Tag: Union Cabinet

Cabinet approves ambitious ₹10,372 crore India AI Programme

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a move aimed at accelerating India’s prowess in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved an AI programme with a corpus of ₹10,372 crore. The proposed initiative is set to be grounded in a robust public-private partnership model, focusing on the establishment of 10,000 GPU-based servers.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) working group has played a pivotal role in shaping the contours of this ambitious AI programme. One of the key recommendations includes the creation of a cutting-edge AI compute infrastructure at five strategic locations, boasting an impressive capacity of 3,000 AI petaflops.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said this step is poised to enhance the computer infrastructure capacity in both private and public sectors, laying the foundation for a digitally empowered nation. The infusion of funds into the programme is expected to catalyse innovation, research, and development in the AI domain. The funds will also be used to develop Large Multimodal Models (LLMs).

The India AI Programme aims to establish a sophisticated AI computing ecosystem, developing large multimodal models, promoting AI applications in crucial sectors, and aiding deeptech AI startups. The initiative also includes implementing responsible AI projects, such as creating indigenous tools and frameworks. This comprehensive approach aims to foster AI innovation and deployment across diverse domains, as outlined in a government statement.

Also read: OpenAI, Microsoft AI tools generate misleading election images, researchers say

Goyal said India will set up two or three AI innovation centres equipped with Secure Distributed Data Grids across the country. These hubs are envisioned to support startups with high-speed connectivity of 200/400 Gbps, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking AI advancements.

AI is poised to be the kinetic enabler for India’s #DigitalEconomy.

✅ PM @narendramodi ji has consistently emphasized that India is going to fully exploit the power of #AI for the benefit of its citizens and for the expansion of its economy.

✅ I am grateful to the Hon’ble PM… pic.twitter.com/jOWgZMyog7

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳(Modiyude Kutumbam) (@Rajeev_GoI) March 7, 2024

The proposed AI programme aligns with the government’s vision to position India as a global AI powerhouse, leveraging the synergy between the public and private sectors. The infusion of ₹10,000 crore reflects a commitment to building a sustainable and resilient AI ecosystem that can address the evolving needs of the nation.

Goyal also said the government will soon offer Artificial Intelligence as a service, which he said will bring tools, frameworks and innovation to the common man.

Also read: HCL Tech partners with ServiceNow to deliver GenAI-led solutions

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Union Cabinet approves hike in sugarcane FRP to ₹340

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (February 21), approved the Fair and Remunerative Price’ (FRP) of sugarcane for the sugar season 2024–25 (October–September). 

The FRP of sugarcane has been increased to ₹340 per quintal, for a basic recovery rate of 10.25%.

The minimum price that sugar factories have to pay to sugarcane growers is called the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).

The farmers will be provided a premium of ₹3.32 per quintal for every 0.1% increase in recovery above 10.25%. However, the same amount will be deducted on reduction of recovery by 0.1%.

The cabinet has also increased the fixed FRP for sugar factories with a recovery of 9.5% or less at ₹315.10 per quintal.

Umbrella Scheme on “Safety of Women”

The cabinet has also approved the implementation of the Umbrella Scheme on “Safety of Women” at a total cost of ₹1,179.72 crore.

Out of the total fund of ₹1,179.72 crore, a total of ₹885.49 crore will be provided by the Home Ministry from its own budget, and ₹294.23 crore will be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.

Continuation of Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

The Union Cabinet also approved the continuation of Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) with total cost of ₹4,100 crore.

This will include the Flood Management Programme (FMP) and River Management and Border Areas (RMBA), for which the government has approved funds of ₹2,940 crore and ₹1,160 crore, respectively.

Under FMP, the central government will provide assistance to state governments for critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development and anti-sea erosion, etc. For the special category states—eight north-eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir—the centre will provide 90% of the funding, while 10% will be funded by the state government. For all the other states and Union Territories, the pattern of funding that will be followed is 60% (centre) and 40% (state).

The funds for the RMBA component of FMBAP will be used for flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighbouring countries, including hydrological observations and flood forecasting. The investigation and pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects (with neighbouring countries) on common border rivers will also be conducted using this fund.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Indian govt approves 100% FDI for space sector in the new policy

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In the Union Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government on Wednesday (February 21) approved up to  100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for some activities in the space sector.

“As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the Government approval route only.  In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on Space sector by prescribing liberalized FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities,” the government said in a statement.

