Page 5 - Indian Government

Submission of age, quota-related papers now mandatory for UPSC prelims

The Centre has made submission of documents in support of age and reservation-related claims mandatory by candidates while applying for the civil services preliminary examinations, according to recently notified rules. Earlier, such documents were to be uploaded after candidates qualified the preliminary test. The move comes in the backdrop of the controversy involving former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who was accused of cheating, wrongly availing Other Backward Class (OBC) and disability quota benefits to ensure her selection in the government service. She has denied all allegations though. The civil services examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in three stages -- preliminary, mains and interview -- to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. "A candidate who is willing to apply for civil services examination shall be required to apply on-line

Illegal migrants challenge for health, edu, employment sectors: V-P Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the 76th foundation day celebrations of Uttar Pradesh on Friday, raised concerns over the presence of illegal refugees in the country and called for immediate action to safeguard the nation's interests. He also urged the youth to take a stand against individuals and entities engaged in anti-national activities. "There are crores of illegal refugees in India who pose serious challenges to our healthcare, education, and employment sectors," Dhankhar said. "This is a matter of grave concern, as they are now seeking to influence electoral processes. Across the globe, developed nations are addressing such issues, and India, too, must act swiftly for its stability and dignity." He further stressed, "It is essential to confront and neutralise those forces working to weaken India and align with anti-national elements. The youth must exercise their immense power to counter such threats effectively." Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's contribution to ..

Govt stops imports of herbicide Glufosinate priced below Rs 1,289 per kg

The government on Friday imposed restrictions on imports of herbicide Glufosinate priced below Rs 1,289 per kg, with a view to discourage inbound shipments of the chemical. However, if the prices are above this value, imports are allowed without any restriction. "Import of Glufosinate and its salts (purity - minimum 95 per cent) is restricted for CIF value below Rs 1,289 per kg. However, import of Glufosinate and its salts is free if CIF value is Rs 1,289 per kg and above," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) is a trade term used in international commerce to determine the total value of goods being imported. Products under the restricted category need a licence from the government. The import of the herbicide stood at USD 177 million during April-November this fiscal. It was USD 238.13 million in 2023-24. During the first eight months of this fiscal, India imported Glufosinate mainly from China (USD 58.72

India's digital economy set to overtake agriculture, mfg by 2030: MeitY

India's digital economy is expected to grow almost twice as fast as the overall economy, contributing to nearly one-fifth of national income by 2030, according to a MeitY report

India drops to 3rd in trust index; low-income less trusting of institutions

India has slipped one place to third slot when it comes to people's trust in the government, businesses, media and NGOs, while the low-income population is far less trusting than their richer counterparts, a study showed here on Monday. The annual Edelman Trust Barometer, now in its 25th year, released before the start of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, also showed that India ranks low at 13th place when it comes to trust of people in other countries, in companies with Indian headquarters. Canada topped this list of foreign-headquartered companies, followed by Japan, Germany, the UK, France and the US, while those ranked higher than India also included Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China and Brazil. The overall list for trust of the general population in the government, businesses, media and NGOs was again topped by China, while Indonesia replaced India for the second spot by virtue of an increased score despite the Indian score remaining unchanged. The survey of 28

Govt clears Rs 3,516 cr investment proposals under PLI scheme for ACs, LEDs

Out of these, the government selected 18 companies-10 manufacturers of components of ACs and eight LED light manufacturers-with committed investment of Rs 2,299 crore

DoT to receive 687 MHz of unused spectrum, says Jyotiraditya Scindia

The telecom sector will now have 1,587 MHz of its 2,000 MHz requirement by 2030

Cabinet clears Rs 3.9K cr plan for third launch pad at Sriharikota centre

The Third Launch Pad project envisages the creation of launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV)

Govt highlights new initiatives for a progressive, self-reliant India

The Union Cabinet also approved the construction of a third launch pad at Isro's space centre in Sriharikota with an investment of Rs 3,984 crore

National Startup Day 2025: Govt launches Bharat Startup Grand Challenge

The government aims to launch 75 similar challenges by the 2026 anniversary of the Startup India initiative

Indonesian President Subianto to be chief guest at Republic Day event

During his state visit, President Prabowo Subianto and Indian leaders will review bilateral relations and discuss important regional and global matters

PM Modi asks youth to make efforts to realise dream of Viksit Bharat

There was also a lunch program with the PM, allowing for personal interactions and providing young people with an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations directly to him

Finance secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey takes charge as revenue secretary

A 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, Pandey had been serving as the DIPAM secretary since October 24, 2019

Pig butchering scam targeting jobless youth, housewives, says MHA report

A new cyber fraud known as "pig butchering scam" or "investment scam" has emerged, targeting unemployed youths, housewives, students, and needy people who are made to lose large sums of money daily, according to the latest annual report of the Union home ministry. The report said that cybercriminals have also been using Google services platforms to initiate these crimes. "Google Advertisement platform provides a convenient facility for targeted advertisement from across the border. This scam, known as 'Pig Butchering Scam' or 'Investment Scam' is a global phenomenon and involves large-scale money laundering and even cyber slavery," it said. The pig butchering scam, which is believed to have started in China in 2016, targets gullible individuals with whom cyber criminals build trust over time, ultimately convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency or some other lucrative scheme when their money is stolen. The analogy to pig butchering comes from the fattening of swine before their ..

Why can't Centre say it will consider grievances of farmers: SC asks Govt

The farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab-Haryana since February 13, 2024

Don't depend on freebies, produce own solar power, says Prahlad Joshi

Union Minister for Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi urged people on Thursday not to be dependent on the governments for freebies, but to produce their own solar power. Joshi attended a consultative meeting with the consumers, electricity supply company (ESCOM) officials, and people's representatives to discuss Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana here on Thursday. "I will not comment on what the motives were behind the distribution of free power generated using environmentally harmful core sector material. But sustainability in the power sector is going to be the key to a safer future for the country," said Joshi, who is also the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. According to Joshi, Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024 aims to provide free electricity to households in India by providing a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy will cover up to 40 percent of the cost of the solar panels.

Govt announces $500,000 relief assistance to earthquake-hit Vanuatu

India on Thursday announced an assistance of USD 500,000 to the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu to help it deal with destruction caused by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake last month. New Delhi conveyed to Vanuatu its readiness to extend all possible support to people of the country in this time of "difficulty". The earthquake struck near Vanuatu's coast in the South Pacific Ocean on December 17 causing major destruction and loss of lives. "As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Vanuatu, the government of India extends a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It said India has firmly stood by Vanuatu during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters. "An important pillar of India's Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nove

After 2024 report card, ministers get ready for work on New Year's Day

Although the talk about the New Year agenda within the government was subdued on December 31, the day started with promise of work in 2025

Centre not to release the Good Governance Index 2023; what is it?

The Good Governance Index was launched on December 25, 2019, to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, observed as Good Governance Day

AB-PMJAY significantly reduced cancer patients' financial burden: PM Modi

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has reduced the cancer patients' financial burden significantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. Modi highlighted the achievements made in the fight against malaria and cancer in the 117th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat'. He said the success on this front has attracted the attention of the world today. On the fight against cancer, the prime minister talked about a study by Medical Journal Lancet according to which the chances of starting cancer treatment in time in India have increased significantly. Modi also emphasised the role of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in ensuring timely treatment of cancer patients, within 30 days. "Because of this scheme, 90 percent of cancer patients have been able to start their treatment on time. This has happened because earlier, due to lack of money, poor patients used to shy away from getting tested for cancer and its treatment. Now, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a big