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India Focus

Devoted to promoting a better understanding of the social, economic, political, environmental and cultural challenges facing the world’s second largest populated country.

12 Oct, 2015

Australian art gallery to return 2,000-year-old Buddha idol to India

New Delhi, October 11, 2015, Press Trust of India -Close on the heels of Germany returning an ancient Durga idol, an Australian art gallery has agreed to give a 2,000-year-old Buddha sculpture back to India. The Sitting Buddha sculpture, whose roots could be traced to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, is currently with a national art […]

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11 Oct, 2015

Indian President: The Young Must Learn to Appreciate our Culture of Caring for the Aged

New Delhi, President’s Secretariat, 01-October-2015 – Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the presentation of the National Awards for Senior Citizens – Vayoshreshtha Samman – 2015 1. It is indeed a happy occasion for me to be present amidst you on the International Day of Older Persons. It is my privilege […]

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26 Mar, 2014

Indian VP’s lecture on balancing culture and globalisation

New Delhi, Vice President’s Secretariat, 24-March-2014 – The Vice President of Prof M. Hamid Ansari inaugurated an “International Conference on the Relevance of Traditional Cultures for the Present and the Future” by highlighting the role of historical travelogues in recording the rich and diverse culture of India. He said, “Human societies retain much of what […]

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9 Mar, 2014

India Awards Five Illustrious Women, Recognises their Personal, Professional Achievements

New Delhi, 08-March-2014, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Women and Child Development – The President of India Mr Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest at the celebrations to mark the  International Women’s Day where he conferred Stree Shakti Puruskar to six illustrious women in recognition of their achievements, here today. The awardees for the Stree […]

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9 Mar, 2014

World War I Centenary: Indian VP Recounts the Catastrophic Lessons for India and the World

New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Vice President’s Secretariat, 05-March-2014 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari inaugurated the International Conference on “India and the Great War” organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI) here on 05 March 2014. He recounted the historic diplomatic, military and political lessons of that war, […]

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3 Mar, 2014

FREE Download: India publishes National Transport Development Report to 2032

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New Delhi, (2 March 2014) Press Information Bureau — The High Level National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC), chaired by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former Deputy Governor, RBI, emphasises the need for modernisation and expansion of all segments of the transport system. The Report is to be presented to the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh on March […]

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2 Feb, 2014

Indian Cabinet approves Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2

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Cabinet, 30-January-2014 – The Cabinet has approved the Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2.  This project will improve the public transport system and provide the much needed additional infrastructure for the city. The total completion cost of the project is estimated at Rs.26,405.14 crore at the price levels of 2011-12 with price escalation of 5 percent […]

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1 Feb, 2014

Indian VP calls for educational system to impart values cited in Indian Constitution

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Chennai, 31-January-2014, Vice President’s Secretariat – The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that it is estimated that over half of our population of 1.2 billion is under the age of 30 years and that by 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years of age, compared with 37 in […]

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19 Dec, 2013

With More TVs than Toilets, India to Speed Up Total Sanitation Campaign, Reduce Open Defecation

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New Delhi, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation (16 December 2013) – The Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Mr Bharatsinh Solanki said in a statement in the Rajya Sabha, Upper House of Parliament, in New Delhi today that as per Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) Report Update – […]

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7 Dec, 2013

Brilliant Speech by Indian PM: Tackling the “Revolution of Rising Expectations”

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New Delhi, Prime Minister’s Office, 06-December-2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address at the Hindustan Times Summit, 2013, in New Delhi: “I am glad to be amidst you today, but we meet in rather sad circumstances, the demise of President Nelson Mandela. He represented the conscience of the […]

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5 Dec, 2013

India Confers National Awards for Empowerment of PwD’s 2013

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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 03-December-2013 – Indian President Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities-2013 at a function organized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Congratulating the awardees, the President said that this important day gives us an opportunity to reflect on our […]

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30 Nov, 2013

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar to Bat for UNICEF, Promote Hygiene and Sanitation in S. Asia

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MUMBAI, India, 28 November 2013 – International cricket sensation Sachin Tendulkar has become UNICEF Ambassador for South Asia during a signing ceremony in Mumbai, India. In this capacity Mr. Tendulkar will support UNICEF’s work in promoting hygiene and sanitation in South Asia. Known as the “Master Blaster,” Tendulkar is widely acknowledged as one of the […]

