Newz For Today

 NHPC Limited has proudly been awarded the prestigious ‘Navratna’ status by the Government of India, a recognition that marks a significant milestone in the company's history. The official declaration was made on August 30, 2024, by the Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance. This coveted status grants NHPC greater operational and financial autonomy, propelling the company into an elite group of public sector enterprises. Shri R.K. Chaudhary, CMD of NHPC, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This is a truly historic moment for the NHPC family, and it reflects our exceptional financial and operational achievements." He expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of NHPC to the Ministry of Power for their unwavering trust and support, which played a crucial role in earning this recognition. Shri Chaudhary emphasized NHPC's pivotal role in India's power sector, particularly in harnessing the country's hydropower potential. "As a green power c...

 India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) recently celebrated its 7th Foundation Day with a grand event at the Ahmedabad General Post Office (GPO), led by Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav. Since its inception, IPPB has been a pivotal force in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in remote and rural areas of India. A Commitment to Financial Inclusion and Digital India In his address, Postmaster General Yadav highlighted IPPB’s significant strides in extending paperless and cashless banking to some of the most underserved communities. With a motto of “Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwar,” IPPB has revolutionized banking by making essential financial services accessible at the doorstep, even in the most remote corners of the country. Yadav proudly noted that over 33 lakh IPPB accounts are currently active in the Gujarat circle alone, a testament to the bank's growing impact. Empowering Women and Vulnerable Communities One of IPPB's standout achievements is its focus on empowering women, wh...

Strengthening Ties: India and Malaysia Forge New Tourism Alliance In a move set to deepen their already robust relationship, India and Malaysia have unveiled a new partnership aimed at boosting tourism between the two nations. On August 20, 2024, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Ganjendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Mr. Y B Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. This landmark agreement highlights several key objectives: Promotion and Marketing: Enhancing the visibility of tourism products and services from both countries. Research and Development: Expanding tourism research, training, and development through exchange programs. Investment: Encouraging investments in tourism infrastructure and services. Medical Tourism: Sharing information and promoting medical tourism opportunities. Business Tourism: Developing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions...

  Nationwide Cleanliness Drive Set to Launch on 17th September, Culminating on Gandhi Jayanti Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, today chaired a pivotal meeting to assess the preparations for the upcoming Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign 2024. In this high-level discussion with senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Minister underscored the importance of this annual nationwide cleanliness drive, which is set to begin on 17th September 2024. The campaign will unfold over two weeks, with a series of preparatory events and a curtain-raiser starting on 14th September, culminating in a grand finale on 2nd October, Gandhi Jayanti. This year holds special significance as it marks a decade of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, a movement that has been synonymous with cleanliness and civic responsibility since its inception in 2014 to honor Mahatma Gandhi's vision for a clean India. During the meeting, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the n...

Indian Navy’s Ship Tabar Strengthens Maritime Ties with Spain through Mediterranean Exercise On August 25, 2024, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, arrived in Malaga, Spain, for a two-day visit, marking another step in the growing maritime partnership between India and Spain. Upon departing on August 27, INS Tabar participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea, underscoring the deepening naval ties between the two nations. India and Spain have been collaborating across various fields, with the maritime domain playing a pivotal role in enhancing their bilateral relations. The MPX in the Mediterranean is a testament to the Indian Navy's commitment to expanding its reach and sustaining its presence in critical regions. The exercise featured a series of advanced maneuvers, including Station Keeping, Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPs), Flying Exercises (FYEX), Steam Past, and PHOTOEX serials. Both navi...

The Indian Army has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting veterans and their families by launching the first phase of Project NAMAN. This initiative was unveiled in the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). Project NAMAN is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide dedicated support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families. At the heart of this project is the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) digital pension system, which aims to simplify and streamline the pension process for Defence Pensioners. This initiative addresses a critical need by establishing accessible facilitation points for Veterans and their Next of Kin (NOK) across the country. During the launch, General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the significance of Project NAMAN, stressing its vital role in ensuring that veterans and their families receive th...

