for above 60 years (2nd Dose).”

He also apprised the GOM members on the trajectory of Mucormycosis infections that have occurred in this phase of COVID-19: Total of 40,845 cases has been reported of which 31,344 cases are rhinocerebral in nature. Fatality from the infections stands at 3,129. Of the total numbers, 34,940 patients had COVID (85.5%), 26,187 (about 64.11%) were co-morbid for diabetes while 21,523 (52.69%) of those infected were on steroids. 13,083 patients were in the age group 18-45 (32%), 17,464 were in the age group 45-60 (42%) while 10,082 (24%) patients were 60+ years of age. 

Vice President calls upon research community and IITs to come up with intelligent solutions to thwart terrorists’ sinister plans

 The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today called upon the research community and institutions like IITs to come up with intelligent solutions to thwart the sinister plans of terrorists to hurt the country’s interests.

Speaking after visiting the site of India’s first 3D Printed House in India at IIT Madras, the Vice President observed that terrorism is the enemy of mankind and referred to the use of low-flying drones by terrorists and pointed that they cannot be detected military radars.

Shri Narendra Modi also called for further spread of Kaizen and Japanese work culture in India and asked for more focus on business interaction between India and Japan.

 Terming the dedication of the Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy, as a symbol of ease and modernity of India-Japan relationship, the Prime Minister thanked leaders of Hyōgo Prefecture specially the Governor ToshizōIdoand Hyōgo International association for their contribution in the establishment of the Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy. He also praised Indo-Japan Friendship Association of Gujarat for giving new energy to India Japan relations.

Pointing to the similarities between ‘Zen’ and Indian ‘Dhyan’, the Prime Minister dwelled on the emphasis on inner peace along with outer progress and growth in the two cultures. Indians will find the glimpse of the same peace, poise and simplicity in this Zen garden, which they experienced in Yoga through the ages. Buddha gave this ‘Dhyan’ this enlightenment to the world, said the Prime Minister. Similarly, the Prime Minister highlighted both external and internal meanings of Kaizen which not only emphasizes ‘improvement’ but ‘continuous improvement’.

People’s movement needed for the preservation of our languages: Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

 In order to deliver the benefits of our language traditions to the future generations, the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today stressed the need for a people’s movement to preserve languages, complementing the efforts of the government.

Highlighting the power of language to unite people across generations and geographies, Shri Naidu called for a concerted effort to preserve, enrich and propagate our languages, cultures and traditions.

Speaking at the 6th annual ‘Rashtretara Telugu Samakhya’ conference, Shri Naidu suggested that Telugu people should come together as one for the cause of Telugu language and the revitalisation of our local traditions.

PM held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination & Covid situation in the country.

 PM held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination & Covid situation in the country.

Officials gave a detailed presentation to the PM on progress of vaccination in the country. PM was briefed about the age wise vaccination coverage. PM was also briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers and general population in various states.

Officials apprised the PM about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production. 

The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today called for making India a leading maritime nation and emphasized the important role ports will have to play in achieving the ambitious vision.

 The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today called for making India a leading maritime nation and emphasized the important role ports will have to play in achieving the ambitious vision.

A presentation was made to the Vice President by the Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), Shri K Rama Mohana Rao and other senior officials during an interaction with him at Visakhapatnam. They apprised the Vice President on various activities of the port, including its expansion plans.

Observing that India is strategically located on the world’s shipping routes with a long coastline of about 7,517 km and over 200 major and minor ports, he said “these ports play an important role in India’s economy.”

All state governments should work in right earnest to make this project successful and showcase the effect of use of technology : Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar

 Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar in a virtual event released the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of LiDAR based survey of forest areas in ten states namely Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Shri Javadekar informed that the project which was awarded to WAPCOS, a PSU under the aegis of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India is a first of its kind and a unique experiment using LiDAR technology which will help augment water and fodder in jungles areas thereby reducing human-animal conflict, help in groundwater recharge, help local communities and also asked state forest departments to use CAMPA funds towards implementation of these projects in right earnest and in accordance with the ‘Ridge to Valley’ approach of watershed management.