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29 Nov, 2013

The India Story: Minister Outlines Policy Priorities for 2014 and Beyond

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Singapore, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 27-November-2013 – The Minister for Information & Broadcasting Mr Manish Tewari today delivered Fullerton Lecture at IISS, Singapore. Text of the speech is as follows: Honourable Dr. Tim Huxley, Executive Director, IISS, Asia, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for inviting me to speak to this august gathering. […]

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24 Nov, 2013

Indian VP Urges Plastic Surgeons to Help Deprived Millions with Physical Deformities

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24-November-2013, Vice President’s Secretariat – The Vice President of India Prof. M. Hamid Ansari inaugurated the “48th Annual Conference of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSICON)” in Mumbai today. Following is the text of his inaugural address: “I am happy to be here in Mumbai for the inauguration of the 48th Annual Conference […]

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24 Nov, 2013

Indian Finance Minister tells Diaspora: Rebalancing of Global Economic Power Under Way

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Singapore, Ministry of Finance, 21-November-2013 – Full text of the speech of the Union Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram on “Opportunities and Challenges for Diaspora Investments in India” at the Second South Asian Diaspora Convention in Singapore. “It is said that ‘you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out […]

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11 Oct, 2013

India Post Launches ‘Instant Cash’ International Money Transfer Service

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Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 11-October, 2013 – India Post (= Department of Posts) has signed an agreement with Wall Street Exchange (a company of the Emirates Post Group of UAE) for launch of an International Electronic Money Transfer service through ‘Instant Cash’ product of the Emirates Post Group. The service was launched here […]

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11 Oct, 2013

Indian Finance Minister Cites “Defining Challenge”: How to build a competent and ethical State

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Ministry of Finance, 11-October, 2013 – The following is the full text of a speech by Mr.P.Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister, at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Recapturing India’s Growth Momentum. Dr. Perkovich, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you for the invitation to speak […]

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2 Aug, 2013

E-payment launched for online booking of India’s Presidential Residence tours

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Presidents Secretariat, 01-August, 2013 – ‘E-payment gateway for e-management of visitors’ – a system for online collection of registration charges for booking of Rashtrapati Bhavan tours was launched on August 1, 2013 by Mrs Omita Paul, Secretary to the President. Nominal registration charges for Rashtrapati Bhavan tours will be applicable from September 1, 2013. The […]

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29 Jul, 2013

India Pledges More Policy Stimulus for Real Estate Sector

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Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, 27-July, 2013 – Dr Girija Vyas, Minister for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has stated that the Government will continue to play a pioneering role in providing policy stimulus to real estate sector. She was delivering a keynote address on theme of “Reality Favours the Brave – Surviving […]

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27 Jul, 2013

India Holds First National Fair on Assistive Devices for Disabled

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New Delhi, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 25-July, 2013 – The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Kumari Selja inaugurated the National Fair on Aids & Assistive Devices “SWAVALAMBAN” here today. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that this is the first fair of its kind, being organised by Department of Disability […]

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20 Jul, 2013

India Plans Ways to Curb Child Marriage

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Ministry of Women and Child Development, 18-July, 2013, Ministry for Women and Child Development organised a day long National Consultation on draft plan of action on Prevention of Child Marriage, here today. The meeting was presided over by Ms. Nita Chowdhury, Secretary, Ministry for Women and Child Development. Also present at the meeting was Mrs […]

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19 Jul, 2013

Indian PM: Weak Rupee Will Help Make Exports More Competitive

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Prime Minister’s Office, 19-July, 2013 – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the 92nd Annual General Meeting of ASSOCHAM in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion: “I am delighted to be with you today to inaugurate the ASSOCHAM’s AGM, 2013. ASSOCHAM has, over the years, […]

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18 Jul, 2013

Indian President Outlines Challenges Facing Critical Agricultural Sector

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New Delhi, President’s Secretariat, 16-July, 2013 – Address by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee on the Occasion of the 85th Foundation Day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 1. It is indeed a privilege for me to be associated with the eighty fifth foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) […]

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18 Jul, 2013

Indian Engineering Sector Seeks New Markets in Africa

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 16-July, 2013 – Concerned over a sharp year-on-year fall of 9.25 per cent drop in engineering exports in June despite rupee depreciation by about same ratio in the last two months, the EEPC India (Formerly known as Engineering Exports Promotion Council) with support of the Commerce & External Affairs Ministries […]