 A groundbreaking development in nanotechnology could revolutionize pressure sensing and energy harvesting. Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) and the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, have unveiled a cutting-edge piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite that promises significant advancements in these fields. This innovative material is derived from a new class of piezoelectric polymer nanocomposites, created by integrating metal oxide nanomaterials with specific crystal structures into a polymer matrix. The team discovered that metal oxides with tailored crystal structures and surface properties greatly enhance the piezoelectric response of the composite. Their research led to the creation of a polymer nanocomposite capable of transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy with impressive efficiency. In an age where harnessing energy from readily available sources is more crucial than ever, the ability to convert mechanical energy l...

Union Minister Unveils RESET Programme to Empower Retired Athletes In a move set to transform the landscape for retired athletes, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, proudly launched the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day in New Delhi. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the RESET Programme, stating, “This initiative is dedicated to empowering our retired athletes who have brought glory to our nation. RESET will provide them with crucial skills and knowledge, helping them transition into new career paths and enhancing their employability.” The RESET Programme is designed to bridge generational gaps, leveraging the unique expertise of former athletes to inspire and mentor the next generation. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted how this initiative will not only benefit aspiring sports stars but also contribute to the growth of Indian sports and national development. The Minister...

 The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is championing a transformative step in vehicle sustainability with the launch of the Voluntary Vehicle Modernization Program, also known as the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. This initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem for retiring outdated and polluting vehicles through a network of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs). Currently, over 60 RVSFs and 75 ATSs are operational across various states and union territories, with more facilities on the horizon. In a recent event at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, engaged with a delegation from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers to discuss the program’s impact. The conversation highlighted a collective effort to phase out older, less efficient vehicles and replace them with modern, eco-friendly alternatives. To further incentivize this transition, both commercial and passenger vehi...

Scientists from the DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) in Pune and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai have achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing. They’ve completed end-to-end testing of a cutting-edge 6-qubit quantum processor using superconducting circuit technology. This groundbreaking demonstration was presented to the apex committee overseeing DYSL-QT and involved the seamless integration of a cloud-based quantum circuit submission, execution on quantum hardware, and real-time updates to the cloud interface with the results. This ambitious project, based at TIFR’s Colaba campus in Mumbai, represents a collaborative effort between DYSL-QT, TIFR, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The DYSL-QT team engineered the control and measurement systems using a mix of commercial electronics and custom development boards. Meanwhile, TIFR designed and fabricated the qubits, leveraging a novel ring-resonator architecture....

In a bold move to revolutionize India's agricultural infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major expansion of the Central Sector Scheme for financing under the ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ (AIF). This strategic enhancement is set to make the scheme more appealing, impactful, and inclusive, transforming the landscape of agricultural support in the country. Here’s a closer look at the key updates: Empowering Community Farming The revised AIF now supports the development of ‘viable projects for building community farming assets.’ This initiative aims to boost community farming capabilities, enhancing productivity and sustainability across the sector. By broadening the scope to include a range of eligible projects, the scheme promises to cultivate more robust and resilient agricultural communities. Integrated Processing Projects The scope of AIF has been expanded to include integrated primary and secondary processin...

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has greenlit a game-changing initiative aimed at boosting hydroelectric power in India's North Eastern Region (NER). The Ministry of Power's proposal to inject Central Financial Assistance (CFA) into state governments' equity contributions for hydro projects has been approved, signaling a major step forward in regional development. Under this ambitious scheme, which will run from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32, a staggering Rs. 4,136 crore will be invested. The goal is to support a total hydro capacity of approximately 15,000 MW. This investment is part of a broader 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) allocation for the North Eastern Region from the Ministry of Power’s total budget. The scheme involves creating Joint Venture (JV) Companies with state governments and Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). State governments will receive financial support capped at 24% of the total project equity, with a maximum of Rs. 7...