The two day Station Commanders’ Conference of Western Air Command was held on 24 and 25 Jun 21 at New Delhi.

 The two day Station Commanders’ Conference of Western Air Command was held on 24 and 25 Jun 21 at New Delhi. Considering the ongoing pandemic, the conference was conducted in a hybrid mode where a few of the commanders attended through video tele conferencing. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was the chief guest and was received by Air Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM, AOC-in-C WAC.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fires Enhanced Range 122mm Caliber Rocket

 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired enhanced range versions of indigenously developed 122mm Caliber Rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) on June 25, 2021 at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. Four enhanced range version of 122mm rockets were test fired with full instrumentation and they met the complete mission objectives. These rockets have been developed for Army applications and can destroy targets up to 40 km.  

All the flight articles were tracked by Range instruments, including Telemetry, Radar and Electro Optical Tracking System deployed by ITR and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE).  

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New & Renewable Energy launches “The India Story” booklet on Indian initiatives shaping energy transition

 Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Union Minister of State (I/C) Power, New and Renewable Energy, and Minister of State, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India said that  in the last 6 years, India’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased by over two and a half times and stands at more than 141 Giga Watts (including large Hydro), which is about 37 per cent of the country’s total capacity (as on 16th June 2021). During the same period, the installed solar energy capacity has increased by over 15 times, and stands at 41.09 GW. India’s renewable energy capacity is the 4th largest in the world. In fact, our annual renewable energy addition has been exceeding that of coal based thermal power since 2017.  The energy transition journey that we have already covered and the scale of the transition which we are set to achieve are both exemplary for the world, Shri Singh added.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews progress of construction of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier at Kochi.

 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the progress of construction of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd., at Kochi on June 25, 2021. Shri Rajnath Singh was accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral AK Chawla. The Raksha Mantri visited the construction site and was briefed about the successful Basin Trials completed during November 2020. He was also appraised of the progress achieved on integration of a number of other navigational, communication and operational systems since then, as it prepares for its maiden Contractor Sea Trials (CST) which is expected in the forthcoming months. 

The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset. The ship shall operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon to be inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters. It would offer an incomparable military instrument with its ability to project Air Power over long distances, including Air Interdiction, Anti-Surface Warfare, offensive and defensive Counter-Air, Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare and Airborne Early Warning. 

Integrated bilateral exercise of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force with US Navy concludes in Indian Ocean Region

 The two-day integrated bilateral exercise between Indian and US Forces in the Indian Ocean Region concluded on June 24, 2021. Indian Navy along with Indian Air Force participated with US Navy Carrier Strike Group in the exercise.

The exercise has been a key enabler in building interoperability and strengthening the defence coordination between the two nations and witnessed high tempo-naval operations at sea. These included intense air dominance exercises, advanced air defence exercises, anti-submarine exercises, tactical manoeuvres and cross deck helicopter operations.

ARMY CHIEF VISITS ARMY TRAINING COMMAND AT SHIMLA

The Chief of the Army Staff, General MM Naravane visited the Shimla based Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on 25 June 2021. He was briefed on a range of issues including strategic - military futures, doctrinal corrections, operational challenges and preparedness, technological infusion and training pedagogy.

          The COAS was apprised about a number of initiatives being undertaken to maximise the effectiveness of the Indian Army and steps taken to make professional military education (PME) more contemporary and responsive to current challenges.

 

Researchers developed mathematical metrics to quantify and measure the correctness of performance of yoga asanas

 Researchers have developed a novel method which involves a mathematical metrics to quantify and measure the correctness of performance of yoga asanas in terms of stability and steadiness.

This mathematical metrics based on Electromyography (EMG) a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles, can help in assessing the correctness of performance and paves way for making appropriate corrections, thus enabling practitioners to derive maximum benefit from the asanas. 