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13 Jul, 2013

India Inaugurates Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Show 2013

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Ministry of Textiles, 12-July, 2013 – The Union Minister of Textiles Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao today inaugurated the 6th edition of the Indian Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Show (IFJAS 2013) here today. The show is organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Dr. Rao said that the exporters have promised to take the […]

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13 Jul, 2013

India To Boost R&D In Bid to Become One Of Top Five Knowledge Powers

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New Delhi, Ministry of Science & Technology, 12-July, 2013 – The Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) today released a white paper on Stimulation of Private Sector’s investment into Research & Development. Union Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Mr S.Jaipal Reddy, speaking on the occasion, said business […]

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13 Jul, 2013

India To Launch SMS Portal For Poor Farmers

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Ministry of Agriculture, 11-July, 2013 — An SMS portal for farmers, the Kisaan SMS Portal, will be launched by the President Mr Pranab Mukherjee on 16th July, 2013. The Kisaan Portal aims at reaching information, advisories and services through SMS to more than 12 crore (1.2 billion) farmers across the country. Being an instant and […]

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12 Jul, 2013

India Sets Up First Women-Only University

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Cabinet, 11-July, 2013 – The Union Cabinet has approved setting up a National University for Women in Uttar Pradesh by the name of “The Indira Gandhi National University for Women”. This will be the first university of the country to be established exclusively for women. The cost involved is Rs.500 crore during the 12th Plan period. […]

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12 Jul, 2013

India Sets Up First National Aviation University

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Cabinet, 11-July, 2013 – The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to the proposal for setting up of a National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University at the District of Rae Bareli in the State of Uttar Pradesh. as a Central University. The Cabinet also approved the proposal to […]

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11 Jul, 2013

Orchestra Maestro Zubin Mehta To Receive 2013 Tagore Award For Cultural Harmony

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New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, 10-July, 2013 – The Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2013 is being conferred on the noted Maestro, Zubin Mehta. A High-level Jury under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and comprising the Chief Justice of India, Justice Altamas Kabir, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj […]

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11 Jul, 2013

India Plans New Initiatives to Boost Handicraft Sector

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New Delhi, Ministry of Textiles, 10-July, 2013 – Dr. Kavuru Samba Siva Rao, the Minister of Textiles today chaired a meeting with the members of All India Handicrafts Board comprising of officials from different Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments, apart from the non-official members with diverse backgrounds and experiences representing almost all […]

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11 Jul, 2013

1,460 Indian lawmakers facing criminal cases: Survey – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: A total of 1,460 MPs and MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits submitted to Election Commission before contesting elections. An analysis of affidavits filed by 4,807 sitting MPs and MLAs carried out by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch ( NEW) in the wake of today’s […]

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9 Jul, 2013

Indian External Affairs Minister Visits Palestine, Grants $1M in Budget Support

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RAMALLAH, July 4, 2013 (WAFA) – E. Ahamed, Indian minister of state for external affairs, who is on an official visit to Palestine, Thursday met with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah in Ramallah, during which he handed over Hamdallah a cheque of one $million as part of the budgetary support pledged by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan […]

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6 Jul, 2013

India Promulgates Ordinance To Boost Food Security for the Poor

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President’s Secretariat, 05-July, 2013 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee promulgated the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 today. The Ordinance is a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people. It gives right to the people to receive adequate quantity of foodgrains at affordable prices. The Food Security Bill has […]

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30 Jun, 2013

Narendra Modi instigated Hindus post Godhra train burning, alleges lawyer – Indian Express

Zakia Jafri’s lawyer today alleged before a court here that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had conspired to instigate Vishwa Hindu Parishad workers and other members of Hindu community after the Godhra train burning incident in 2002. Ehsan Jafri, Zakia’s husband and former Congress MP, was one of those who were slain during the riots […]

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29 Jun, 2013

Indian State Commissioners review implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act

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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 28-June, 2013 – The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Kumari Selja inaugurated the 12th National Meeting of the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities to review implementation of PwD Act here today. The Minister in her address said that a meeting of this kind provides an important […]

