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Current Affairs on 04 March, 2024

AYUSH Initiatives for Integrated Healthcare

Union Health Minister launched Indian Public Health Standards for AYUSH healthcare facilities
Strategic collaboration between Ayush and ICMR for Integrative Health Research
Awards given to stalwarts of Ayurveda for their contributions
Booklet on Ministry of Ayush's achievements in the last 10 years released
Announcement of setting up Ayush - ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research at select AIIMS
Inauguration of Multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia
Focus on integrating traditional Ayush practices with modern medical science
Indian Public Health Standards published for Ayush healthcare facilities
Acknowledgment of Ayurveda's role in Indian culture and heritage
Launch of booklets on Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush Hospitals and Ayushman Arogya Mandir
Lifetime Achievement Awards given to three individuals for their contributions to Ayurveda
Thirteen Ayurveda scholars honored as Fellows of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth

Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants of Bangladesh at NCGG

The 71st Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants of Bangladesh inaugurated at NCGG Mussoorie.
43 officers holding various positions attending the two-week program in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
2600 Bangladesh Civil Servants have undergone capacity building programs at NCGG.
NCGG has signed MoUs with the Government of Bangladesh to train 1800 more civil servants by 2025.
Focus on technology in governance highlighted during the inaugural session by officials.
The program aims to showcase good governance practices and provide practical experience on state and central secretariat functioning.
Training program supervised by a team from NCGG including Course Coordinators and Associate Coordinators.

Collaboration for Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology for Divyangjan

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced a collaboration between CSIR-CSIO and ALIMCO to develop rehabilitation and assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CSIR-CSIO and ALIMCO for this purpose to enhance the lives of Divyangjan.
The collaboration aims to design, develop, and manufacture innovative solutions for the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.
Scientists from CSIR-CSIO showcased their commitment through video conferencing to drive innovation and technological advancement in the field of rehabilitation and assistive technology.
The partnership between CSIR-CSIO and ALIMCO focuses on leveraging scientific expertise and manufacturing capabilities to improve the quality of life and independence of persons with disabilities.
The collaboration highlights a joint effort to empower Divyangjan and promote their full participation in various aspects of life through research, development, and manufacturing initiatives.

Competition Commission of India 9th National Conference Summary

The Competition Commission of India is holding the 9th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi.
The conference will have a plenary session and two technical sessions focusing on the topic "Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities."
Dr. Arvind Virmani from NITI Aayog will deliver the Keynote Address, and Dr. Arghya Sengupta will moderate the plenary session.
The objectives of the conference are to stimulate research, debate on contemporary competition law issues, understand competition issues pertinent to India, and enhance enforcement of competition law in the country.

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare: Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshops

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare conducts Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshops for Central Government Employees who are about to retire.
The 53rd Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop will be inaugurated in Gujarat University, Ahmedabad by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India.
300 Central Government retirees from Gujarat will be attending the Workshop.
The Workshop aims to facilitate retiring employees in understanding retirement benefits, pension sanction process, and relevant information.
Sessions on BHAVISHYA Portal, Integrated Pensioners Portal, Retirement Benefits, CGHS, Income Tax Rules, and Investment Modes will be conducted.
A focus on investment planning, CGHS system, and pension related banking services will be provided in the Workshop.
Participating banks like SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, and ICICI will guide retirees on pension accounts and investment of pension corpus.
The Workshop aims to ensure a smooth transition and provide retirees with information on available benefits post-retirement.
The Department will continue organizing such workshops to support Central Government retirees and keep them informed about Government initiatives.

Development of North-Eastern Agriculture by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Prime Minister Modi focusing on Northeast development
Inauguration of administrative and academic buildings, hostels at IARI, Assam
Government emphasizing on bridging development gaps in agriculture in Northeast
Mission to reduce edible oil imports, become self-reliant in oilseeds
Focus on climate-resilient crop varieties and biodiversity studies
Promotion of technologies that are climate and gender neutral
Emphasis on utilizing natural diversity for research in the Northeast region
Encouraging organic and natural farming technologies
Linking agricultural research with entrepreneurship and promoting idea exchange
Efforts to consider plant, animal, and fish diversity for environmental conservation
Exploration of Northeast India's potential through research and development
Commitment to progress and development of the institute by ICAR

Empowering Persons with Disabilities through MoUs Summary

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (MoSJE) under DEPwD signed three MoUs for empowering persons with disabilities.
A groundbreaking mobile application platform was launched to facilitate registration, accessibility-related issues, and essential information for PwDs.
The first MoU with Inclusive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Foundation (I-STEM) and others aims to enhance the mobile application using AI technology.
The second MoU with Vision Divyang Foundation focuses on providing guidance on government schemes for PwDs through AI tools.
The third MoU with the National Association for the Blind aims to make 10,000 pages of documents accessible to PwDs, including government schemes and legal reliefs.

Expansion of CIPET Centers by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 3 new CIPET centers in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
The government increased the number of CIPETs from 23 to 47 in the last 10 years to meet the needs of the petrochemical industry.
CIPET centers offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD level courses along with skill development and technical support services for the polymer and plastics industry.
Training from CIPET centers provides almost 100% job placement in the petrochemical sector for the youth.
CIPET emphasizes research and innovation in areas such as solar cells, gas separation, water purification, and polymer research to promote self-reliance in the industry.
Diploma programs offered include Diploma in Plastics Mould Technology (DPMT), Diploma in Plastics Technology (DPT), and Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Processing & Testing (PGD-PPT).
Land and building statuses for the new CIPET centers in Baddi, Gwalior, and Ranchi have been provided by the respective state governments to support the establishment of these institutes.

Foundation Stone Laid for Science Experience Centre & Biofuel Centre in CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of the first-ever "Science Experience Centre" and an exclusive "Biofuel Centre" at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad.
The Science Experience Centre aims to realize PM Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat and inspire young minds for innovative Startups.
The Centre is set up by CSIR and NCSM to promote science in society with interactive education programs and exhibits.
CSIR has made significant contributions in various areas like aviation, footwear, earthquake resistance, and societal benefit programs.
CSIR aims to enhance the quality of life through innovative science and technology for a self-reliant India by 2030 aligned with the vision for 'Amrit Kal' in 2047.
Hyderabad Pharma City is recognized as a National Investment and Manufacturing Zone with a focus on R&D and manufacturing in pharmaceutical industries.
CSIR-IICT's technologies have played a crucial role in the development of the agrochemical industry in India.

Geological Survey of India 174th Foundation Day Celebration Summary

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) celebrated its 174th Foundation Day on 4th March, 2024.
The celebration took place across all GSI offices in the country with great fervor.
Dignitaries including Shri Janardan Prasad, Director General of GSI, and Dr. M. K. Mukhopadhyay, former Director General, were present.
The event included lighting a traditional lamp, garlanding portraits of GSI founders, and an exhibition for students.
GSI's role in mineral exploration, geoscientific knowledge, and geohazard management was highlighted during the celebration.
Shri Janardan Prasad emphasized GSI's history, contributions to mineral exploration, and its commitment to making India self-reliant in mineral resources.
Dr. M. K. Mukhopadhyay shared insights on geological fieldwork and encouraged striving for excellence.
The event included releasing the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Geoscience, lectures on topics like mineral prospectivity analysis using Machine Learning, and a cultural program.

Key Development Projects Launched in Adilabad, Telangana

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for over 30 development projects in Adilabad, Telangana, valued at Rs 56,000 crore.
Projects include ventures in energy, environmental conservation, and modern road networks benefiting not only Telangana but the entire nation.
The second unit of NTPC generating 800 MW of power was inaugurated, along with the electrification of the Ambari-Adilabad-Pimpalkhuti railway line and two new national highways in Adilabad-Bela and Mulugu.
The PM highlighted the government's commitment to advancing development at both the national and state levels, citing Bharat's rapid economic growth and the alleviation of 25 crore people out of poverty through welfare schemes.
The PM emphasized the importance of accelerating development momentum whilst addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities like Dalits and tribals.
The PM expressed gratitude and outlined the transformative changes witnessed in Telangana in the past 10 years, promising to continue the development trajectory in the coming years.

Launch of DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and 'Chakshu' Facility Summary

Ministry of Communications launches DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to curb misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial fraud.
‘Chakshu’ facility on Sanchar Saathi portal introduced for citizens to report suspected fraud communication.
Citizens encouraged to proactively report fraud communications to prevent misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime.
DIP is a secure platform for real-time intelligence sharing among stakeholders like TSPs, LEAs, banks, and social media platforms.
Chakshu enables citizens to report fraud communications like impersonation, KYC updates, and sextortion.
Various initiatives of DoT have led to disconnection of fraudulent connections, traced handsets, and accounts frozen in cyber-crime cases.

Launch of the Social Defence Fellowship by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with The/Nudge Institute launched the Social Defence Fellowship.
Five Social Defence Fellows with an average of over 25 years of experience were selected from 840+ applications.
The Fellows will work with the government for 18 months, providing strategic and implementation support.
Main focus areas include entrepreneurship, enhancing access to welfare schemes, and promoting education empowerment initiatives.
The Ministry aims to empower marginalized communities and promote social justice through such partnerships.

Meeting between Prime Minister and Padma Vibhushan Awardee Vyjayanthimala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary actress, Vyjayanthimala.
Vyjayanthimala was admired for her exemplary contribution to Indian cinema.
Prime Minister expressed happiness at meeting Vyjayanthimala in Chennai.
He acknowledged her recent Padma Vibhushan recognition and praised her contribution to Indian cinema.

Meeting of Medical Students and Consultants with the President

A group of medical students and consultants visited the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan under the Sevankur Bharat Programme.
They are associated with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vaidyakiya Pratishthan, providing healthcare services at low rates with a focus on public welfare for the last 30 years.
The President praised the NGO for its contributions to social service, skill development, employment generation, and empowerment of SHGs.
The Sevankur Bharat programme, initiated in 1997, aims to promote national integrity, public service ethos, and ‘Nation First’ spirit among youth.
The President emphasized that healthcare professionals should prioritize societal welfare over monetary gains and uphold values of compassion, kindness, and philanthropy in their work.
She urged to draw lessons from Babasaheb Ambedkar's life on utilizing personal success for societal welfare and working towards social justice, equality, and fraternity.

Ministry of Coal: Historical Coal Production Growth

India has the 5th largest coal reserves and is the 2nd largest consumer of coal, with over 70% of power generated by Thermal Power Plants.
Coal production has grown from 382.62 MT in 2004-05 to 893.19 MT in 2022-23, set to touch 1000 MT in 2023-24 with a 57.87% growth over the last 10 years.
Proactive government initiatives have increased coal production at a CAGR of 5.20%, reducing imports and saving around Rs 2.71 lakh crore.
Coal supply is mostly met through domestic production by companies like Coal India Limited (CIL) with stable prices since 2018, with no significant impact on power tariff.
Reduction in premium over notified coal prices in auctions indicates increased availability and affordability for consumers.

Ministry of Coal: Response to Allegations on Coal Auctions (2015)

An article alleged that the Coal Ministry barred West Bengal from coal auctions illegally for the benefit of a corporate, but the allegations are incorrect and lack understanding of the relevant provisions.
Coal mines are allocated through auctions to both government and private companies, and through allotment only to government companies as per the Coal Mines (Special Provision) Act, 2015.
WBPDCL was disqualified from bidding due to non-payment of additional levy since it was a promoter of a prior allottee, Bengal Emta Coal Mines Ltd.
WBPDCL was eligible for mine allotment as it was not a prior allottee, and mines were allotted to it accordingly.
Allegations of collusion and lack of competition in the Sarisatolli mine auction were baseless, as bidding rules allowed joint ventures and the auction saw strong competitive participation.
The auction methodology was upheld by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Summary

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution aims to make India 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, with agriculture leading the way.
Launch of 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi' to simplify farmers' warehousing logistics and prevent distress sale of produce.
Security deposit charges at WDRA registered warehouses to be reduced from 3% to 1% to encourage more farmers to use these facilities.
Initiative aims to make farming more attractive and aid farmers in receiving fair prices for their produce.
Mandatory registration of warehouses used by FCI under WDRA and focus on enhancing infrastructure readiness in state warehouses.
'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi' offers simplified digital process for farmers' storage with 7% interest per annum for 6 months.
Target of registering 1 lakh warehouses on the platform, with a significant increase in registrations in the past year.
Emphasis on utilizing technology like e-NAM to connect farmers to an interconnected market beyond MSP, increasing Government procurement through MSPs.
Launch of world's largest cooperative food grain storage scheme to further support farmers and provide fair prices for their produce.

Ministry of Defence: MoU for Indigenous Development of Advanced Fuelling & Control System

Ministry of Defence signed MoU with BEML Limited, BEL, and MIDHANI for indigenous development of Advanced Fuelling & Control System for Engines.
The MoU aims for the development of engine systems with enhanced efficiency, performance, and reliability for heavy-duty applications.
The collaboration focuses on leveraging indigenous capabilities for designing, testing, and manufacturing advanced engine systems.
The initiative aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, showcasing the government's commitment to developing complex technologies domestically.
This development will contribute to achieving self-reliance in the field of combat vehicles by harnessing the latest advancements in engine technology and control systems.

Ministry of Finance: Promoting Voluntary Compliance through e-Verification Scheme-2021

The Ministry of Finance is promoting voluntary compliance through the e-Verification Scheme-2021.
The last date for filing updated returns (ITR-U) for Assessment Year (A.Y.) 2021-22 (Financial Year 2020-21) is 31.03.2024.
The Income Tax Department receives information on specified financial transactions of taxpayers and reflects it in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) module for taxpayers to view.
In cases where mismatches are identified between information filed in ITRs and specified financial transactions, taxpayers are being notified through the e-Verification Scheme-2021 for the A.Y. 2021-22 (F.Y. 2020-21).
Taxpayers are urged to view their AIS through the e-filing portal and file updated ITRs (ITR-U) if necessary. Eligible non-filers can also submit updated returns u/s 139(8A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Summary

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrated Health Research in AIIMS.
Collaborative research in AYUSH bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research.
A multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia was announced.
Indian Public Health Standards for AYUSH healthcare facilities were launched.
The 27th Convocation of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth and the 29th National Seminar on 'Ayurvedo Amritanam' were inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
The AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre aims to integrate AYUSH practices with modern medical science for holistic healthcare innovations.
Four AIIMS locations will host the advanced centres for integrative health research.
A research study on Anaemia is being conducted at eight different sites.
The IPHS for AYUSH healthcare facilities aims to improve the quality of health care delivery.
Eminent vaidyas were awarded at the convocation and national seminar on Ayurveda.

Ministry of Heavy Industries Recognizes OLA Electric Technologies with First PLI-Automotive Certificate

International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar awarded the first PLI-Automotive Certificate to OLA Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
This achievement signifies progress in the Indian automotive industry towards localized production of advanced automotive technology products and incentivizing investments in the sector.
The certificate was handed over by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to Ola Electric, showcasing their commitment to indigenization of advanced automotive technology products.
The PLI Scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components, launched by MHI under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, aims to boost local production of Advanced Automotive Technology products.
The scheme encourages the 'Make in Bharat' mission and strengthens the domestic production ecosystem in line with the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, the government aims to achieve the goal of Green Mobility by manufacturing and adopting Electric Vehicles.
The scheme aims to attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain and promote the production and adoption of Electric Vehicles in India.
ICAT is in the process of evaluating and assessing PLI-Auto applications of other applicants, who will soon also receive PLI-Auto Certificates.
ICAT, a division of the National Automotive Board under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is a pioneer Testing Agency for providing services in Automotive Certification, Homologation, Design, Validation, R&D, and certifications like PLI-Auto and FAME.

Ministry of Home Affairs Delegation Meeting Summary

A six-member delegation of Apex Body, Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) from Ladakh met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is dedicated to providing necessary Constitutional safeguards to Ladakh.
The High Powered Committee on Ladakh is discussing modalities for providing these safeguards, focusing on culture, language, land protection, employment, and development.
The committee, under the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, is actively engaging with ABL and KDA representatives, making significant progress through sub-committees and discussions with legal experts.

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Summary

Government aims for a three-fold increase in Natural Gas consumption by 2030.
Anticipated investment of Rs. 41,000 Crores in the 12th CGD Bidding Round to create employment opportunities.
Ministry distributing Letters of Intent to successful bidders for CGD development.
Government planning to invest $67 Billion in the natural gas sector in the next six years.
33,753 Kms of natural gas trunk pipelines authorized, with around 24,623 Kms operational.
1.21 Crore domestic PNG connections and 6,258 CNG stations established in the country.
Emphasis on promoting Natural Gas usage and providing stable prices to consumers.
Focus on creating a vibrant and sustainable gas infrastructure across the country.
Need to shift existing industries to Natural Gas for stable and competitive pricing.
Development of CGD networks aims to provide cleaner cooking fuel, support industries and fuel transportation.

Ministry of Power - Lineman Diwas Overview

The Ministry of Power's Central Electricity Authority honored frontline workers of the power sector at Lineman Diwas in New Delhi.
Over 150 linepersons from 40+ transmission and distribution companies were honored at the event in the national capital.
The theme for the event was 'Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman', highlighting dedication, service, and sacrifice of linemen across the country.
The event aimed to foster collective learning and share safety best practices among linemen to promote a safer working environment.
Union Power Minister R. K. Singh expressed gratitude to linemen for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the nation.
The event saw the participation of women linewomen, technicians, and engineers, breaking gender stereotypes in the power sector.
CEO of Tata Power-Delhi Distribution Limited praised the overwhelming support and participation in honoring frontline power sector workers, turning Lineman Diwas into a national movement.
Various transmission and distribution companies from different states participated in the event to acknowledge the hard work of linemen.

Ministry of Steel: India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector

India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant inaugurated in Stainless Steel Sector by Union Minister of Steel
Plant to be world's first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for stainless steel industry
Initiative to drive sustainable steel production and align with India's goal of net zero carbon emission by 2070
Project showcases India's commitment to green growth and green jobs
National Green Hydrogen Mission transforming India's steel industry with an aim to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export
Government emphasizing on sustainability solutions and infrastructure development for industry transformation
Project to reduce carbon emissions considerably and create employment opportunities
Government ready to implement green policies and promote sustainable steel industry
India poised for growth in the steel industry with a focus on clean technologies and energy transition

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: National Youth Parliament Festival 2024

Finals of the National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024 to be held on 5th and 6th March at the Central Hall of the Parliament.
29 State level winners will compete for First, Second, and Third prizes.
Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, will attend the valedictory function on 6th March 2024.
The theme of the festival is 'Young Voices: Engage and Empower for Nation’s Transformation'.
The event has been organized at three levels covering 785 districts across the country.
The National Youth Parliament aims to strengthen democracy, promote youth engagement, and build leadership qualities.
The festival is inspired by the Prime Minister's idea and has been organized annually since 2019.

National Financial Reporting Authority International Conference Summary

NFRA is hosting an international conference in New Delhi on March 5-6, 2024.
The conference will focus on transparent financial reporting and audit quality as pillars of corporate governance.
It aims to engage stakeholders to enhance the quality of financial reporting and auditing.
Sessions will cover global regulatory updates, industry trends, and best practices.
Attendees can network with regulators, industry experts, and peers for collaborations and partnerships.

Naval Commanders' Conference Overview

Naval Commanders' Conference of 2024 commences on March 5th in a hybrid format.
First phase of the Conference will be held at sea with aircraft carriers demonstrating 'twin carrier operations'.
Hon'ble Raksha Mantri to address Naval Commanders during the three-day event.
Focus on strategic, operational, and administrative matters concerning maritime security.
Discussion on enhancing tri-service synergy and readiness in defence of the nation.
Recent geopolitical dynamics in IOR due to Israel-Hamas conflict affecting maritime security.
Indian Navy's response to emerging threats, including piracy and missile attacks on shipping.
Conference aims to shape the future course of the Indian Navy amidst evolving maritime environment.
Reaffirms Navy's commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests and international cooperation.

Overview of Ministry of Defence Project Seabird Infrastructure

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurating infrastructure of Project Seabird in Naval Base Karwar.
Phase I aimed for accommodating 10 ships and was completed in 2011 with various facilities.
Phase IIA approved for berthing 32 ships and submarines, along with 23 yardcrafts.
Phase IIA includes construction adhering to environmental guidelines and an iconic Covered Dry Berth.
Phase IIA also involves constructing residential accommodations, a Naval Air Station, and a civil enclave.
Project generating direct and indirect employment for thousands with materials sourced locally.
Upon full operation, it will house 50,000 individuals and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Expected to boost industrial growth, attract investments, improve air connectivity, and create more job opportunities.
Naval facilities involving various infrastructure leaders like Larsen & Toubro and Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
The base is projected to provide government employment to around 8,000 personnel once operational.

Prime Minister Wishes Speedy Recovery to President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery and good health of Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the spiritual teachings and guidance of Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, acknowledging his significant contributions to society's spiritual growth and well-being.
The Prime Minister's message was shared on Twitter, where he emphasized his prayers for the President's well-being and underlined the importance of his teachings as a source of enlightenment for many.

Prime Minister Witnesses Historic Milestone at India's Fast Breeder Reactor

PM witnessed the "Commencement of Core Loading" at India's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
PFBR is designed and constructed by BHAVINI with contributions from over 200 Indian industries including MSMEs in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
India's nuclear power program aims at energy security and sustainable development.
The Fast Breeder Reactor uses advanced technology with passive safety features for prompt shutdown in emergencies.
Upon completion of core loading, the reactor will achieve the first approach to criticality and start generating power.
The reactor uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel initially and plans to utilize Thorium for the third stage of the program.
India will be the second country after Russia to operate a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor.

Prime Minister's Office Development Projects Summary

Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated, and laid foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 56,000 crores in Adilabad, Telangana.
Dedicated and laid foundation stones for power projects across the country, including ones related to NTPC, NHPC, and renewable energy.
Inaugurated rail and road projects in Telangana to boost connectivity, reduce travel time, and create employment opportunities.
Emphasized on the Central Government's support for fulfilling the development dreams of Telangana and promoting the development of states for national progress.
Mentioned the high growth rate of the Indian economy, focusing on inclusive development for the poorest sections of society.
Stressed on the importance of enhancing energy, environment sustainability, and road connectivity through various projects.

Registrations of Informal Micro Enterprises on Udyam Assist Platform Cross 1.50 Crore

1.50 crore Informal Micro Enterprises registered on Udyam Assist Platform.
Udyam Assist Platform launched on 11th January 2023 by Ministry of MSME to facilitate IME registrations.
SIDBI is the implementing agency for the Udyam Assist Platform project.
IMEs without GSTN can register on the platform.
Government Gazette specified Udyam Assist Certificate equivalent to Udyam Registration Certificate for availing Priority Sector Lending benefits.
RBI circular categorized IMEs with Udyam Assist Certificate as Micro Enterprises for PSL classification.

Research Collaboration on Online Gaming Behavioral Patterns

The Department of Consumer Affairs collaborated with NIMHANS, Bengaluru to research disruptive impulse control patterns in online gaming.
The aim is to create a model for protecting digital consumers and provide policy inputs for framing guidelines in online gaming.
This research will help in understanding excessive online consumption and develop coping mechanisms for consumers.
The findings will guide consumers in responsibly using technology and help the industry in minimizing risks.
The study will involve collaborations with various organizations for data collection and analysis across different age groups and socio-economic segments.
The project aims to promote healthy digital habits and prevent excessive consumption in online platforms.

Summary of Ministry of Coal's Exponential Growth

Coal CPSEs have witnessed exponential growth in market capitalization, CAPEX, and profitability in the last year.
CIL & NLCIL have shown significant growth in market capitalization, reaching all-time high prices.
CAPEX by coal CPSEs has played a crucial role in boosting the economy, with consistent growth over the past 3 years.
Profitability of Coal PSU's has soared to new heights, with impressive Profit before Tax figures showing consistent growth over the last 3 years.
This growth indicates a positive trend in the contribution of coal CPSEs to the economy of the country.

Summary of Ministry of Defence Announcement

The Ministry of Defence launched the ADITI scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies.
Start-ups can receive a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore under the ADITI scheme to nurture youth innovation.
The scheme aims to help India leap forward in technology and develop deep-tech critical and strategic technologies.
It falls under the iDEX framework and involves creating a 'Technology Watch Tool' to bridge the gap in defense innovation.
Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of achieving technological edge for India to become a knowledge society.
11th Defense India Start-up Challenge was launched with 22 problem statements to address critical defense challenges.
The government is focused on attaining self-reliance in defense production to make independent decisions in line with national interests.
Efforts include promoting domestic manufacturing, earmarking budgets for Indian companies, and eliminating imports through indigenization lists.
Various initiatives were announced during DefConnect 2024 to nurture talent, foster investment in defense start-ups, and promote diversity in defense entrepreneurship.
These initiatives underscore the commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defense production, aiming to make India a global leader in defense technology.

Summary of Ministry of Panchayati Raj's PESA Regional Conference

Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a Two-Day Regional Conference on Strengthening of PESA in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Secretary Shri Vivek Bharadwaj highlighted the importance of Gram Sabhas empowered by the PESA Act in addressing social issues, resolving disputes, managing natural resources, and fostering economic empowerment.
The focus was on efficient implementation of the PESA Act for the strengthening of traditional lifestyles and mitigating societal issues.
The Ministry collaborated with concerned Departments and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the PESA Act.
The objective was to raise awareness about the benefits of the PESA Act, empower Gram Sabhas, and extend benefits to tribal communities.
The Central Government aims to support tribal communities in preserving their cultural heritage and achieving socio-economic development through various interventions.
Efforts are being made to track PESA Act implementation in PESA States and increase Own Source Revenue for Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
The Regional Conference aimed to assess the progress in implementing the PESA Act and develop a common vision for its impact at the grassroots level.
Representatives from various governmental departments, organizations, and stakeholders participated in the conference from states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana.

Summary of Ministry of Power Projects Inaugurated by Prime Minister

Prime Minister dedicated and laid foundation stones for multiple power projects across the country.
Inaugurated 7 projects and laid foundation stone for 1 project of Power Grid Corporation of India.
Projects include renewable energy projects focusing on development of the poorest, Dalits, tribals, backward, and deprived sections.
Strengthening the power sector has contributed significantly to the nation's growth.
Total cost of the 32 projects amounts to Rs. 56,065 crores.
Government has added over 196 GW of generation capacity since April 2014, transforming the country from power deficit to power surplus.
Transmission lines and infrastructure have been significantly expanded to integrate the country into one national market.
Efforts have been made to reduce AT&C losses and clear legacy dues in the power sector.
India's rapid growth will require continuous capacity addition, reforms, and strengthening of the power sector.

Summary of National Conference of Enforcement Chiefs of the State and the Central GST Formations

Union Finance Minister inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Enforcement Chiefs of the State and the Central GST Formations in New Delhi.
GST officials were urged to engage with stakeholders, enhance compliance, streamline processes, and work collaboratively towards a more transparent and efficient tax system.
Importance of technology, collaboration, and feedback for effective GST enforcement was highlighted by various officials.
In-depth discussions were held on GST evasion typologies, collaborative efforts, technology utilization, and prevention of fraudulent behavior.
Presentations showcased successes in detecting fake entities, utilizing technology for real-time monitoring, and improving early detection of non-genuine taxpayers.
Thematic sessions covered issues like GST evasion typologies, fake invoicing, legal challenges, and operational strategies for GST enforcement.
Experience sharing and knowledge transfer between states and central authorities were emphasized, leading to the decision to hold such conferences bi-annually.

Summary of National Science Day Celebrations at CSIR-NIScPR

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organized a lecture in New Delhi to celebrate National Science Day 2024.
Chief guest: Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma; Keynote speaker: Dr. Rajni Kant.
Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and technology for scientific progress in India.
Dr. Rajni Kant discussed "Understanding Health Communication and its Role in Disease Management."
Importance of using social media for health communication was emphasized.
Brainstorming session on the "Use of Social Media in Health Communication" involved experts from different Indian organizations.
Focus was on combating health misinformation, promoting digital health literacy, and involving various stakeholders in health communication.

Summary of the Prime Minister's Appreciation of the Supreme Court Verdict

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, praised the Supreme Court verdict in the JMM bribery case.
He called it a "Great Judgment" and welcomed it as a step towards ensuring clean politics and enhancing people's trust in the system.
PM Modi shared his appreciation on social media and emphasized the importance of the judgment for maintaining integrity in politics.

Summary of World Hearing Day Celebrations by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

World Hearing Day was observed on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing impairment and promote overall hearing care.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities organized various awareness programmes across national institutes and regional centers.
Initiatives included free hearing screenings, training sessions for airport authorities, online seminars, awareness rallies, competitions, and webinars.
Efforts emphasized the role of audiologists, dispelled misconceptions about hearing impairment, and advocated for hearing hygiene.
Activities like drawing competitions, dance performances, and poetry recitations were also conducted to spread awareness.
The focus was on promoting an inclusive society while empowering individuals to overcome hearing challenges with awareness and the use of hearing aids.
The aim is to create a world where everyone has access to hearing care and awareness for a stronger and more empowered society.