The research work led by Dr. S N Omkar along with Dr. Ramesh D V, Associate Professor, Ramaiah Medical College focused on yoga as a therapy to understand muscle behavior and performance in terms of spatial and temporal components while performing yoga asanas. The researchers used EMG to study both physical and physiological parameters.

Shri Nitin Gadkari reviews the progress of Greenfield Expressways/ Access Controlled Highways

 Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME   Shri Nitin J. Gadkari reviewed the status of award, bidding and pre-construction activities related to 5 Greenfield Expressways and 17 Access Controlled Greenfield National Highways being executed under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase - I, the flagship programme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. These 22 Greenfield Projects of 8,000 km length are expected to cost Rs. 3.26 Lakh Crores. These are envisaged as the key to improving logistics efficiency by providing seamless connectivity between centers of production and consumption of industrial and MSME products in the country. Additionally, they will help in faster movement of passenger and freight traffic in the country.

Shri Amit Shah said if we take care of the environment, then the environment will take care of us – Shri Narendra Modi has imparted the lessons of this ancient Indian culture through his actions, policies and his hard work.

 Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah today began a tree saplings plantation program at nine different places in Ahmedabad by planting a tree sapling at Sindhu Bhavan Road in the city, in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amit Shah said the tree saplings plantation program is small in scale but its impact and magnitude are so wide that it provides healthy and long life to many generations to come. If trees are not taken care of, the very existence of the Earth will be in danger.

Shri Amit Shah said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has started a campaign for environmental awareness and has launched many campaigns including solar energy and wind energy. Shri Shah said that during the past seven years, India has done a lot of work in the solar energy and wind energy sector, which has brought it to the fifth position in the world.

Focus on what is in our hands: don’t give opportunities to the virus, don’t become a susceptible host- Dr V K Paul

 “There are countries where even the second wave has not occurred. If we do what is required and do not indulge in irresponsible behaviour, then outbreak should not occur. This is a simple epidemiological principle.” Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was explaining the reasons behind emergence of new pandemic waves and how it can be controlled or even avoided by following COVID appropriate behaviours and taking measures such as vaccination. He was addressing the Union Health Ministry's media briefing on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre, PIB Delhi today.

Why do new waves happen

A meeting was held between senior officials of the Finance Ministry and Infosys on issues in the new Income Tax Portal. The meeting was presided over by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

 A meeting was held between senior officials of the Finance Ministry and Infosys on 22.06.2021 on issues in the new Income Tax Portal. The meeting was presided over by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, also participated in the meeting. The interaction was attended by Shri Tarun Bajaj, Secretary Revenue; Shri J. B. Mohapatra, Chairman, CBDT; Smt. Anu J. Singh, Member (L & Systems), CBDT, and other senior officers of CBDT. Infosys was represented by its MD & CEO, Shri Salil Parekh and COO, Shri Praveen Rao and other members of their team. The meeting was also attended by 10 tax professionals from across the country, including representatives of ICAI and All India Federation of Tax Practitioners (AIFTP).

The new e-filing portal 2.0 of Income Tax Department (incometax.gov.in) went live on 07.06.2021. Since its launch, there were numerous glitches in the functioning of the new portal. Taking note of the grievances voiced on social media by taxpayers, tax professionals and other stakeholders, the Finance Minister had also flagged the issues to the vendor M/s Infosys, calling upon them to address these concerns. However, since the portal continued to be plagued by technical glitches causing inconvenience to taxpayers, it was decided to hold a meeting between Finance Ministry and Infosys as also other stakeholders here today. Suggestions in respect of the glitches on the portal were invited online by 18.06.2021. More than 700 emails detailing over 2,000 issues including 90 unique issues/problems in the portal were received in response to the same.

Union Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani and MoS for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre jointly inaugurate Toycathon 2021 grand finale

 Union Minister Women and Child Development and Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani and Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre virtually inaugurated Toycathon 2021 grand finale today. Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Shri Upendra Prasad Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE; Dr. Abhay Jere, Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of Educations Innovation Cell; Dr. M.P. Poonia, Vice Chairman, AICTE and Dr. Mohit Gambhir, Director, MoEs Innovation Cell were present at the inauguration session.