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29 Jun, 2013

Indian Minister Voices Deep Concern Over Deteriorating Water Resources

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Ministry of Water Resources, 28-June, 2013 – Union Minister for Water Resources Mr Harish Rawat has deep concern over ever deteriorating situation of water resources and stressed on adopting dedicated efforts for the cause of conserving water and serving Humanity. Inaugurating a Seminar on water conservation in NCT Delhi here today he said it is […]

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29 Jun, 2013

Airports Lead India’s Infrastructure Projects Plans for FY 2013-14

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Prime Minister’s Office, 28-June, 2013 – A meeting was held by the Prime Minister today to finalise infrastructure targets for 2013-14. The meeting was attended by the Finance Minister, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Ministers and Secretaries of key infrastructure Ministries, i.e., Power, Coal, Railways, Roads, Shipping and Civil Aviation. The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission […]

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21 Jun, 2013

India Announces Campaign to Promote Himalayas

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Ministry of Tourism, 19-June, 2013 – Mr K. Chiranjeevi, Union Minister of Tourism today announced the launch of a new campaign to publicise the tourism potential of the Himalayas and promote this incredible tourist product internationally. To be called “777 days of the Indian Himalayas”, the campaign will have a twofold objective, one to attract […]

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17 Jun, 2013

Indian VP Warns Media: Beware Corporate Owners, Black Money & Dodgy Private Equity

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Vice President’s Secretariat, 15-June, 2013 – Vice President of India Prof. M. Hamid Ansari has said that we have every reason to be proud of the strength and diversity of Indian media. However, and from time to time, there have been media-related developments that are disconcerting. They raise questions about the media’s objectivity and credibility. […]

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17 Jun, 2013

India Cuts National Roaming Tariff Ceilings, Mandates Free Roaming Plans

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Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 17-June, 2013 – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has reduced ceilings for national roaming calls and SMS and instituted a new regime for providing flexibility to telecom service providers to customise tariffs for national roamers through STVs and Combo Vouchers. TRAI has also mandated two types of free […]

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17 Jun, 2013

Indian Railways to Launch Ticket Booking via Mobile Phones

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Ministry of Railways, 17-June, 2013 – Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC),a public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Railways, will be launching a pilot project of ticketing through non-internet based mobile phones with effect from 1st July 2013. This will enable anyone using non-internet based mobile phones to easily access Railway ticketing services […]

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12 Jun, 2013

India joins Myanmar Gold Rush

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 09-June, 2013 – India has offered US$ 150 million of credit for project exports for establishing a SEZ at Sittwe in Myanmar Buyer’s Credit Scheme under National Export Insurance Account (NEIA). The offer assumes that Myanmar Government will give a suitable land for the purpose. During his meeting with the […]

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8 Jun, 2013

U.S.-India Business Council Says U.S. Needs “Skilled Professionals”

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–6 June 2013 — The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) today announced the establishment of the Coalition for Jobs & Growth to help ensure that American businesses of all types have access to the international expertise they need to continue to drive forward economic growth and job creation. The Coalition’s members are drawn from the […]

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6 Jun, 2013

India’s visually impaired students shine in PSEB Class 10 results – Hindustan Times

Chandigarh, (Punjab) – Hindustan Times – Although the Class 10 result of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was not according to the expectations, but the students of Institute for Blind, Sector 26 has given a surprising result. The result was declared on Tuesday and the visually impaired students have outshined the normal students as […]

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25 May, 2013

India Plans Rs12,500 Crores Outlay for Nationwide Sports Complexes

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Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, 25-May, 2013 – A two-day conference of Ministers of States/UTs in charge of Youth Affairs and Sports concluded here today. The Conference was chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sport, Mr Jitendra Singh, in the presence of Ministers and Secretaries from different State […]

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25 May, 2013

Indian President: Every University Should Make At Least One Department Into “Centre of Excellence”

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President’s Secretariat, 25-May, 2013 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Maharaja Agrasen University at Kalujhanda, Solan today (May 25, 2013). The University is established by Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society to promote quality technical and professional education. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that with two-third of its population expected to […]

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25 May, 2013

For Indian carriers, season of new hope | The Hindu

Alliances with foreign carriers, a new revenue stream from “unbundling” services, and inducting newer and more efficient aircraft: the aviation industry in India is hoping for a turnaround after a few disastrous years. Survival was first on the agenda for the major carriers which posted a total debt of over $13 billion. Air India, the […]

