Italian Open Tennis: Singles semifinals to be played today

In the other semifinal, World number four Karolina Pliskova will be up against the 19th-ranked Czeh Republic Marketa Vondrousova. The two semi-final matches will be played today. In quarterfinals matches, Halep rolled to a 6-2, 2-0 lead when her Kazakh opponent Yulia Putintseva retired with a back injury while Second seed Pliskova beat Belgian 11th … Read more

Belarus police detain hundreds of protesters in Minsk

Belarus, a former Soviet republic closely allied with Russia, has been rocked by mass street protests since Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in an Aug. 9 presidential election that his opponents say was rigged. He denies their accusation. Saturday’s protesters, most of them women, briefly scuffled with police who then blocked their path and started … Read more

SAI to fund K Srikanth’s participation in Denmark Open

The proposal to participate in the competition came from Srikanth, who has also requested that he be allowed to reach the venue early and that his coach and physio be allowed to accompany him for the tournament. However, their names are still to be decided.  SAI will also pay for his COVID-19 testing that is … Read more

Rajya Sabha passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2nd Amendment) Bill

Replying to a brief discussion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman justified the promulgation of the ordinance saying that the step was necessitated in view of COVID-19 pandemic situation. She said, there were apprehensions that the country’s economy was likely to be adversely affected.  The Finance Minister said, the government had settled thousands of disputed cases involving … Read more

PMO led panel initiates Action in Advance for Management of Air Pollution in NCR region 

Principal Secretary to Prime Minister emphasized that the meeting was called well in advance before the onset of harvesting and winter season to ensure proper precautionary and preventive measures to combat the causes of air pollution are taken well in time. A review of the main sources of air pollution, measures taken and the progress … Read more

China releases rules for ‘Unreliable entities’

Beijing announced in May 2019 that it would create a list of ‘unreliable entities’ of foreign firms or individuals that violated market rules or contractual obligations or took measures that hurt the rights of Chinese businesses or threatened China’s national security interests. Commerce Ministry said, it will prohibit foreign firms listed as unreliable entities from … Read more

Australian Judge resigns from Hong Kong top court

It was announced in the government gazette published on Friday. Justice James Spigelman is the first senior judge to resign and publicly cite the law, passed by China’s parliament on June 30 without any Hong Kong legislative process or consultation. It has sparked renewed debate about the city’s judicial independence. The controversy came amid heightened … Read more

India and Bangladesh to resume Joint Coordinated Border Patrolling

The decision was taken during the 50th DG level conference of the border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh which concluded in Dhaka on Saturday. A joint record of discussion was issued on the final day of the conference on Saturday. Recognising the increasingly violent attacks on the border guarding forces, both the countries agreed for … Read more

MHA asks all states, UTs to ensure uninterrupted Oxygen supply

In a letter to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said it has come to the notice that some states are trying to curb inter-state movement of oxygen supplies from manufacturing units situated in their areas. He said, some states are also mandating manufacturers and suppliers located in the … Read more

Rise in Price of Essential Food Items

Monthly Average of retail prices in respect of 22 essential commodities monitored by Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) from March 2020 to August 2020 indicating the increase in retail prices is as follows- Department of Consumer Affairs (Price Monitoring Division) Commodities Unit: Rs./Kg. Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20  Rice 33.34 34.07 34.09 34.34 34.21 … Read more

Peru president survives impeachment vote amid virus turmoil

The decision came after long hours of debate in which legislators blasted Vizcarra, but also questioned whether a rushed impeachment process would only create more turmoil in the middle of a health and economic crisis. Lawmakers appeared to be far short of the two-thirds majority vote required to remove Vizcarra from office, but even if … Read more

New formula to assess spectra of accretion discs around black holes, paves way for estimating BH mass

Black holes (BH) cannot be observed directly, but their presence can be detected by the huge amount of energy that is liberated through temporary accumulation of matter outside the BH, before it dives into the BH, a process called accretion.   Scientists have found the formula that can assess the spectrum emitted from the accretion … Read more

Janani Suraksha Yojana : Reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate

As per the latest report (2016-18) of Sample Registration System (SRS) released by Registrar General of India (RGI), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India per 100,000 live births has declined to 113 in 2016-18 from 122 in 2015-17 and 130 in 2014-2016. The detailed comparative state-wise MMR of the year 2015-17 and 2016-18 is placed … Read more

Utilization of Nirbhaya Fund : information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today

An Empowered Committee (EC) of Officersappraises and recommends the proposals received from various Central Ministries/ Departments/ States/ Uts and other organizations for funding under Nirbhaya Fund. After initial appraisal by the EC, the concerned Ministries/ Departments get the projects/ schemes appraised by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC)/ Standing Finance Committee (SFC)/ Public Investment Board (PIB)/ … Read more

Availability of Material for Masks/PPE Kits

From zero manufacturers in March 2020, 1100 indigenous manufacturers of PPE kits have been developed by the Government till date, most of them being from MSME sector. The capacity and production of PPE Coveralls for COVID-19 touched a peak of 5 lakh per day in mid May 2020.    As on 13.9.2020, a total of 1.42 … Read more

National Technical Textiles Mission

The Government has approved the proposal for creation of National Technical Textiles Mission for a period of 4 years (2020-21 to 2023-24) with an outlay of Rs.1480 crores. The distribution of funds is (i) For Research Innovation & Development – Rs. 1000 crores, (ii) For Promotion and Market Development- Rs.50 crore, (iii) For Education, Training … Read more

Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Textile Sector

The global pandemic of Covid-19 has affected the existing modus operandi of various textile sectors by posting restriction of social gathering, migration of laborers as well as affecting all the stakeholders right from farmers to traders/exporters in the value chain of textile sector and at the same time it has opened new window of opportunities … Read more

Market Linked Focus Products Scheme

The Market Linked Focus Products Scheme (MLFPS) was being implemented under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14, as extended till 31.03.2015. The Scheme is no longer in operation for exports from 01.04.2015, as the new FTP 2015-20 is launched on 01.04.2015 with new scheme in the name of Merchandise Export from India Scheme … Read more

DHL Express announces annual price adjustments for 2021, Rate increase of 6.9%, effective January 1, 2021

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, announced a price increase today that will take effect on January 1, 2021. The increase in India will be 6.9%, compared to 2020. Further, the surcharge for Overweight Pieces and Non-Stackable Pallets will be adjusted to INR 7,250 per piece and INR 15,000 per pallet. This … Read more

In a first, eight Indian beaches recommended for ‘Blue Flag’ eco-label; World Bank applauds India’s efforts

Union Environment Ministry announced at a virtual event, that the decision was taken on the basis of the recommendation of an independent National Jury composed of eminent environmentalists & scientists. India’s initiative to clean up its coastal and marine ecosystem has been applauded by the World Bank, who believe that India’s strategy for sustainable coastal … Read more

Telephonic conversation between PM and President of the Russian Federation

Prime Minister received a telephone call today from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. The Russian President conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Prime Minister’s birthday.  Prime Minister Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the gesture. Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthen the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ … Read more

“BRICS countries continue to cooperate in Telecom/ ICT activities on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Forum”: Sanjay Dhotre

Shri Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Education, Government of India participated in the meeting on behalf of India during the sixth BRICS Communication Ministers Meeting held on 17th September 2020 in virtual format. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Maxim Parshin, Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and … Read more

Prime Minister to dedicate the historic Kosi Rail Mega Bridge to the Nation, also to inaugurate New Rail Lines and Electrification Projects in Bihar for the benefit of passengers

The Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi shall dedicate to the nation the historic Kosi Rail Mega bridge to the Nation through video-conference at 12 Noon on the 18th of September 2020. Shri Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar, Central Ministers, Shri PiyushGoyal, Minister of Railways  and Commerce & Industry, Shri Ravi … Read more

Health Ministry organizes Seminar on World Patient Safety Day

On the occasion of second World ‘Patient safety Day’, a webinar was organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & National Health System Resource Centre, to give impetus to the endeavours directed towards improving the safety of patients as well as health care worker, since both are closely inter-linked. The COVID-19 pandemic has … Read more

Tax tribunal makes innovative and aggressive use of IT techniques to dispense faster justice in the field of Direct Taxes despite corona

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, a statutory quasi-judicial institution created under the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the second appellate authority dealing with disputes in the field of Direct Taxes and widely acclaimed as the ‘Mother Tribunal’, has been modelling itself on its motto of ‘Nishpaksh Sulabh Satvar Nyay’, meaning Impartial, Easy and Speedy Justice, … Read more

Government is committed to ensure equal access to online education for all sections of society- Education Minister

Government is committed to ensure equal access to online education for all sections of society. Online resources are provided through the various initiativesof the Government – SWAYAM, SwayamPrabha, DIKSHA, e-Pathshala, e-PGPathshala, Virtual Labs, National Digital Library (NDL) and National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER).A comprehensive initiative called PM eVIDYA has been initiated which unifies … Read more

New formula to assess spectra of accretion discs around black holes,paves way for estimating BH mass

Scientists have found the formula that can assess the spectrum emitted from the accretion discs around black holes. Spectra of accretion discs can help estimate the mass of the black hole. Accretion flow around BH is composed of ionised plasma, which is a soup of bare electrons and protons. Since electrons are more prone to radiative … Read more

Largest Deobandi Madrasa closed by Bangladesh Government

The Education Ministry in its order said that the Hathazari Madrasa at Chittagong will be closed due to the breach of conditions. On August 28, the Ministry had allowed Madrasas to resume their academic activities on the condition that the health guidelines issued by the government are followed.  The Madrasa has been facing protests due … Read more

Delhi Capitals Salutes COVID Warriors from the City

As a small token of gratitude, Delhi Capitals, through its digital initiative “Salaam Dilli”, recognised the contribution of some frontline workers from Delhi NCR. Inspired and humbled by the efforts of these courageous citizens, the Delhi Capitals official match jersey will bear the “Thank You COVID Warriors” message for the entire duration of this season. … Read more

PM Modi to dedicate historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation

Apart from this the Prime Minister shall also inaugurate 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities for the benefit of the Bihar State. These include a new railway bridge on the Kiul River, two new railway lines, 5 Electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed and 3rd Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur. The dedication of the Kosi Rail … Read more

Contract for Old Pension Scheme

National Pension System (NPS) was introduced for Central Government employees by a Notification of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) dated 22nd December, 2003. NPS is mandatory for all new recruits to the Central Government service from 1st January, 2004 (except the armed forces). However, in some specific court cases, like WP(C) No. 3834/2013 titled Permanand … Read more

KVIC Creates 1500 Employment in 10 Cities to Celebrate Sewa Diwas

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) extended the benefits of various employment generation schemes to nearly 1500 persons in 10 Indian cities to celebrate “Sewa Diwas” on Thursday which marks the birthday of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. From Arunachal Pradesh on the North Eastern Frontier to Bikaner on the Western Border and from … Read more

Ministry of MSME re-activates the micro-industrialization process in Rural India

A few days ago, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), had announced expanding and doubling the support to Artisans who might be interested in making Agarbatti. Taking these efforts further, the Ministry has now come out with new guidelines for two more schemes which include ‘Pottery Activity’ and ‘Beekeeping Activity’. These new initiatives … Read more

Income Tax Department carries out searches in Jammu & Kashmir

The Income Tax Department carried out a search and seizure operation on a prominent Hotelier, owning a chain of Hotels at  Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam with another hotel under construction at Leh. Various incriminating documents and materials evidencing unexplained investments in immovable properties, construction of hotels and residences aggregating to Rs. 25 crore in … Read more

Number and Per Capita Income of Handloom Weavers

According to 4th All India Handloom Census 2019-2020, total number of handloom worker households is 31,44,839.  However number of handloom worker households as per 3rd Handloom Census of India 2009-2010 was 27,83,271. As per 3rd handloom census: Average earning of Handloom Households (Rs/Annum, 2009-10): Rs. 36498 (i.e. Rs. 3042 per Month). According to the 3rd Handloom Census it was … Read more

Union Education Minister virtually confers Second Utkrisht Sansthan Vishwakarma Award on Vishwakarma Divas Celebration

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually confers SecondUtkrishtSansthanVishwakarma Award in 14 categories to the Institutions under AICTE on Vishwakarma Divas Celebration. The Utkrisht SansthanVishwakarma Award is being organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) since 2019, which aims to motivate, recognize and honor the AICTE approved institutions to raise their performance in the … Read more

Steps taken by Government to support tribal communities during Covid pandemic

Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has constituted a team of officers to prepare the roadmap and take necessary measures for implementation/realization of initiatives to restore growth in the economy after the Covid-19 Pandemic. On request of MoTA, the Ministry of Home Affairs has vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 16/04/20 issued guidelines aiming to relax the … Read more

40 Central Ministries/Departments have been mandated to earmark funds in the range of 4.3% to 17.5% for tribal development

Studies conducted by the Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) have highlighted the challenges faced by tribal people. Some of the studies undertaken by Tribal Research Institute, Maharashtra are as under: Migration of Vulnerable Tribes in Maharashtra – Livelihood Resources, Health and Food habits of Korku Tribe Migration of Vulnerable Tribes in Maharashtra – Livelihood Resources, Health … Read more

Measures for welfare of Pensioners during COVID-19

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today that several measures have been taken for the benefit of pensioners during COVID-19. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, ever … Read more

HDFC Bank launches Video KYC facility

With Video KYC, prospective customers can open a full KYC all benefit account quickly through an online and secure journey HDFC Bank today announced the launch of Video KYC (Know Your Customer) facility. After successful completion of the pilot project, HDFC Bank has deployed consent-based Video KYC facility as an alternate method of establishing the prospective … Read more