The Toycathon 2021 is being organized jointly by Ministry of Education in coordination with five other Ministries viz: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Commerce &Industry, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Ministry of Textiles. This inter-ministerial Toycathon focuses on conceptualizing new and innovative toys using local materials which are economical, affordable, safe, environment friendly, with exceptional high quality for both Indian and global markets.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra says, North-Eastern Region would lead the India’s growth story in the post-Covid-19 world.

 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Northeast will lead post-COVID India's growth story. He said, the North Eastern Region is fast emerging as a role model in many spheres including the COVID management and added that in the post-COVID times, when we are engaged in building up India’s economy, there will be a tendency to look for unexplored areas of generating business and revenue, and the Northeast would be seen as a perfect destination.

The Minister was speaking as chief guest at a conference titled “The Land of Emerging Opportunities, focus area Manipur” organized by ASSOCHAM and Government of Manipur.

Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for construction of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of about Rs 583 crore

 Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for construction of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of about Rs 583 crore, on June 22, 2021. These Special Role ships will be indigenously designed, developed and built by GSL. The acquisition is under ‘Buy Indian - Indigenously Designed Developed & Manufactured (Buy Indian-IDDM)’, the highest priority category for defence capital procurements. The acquisition will significantly augment the capability of ICG to respond to Oil spill disasters at sea and also enhance Pollution Response (PR) efficiency. These two vessels are scheduled for delivery by November 2024 and May 2025 respectively. 

Indian Air Force will participate in operational engagements with the US Navy in an exercise to be carried out with Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on 23 and 24 Jun 21.

 As a strategic outreach exercise with the defence forces of friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Indian Air Force will participate in operational engagements with the US Navy in an exercise to be carried out with Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on 23 and 24 Jun 21. The CSG is currently deployed in the IOR. 

Shri Piyush Goyal chairs the review meeting on Single window system for industrial clearances and approvals

 Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Railways and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal today said that we will soon have the soft launch of the first phase of the National Single window system. The digital platform will allow investors to identify and apply for various pre-operations approvals required for commencing a business in India. There will be 17 Ministries/Departments and 14 states onboard in the first phase which is likely to be launched soon, the Minister said during the review meeting of Single window system held today.MoS, Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Prakash also attended the meeting.

The MoU will prove to be a milestone in further strengthening the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

 Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Fiji’s Minister of Agriculture, Waterways & Environment, Dr. Mahendra Reddy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors between India and Fiji in a virtual meeting held today.

On this occasion, Shri Tomar said that India believes in the spirit of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam'. India has helped all the countries in the same spirit even during the Corona pandemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Tomar said that Prime Minister Shri Modi has focused on agriculture and the development of villages from the very beginning. In this direction, many concrete steps have been taken in the country like setting up of 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and creation of 10 thousand FPOs. During the Corona pandemic loans worth Rs. 2 lakh crore have been given to the farmers and as a result more production and earning has been achieved than before.

NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga across all its Power Stations, Projects and Regional Offices with full enthusiasm on 21st June 2021.

 NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga across all its Power Stations, Projects and Regional Offices with full enthusiasm on 21st June 2021. The International Day of Yoga 2021 was observed through electronic and digital platforms in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian Grid Operator POSOCO, CPSU under Ministry of Power observed7th International Yoga Day with over 600 employees and their families connecting via online today.

 Indian Grid Operator POSOCO, CPSU under Ministry of Power observed7th International Yoga Day with over 600 employees and their families connecting via online today.Power System Operation Corporation held this Yoga session in association with Art of Living. The theme of this year is “Yoga for Wellness” which focusses on practicing Yoga for physical and mental well-being.

NTPC's , a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power celebrated International Yoga Day through today.