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11 May, 2013

Government to Promote Development of Aviation Hubs in India

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Ministry of Civil Aviation 10-May, 2013 – The Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh informed that the Government has approved the proposal of Ministry of Civil Aviation to constitute an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Civil Aviation for suggesting various measures to overcome the bottlenecks in the development of aviation hubs at […]

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16 Apr, 2013

Indian PM: Media Must Highlight Economic and Social Injustices

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Prime Minister’s Office, 15-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the NDTV Indians of the Year Award function in New Delhi today: “It is a great pleasure for me to be here today amongst men and women of such great distinction. I join all of you […]

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4 Apr, 2013

India Awards MSMEs, Hails them as Key Driver of Growth

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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises, 03-April, 2013 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards to the successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and also to the Banks for Excellence in Micro & Small Enterprises Lending, at a function here today. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the […]

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4 Apr, 2013

India Injects Deadlines, Transparency into Hotel Project Approval Process

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Ministry of Tourism, 03-April, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K Chiranjeevi today launched a web based Public Service Delivery System for Hotel approval and classification with a view to bring in transparency in granting approvals for hotel projects and classification status to functioning hotels. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that with the […]

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4 Apr, 2013

India Inaugurates Tagore Centre for Global Thought in London

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Ministry of Culture, 03-April, 2013  – Mrs  Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Minister of Culture, India inaugurated the Tagore Centre for Global Thought at India Institute, King’s College, London on 2nd April, 2013. Set up as part of the Tagore Commemoration celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, this Tagore Centre will enhance Tagore-related, academic intellectual […]

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1 Apr, 2013

Indian Tourism Ministry Approves Billions for Mega-Circuit Projects in Three States

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New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 1 April 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi has approved Central Finance Assistance (CFA) totalling IR 137.37 crore (one crore is 10 million) for mega-circuit tourism projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. Details: Andhra Pradesh Rs. 45.88 crore has been approved for the development […]

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30 Mar, 2013

Indian Minister Interacts With People Nationwide Via Google Hangout on Road Safety issues

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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 29-March, 2013 — Dr. CP Joshi, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways interacted with people to discuss road safety issues here this evening via Google Hangout. People from all over the country such as Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Roorkee, Andhra Pradesh, Gurgaon, Udaipur, Chennai and Bilaspur, Chattisgarh […]

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30 Mar, 2013

Indian PM: BRICS Countries Will Reshape Global System

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Prime Minister’s Office, 28-March, 2013 – The following is a transcript of the media interaction with Indian PM Manmohan Singh on return from the BRICS Summit in Durban. I have just concluded a very satisfying visit to South Africa for the fifth BRICS Summit. As you would have seen from the BRICS Declaration, a number […]

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30 Mar, 2013

India Targets Energy Independence by 2030

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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, 24-March, 2013 – The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, speaking at National Editors’ Conference here today, said that his government will work towards securing Energy Independence for India. Stressing need for increasing domestic oil & gas production, he said, “Our government will make every […]

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23 Mar, 2013

India Plans 10 More Convention-Exhibition Centres

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Ministry of Tourism, 22-March, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi called on Union Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambram here today and urged him for higher budgetry allocation for Tourism Ministry. Mr Chiranjeevi told the Finance Minister that the tourism sector directly and indirectly contributes to more than 6% of the GDP of the […]

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23 Mar, 2013

Indian President’s Speech on “The Future of Indian Universities”: Help Reset the “Moral Compass”

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Presidents Secretariat, 21-March, 2013 – Indian President Pranab Mukherjee delivered the following address at a  conference on “The Future of Indian Universities: Comparative Perspectives on Higher Education Reforms for a Knowledge Society” hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University. The full text follows: 1. I am thankful to O.P. Jindal Global University for organising this conference. […]

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23 Mar, 2013

India Holds National Editors Conference on Social and Infrastructure Issues

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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 22-March, 2013 – The Press Information Bureau, New Delhi is organizing a two day National Editors’ Conference on Social and Infrastructure issues from March 23, 2013. The Conference will be inaugurated by the Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram at Vigyan Bhawan. The two day Conference will deliberate on crucial policy […]