The FDI in the space sector has been classified into three categories. The first category allows up to 74% FDI under automatic route in satellite manufacturing and operation, satellite data products and ground segment and user segment. In this category,  beyond 74% FDI would be cleared via the government route.

In the second category, FDI not more than 49% will be allowed through automatic route for launch vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, creation of spaceports for launching and receiving spacecraft. In this category, beyond 49% FDI, these activities would come under government route.

In the third category, the cabinet has approved up to 100% in the third category, under automatic route for manufacturing of components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user-segment.

“Department of Space consulted with internal stakeholders like IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and NSIL (New Space India Limited) as well as several industrial stakeholders. NGEs (Non-Government Entity) have developed capabilities and expertise in the areas of satellites and launch vehicles. With increased investment, they would be able to achieve sophistication of products, global scale of operations and enhanced share of global space economy,” the government statement said.

Also Watch: Welcome space FDI announcement; expect our space biz to grow to 10%, says Astra Microwave

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cabinet approves ₹4800 crore for PRITHvi VIgyan scheme

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union Cabinet approved ₹4800 crore for PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) scheme, an overarching initiative comprising five on-going sub-schemes related to earth sciences, at a cost of Rs 4,797 crore over a five-year period from 2021-26. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to club the sub-schemes.

The schemes are “Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services”, “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology”, “Polar Science and Cryosphere Research”, “Seismology and Geosciences” and “Research, Education, Training and Outreach”. “The overarching scheme of ‘Prithvi Vigyan’ (PRITHVI) will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programmes across different MoES institutes,” an official statement said.

It said these integrated research and development efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing. The objectives of the overarching “PRITHVI” scheme includes augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record vital signs of the earth system and change, development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards, and understanding the science of climate change.

It also includes exploration of polar and high seas regions of the earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources, development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications, and translation of knowledge and insights from earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit. “Various components of the PRITHVI scheme are interdependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences,” an official statement said.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Guyana on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to declare Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport. It has also approved the proposal to name it as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”.

With inputs from PTI

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Union Cabinet approves ₹24,104 crore for Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union government has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) with a substantial total outlay of ₹24,104 crore, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday. The Central share will be ₹15,336 crore and states will contribute ₹8,768 crore.

The decision was taken on Tuesday evening in the meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was later announced by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

The scheme, designed to focus on 11 critical interventions, spans across various ministries, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush. It was announced by PM Narendra Modi on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Jharkhand’s Khunti to address the vulnerabilities faced by these marginalized communities.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, comprising 75 communities located in 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been identified as the primary beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN. These groups continue to grapple with vulnerabilities in social, economic, and educational sectors, making targeted interventions crucial for their upliftment.

The comprehensive plan under PM-JANMAN includes the provision of basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition services, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Ministry of Ayush is set to establish Ayush Wellness Centres as per existing norms, extending Ayush facilities to PVTG habitations through mobile medical units.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will play a pivotal role in facilitating skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations, multi-purpose centers, and hostels, aligning with the specific skills of these communities.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India approves royalty rates for mining of Lithium, Niobium, rare earth minerals

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday (October 11) cleared specifying royalty rates for the mining of three essential and strategically significant minerals namely Lithium, Niobium, and rare earth elements (REEs).

One of the most remarkable changes is the removal of six minerals, including Lithium and Niobium, from the list of atomic minerals, opening the door for private sector participation through auctioning concessions for these minerals.

Furthermore, the amendment ushers in a new era for mining leases and composite licenses for 24 critical and strategic minerals, which now must be auctioned by the central government, including the highly sought-after Lithium, Niobium, and REEs (excluding Uranium and Thorium).

The royalty rate plays a pivotal role in attracting bidders during auctions, and to ensure competitiveness, the Ministry of Mines has devised a method to calculate the Average Sale Price (ASP) of these minerals, facilitating the determination of bid parameters.

Until now, the Second Schedule of the MMDR Act dictated a default royalty rate of 12% of the ASP for minerals not explicitly listed. However, this rate is considerably high compared to other critical and strategic minerals, and it doesn’t align with global standards.

As a result, a more reasonable royalty rate has been established for these minerals. Lithium will incur a royalty of 3% based on the London Metal Exchange price.

Niobium will be subject to a 3% royalty calculated from the Average Sale Price, considering both primary and secondary sources and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) will have a royalty of 1% based on the Average Sale Price of Rare Earth Oxide.