 NTPC's , a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power celebrated  International Yoga Day through today. NTPC’s strength lies in its motivated, disciplined and efficient staff, who are always ready to serve the nation in any situation. Keeping up with the world, NTPC Unchahar also took the help of video conference to celebrate Yoga Day, so that Yoga could land at home, with family.

Shri Gadkari said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made Yoga a global practice and initiated a special global day to make people aware of benefits and significance of Yoga.

 Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari said that Yoga should be popularised and practised even more. Addressing Webinar on the 7th International Yoga Day, Shri Gadkari said that Yoga eliminates all diseases and discomforts from lives of people. The Minister said that in order to increase the popularity of Yoga, classes and training of Yoga should be conducted even at the Gram Panchayat level, in various languages and taking help of all possible technologies. Shri Gadkari said that Yoga is a science that can be experienced and it has unending benefits.

DST’s celebration of the International Yoga Day with multiple activities can help popularize a scientific approach to Yoga among people.

 The importance of Yoga for Improving Heart Health was highlighted at a webinar organized on the occasion of International Yoga Day.

“There is a connection between health, mind , heart and yoga & meditation can greatly help us in living a healthy and balanced life”, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Professor Ashutosh Sharma pointed out at the webinar organized by DST under Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM). He explained the meaning of yoga and its role in human well-being and elaborated on the efforts of DST in this direction through SATYAM. He emphasized that it is important to understand the science behind Yoga for long term mental and physical well-being and said that now the time has come when along with science, technology should be added in yoga and meditation.

Paradip Port Trust celebrates International Day of Yoga

Paradip Port Trust observed the 7th International Day of Yoga virtually today with great enthusiasm. Shri A.K. Bose, Dy. Chairman, PPT inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp in presence of Shri T.K. Hazra Choudhary, Sr. Dy. Secretary, PPT, Shri S.K. Sethi, Honorary Secretary of the Paradip Centre of Art of Living and Shri Tapas Ranjan Pati, experienced faculty of the Art of Living.

As the entire nation is going through COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of Yoga has emerged as one of the most powerful way to ensure our holistic wellbeing. The CISF Unit of PPT conducted separate programmes inside the campus as well at its barracks. Banners, hoardings and Electronic Display Boards highlighted the significance of the observation of International Day of Yoga to build awareness among the local populace. Employees also joined Yoga practice session held at the New Kalyan Mandap.

 

Minister of Steel & Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the webinar on “Making Eastern India a Manufacturing Hub with respect to metallurgical industries”, organised by Indian Institute of Metals.

 Minister of Steel & Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today addressed the webinar on “Making Eastern India a Manufacturing Hub with respect to metallurgical industries”, organised by Indian Institute of Metals. The Webinar was attended by the experts from the metals sector, officials of Ministry of Steel, and state government representatives.

Shri Pradhan, speaking on the occasion, said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working on the mission to bring eastern India at par with other developed regions of the country. With a skilled human capital, abundance of natural resources and an aspirational population, eastern India is poised to create a tech-enabled manufacturing ecosystem.

Ministry of Textiles celebrates 7th International Day of Yoga

Ministry of Textiles celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga today. The programme commenced with practice of yogasanas by the Ministry officials, which included Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Upendra Prasad Singh and other senior officers. More than 150 officials participated in it. The yogasana practice was coordinated by trained and certified Yoga teachers from Art of Living International.  In addition, the other attached and subordinate offices, statutory bodies and public sector units of Ministry of Textiles also observed the International Day of Yoga in their respective organisations, and field offices. The theme of this year is ‘Yoga for Wellness’, which focusses on practising Yoga for physical and mental well-being. Shri U.P. Singh also addressed the participants highlighting the need for practicing yoga everyday.

Central Government allocates Rs. 5,601 Crore Grant to Assam under Jal Jeevan Mission for providing tap water in every rural home

 

To translate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of providing clean tap water to every household, this year Central Government has allocated Rs. 5,601.16 Crore grant to Assam under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was Rs. 1,608.51 Crore in 2020-21. National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti has also released Rs. 700 Crores to the State as first tranche. Union Minister, Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat while approving this four-fold increase in allocation has assured full assistance to the State for making provision of tap water supply in every rural home by 2024.