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8 Mar, 2013

Indian River Clean-up Plans Showing Mixed Results

Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Environment and Forests, 05-March, 2013 – Ganga Action Plan (GAP) is being implemented since 1985 for undertaking pollution abatement activities in the identified polluted stretches of river Ganga through implementation of works like interception and diversion of sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation works, crematoria work etc. Total Sewage […]

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7 Mar, 2013

FREE Download: Indian Well Being and Female Security Indices

TSMG Media Release

Mumbai, March 5, 2013: Tata Strategic Management Group, the largest Indian-owned management consulting firm, today published the 2013 edition of Well Being Index (WBI) and Female Security Index (FSI) for India. Two clusters: Punjab, Delhi, HP, Haryana, and Kerala, TN, AP were ranked at the top of the WBI while Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jharkhand and Bihar […]

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2 Mar, 2013

India’s Handloom Weaver Loans at Low Rate “to be a Game Changer”

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Ministry of Textiles, 01-March, 2013 – The Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Mr Anand Sharma has welcomed the announcements made by the Finance Minister on textiles sector in his Budget Speech yesterday. Mr Sharma, while delivering the keynote address during the one-day conference on National Consultation on Handloom sector, here today said that […]

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27 Feb, 2013

2013 TED Prize Awarded to Indian Education Innovator Dr. Sugata Mitra

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LONG BEACH, California, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Sugata Mitra today was named the recipient of the 2013 TED Prize. A renowned educator famous for his “hole in the wall” experiment, Mitra accepted the award – TED’s annual prize of one million dollars that gives an exceptional individual the chance to conceive and launch […]

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16 Feb, 2013

Woman Power Highlighted at Kumbh Mela Sound & Light Show

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Allahabad, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 15-February, 2013 — As part of its innovative programming, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting through its Media Unit, Song & Drama Division, conducted a 14 day long Mega Sound & Light based on the “Jamunia” theme at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. The programme was suitably adapted to […]

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10 Feb, 2013

Accelerated Road Development Programme for India’s North Eastern States

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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 05-February, 2013 – On the initiatives of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up an ambitious Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP-NE) for development of road network in the north eastern States of the Country. This programme envisages providing road connectivity to all the […]

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16 Dec, 2012

Indian Leaders Discuss Economic Future in the face of Headwinds, Downturns

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Two speeches by the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Finance Minister Mr P Chidambaram on 15 December and 14 December discussed the state of the Indian economy, the challenges posed by the global downturn and the efforts being made to keep the economy chugging. Following are the texts of the two speeches. […]

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16 Dec, 2012

India’s Restive Regions Get Bulk of Funding for Tourism Projects

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New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, (14 Dec 2012) – Jammu and Kashmir, and the restive Northeastern States of India have received by far the bulk of the funds for  Projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism since 2009, according to the following fact sheet released by the Ministry. The projects are relating to Product/Infrastructure Development […]

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10 Dec, 2012

Indian Vice-President’s Lecture on “Virtue in Public Life” Tackles Corruption, Governance

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Following is the text of address by the Vice President of India, Prof M. Hamid Ansari at the Annual Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Lecture on ‘Virtue in Public Life’ organised by Servants of People Society & Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Committee here on 07 December, 2012: ============= I deem it a privilege to be invited to deliver […]

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian Ex-Film Star, Now Tourism Minister, Cites “Paradigm Shift” in Marketing Campaign

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Ministry of Tourism, 09-November, 2012 – India Tourism has launched two new campaigns: an International Campaign called ‘Find What You Seek’ and a Domestic Campaign called ‘Go Beyond’. Both were launched at last week’s World Travel Market 2012 in London. The Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi said the launch of these campaigns reflects a […]

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11 Nov, 2012

At Awards Ceremony, India Hails Role of Handloom, Handicraft Sectors

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Ministry of Textiles, 09-November, 2012 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee today conferred 20 Shilp Guru Awards, 18 Sant Kabir Awards along with 74 National Awards to master craftspersons and master weavers at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Congratulating all the awardees for their “contribution in preserving, promoting and enriching the […]

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6 Nov, 2012

India Sets New Policy Measures to Tackle Massive Ageing Society Challenge

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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 06-November, 2012 – The first ever National Conference on Ageing was held by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Inaugurating the two day conference the Minister, Kumari Selja said “It is a well-known fact that the 21st century is witnessing a gradual transition to an ageing […]

