Page 5 - Indian Government

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

Over 620k applicants for 127k opportunities under PM Internship Scheme

About 6.21 lakh applications have been received for 1.27 lakh opportunities under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme and the selection process is continuing, the government said on Sunday. The scheme, announced in the 2024 Union Budget, aims to provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth in top-500 companies over five years. A pilot project of the scheme, started on October 3, aims to provide 1.25 lakh internship opportunities during 2024-25. In a release on Sunday, the corporate affairs ministry said approximately 6.21 lakh applications have been received against 1.27 lakh internship opportunities. "The selection process for internship is ongoing." Partner companies have posted about 1.27 lakh internship opportunities on the internship scheme portal. About 4.87 lakh individuals have completed their KYC and registered themselves on the portal, the release said. Under the scheme, interns will be provided a monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for 12 months and a one-

Year of judicial milestones: Landmark SC verdicts, policy shifts in 2024

From taking a strong stance against 'bulldozer justice' to overruling past judgment on legislative immunity for bribery, the top court set several precedents during the year to uphold the constitution

8 in 10 app taxi users report dark patterns like bait-and-switch, others

4 in 10 app taxi users also confirm experiencing drip pricing, according to the survey, which said price manipulation based on user information was experienced by the consumers

Prez Murmu confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children from , recognising their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements in various fields, including art, culture and sports. The award honours extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment. The honourees -- seven boys and 10 girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and a citation booklet as part of their recognition. Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate who was recognised for her excellence in art and culture. Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she has become a bestselling author and founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART", which promote inclusivity and disability awareness. Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, was honoured for his soulful ...

Arunish Chawla named revenue secy, Vineet Joshi to be higher education secy

Chawla, a 1992 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre, is currently the pharmaceuticals secretary

Adopt 'nation first' mindset to counter inimical forces, says V-P Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday stressed on the need for citizens to adopt a "nation first" mindset to counteract forces, both internal and external, that struggle to accept India's rapid progress. Dhankhar, who was speaking at a convention of organic farmers in Medak district of Telangana, also underscored that dialogue is the only way to address problems in a democracy. "Today, I see that farmers are worried about certain issues. If any section of society is worried, it is necessary to resolve it positively and without delay. In a democracy, the only way to resolve issues is through dialogue. I have said on numerous occasions that dialogue is the only way to find solutions to problems in a democracy," he said. Dhankhar added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at international forums, has also advocated for dialogue. The conflagrations that are seen in the world are ended only through dialogue." Dhankhar stressed that every Indian must maintain an ...

EAM Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 for key bilateral talks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a six-day visit to the US beginning Tuesday. It will be the first high-level visit from India to the US after Donald Trump won the presidential election. "External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the United States of America from December 24-29," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "He will be meeting counterparts to discuss key bilateral, regional and global issues," it said in a brief statement. The MEA said Jaishankar will also chair a conference of the Consul Generals of India in the US.