At the start of the Mission in 2019, out of a total of 19.20 Crore rural households in the country, only 3.23 Crore (17%) had tap water supply. During the last 22 months, despite Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown disruptions, Jal Jeevan Mission, has been implemented with speed and 4.32 Crore households have been provided with piped connections. With the increase in coverage by 22%, presently 7.56 Crore (39.38%) rural households across the country have tap water supply. Goa, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry have achieved 100% household connection in rural areas and has become ‘Har Ghar Jal’. Following the principle of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, the motto of the Mission is that ‘no one is left out’ and every household in a village should be provided with tap water connection. At present, in 62 districts and more than 93 thousand villages, every household has tap water supply.

Finance Ministry refutes news media reports of alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland

 Certain reports have appeared in the media on 18.06.2021 stating that funds of Indians in Swiss Banks have risen to over Rs 20,700 crore (CHF 2.55 billion) at the end of 2020 from Rs 6,625 crore (CHF 899 million) at the end of 2019, reversing a 2 year declining trend. It has also been stated that this is also the highest figure of deposits in the last 13 years.

Media reports allude to the fact that the figures reported are official figures reported by banks to Swiss National Bank (SNB) and do not indicate the quantum of much debated alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland. Further, these statistics do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of third–country entities.

Ministry of Education releases the Guidelines for parent participation in home-based learning during school closure and beyond

 The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education today released the Guidelines for Parent Participation in Home-based Learning during school closure and beyond.

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' in his tweet said that in this ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, considering parents' role as pivotal  to children's growth and learning, theseGuidelines aim to provide information on the ‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘how-to’ of participation and engagement in supporting children during the school closure, irrespective of their literacy levels. Home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers, he added.

International Day of Yoga 2021: Prime Minister’s address to be the highlight of televised lead event on 21st June 2021

 In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions in congregational activities, the lead event of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021 will be a televised programme, with the Prime Minister’s address being the highlight. Scheduled to start at 6.30 AM on all Doordarshan channels, the event will also include an address byMinister of State for Ayush Shri Kiren Rijiju and a live Yoga demonstration by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.

The seventh International Day of Yoga comes up at a time when the world fights COVID-19. But the pandemic doesn’t seem to have dampened the enthusiasm for Yoga, going by the buzz observed in the digital space in the last few weeks. The Ministry of Ayush, the nodal Ministry for IDY, has highlighted the important role of Yoga in one’s overall wellbeing, through various activities organised in the run up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY).  The main theme of IDY 2021 is “Yoga for Wellness”, which is aligned to the current pre-occupations. Numerous digital initiatives taken by the Ministry together with nearly 1000 other stake-holding institutions made the practice of Yoga accessible to the public, despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The Missions of India abroad are coordinating various activities in the run up to the 21st June in their respective countries, and as per reports, Yoga Day will be observed in about 190 countries globally.

Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwarhas said that the government is committed towards the health, safety and welfare of workers.Releasing pamphlets

 Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwarhas said that the government is committed towards the health, safety and welfare of workers.Releasing pamphlets, elaborating a slew of measures towards the welfare of workers and their family members during the pandemic here today, he said, our endeavour is to ensure the facilities reach the people for whom these have been formulated. The Minister said the government is cognizant of the evolving situation under the pandemic. He said,the Ministry would continue, if needed, to go extra miles in a resilient and responsive manner to protect the health and lives of workers and their family members, along with protecting them from hardships in these challenging times.

The Minister said, the Ministry has widened, broadened and enhanced social security benefits to the workers and that too without any additional financial obligation on the employers. The provisions of social security under ESIC and EPFO schemes are now much more relaxed and aimed at addressing the fear and anxiety of workers regarding the health and life of their family members including themselves due to increased transmissivity and fatality under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shri Hardeep S Puri, Union Minister of State(I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs addressed a press conference on Oxygen Generation Plantssanctioned under PM Cares Fund for the state of Punjab.

