Solar and Wind Power System

Steps taken by the Government to implement Solar Power plants and Wind power plants on Indian Railways (IR), inter-alia, are as follows: 1. 102.8 Mega Watt (MW) rooftop solar plants commissioned. 2. 4.7 MW land based solar plants commissioned. 3. Land based solar power plant of 50 MW at Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and 2 MW at … Read more

Socio-Economic Activities

Indian Railways, besides running trains/special trains on existing Railway system, is undertaking various infrastructure projects including new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, electrification, bridges, etc. which provide direct and indirect benefits to both the rural and urban communities. Railways is also expediting execution of Railway infrastructure works in identified districts under Garib Kalyan Rojgar Yojna to … Read more

Illegal Occupation of Land in Cantonment Region

During the year 2018, 2019 and in 2020 (upto 31.08.2020), 7.586 acres of defence land inside cantonment under the management of Defence Estate Organization have been detected as encroached by the residents.  Out of above, defence land measuring 4.11 acres have got freed from encroachment during the same period. The illegal occupation of defence land … Read more

Scheme for Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) Launched on 31.07.2020

Scheme for Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs), a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), for providing accommodation at affordable rent to urban migrants/ poor has been launched on 31.07.2020 after approval of the Union Cabinet. Following steps have been taken to implement the scheme of ARHCs for urban migrants/poor: Operational Guidelines of ARHCs along … Read more

Economic Losses due to Pandemic in North Eastern States

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha today that Government of India has taken several measures to support the North Eastern State Governments, including Assam during the pandemic. … Read more

Investment in Atomic Energy

There are presently twenty-two (22) reactors with a capacity of 6780 MW in operation in the country. In addition, nine (9) reactors, with a total capacity of 6700 MW are presently under construction. The Government has also accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for twelve (12) more reactors with an aggregate capacity of 9000 MW … Read more

On-going developmental projects in Assam under the Ministry of DoNER

The details regarding the on-going projects in Assam under the Ministry of DoNER is as under: S.No Scheme Name No. of projects Approved Cost (Rs. in cr.) Total Release  (Rs. in cr.) 1 Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) 189 2286.49 1375.74 2 North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) 18 569.03 187.21 3 … Read more

U.S. COVID-19 cases exceed 6.62 million

The U.S. case count rose to 6,626,242, with the national death toll reaching 196,661 as of 19:22 Eastern Standard Time, according to the CSSE. Since the outbreak started in the United States, the federal government has been making attempts at political meddling in scientific research and reports of public health agencies and health experts, which … Read more

Three terrorists gunned down by security forces in J&K encounter

Jammu & Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh said, the encounter broke out after terrorists opened fire on security forces while carrying out a search operation in Batamaloo area. So far 177 terrorists including 22 foreigners have been neutralized in 2020, 12 in Jammu division and 165 in Kashmir division. 20 terrorists have surrendered so far. Pakistan desperate to … Read more

COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 78.64%

During the last 24 hours, more than 82 thousand COVID patients have been recovered. Health Ministry said, the total number of recoveries has reached over 40.25 lakh. The constantly increasing recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country has reduced and currently comprises only 19.73 per cent of the total positive cases. It … Read more

UN chief calls for global solidarity in tackling challenges amid organization’s 75th anniversary year

As the world organization commemorates it 75th anniversary this year, Guterres warned that the organization faces its own “1945 moment,” noting that efforts must be made to “meet that moment.” “In this 75th anniversary year, we face our own 1945 moment. We must meet that moment,” Guterres told journalists at a hybrid press conference held … Read more

COVID-19 recovery rate improves to 78.64%

During the last 24 hours, more than 82 thousand COVID patients have been recovered. Health Ministry said, the total number of recoveries has reached over 40.25 lakh. The constantly increasing recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country has reduced and currently comprises only 19.73 per cent of the total positive cases. It … Read more

10th virtual meeting of BRICS NSAs today

The National Security Advisors of the BRICS nations will deliberate upon the issues related to strengthening political security and cooperation among the five countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a press briefing on Wednesday confirmed participation of Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, in … Read more

Australia wins ODI series vs England after thrilling decider

Mitchell Starc swept a four for the winning runs as the Australians consigned England to its first loss in a bilateral ODI series at home since 2015 with a record chase at Old Trafford, giving them a famous win to take back Down Under from their white-ball tour. England recovered from losing the wickets of … Read more