 Empowering Women in the Workplace: New SHe-Box Portal Launched In a pivotal move to combat workplace sexual harassment, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has unveiled the SHe-Box portal under the guidance of Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi. The launch event took place in New Delhi today, marking a significant advancement in the fight for a safer working environment for women. Alongside the SHe-Box portal, the Minister also introduced the Ministry’s revamped website, aimed at enhancing digital engagement and accessibility. The newly launched SHe-Box portal serves as a comprehensive, centralized platform designed to streamline the reporting and management of sexual harassment complaints. This innovative tool will integrate information on Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) across both government and private sectors, allowing users to file complaints, monitor their progress, and receive timely updates. With real-time tracking and assured redressal, the po...

Researchers delving into Mars' crustal magnetic field have made some fascinating discoveries. They found that the effects of this magnetic field are significantly stronger during the Martian day compared to the night, with little to no impact after sunset. Interestingly, these daytime effects remain constant regardless of the seasons or the distance between Mars and the Sun. Understanding how Mars' crustal magnetic field interacts with its plasma environment is crucial. It provides insights into the planet's magnetic shielding, which could be vital for future robotic or human missions to the Red Planet. Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a global magnetic field. Instead, it has scattered crustal magnetic fields concentrated in the southern hemisphere, specifically between 30°S latitude and 120°E to 240°E longitude. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have turned their attention from Earth’s magnetic field to planetary space plasma, exploring how these Martian ...

 Major Railway Projects Get Green Light: A Boost for Connectivity and Employment In a pivotal move, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit three major railway projects under the Ministry of Railways, totaling an estimated ₹6,456 crore. Slated for completion by the fiscal year 2028-29, these projects are poised to generate approximately 114 lakh man-days of employment during their construction phases. The approved projects are: Jamshedpur-Purulia-Asansol 3rd Line Sardega-Bhalumuda New Double Line Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road New Line These initiatives aim to revolutionize connectivity and efficiency across Indian Railways, addressing bottlenecks and congestion in some of the country’s busiest railway corridors. The new lines and multi-tracking efforts are expected to significantly enhance service reliability, streamline supply chains, and boost regional economic growth. Rooted in the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for m...

 Simplifying Pension Processes: A Leap Towards Easier Living for Retirees The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) is revolutionizing how pensioners experience their retirement with a major overhaul aimed at enhancing their Ease of Living. With the introduction of the new CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, and their integration with Bhavishya, significant progress has been made. On July 16, 2024, DoPPW unveiled the new Single Simplified Pension Application Form 6-A. This streamlined form will be accessible through Bhavishya/e-HRMS starting from December 2024 for all Central Government employees nearing retirement. Retirees on e-HRMS will complete Form 6-A directly through the platform (for superannuation cases), while those not using e-HRMS will access the form via Bhavishya. The launch of this new form, set for August 30, 2024, at the National Media Center in New Delhi, will be graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for various key departments including S...

  India's Defence Production Revolution: Raksha Rajya Mantri's Vision Unveiled with Launch of Samudra Pratap In a major step towards bolstering national self-reliance in defence, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth has called on industry leaders to drive India towards becoming not only fully self-sufficient in defence production but also a significant exporter. This call to action came during the launch of the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on August 29, 2024. The vessel, crafted by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), is designed to address critical oil spillage issues along India's coastline. Named 'Samudra Pratap' by Smt Neeta Seth in the presence of Shri Sanjay Seth, the ship represents a significant achievement in India's shipbuilding industry. Shri Sanjay Seth highlighted the nation's remarkable progress, noting that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, I...

  Strengthening India's Nuclear Triad: The Commissioning of INS Arighaat On August 29, 2024, India marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the commissioning of the second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, into the Indian Navy. The ceremony, held at Visakhapatnam, was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who expressed his confidence that INS Arighaat will play a pivotal role in bolstering India's nuclear triad. He emphasized that this addition to the Navy would enhance nuclear deterrence, foster strategic balance and peace in the region, and fortify the nation’s security. In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted this achievement as a reflection of the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s government towards achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense. He lauded the collective efforts of the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the Indian defense industry, particularly acknowledging the crucial contributions fro...

India's coal sector is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by a dynamic and far-reaching strategy from the union government. This ambitious plan is designed to accelerate infrastructure development and foster close collaboration among key stakeholders. It forms a crucial part of the Ministry's broader vision to position India as a global leader in sustainable coal production and logistics, aligning with the nation's goal of becoming a prosperous, developed country by 2047. A strong coal evacuation network is vital for ensuring India's energy security. It guarantees a steady and reliable coal supply to meet the ever-growing demands of power plants and industries across the nation. In a bold move to strengthen this network, the Ministry of Coal has launched a strategic plan focused on the development of essential logistics projects. This initiative dovetails with the PM Gati Shakti vision of "Integrated planning and synchronized time-bound implementation,...

 Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led a major environmental initiative today, where over 800 institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare took part in a nationwide tree-planting campaign. As part of this effort, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 saplings were planted, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The event, held at the IARI Campus PUSA, was part of the #एक_पेड़_मां_के_नाम (#Plant4Mother) campaign, a global initiative launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024. The campaign aims to inspire millions to plant trees in honor of their mothers and Mother Earth, symbolizing respect and care for the environment. Shri Chouhan announced that the Ministry plans to establish a “Matri Van” (Mother’s Forest) on approximately one acre of land. The event saw active participation from Minister of State Shri Ramnath Thakur, Secretary DARE & DG IC...

India Takes Major Strides in Space and Clean Energy Collaboration with the US In a significant development under Indo-US space cooperation, an Indian astronaut from the Gaganyaan Mission is set to join the International Space Station, marking a historic milestone for India in global space exploration. This announcement was made by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, during a high-level bilateral meeting at Prithvi Bhavan, where he emphasized the deepening ties between India and the United States in science, technology, and clean energy. Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of this collaboration, particularly in securing global supply chains across critical sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy technologies industries that are becoming increasingly vital in our interconnected world. This partnership is poised to drive innovation and strengthen economic and technological resilience on a global scale. The Union Minister, who also holds portfolios for Science and...

  Empowering India’s Technological Future: MeitY’s Push for Indigenous Innovation Today marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance, as Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the Model Indigenous Electric Vehicle Charging Station at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram, located within the Technopark Campus. This cutting-edge facility is equipped with both AC and DC fast chargers, catering to a wide range of vehicles from two-wheelers to heavy-duty transport. The station is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering an ecosystem that promotes indigenous research, development, and commercialization of EV charging infrastructure, advancing India’s aspirations in the electric mobility sector. In addition to this, Shri S. Krishnan also inaugurated the Hardware Emulation Facility at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram, aimed at supporting start-ups under MeitY’s C2S program and DLI Scheme. This facility...

 The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the continuation of three major umbrella schemes, now unified under the central sector scheme titled ‘Vigyan Dhara,’ managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). What is ‘Vigyan Dhara’? ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is a comprehensive scheme that brings together three crucial components: Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building Research and Development Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment With an ambitious budget of Rs. 10,579.84 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26), this unified approach aims to streamline funding, improve efficiency, and create greater synergy across the sub-schemes and programs under its umbrella. Why ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Matters? The primary goal of ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is to bolster the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India. By integrating the three previous schemes, it seeks to enhanc...

       Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Visits Maritime Training Institute in Mumbai Celebrates National Space Day and Plants a Tree in Support of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” In a significant visit, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, made his way to the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Powai, Mumbai. Renowned for over three decades of exceptional maritime training, MTI Powai stands as a pillar of excellence in India’s maritime education sector. During his visit, Shri Sonowal engaged with key officials from the Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI), Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Limited (SCILAL), the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian Register of Shipping, and other industry stakeholders. The Minister toured MTI’s cutting-edge facilities and participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by planting a sapling in the institute's ‘Ayush Vatika’. The occasion also marked the celebration of Indi...