 Shri Hardeep S Puri, Union Minister of State(I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs addressed a press conference on Oxygen Generation Plantssanctioned under PM Cares Fund for the state of Punjab.

While addressing the conference, the Minister referred to the letter written to the State Government of Punjab by Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), who have asked the state to prepare sites and take up allied activities on priority for timely installation and commissioning of the 41 Pressure Swing Adsorption  (PSA) Plants in coordination with various stakeholders at appropriate level in a Mission Mode. Earlier 13 plants had been sanctioned for Punjab which are currently being installed.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed various development projects of J&K in New Delhi, with the motto “Development with Transparency” enunciated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

  Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed various development projects of J&K in New Delhi today, with the motto “Development with Transparency” enunciated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Shah said all-round development and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the top priority of the Modi government. The Home Minister appreciated the 90 percent reach of the Central Government's schemes in J&K. Simultaneously, Shri Amit Shah congratulated the Lieutenant Governor and his team for the COVID-19 vaccination drive being 76 percent in Jammu and Kashmir and 100 percent in four districts.

The Home Minister impressed upon speedy completion of the Prime Minister's development package, flagship and iconic projects and industrial development projects.The Union Home Minister directed to ensure the benefits of the refugee package to all the refugees from PoJK, West Pakistan and those who had to migrate from Kashmir to Jammu at the earliest.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received information from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo in late hours of June 16, 2021 about a mid-sea oil spill about 450 kms South East of Chennai.

 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received information from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo in late hours of June 16, 2021 about a mid-sea oil spill about 450 kms South East of Chennai. On further investigation, it was revealed that a Portuguese flag Container ship MV Devon, on passage from Colombo to Haldia, West Bengal, developed an underwater crack in the fuel tank containing about 120 KL of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil

Indian Naval Ship Trikand, mission deployed for Anti-Piracy Operations, is participating in the maiden IN – EUNAVFOR Joint Naval Exercise in the Gulf of Aden

 Indian Naval Ship Trikand, mission deployed for Anti-Piracy Operations, is participating in the maiden IN – EUNAVFOR Joint Naval Exercise in the Gulf of Aden commencing today. A total of five warships from four navies are participating in the exercise on 18th and 19th June 2021. Other warships include Italian Navy Ship ITS Carabinere, Spanish Navy Ship ESPS Navarra, and two French Navy Ship FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf.

         

Central and State Governments coordinate actions to contain the prices of pulses Prices of Tur, Moong dal and Urad stabilise and show declining trend

1. Department of Consumer Affairs,which monitors the prices of essential commodities on a regular basis, took the initiative of stock declaration and monitoring of stock of pulses to ensure its availability to consumers at affordable prices and to bridge the demand and supply gap.

 Orders for the declaration of the Stocks:

2.1.      The power to issue orders for collecting information or statistics with regard to essential commodities has been delegated by the Central Government to the State Government by order dated 9.6.1978.  On 14.5.2021 all States/UTs were requested to direct all the Stockholders like Millers, Traders, Importers etc. to declare their stock of pulses vide power conferred under Section3(2)(h) and 3(2)(i) of the EC Act. Declared stocks have to be verified by States/UTs. It was also requested to States/UTs to monitor the prices of pulses on a weekly basis. This is the first time when such a mechanism has been adopted to get the real time stock of pulses all over the country to keep a check on the undesirable practice of hoarding leading in turn to artificial scarcity and price escalation.

India Post to release a ‘Special Cancellation’ to commemorate 7th International Day of Yoga

 India Post is coming out with a 'Special Cancellation' to capture the essence of World Yoga Day on 21 June, 2021. This unique initiative will mark the commemoration of the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021. 