These critical minerals have gained immense significance due to India’s commitment to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Additionally, they play a crucial role in geopolitics, making indigenous mining a strategic imperative. This initiative is expected to reduce imports and stimulate the growth of related industries and infrastructure projects while also generating employment opportunities in the mining sector.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken a proactive stance by providing exploration reports on REE and Lithium blocks, and various exploration agencies are actively surveying critical and strategic minerals across the nation.

The central government is on the cusp of launching the first tranche of auctions for critical and strategic minerals, including Lithium, REEs, Nickel, Platinum Group of Elements, Potash, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Graphite, Molybdenum, and more, signifying a promising future for India’s self-reliance in these vital resources.

Currently, 47% of the world’s lithium is produced in Australia, 30% in Chile and 15% in China. India has been import-dependent on many minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt and has lately been looking to strengthen its supply of key minerals, including lithium, that will be critical for furthering its electric vehicle plans.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Union Cabinet okays fresh allocation of Rs 1,165 crore for industrial growth in Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (September 6) gave its nod to allocate Rs 1,164.53 crore under the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS), 2017, aimed at propelling industrial growth in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Industrial Development Scheme, 2017, was introduced by the central government on April 23, 2018, exclusively for the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

With an initial financial allocation of Rs 131.90 crore, the scheme has utilised its funds during the fiscal year 2021-22. However, the demand for additional financial resources to fulfil the committed obligations until 2028-2029 has led to the approval of this allocation by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet reviewed and sanctioned the proposal presented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the central sector scheme in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, addressing the additional fund requirement to meet the scheme’s obligations up to 2028-29.

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As part of the approval for the additional funds, several incentives under the scheme are set to benefit businesses in the region:

Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC): Eligible new industrial units and existing units significantly expanding their manufacturing and service activities in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will receive a Central Capital Investment Incentive For Access To Credit (CCIIAC) at a rate of 30 percent of their investment in plant and machinery, with an upper limit of Rs 5 crore.

Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): New industrial units and existing units embarking on substantial expansion in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be eligible for a 100 percent reimbursement of insurance premiums for building and plant and machinery for up to five years from the commencement of commercial production/operation.

This additional financial allocation represents a significant boost to the IDS, 2017, which initially had a financial outlay of just Rs 131.90 crore, disbursed during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Also Read: India seeks more natural gas amid emergency measures to end blackouts

With the newly-approved funds, the scheme is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for approximately 48,607 individuals through the establishment of 774 registered units.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Union cabinet gives nod for bill to replace ordinance on Delhi services

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod for a bill to be placed in Parliament to replace the ordinance on control of services in Delhi.

The Centre had on May 19 promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 to create an authority for transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi.

Transfer and postings of all officers of the Delhi government were under the executive control of the lieutenant governor before the May 11 verdict of the apex court.

A five-judge constitution bench will now hear the Delhi government’s plea challenging the Centre’s May 19 ordinance which took away the control over services from the city dispensation and set off a fresh tussle between the two power centres.

The top court rejected the vehement submission of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government that there was no need for referring the matter to a constitution bench as it will “paralyse the whole system” during its pendency.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra said the larger bench will commence the proceedings after the hearing on the pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370, which had bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, gets over.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday said that he wrote a letter to the chairman of Rajya Sabha opposing the introduction of the Bill replacing the Delhi Ordinance.

He said that the introduction of the Bill in Rajya Sabha to replace the Delhi Ordinance is impermissible for three important reasons which he highlighted in the letter.

Several opposition parties including Congress, DMK and Trinamool Congress have extended support to the AAP on the Delhi ordinance issue.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India approves Rs 1,760 crore for city project to support circular economy

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Union Cabinet has approved the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0, which seeks to support projects promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated urban management, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday.

The CITIIS 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will run for four years beginning this fiscal in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), the European Union (EU), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

The programme envisages to support competitively selected projects promoting a circular economy with focus on integrated waste management at the city level, climate-oriented reform actions at the state level, and institutional strengthening and knowledge dissemination at the national level, Thakur told reporters here.

The funding for CITIIS 2.0 would include a loan of Rs 1,760 crore or 200 million Euros with AFD and KfW contributing 100 million euros each and a technical assistance grant of Rs 106 crore (EUR 12 million) from the EU, Thakur said.

Also read: Budget 2023: More money for smart cities as FM Sitharaman announces urban infra fund

The CITIIS 2.0 aims to leverage and scale up the learnings and successes of CITIIS 1.0 which was launched jointly in 2018 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, AFD, EU, and NIUA, with a total outlay of Rs 933 crore.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cabinet approves Rs 1 lakh crore to boost foodgrain storage capacity in cooperative sector

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow