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Current Affairs on 26 February, 2024

Capacity Building Program for Civil Servants: Key Highlights

The 2nd capacity building program for senior civil servants of Sri Lanka is organized by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie.
The program aims to impart next-generation skills to 40 senior civil servant officers from Sri Lanka working in various capacities.
The program focuses on sharing India's successful e-governance models and initiatives with Sri Lankan civil servants.
Key areas covered include land acquisition, digital technology in governance, disaster management, public-private partnerships, and election management.
The program includes field visits to institutions like Indira Gandhi Forest National Academy, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, and the Taj Mahal for practical insights into governance.
NCGG has partnered with MEA to provide training to civil servants from 17 countries, including Sri Lanka, to enhance their capacity in governance and public service delivery.

Chief of Army Staff Visits Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at Pune

Chief of Army Staff visited Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at Pune.
The expo showcased indigenous capabilities and innovations of MSMEs, private companies, DRDO laboratories, and DPSU setups in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is a major contributor to the nation's economy and has a focus on Defence Manufacturing.
Indian Army is emphasizing on Atmanirbharta through MSMEs and Startups for capability development.
Indian Army's iDEX procurement route includes 55 projects worth Rs 400 Cr involving 65 Startups.
Indian Army displayed indigenous equipment like tanks, guns, rifles, and other weapons.
Indian Army promotes innovation, intellectual property rights, and collaboration with industry for mass production of technologies.
Chief of Army Staff interacted with industries to align products with future needs of the Indian Army and promote self-reliance.

Collaboration for Location Optimality Assessment in National Industrial Corridor Development

MoU signed between NICDC and FITT-IIT Delhi to assess optimal locations for National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
Focus on using PM GatiShakti portal for informed decision making and future planning of sustainable industrial smart cities.
Aim to attract investments, promote local commerce, and generate employment opportunities through data-driven decisions.
FITT-IIT Delhi to analyze factors like ease of business, living costs, connectivity, industry potential, and sustainability for location optimality.
Collaboration aligns with India's vision to become a global manufacturing hub and emphasizes the importance of technology and research in urban planning.
Efforts like these are crucial for India's goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy and building a developed nation.

Condolence Message by Prime Minister on Pankaj Udhas' Demise

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the demise of legendary singer Pankaj Udhas.
Shri Modi mentioned Pankaj Udhas as a beacon of Indian music whose melodies transcended generations.
The Prime Minister recalled his various interactions with Pankaj Udhas and highlighted his contribution to the music world.
Shri Modi conveyed his condolences to Pankaj Udhas' family and admirers, acknowledging the void left by his departure.
The Prime Minister's message was shared on social media, where he praised Pankaj Udhas for his soul-stirring Ghazals and emotional singing.

Economic Significance of the Coal Sector Beyond Energy Production

Coal contributes to over half of India's primary energy needs and remains crucial for industries.
Thermal power, mainly coal-fueled, dominates over 70% of power generation despite efforts in renewable energy.
Coal sector is the largest contributor to railway freight income, boosting transportation network.
Contributes over Rs. 70,000 Crore annually to central and state governments through royalties and taxes, aiding socio-economic development.
Provides significant employment opportunities, especially in Eastern coal-producing districts, supporting livelihoods of thousands of families.
Contributes substantial dividends to the government, with Coal India Ltd paying an average of Rs. 6,487 Crore annually.
Coal sector PSUs prioritize CSR activities with substantial annual expenditure for socio-economic development in coal-producing regions.
Significant capital expenditure investments, averaging Rs. 18,255 Crore annually over the past five years, for infrastructure development.
Overall, the coal sector plays a vital role in India's economic growth, employment generation, and social welfare.

Effective Science Communication through Radio Workshop by CSIR-NIScPR

CSIR-NIScPR organized a workshop on spreading science-based stories through radio.
The workshop aimed to train the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) staff and Ph.D. students on effective communication strategies for S&T stories via radio.
Shri Manoj Mainkar from All India Radio shared insights on crafting compelling science narratives for audio format.
Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of radio in bridging the gap between scientific research and the public.
The workshop empowered participants with a deep understanding of the power of audio and spoken language in communication.
CSIR-NIScPR aims to promote scientific awareness and advance science communication through initiatives like the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC).

Election Commission Collaborates with Banks and Post Offices for Voter Education

Election Commission has partnered with Indian Banks' Association and Department of Posts for voter education and outreach for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Through this partnership, ECI's messaging will reach a wide audience via 1.6 lakh bank branches, over 2 lakh ATMs, and 1.55 lakh Post Offices across India.
The MoU includes initiatives like displaying voter education messages on websites, using social media for outreach, displaying posters at offices, establishing Voter Awareness Fora, and incorporating voter education in training programs.
The aim is to increase voter awareness, empower citizens with knowledge about their electoral rights, and improve voter turnout based on the success and challenges observed during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
The Indian Banks' Association has a vast network of 247 members with over 1.63 lakh branches and 2.19 lakh ATMs, while the Department of Posts has more than 1,55,000 post offices across India.

EPFO District Outreach Program Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0

EPFO is organizing Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, a monthly district outreach program, in over 670 districts of India on 27th February 2024.
A special Pension Helpdesk will be set up to assist EPS’95 pensioners with services like submission of Digital Life Certificates and PPO handover under PRAYAS Yojna.
A service kiosk will address grievances on-the-spot for employees, employers, and pensioners while sharing information with stakeholders.
Details of the camp locations can be accessed on the EPFO website under the "Whats New" section or through the given direct link.
Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 started in January 2023 and has organized over 8500 District Camps, benefiting more than 3.20 lakh beneficiaries till date.

Highlights from Bharat Tex 2024 Inauguration

Prime Minister inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, highlighting India's capabilities in the textile industry
Introduction of Kasturi Cotton to establish India's global brand identity
Textile Minister stressed the importance of strengthening local supply chains to achieve $100 billion exports by 2030
Textile industry poised to benefit from changing consumption patterns of the youth
Bharat Tex 2024 aligns with PM Modi's vision of farm to foreign markets in the textile sector
Focus on skill, speed, and scale to propel textile industry growth
Government initiatives like PM MITRA, PLI scheme, and National Technical Textiles Mission supporting textile industry
Event showcased India's position as a global textile powerhouse, attracting investment and sourcing opportunities
Emphasis on creating end-to-end connectivity in the cotton and man-made fiber industry for balanced growth
Ministers and officials present at the event to support the textile industry's growth and development

Implementation of e-Verification Scheme-2021 by Ministry of Finance

Income Tax Department has identified mismatches in interest and dividend income between third party information and taxpayers' Income Tax Return (ITR).
Taxpayers can respond to these mismatches through the Compliance portal of the e-filing website.
Mismatches for Financial Years 2021-22 and 2022-23 are displayed on the Compliance portal.
Taxpayers receive notification of the mismatch through SMS and emails.
Registered taxpayers can view mismatches under the 'e-Verification' tab on the portal.
Unregistered taxpayers need to register on the e-filing website to view and reconcile mismatches.
No documents need to be furnished to reconcile the mismatches.
Communication is not a notice, but a pro-active effort for taxpayers to respond in a structured manner.
If interest income is disclosed under Schedule OS in the ITR, no response is needed for that mismatch.
Taxpayers unable to explain mismatches can consider filing an Updated Income Tax Return if eligible.

India-Specific Model for Foetal Age Determination

Researchers at BRIC-THSTI Faridabad and IIT Madras developed an India-specific model, Garbhini-GA2, for precise estimation of foetal age in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters.
The model reduces error in gestational age estimation by almost three times compared to Western population-based formulas.
Accurate gestational age estimation is crucial for proper care of pregnant women and determining precise delivery dates.
Garbhini-GA2 was developed using three routinely measured foetal ultrasound parameters and validated in Indian population data.
The study results were published in the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia in February 2024.
Garbhini-GA2 can potentially improve pregnancy care and outcomes in India, leading to reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates.
The study was conducted in partnership with various medical institutions and was supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and other organizations.
The collaboration between clinicians and data scientists is essential for developing clinically relevant solutions like Garbhini-GA2.
IIT Madras aims to enhance public health in India through advanced data science techniques, starting with accurate gestational age models.
DBT Secretary noted that Garbh-Ini, the program behind Garbhini-GA2, is a flagship initiative, and the population-specific models are currently being validated across the country.

International Collaboration Achieves Laser Cooling of Positronium - Key Breakthrough in Quantum Studies

An international collaboration of physicists has successfully achieved the laser cooling of Positronium, a short-lived atom significant for quantum studies.
The AEgIS collaboration conducted experiments at CERN to demonstrate this breakthrough, paving the way for advanced studies in bound-state quantum electrodynamics.
Positronium is a unique atom composed of an electron and a positron, making it purely leptonic with no usual nuclear matter.
Professor Sadiq Rangwala from Raman Research Institute is part of the AEgIS collaboration, contributing to the design of diagnostics for the laser setup at CERN.
The laser cooling of Positronium was achieved using cutting-edge lasers and technological innovations after multiple experimental runs at CERN.
This achievement opens doors for creating many-particle systems and conducting critical tests for Quantum Electro Dynamics.
The AEgIS collaboration comprises research groups from CERN, various institutes in Europe, and the Raman Research Institute in India.

Key Highlights from Ministry of Science & Technology Update

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was the Chief Guest at the 35th Convocation ceremony of Indian College of Physicians and the 79th Annual Conference of the Association of Physicians in India (APICON 2024).
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized PM Modi's vision for India to become a leader in preventive healthcare and highlighted initiatives like vaccinating school-going girls against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
He discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, with projects like 'AI Doctor' and 'Mobile Tele-clinic' reaching remote villages in Udhampur.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised PM Modi's support for Digital Healthcare and the progress of the National Digital Health Mission.
India's advancements in technology were highlighted, with a special mention of Chandrayaan-3 reaching the South Pole of the Moon.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of maintaining human interaction in healthcare services alongside technological advancements.
He commended the growth and legacy of the Association of Physicians in India over the years.
The President of API and the Dean of Indian College of Physicians expressed gratitude for Dr. Jitendra Singh's presence and guidance.

Key Highlights from PM's Address at Bharat Tex 2024

Prime Minister addressed Bharat Tex 2024 in New Delhi.
Event had over 3,000 exhibitors, 3,000 buyers from 100 countries, and 40,000 trade visitors.
Focus on connecting tradition with technology, style, sustainability, and skill in textile sector.
Efforts towards 'Viksit Bharat' by emphasizing Tradition, Technology, Talent, and Training.
Initiatives like PM MITRA Parks, promoting MSMEs, and National Technical Textiles Mission to enhance textile sector capacity.
Significant contribution of textile and apparel sector to employment, rural economy, and women empowerment in India.
Government's stable policies led to sector growth with focus on quality control, innovation, and attracting foreign investment.
Encouragement for textile industry to understand global markets, innovate natural products, and lead in fashion.
Emphasized the need for self-reliance, innovation, and reduced government interference for sector growth.

Key Points from the PM's Address at News 9 Global Summit

India is ready to take a big leap with 10 years of transformation and good governance behind it.
Trust in the government and system in India is increasing.
Government offices are now allies of the people, not a problem.
Development focus includes infrastructure for villages.
Corruption has been curbed to ensure equal distribution of development benefits.
Focus on Governance of Saturation, not Politics of Scarcity.
Principle of Nation First is paramount for the government.
Preparation for the future of India is being done today.
India is seen as a powerhouse in areas like digital, fintech, clean energy, and more.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India is the future, and the upcoming years are crucial for further progress.

Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development Joint Initiative

Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development signed a MoU for nutritional improvement in adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions.
The focus is on anaemia control among adolescent girls in five districts under Mission Utkarsh.
Approximately 95,000 adolescent girls in anaemia-prone districts will benefit from this project.
The initiative aims to make India free of anaemia and achieve 'Anaemia Mukt Bharat'.
The Ayush systems will offer a cost-effective solution to tackle anaemia, supported by evidence from institutions like ICMR.

Ministry of Communications: C-DOT's Triumph at Aegis Graham Bell Awards

C-DOT, a premier Telecom R&D center of the Government of India, won three awards at the 14th Annual Aegis Graham Bell Awards.
The awards were for Innovation in Telecom, Innovation in Social Good, and Innovation in AI.
The AI and Facial Recognition-powered ASTR Project by C-DOT, shared the Innovation in AI award with Google India.
CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) by C-DOT won the Innovation in Social Good award.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) by C-DOT secured the Innovation in Telecom award for ensuring unbreakable security in communications.
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay and other C-DOT leaders attended the award ceremony and acknowledged the efforts towards realizing "Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Ministry of Home Affairs Summary

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stone of 53 projects worth Rs 2448 crore.
Addressed Labharthi Sammelan in Silvassa, emphasizing Prime Minister Modi's guarantee for 100% project completion.
Highlighted achievements under Modi's leadership - ending Naxalism, terrorism, and extremism, development projects, and social initiatives.
Promised a fully developed, self-reliant India by 2047 and making Mother India 'Vishwa Guru' in line with Modi's vision.
Comparison between Modi's governance and opposition's alleged scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore, urging public to choose wisely in upcoming elections.
Emphasized Modi's achievements like Ram temple construction, abolition of Article 370, and empowering marginalized communities.
Set ambitious goals like becoming a 5 trillion USD economy, hosting Olympic Games, and sending an Indian to the Moon with the tricolor by 2040.
Mentioned amendments to British-era criminal laws and development works done under the leadership of Modi and Shri Praful Patel.

Ministry of Power: NTPC Coal Mining Milestone

NTPC Limited's coal mining subsidiary, NTPC Mining Ltd. (NML), surpassed the milestone of producing 100 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of coal.
This achievement was reached on 25th February 2024, since coal production started in NTPC Mining Ltd.'s first coal mine Pakri Barwadih on 1st January 2017.
The first 50 MMT of coal production was achieved in 1,995 days, while the next 50 MMT was produced in just 617 days.
NTPC Mining's performance signifies its commitment to enhancing coal production for fuel security and efficient energy supply.
The company operates five captive coal mines in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
To boost coal production, NTPC has implemented safety measures, mine planning, automation, training, and monitoring systems.
NML aims to achieve an annual coal production of 100 MMT by 2030.

Ministry of Science & Technology: India's 1st Septic Tank Cleaning Robot

India's first septic tank cleaning robot, named Homosep Atom, has been developed by a startup incubated in the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of IIT Madras.
The robot aims to eliminate manual scavenging and strengthen the Swachh Bharat campaign by providing an end-to-end solution for cleaning septic tanks and manholes.
The technology integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inspect, clean, and manage confined spaces for sanitation purposes.
Homosep Atom has been deployed in 16 cities across India, solving manual cleaning methods through robotic cleaning techniques, including extensive blade cleaning, solid waste desilting, suction, and storage.
This initiative reduces the cost of owning multiple assets, promotes robotic cleaning in sewers, and provides dignity to sanitary workers by enabling them to clean manholes from outside without entering the toxic environment.
The startup, Solinas, focuses on climate tech and aims to revolutionize the water and sanitation sector while addressing challenges like water wastage, groundwater pollution, and climate change.
Solinas also specializes in developing miniature robots for navigating pipelines below 100mm, solving contamination challenges in water-sewer pipelines.
The DST-TBI at IIT Madras has played a crucial role in advancing the product development of Solinas and ensuring that the solutions are sustainable and scalable.
Technologies like Endobot and Swasth AI developed by Solinas serve as pipeline diagnostic tools capable of detecting and mitigating water contamination, wastage, and sewer overflows.
The support from DST for startups like Solinas encourages young entrepreneurs to develop knowledge-based enterprises that address societal challenges and contribute to the country's growth and development.

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Purple Fest 2024 was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Over 10 thousand Divyangjan and their escorts participated in this event, promoting solidarity and mutual respect.
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu supported the event, which included cultural performances showcasing resilience and creativity.
Key launches included the collaboration between NIEPID and TPCDT for the "INDIA NEURODIVERSITY PLATFORM" and the launch of the handbook on 'Attitudinal Barrier & Usage of Disability Sensitive Language.'
The event aimed to foster inclusivity and unity, promoting equality and dignity for all.

Ministry of Textiles: Key Points and Summary

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasizes the need for the textile industry to focus on international markets to enhance competitiveness.
He praises CITI for their support and guidance in the textile sector.
Goyal expresses confidence in the textile industry becoming a leader on the global stage and contributing significantly to the nation's GDP.
The Minister highlights the importance of understanding the value chain elements for the growth of the textile sector.
Various CITI Textile Sustainability Awards - 2024 were distributed, recognizing sustainability efforts like social responsibility, green initiatives, and innovative practices within the industry.
Key officials including Shri Rakesh Mehra and Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh emphasized the importance of sustainable initiatives in the textile industry.
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to advance sustainable practices in the textile sector.

Ministry of Women and Child Development Collaboration with Ministry of Ayush for Adolescent Girls

Ministry of Women and Child Development collaborated with Ministry of Ayush for nutritional improvement in adolescent girls.
MoU signed for a project to control anemia among adolescent girls through Ayurvedic interventions in 5 districts under Mission Utkarsh.
Joint venture announced for effective interventions in PCOD among adolescent girls with Ministry of Ayush and ICMR.
Over 94,000 adolescent girls to benefit from the Mission Utkarsh program.
Ayush medicines like Drakshavaleha and Punarnavadi mandoor to be provided for better nutrition in anemic girls.
Collaborating agencies include CCRAS, AIIMS, and other Ayurveda research institutes.
Focus on adopting healthy lifestyles, practicing Yoga, and traditional healing through Ayush for better health outcomes.

Oil India's Global Partner Road Show "Confluence: Where Energy and Opportunity Converge" Event Summary

Oil India Limited to organize a global partner roadshow "Confluence: Where Energy and Opportunity Converge" in Abu Dhabi.
The event is scheduled for 28th February 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
OIL aims for ambitious production targets of 4 MMT oil and 5 BCM gas annually by FY26.
The company plans to generate 12 Billion USD in revenue by 2030 and invest 4.8 Billion USD in various activities.
OIL will expand aggressively across offshore Indian regions and enhance field development.
The roadshow will be hosted by the Chairman and Managing Director of OIL along with senior officials to outline detailed procurement strategies.
This event aims to strengthen partnerships, engage partners, and focus on new business opportunities in the energy industry.
Over 50 leading companies from the energy services industry are expected to participate in the event.
The event aims to spearhead innovation, sustainability, and strategic alliances for setting new industry standards globally.

Overview of PM's Address at TV9 Conclave

PM addressed the TV9 Conclave on "India: Poised For The Next Big Leap" highlighting the country's progress and achievements.
Focus on Bharat's transformation over the past decade due to a shift in mindset, self-confidence, good governance, and trust in the system.
Emphasized the unprecedented development projects completed under the current government, showcasing the shift from slow progress to rapid growth.
PM underlined the government's work culture, governance benchmarks, and commitment to putting the Nation First over politics.
Highlighted achievements in various sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, and the economy, positioning Bharat as a leader in various fields.
Spoke about eradicating poverty, empowerment of rural Bharat, and the transition from vote bank politics to performance-based governance.
Discussed the importance of the upcoming years in propelling Bharat's potential further and acknowledged the role of every individual in the country's growth.

PM Pays Tributes to Veer Savarkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Veer Savarkar on his Punya Tithi.
The PM highlighted Savarkar's valiant spirit and dedication to India's freedom and integrity.
He mentioned that Savarkar's contributions inspire the nation to work towards development and prosperity.

President of India at Lady Hardinge Medical College

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, attended the 107th Annual Day and Convocation Ceremony of Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi.
She highlighted the broadening scope of medical science due to advancements like 4th Industrial Revolution, synthetic biology, and CRISPR gene editing.
The President emphasized the importance of ethical practice and values in the medical profession, urging healthcare professionals to uphold compassion and kindness.
She stressed the significance of service over self-interest, quoting Gandhi Ji on the importance of combining knowledge with character and science with humanity.
LHMC, as an Organ Transplant Retrieval Centre, is working on initiatives such as Antibiotic Stewardship Program, Blood Bag Delivery via iDrone Initiative, and National Human Milk Bank in collaboration with the Government of Norway.
The President expressed confidence that LHMC's initiatives like the National Human Milk Bank will raise awareness about breastfeeding and reduce infant mortality rates.

Prime Minister's Address on Railway Infrastructure Projects

The event marks the foundation stone laying, inauguration, and dedication of over 2000 railway infrastructure projects in India.
India is progressing rapidly with unprecedented speed and scale towards fulfilling big dreams.
The event showcases the developed India-Developed Railway Program bringing together stakeholders from across the country.
Various railway stations and infrastructure projects across 27 states, over 300 districts, and more than 500 railway stations have been highlighted.
The railway projects aim to create new employment opportunities for millions of youth and improve infrastructure across the nation.
Newly designed railway stations like Balasore in Odisha, Rangpo in Sikkim, Sangamer in Rajasthan, and many others reflect unique themes and cultural inspirations.
The investment in railway infrastructure not only enhances passenger convenience but also contributes to agricultural and industrial progress in the country.
Honest governance in the past decade has led to significant advancements in Indian Railways, providing better services, employment, and boosting the economy.
Increased rail connectivity will benefit small-scale producers, artisans, and industries, contributing to the 'Make in India' and 'Self-reliant India' initiatives.
Railways serve as a major driver for economic growth, attracting investments and creating new employment opportunities in various sectors.
India's rapid infrastructure development, including the railway sector, positions the country as an attractive destination for global investments.
The event emphasizes that along with a significant budget allocation, honest governance is crucial for the effective utilization of resources and achieving development goals.

Prime Minister's Office

PM laid foundation stones, inaugurated, and dedicated over 2000 railway infrastructure projects worth around Rs 41,000 crores.
Laid foundation stone for redeveloping 553 railway stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of over Rs 19,000 crores.
Inaugurated the redeveloped Gomti Nagar Railway Station and dedicated 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses across the country costing around Rs 21,520 crores.
India is set to witness a mega transformation in its railway infrastructure with these projects.
New India works at unprecedented speed and scale to realize dreams.
Viksit Bharat Viksit Railway program emphasizes youth participation and benefits.
Amrit Bharat Stations symbolize both development and heritage.
Indian Railways is driving India's progress and becoming a mainstay of ease of travel.
Every penny spent on infrastructure creates new income sources and jobs, boosting the economy.
Railways not only serve passengers but also contribute significantly to India's economic and industrial growth.

Prime Minister's Office Summary

PM Modi to visit Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra on 27-28 February 2024.
In Kerala, PM to inaugurate three key space infrastructure projects worth Rs 1800 crore at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
In Tamil Nadu, PM to lay the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal, launch green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel, and inaugurate rail, road, and irrigation projects worth Rs 17,300 crore.
In Maharashtra, PM to release PM-KISAN instalment, disburse funds under 'Namo Shetkari MahaSanman Nidhi', distribute Revolving Fund to SHGs, launch Ayushman cards, and initiate Modi Awaas Gharkul Yojana.
In Maharashtra, PM to dedicate irrigation projects, rail projects, and road projects worth over Rs 4900 crore, improving connectivity and boosting socio-economic development.

RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN HOSTS ‘PURPLE FEST’

A day-long ‘Purple Fest’ was organized at the Amrit Udyan in Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 26, 2024.
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, witnessed cultural performances by Divyangjan and interacted with them.
Events like ‘Know your disabilities’, ‘Purple Cafe’, ‘Purple Kaleidoscope’, ‘Purple Live Experience Zone’, ‘Purple Sports’ were organized with over 14000 participants.
The Fest, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to raise awareness about disabilities and promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

Summary of "Curtain Raiser ceremony of ‘Startup Mahakumbh’"

A curtain raiser ceremony for 'Startup Mahakumbh' will be held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
The event is organized by ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation, TiE, and IVCA, supported by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Startup Mahakumbh is scheduled for March 18-20, 2024, in New Delhi, aiming to bring startups, investors, and industry stakeholders together.
It will feature mentoring sessions, masterclasses, keynote addresses, and Unicorn roundtables to build a resilient startup ecosystem in India.
The event will host 1000+ startups, investors, incubators, and accelerators from the Indian and global startup ecosystem.
Curtain raiser attendees include Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, and officials from government partners, industry, and the startup ecosystem.
Representatives from IVCA, Info Edge, Rukam Capital, Invest India, and ASSOCHAM, among others, will also be present.

Summary of Government Initiatives in FCV Tobacco Sector

Government of India approved interest-free loan of Rs 10,000 from Grower Welfare Fund for FCV tobacco growers affected by cyclonic rains in Andhra Pradesh.
Permission granted to sell FCV Tobacco on Tobacco Boards auction platform in Karnataka; penalty waived for excess production by registered growers and unauthorized production by unregistered growers.
FCV Tobacco mainly produced in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Heavy rains from MICHAUNG cyclone affected FCV tobacco crop in Andhra Pradesh, leading to approval of relief measures.
Good progress in FCV Tobacco auctions in Karnataka, with a 12.49% increase in average price received by farmers.
State Government of Karnataka declared drought in FCV Tobacco growing areas, leading to the decision to permit sale on auction platform and waive penalties.

Summary of India's Stance at WTO Ministerial Conference

India opposes fragmentation of the multilateral trading system and inclusion of non-trade topics at WTO MC13.
India advocates for WTO support for developing nations to overcome constraints related to industrialization.
Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal led the Indian delegation at the thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Abu Dhabi.
India welcomed the accession of Comoros and Timor Leste to the WTO on the opening day.
India emphasized the need to avoid mixing non-trade issues with the WTO agenda and highlighted concerns about trade protectionist measures.
India underscored the importance of policy space for developing nations to address long-standing concerns and constraints in industrialization.
India cautioned against including non-trade topics like Gender and MSMEs in WTO discussions, emphasizing that these issues are better addressed through national measures.
India reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based global trading system.

Summary of Ministry of Finance Meeting with Start-up and Fintech Ecosystem Stakeholders

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with start-up and fintech stakeholders to boost the sector's growth.
Regulators were asked to hold monthly virtual meetings with startups and fintech firms to address their concerns.
Emphasis was placed on simplifying and digitizing KYC processes across all fintech segments.
Various initiatives such as Aadhar, UPI, and regulatory support have enhanced the startup ecosystem in India.
Key action points included workshops with law enforcement agencies, reducing patent examination times, rationalizing lending costs, and addressing cybercrime issues.

Summary of Ministry of Home Affairs Meeting

Union Home Minister held a meeting on the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Government committed to the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir under Prime Minister's leadership.
Abrogation of Article 370 brought significant changes in development, security, and socio-economic aspects in J&K.
All Central laws have been implemented in J&K to ensure equality and fairness to all.
Measures like 10% reservation for economically backward classes have been undertaken for upliftment in J&K.
Efforts in power, agriculture, health, education, employment, and governance sectors have positively impacted people in J&K.
Home Minister reiterated the commitment to ensure a safe and secure India under PM Modi's leadership.
Welfare of CAPFs personnel and their families is a top priority for the Government.
Initiatives like regional language exams, recruitment drives, promotions, and welfare schemes have been implemented for CAPFs personnel.
Various welfare schemes like Bharat Ke Veer, Ayushman CAPFs, Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme are being focused on for CAPFs personnel.

Summary of Prime Minister's Office Inauguration of Bharat Tex 2024

Prime Minister inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024 in New Delhi, highlighting India's textile industry capabilities.
Event focused on tradition, technology, talent, and training in the textile sector.
Emphasis on creating a developed India through the Textile Sector's contribution.
Importance of textiles and Khadi in empowering women and sectors like cotton, jute, and silk.
Government initiatives like PM-MITRA parks and support for MSMEs to boost the textile industry.
Focus on 'Vocal for Local' and 'Local to Global' movements in the textile sector.
Encouragement for uniqueness, authenticity, and technological advancement in textiles.
Plans to establish India as a global export hub with support from government policies and collaborations.

Summary: Growth in Coal-Based Power Generation and Decrease in Coal Imports for Blending in India

India experienced a 6.60% growth in power generation from April to January 2024 compared to the previous year.
Coal-based power generation saw a significant 10.06% growth during the same period.
Coal import for blending dropped by 36.69% to 19.36 MT from April 2023 to January 2024.
Coal remains the primary source, contributing over 70% to India's total power generation.
The government is focused on enhancing coal production to reduce dependence on imported coal and ensure energy security.

Title of the Summary

SJVN Limited, through its subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited, signed a Power Usage Agreement (PUA) with Jammu & Kashmir Power Corporation Limited for 300 MW Solar Power.
The solar power will be supplied from the under-construction 1,000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project in Rajasthan.
The Bikaner Solar Power Project is developed by SJVN under the CPSU Scheme of IREDA at a cost of Rs. 5,491 crores and is scheduled for commissioning by July 2024.
The project operates under the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) mode and will cater to government entities' power needs directly or through discoms.
SJVN aims to reach a capacity of 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040 in line with the Government of India's goal of generating 50% energy from non-fossil-fuel-based resources by 2030.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Launches ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’ Developed by IIT Madras

Ministry of Electronics & IT launched the 'Investor Information and Analytics Platform' developed by IIT Madras.
The platform acts as a one-stop shop for startups to access investors, government schemes, and other components of the startup landscape.
It integrates information on government agencies, incubators, investors, VCs, and banks that invest in startups.
The platform has been developed by the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) of IIT Madras.
It includes features like an AI-based conversational platform called "StartupGPT" to ease information access for users.
The platform has information on over 200,000 startups, 11,000 angel investors, 5,000 VCs, and more.
IIT Madras partnered with YNOS Venture Engine for developing the platform.
Prof. Thillai Rajan A highlighted the platform's role in driving innovation and start-ups in India.
The platform is seen as a valuable resource for researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the innovation ecosystem.

Vice President's Address at 18th Convocation of Mizoram University

Vice President addressed the 18th Convocation of Mizoram University in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Notable attendees included the Hon'ble Governor and Chief Minister of Mizoram, along with other distinguished guests.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of equality before the law in a thriving democracy.
He emphasized the eradication of corruption in government processes and the importance of merit over nepotism.
The address also touched upon the significant economic growth and global recognition India has achieved over the years.
Students were encouraged to think beyond traditional career paths and tap into various opportunities, especially in fields like startups and tourism.
The Vice President urged students to fearlessly pursue their dreams, learn from failures, and contribute to the nation's growth.
He highlighted the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing for students to explore.
Students were reminded of the upcoming centenary of independence in 2047 and encouraged to actively participate in shaping a developed India by then.
The Vice President concluded by emphasizing the importance of respecting parents, cherishing friendships, and nurturing nationalism for a prosperous future.

Vice President's Address to the 9th Mizoram Legislative Assembly

Vice President addressed the 9th Mizoram Legislative Assembly highlighting the importance of women in governance and policy-making.
He praised the three women members of the assembly, reflecting increasing women participation in governance.
Discussed the constitutional provision for 1/3rd reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state legislatures as a significant step towards women-led development.
Highlighted India's economic progress, infrastructure development, and the North East's role in growth.
Touched upon achievements in tourism and infrastructure development in Mizoram, emphasizing its potential in tourism and horticulture.
Urged the assembly to focus on futuristic growth and development, leveraging opportunities for youth in various sectors.
Stressed on nationalism, pride in Indian achievements, and the need for the legislature to play a decisive role in India's progress.
Encouraged collaboration and innovation to unlock opportunities and reward the nation and state with progress.
Expressed gratitude to the assembly for the opportunity and extended an invitation to visit Parliament.
Congratulated members on their discipline and decorum, comparing their performance to the Constituent Assembly debates.

Vice President's Call to Mizoram Legislative Assembly

Vice President emphasized the importance of Legislatures in guiding the Executive to ensure national progress.
Mizoram was described as a state filled with hope and possibilities, with the suggestion for the Legislature to unlock these opportunities for the youth.
Commendation was given to the discipline and decorum shown by members of Mizoram assembly, declaring it as exemplary behavior.
The trend towards women-led development was acknowledged positively with the inclusion of more women in governance.
The Act East policy was praised for its significant impact on the northeast region's growth and development.
The potential of Mizoram in tourism and horticulture was highlighted, offering opportunities for youth.
The audience was encouraged to prioritize nationalism and pride in India's achievements, quoting Dr. B R Ambedkar.

Vice President's Secretariat Summary

Vice-President emphasized the importance of equality before the law for a democracy to survive, thrive, and blossom.
Encouraged youth to move away from the traditional pursuit of government jobs and competitive examinations and urged them to explore new avenues for contribution.
Highlighted the enabling ecosystem in the country that allows youth to aspire, realize their dreams, and utilize their potential.
Emphasized that India is a bright spot for investment and an opportunity-filled land despite global challenges.
Praised the transformative impact of the Act East policy on the North-East and encouraged youth to think big, especially in sectors like tourism.
Urged youth to leverage disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing for entrepreneurship and start-ups.
Called upon youth to actively participate in governance as significant stakeholders and contribute towards making India a developed nation by 2047.