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20 Oct, 2012

Indian PM: Building Peace Begins At Home First

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Prime Minister’s Office, 19-October, 2012 – Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reiterated that India’s peace, stability and security depends entirely on its ability to solve its internal problems and ensure that its neighbouring countries also tackle their own problems with “poverty, strife and underdevelopment.” His speech to the Combined Commanders’ Conference in New […]

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20 Oct, 2012

India, New Zealand Pledge US$1m / Year for Wide-Ranging Educational Exchange

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Ministry of Human Resource Development, 19-October, 2012 – Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development and Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand co-chaired the first meeting of the India-New Zealand Education Council held today. The Council has been constituted to draw up a framework and devise mechanisms of […]

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7 Oct, 2012

Indian President: Univ Students Need to Acquire a “Deeper Sense of Purpose”

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Presidents Secretariat, 03-October, 2012  – Indian President Pranab Mukherjee says there is a real need for today’s university students to remind themselves of the high expectations that society has of them. Addressing the convocation of the Lalit Narayan Mithila University, he told the graduating students: “Each one of you should have a deep sense of […]

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21 Sep, 2012

Print Media Can Help “Retain Relevance in Changing Times” – Indian VP

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Vice President’s Secretariat 20-September, 2012 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari re-launched the “Frontline” magazine at a function here today. He commended the editors and publishers for this initiative aimed at retaining relevance in changing times for a newer readership. Addressing on the occasion he said that to him personally, ‘Frontline’ […]

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14 Aug, 2012

Tourism department facelifts famous gondola cable car in Kashmir – Hindustan Times Travel

The Department of Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is undertaking a facelift the Gondola Lift to boost tourism in the state. The Kashmir Valley attracts foreign tourists and the Gondola in Srinagar is Asia’s highest and longest cable car – about 3980 meters above sea level -, which had been generating revenue in millions every […]

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25 Jul, 2012

Mukherjee: Progress Must Not be “Hijacked By Greed Of A Few”

Acceptance Speech by Pranab Mukherjee on his Assumption of office as President of India, 25 July, 2012

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Shri Hamid Ansari, Smt. Meira Kumar, Shri Justice S.H. Kapadia, Members of Parliament, Your Excellencies, Friends and fellow citizens, I am deeply moved by the high honour you have accorded to me. Such honour exalts the occupant of this office, even as it demands that he rises above personal or partisan […]

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9 Apr, 2012

India to Push Its Culinary Advantage, Establish 10 Spice Export Parks By End-2012

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New Delhi, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 08-April, 2012 – In a move that will further enhance the quality and popularity of Indian cuisine worldwide, the Spice Board of India, a unit of the Ministry of Commerce, will establish 10 spice parks across the country by end-2012. A total of Rs. 167 crores have been […]

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31 Mar, 2012

India, Brazil Plan Boost in Bilateral Tourism, Investments

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New Delhi, March 29, 2012 (Press Information Bureau) – India and Brazil are planning a number of ways to strengthen cooperation in various sectors of tourism. The visiting Tourism Minister of Brazil Mr Gastao Vieira who called on Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai here today said that Brazil is keen to exchange experience in […]

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14 Mar, 2012

India Targets 12% Annual Visitor Arrivals Growth in 2012-17 Five-Year Plan

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Recognising tourism as a major job-creator for the national economy, Indian President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil has told Parliament that the government will target an annual visitor arrivals growth of 12% over the 12th Five-Year Plan period 2012-17. In her address to the Parliament on March 12, 2012, marking the halfway point of her  Government, […]

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1 Mar, 2012

Indian Railways to Need Billions for Modernisation Over Five Years

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Ministry of Railways, 27 February, 2012 – The Expert Group for Modernisation of Indian Railways, constituted by the Ministry of Railways under the Chairmanship of Mr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister, presented its report to the Minister of Railways, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, here today. The report recommends ways and means to modernize Indian […]

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1 Mar, 2012

India, Pakistan Move to Normalise Trade Contacts

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 29 February, 2012 – India has welcomed the decision by the government of Pakistan to transition from a Positive List Regime to a small Negative List for trade with India. This development reaffirms the commitment of both governments for trade normalisation as per the roadmap drawn during the visit by […]

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1 Mar, 2012

Sikkim, Hyderabad, Delhi Tourism Corp. Big Winners in Indian Tourism Awards

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The Indian Tourism Awards, presented on February 29, included three new categories: “The Best State : Campaign Clean India”, the “Best Heritage City” and “Best Heritage Walk”. The inaugural winners in the three categories were respectively Sikkim, Hyderabad and the Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. The first award was especially important as it […]

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24 Feb, 2012

India, China Boost Youth Exchange To Build Friendship, Mutual Understanding

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Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, 24 February, 2012 – A 500 member Chinese Youth Delegation will arrive in New Delhi on 25 Feb on a nine-day visit as a part of Indo-China Youth Exchange Programme. The exchange programme involves interaction with local youth, visits to tourist and cultural sites and introduction to economic and […]

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24 Feb, 2012

India Sets Up “Virtual Labs” to Spread Knowledge, Cut Costs, Alleviate Poverty

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Ministry of Human Resource Development, 23 Feb 2012 – The Union Minister for Human Resource Development today launched Virtual Labs — a collection of 91 virtual laboratories containing hundreds of experiments in nine disciplines of science and engineering. As part of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)’s National Mission on Education through Information and Communication […]

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24 Feb, 2012

Indian Govt Sets 20% Procurement Target from SMEs in 3 Years

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Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, 23-February, 2012 – The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises play a pivotal role in the overall industrial economy of India. MSME constitute more than 80% of the total number of industrial enterprises and support industrial development. With globalization, there is an urgent need of a dynamic and self-sustaining […]

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24 Feb, 2012

CEOs Now Making Incredible Money in Incredible India

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New Delhi/Mumbai, February 22, 2012: Global management consultancy Hay Group released the Top Executives Compensation report today, revealing that the average CEO’s compensation in India has crossed the INR 2 crores / USD 400,000 mark, on a cost to company (CTC) basis. The study also shows that compensation is pegged to be more than INR […]

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20 Feb, 2012

Helping Tribals Alleviate Poverty by Enhancing The Value of Forest Products

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 17 February 2012 – This report describes the work of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) which began operating in 1988 to market tribal products. Forests provide 60% of the food & medicinal needs of tribals and 60% of their income — their food, fodder, fruits, medicines, […]

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20 Feb, 2012

Extensive Policy Research to Boost Job-Creation for Indians Overseas

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Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, 14 February 2012 – The following report outlines the work and activities of the Indian Council of Overseas Employment (ICOE), set up by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in 2008 with a mandate “to devise and execute medium to long term strategies to enable Indian emigrant workers and professionals […]

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20 Feb, 2012

Indian Population Expected to Stabilise by 2045

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Nairobi, Kenya, 14 Feb 2012, (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) – The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and Chairman, Partners in Population Development (PPD), Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad today addressed a gathering here on the occasion of Re-Launch of Family Planning Campaign of Government of Kenya during the ongoing three day meeting of […]

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20 Feb, 2012

India Should be Free of Open Defecation by 2022: Minister

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New Delhi, 15 Feb 2012 (Ministry of Rural Development)- Union Minister for Rural Development and Drinking Water and Sanitation Mr. Jairam Ramesh has called for making India an open defecation free country in 10 years and announced major restructuring of the Total Sanitation Campaign, TSC. Addressing a National Consultation on scaling up sanitation here, the […]

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20 Feb, 2012

China Seen as Big Market for Indian Handmade Carpets

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New Delhi, 17 Feb 2012 (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) – India and China have decided to promote export of Indian handmade carpets to China to diversify the trade basket and address the imbalance in the trade between the two countries. The matter was discussed during a meeting between Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and […]

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20 Feb, 2012

Govt: “Almost All Major Terrorist Incident Cases Solved”

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New Delhi, 16 Feb 2012 – The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the following statement regarding number of major terror incident cases solved by investigating agencies. “Government’s attention has been drawn to a statement made by the spokesperson of a political party that no case of terror has been solved by the investigating […]

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20 Feb, 2012

Push to Promote Movies as Medium to Market “Incredible India” Campaign

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NEW DELHI, 16 Feb 2012 (Ministry of Tourism) – In a major initiative to promote the ‘Incredible India Campaign’ and Cinemas of India as a sub brand of Incredible India at various international film festivals and markets abroad, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Tourism today signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The […]

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