Yoga and IDY have been popular subjects for philatelic commemorations over the years. In 2015, the Department of Posts brought out a set of two Commemorative Postage stamps and a miniature sheet on the International Day of Yoga. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps on Surya Namaskara to mark the commemoration of the 2nd International Day of Yoga. In 2017, the UN Postal Administration (UNPA) issued a set of stamps showing 10 yoga asanas to commemorate the International Day of Yoga in New York.

On the occasion of the 7th International Day of Yoga (IYD) 2021, Delhi Postal Circle is conducting the following activities: 

Shri Sushil Chandra commended the officers of the Commission for compiling this innovative document and hoped that this would inspire academicians and researchers to further explore the vast landscape of the Indian elections.

 Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Sushil Chandra along with Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Shri Anup Chandra Pandey released ‘General Elections 2019 – An Atlas’ on June 15, 2021. Shri Sushil Chandra commended the officers of the Commission for compiling this innovative document and hoped that this would inspire academicians and researchers to further explore the vast landscape of the Indian elections.

The Atlas encompasses all the data and statistical figures of this monumental event. It has 42 thematic maps and 90 tables depicting various facets of the elections. The Atlas also shares interesting facts, anecdotes and legal provisions related to the Indian elections.

The pandemic has tested the strength of every country, institution, society, family and person of the world: PM Shri Narendra Modi

 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched ‘Customized Crash Course programme for Covid 19 Frontline workers’ today via video conferencing. The training programme would be conducted in 111 training centres spread over 26 states. About one lakh frontline workers will be trained in this initiative. The Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, and many other Union Ministers, Ministers from States, experts and other stakeholders were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said that this launch is an important next step in the fight against Corona. The Prime Minister cautioned that the virus is present and possibility of mutation is also  there. The second wave of the pandemic illustrated the kind of challenges that the virus may present to us. The Country needs to stay prepared to meet the challenges and training more than one lakh frontline warriors is a step in that direction, said the Prime Minister.

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot virtually inaugurates 14 Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres for children

 In a pathbreaking initiative, the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot virtually inaugurated 14 Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres located at 7 National Institutes and 7 Composite Regional Centres under the DEPwDin New Delhi today. The Centres will provide screening and identification, rehabilitation, counselling, therapeutic services among others for different disabilities under one roof and in a contiguous manner.

Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Krishna Pal Gurjar, Shri Ramdas Athawale, and Shri Ratan Lal Kataria were also present on the occasion. Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ms. Anjali Bhawra;Joint Secretary, DEPwDMs. Tarika Roy; senior officers of DEPwD were among those who attended the function.

The alcohol free, aqueous, non-inflammable and non-toxic hand sanitizer has been developed from Silver Nanoparticles by a Pune based start-up.

 An environment friendly hand sanitizer that is gentle on the hands and does not dry them, will soon be available in the market. The alcohol free, aqueous, non-inflammable and non-toxic hand sanitizer has been developed from Silver Nanoparticles by a Pune based start-up.

Recurrent drying up of hands due to repeated application of hand sanitizers is a challenge which people have faced during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The hand sanitizer developed by WeinnovateBiosolutions prolongs antimicrobial activity thus obviating the need for repeated applications.Silver nanoparticles give slow and sustained release of silver ions to kill microorganisms that come in contact. Besides, it can be stored in ambient conditions.

An inspiring journey of 100 women scientists who returned to science after a break in career has been documented into a book form.

 An inspiring journey of 100 women scientists who returned to science after a break in career has been documented into a book form. The women scientists featured here had to discontinue their pursuit of career in science due to family responsibilities and social reasons. The book, which chronicles their journey  to restart their career despite several obstacles, can be a beacon of light for moreIndian women in similar situations.

Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) division (now WISE-KIRAN) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) supports women with break-in careers to return to science through the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS). Through various components of Women Scientists Scheme (WOS), DST addresses challenges confronted by those women who had a break in their career and desire to return to mainstream science. The booklet presents select stories of women who completed their training under WOS-C component of this scheme and are now achieving greater heights in their careers.