China again parries questions related to restoration of status quo of April 2020 along LAC in Eastern Ladakh

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman refused to give any clear-cut response to the question on disengagement by sending the troops back to their respective positions and restoring the status quo of April. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman expressed hope that both sides will follow through the 5 point agreement reached between both the foreign ministers in … Read more

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to give statement on LAC situation

Earlier, on Tuesday, Defence Minister had made a statement in Lok Sabha over the issue. Rajnath Singh had asserted that India remains committed to resolve the current issues in its border areas through peaceful dialogue and consultations. He said, India believes that mutual respect and mutual sensitivity are the basis for peaceful relations with neighbours.   … Read more

WHO warns of COVID-19 momentum as winter looms in northern hemisphere

The World Health Organization warned on Wednesday that COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, is spreading at a worrying pace in some parts of the northern hemisphere, a few months away from the winter influenza season. “We are starting to see worrying trends in some countries,” Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead for … Read more

PM congratulates Yoshihide Suga on appointment as Prime Minister of Japan

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Excellency Yoshihide Suga on the appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Heartiest congratulations to Excellency Yoshihide Suga on the appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to jointly taking our Special Strategic and Global Partnership to new heights.”  

Steps taken to ensure safety of healthcare and other health workers of hospitals

Hospitals and dispensaries being a State subject, no data is maintained in the Union Government about Safai Karmacharis, who have died due to health and safety hazards related cleaning hospitals and medical waste during Covid-19 pandemic. States were asked to constitute Infection Prevention and Control Committees. Hospitals were also to identify a nodal officer who … Read more

Various initiatives taken by Ministry of Steel for capacity building

The National Steel Policy envisages achievement of 300 MTPA crude steel capacity by 2030-31. Towards achievement of this goal Ministry of Steel has taken several initiatives namely:- (i)        Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products Policy for promoting procurement of Made in India steel by Government agencies. (ii)       Steel Scrap Policy for enhancing availability of domestically … Read more

Cylinders distributed under PMUY during Corona crisis

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana(PMUY) commenced w.e.f. 01.05.2016 to provide deposit free LPG connections to adult woman of poor households. The target of the same was achieved on 7th September, 2019. Year-wise details of LPG connections released under the Scheme are as under:-   Year 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 No. of connections released 200.3 lakh 155.7 … Read more

Pricing for supplying BS-VI fuel

Prices of petrol and diesel have been made market-determined by the Government with effect from 26.06.2010 and 19.10.2014 respectively. Since then, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel in line with their international product prices, exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements. Further, IOCL … Read more

Govt working on setting up single window system for clearances & approvals of industry: Piyush Goyal

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Goyal said, despite the presence of several IT platforms for investing in India such as in departments of the central government, and state single window clearances, investors have to visit multiple platforms to gather information and obtain clearances from different stakeholders.   He also said the cell … Read more

Special Window for Completion of Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (Swamih Investment Fund) Created

In order to boost real estate sector, the Government has taken various initiatives such as reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on under-construction Affordable Housing project from existing 8% to 1% without Input Tax Credit (ITC) and in case of other housing projects from 12% to 5% without ITC; increase in Priority Sector Lending … Read more

Migrants stream into new camp on Lesbos island

More than 12,000 people, mostly refugees from Afghanistan, Africa and Syria, were left without shelter, proper sanitation or access to food and water by the fire that tore through Moria’s containers and tents. But Greek authorities have struggled to convince migrants to move into the new camp, who had hoped that they would be allowed … Read more

Union Government has taken unprecedented measures for labour welfare and employment generation across India during Covid-19 pandemic : Shri Gangwar

Union Labour and Employment Minister has said today that  “a number of unprecedented steps have been taken by the Union Government for labour welfare and employment  including for migrant workers across India during COVID-19 pandemic. Elaborating it he said : ➢ Labour is in the concurrent list and therefore, both State and Central Governments can … Read more

Indian and U.S. Defense Delegations conduct Virtual Discussion on Defense Cooperation

The 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group Meeting was held virtually on September 15, 2020.  The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Raj Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, from the Indian Ministry of Defence and Ms. Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, from the U.S. Department of Defense. DTTI Group … Read more

Long-Term, Time-Bound, National Level Strategy to Tackle Air Pollution-National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

The Central Government launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. Under … Read more

Details of Indians Repatriated Under Vande Bharat Mission

Vande Bharat Mission consists of special repatriation flights operated by Indian carriers and chartered flights operated by both Indian and foreign carriers. As per information provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as on 31.08.2020, a total of 5817 flights (inbound to India) were operated to repatriate Indian nationals. The country-wise details of repatriated … Read more

Special Trains for Passengers

Train services were started in phases as special trains- (i) 15 pairs of Rajdhani specials were introduced with effect from 12/05/2020. (ii) 100 pairs of special trains were introduced with effect from 01/06/2020. (iii) 43 pairs of special trains were started from 12/09/2020. (iv) 705 Suburban services (Central Railway-355 & Western Railway-350) were started from … Read more

Electrification of Railway Lines

Total Broad Gauge (BG) Route kilometer (RKM) Indian Railways (including Konkan Railway) is 63,631. As on 01.04.2020, 39,866 RKM have been electrified. Zone wise length of Rail line yet to be electrified are as under: Zonal Railways Total BG RKM Electrified RKM Balance RKM As on 01.04.2020 Central 3853 2928 925 East Coast 2774 2774 … Read more

Disposal time of public grievances improved over the last six years: Dr Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha today that the average disposal time of grievance has progressively improved over the last six years.  For example, during the COVID … Read more

A National Webinar on Creating Awareness about National Education Policy through NSS, NCC, NYKS Volunteers and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan coordinators under Shikshak Parv Initiative

Ministry of Education organised a National Webinar on Creating Awareness about National Education Policy, 2020 through NSS, NCC, NYKS and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Volunteers under Shikshak Parv Initiative. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was the chief guest of the webinar. Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & … Read more

Union Power Ministry in a historic pro-consumer move drafts Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020; invites suggestions/comments by 30th September

Union Power Ministry has drafted Rules providing for Rights of Electricity Consumers for the First Time. Electricity Consumers are the most important stakeholders in the power sector. The sector exists because of them. Having provided access to electricity to all citizens, it is now important to focus on consumer satisfaction. For this, it is imperative … Read more

India’s Registers the Highest Single day Recoveries

India continues to record a spate of very high recoveries. India logged in the highest number of single day recoveries in the last 24 hours. 82,961 COVID patients were cured and discharged from home/facility isolation and hospitals, steeply pushing the Recovery Rate to 78.53%. The 7-day moving average of the Recoveries shows a consistent increase in the recoveries. … Read more

Impact of Corona on Sezs

A comparative statement in respect of merchandise exports from SEZs during the period of April to August, is as under:   Merchandise exports (April-August, 2020) Merchandise exports during the corresponding period of previous year (April – August, 2019) Rs. 81,481 Crores Rs. 1,30,129 Crores   However, Services exports has shown a growth of 9% during … Read more

Impact of Lockdown

India’s overall export (merchandise plus services) has declined by 25.42% during the period April-June, 2020 as compared to the corresponding period of previous year. The latest merchandise exports show a recovery, with export decline reducing to (-)12.66% in August,2020. With the gradual opening up of the economy after the nation-wide lockdown, industrial activity has started … Read more

Global Covid-19 cases surpass 29.6 million: Johns Hopkins

As of Wednesday evening, the total number of cases stood at 29,607,590 and the fatalities rose to 935,871, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US accounted for the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 6,606,674 and 195,961 respectively, according to the CSSE. India is … Read more

PM Modi to dedicate historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation on Friday

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

COVID-19 test for International passengers; Testing allowed at entry Airport on pilot basis

The salient features of the guidelines include the following: (i) Airport Operator will create Sample Collection cum Waiting Lounge facility for RT-PCR testing. (ii)Waiting Lounge should be located away from the Operational area, should follow all sanitization and social distancing related guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, should have no unauthorized access, … Read more

Myanmar restricts office attendance as COVID-19 cases surge

Employees below the level of Deputy Directors have been asked to work for two weeks from home and two weeks from office each month. However senior officials will continue to attend office on a daily basis. The government servants will not be allowed to go outside without permission while they work from home. This is … Read more

Environment Ministerial Meeting of G20 countries held through video conferencing

Representing India, Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar, congratulated the Saudi Presidency for exemplary work in bringing together the nations of the world to address the urgent environmental challenges and propose impactful solution.  He also shared the efforts made by India towards achieving land degradation neutrality, and towards attainment of global goals of climate change mitigation … Read more