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Gyanesh Kumar as Election Commissioner, Appointed by PM Modi-Led Committee

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Lok Sabha elections, the high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed former bureaucrat Gyanesh Kumar as one of the new Election Commissioners. The announcement was made by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, during a media briefing on March 14.

The selection of Gyanesh Kumar, along with Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, fills the vacancies created in the Election Commission following the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February and the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel shortly before the scheduled Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

Gyanesh Kumar, a seasoned bureaucrat, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Kumar, aged 60, boasts an impressive track record in various administrative positions. Notably, he served as secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, which falls under the purview of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, until his retirement on January 31, 2024. Prior to this, Kumar held the position of secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

During his illustrious career, Kumar has overseen several significant postings, including a crucial stint as Joint Secretary in the Kashmir Division of the Home Ministry under the leadership of Amit Shah. Notably, he played a pivotal role during the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Additionally, in 2020, Kumar led a dedicated desk in the Home Ministry responsible for matters related to the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya case, including the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where he obtained a BTech in Civil Engineering, Kumar furthered his academic pursuits with a postgraduate degree in Economics from Harvard University, USA. He also holds a certification in Chartered Financial Analyst from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI).

Born on January 27, 1964, in Uttar Pradesh, Kumar hails from a distinguished family background. His father was a doctor, while his grandfather was a freedom fighter who later served as a principal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

With his extensive administrative experience and academic credentials, Gyanesh Kumar is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, upholding the integrity and transparency of India’s electoral process.

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BlogEducation & TechFeaturedIndia

Government Bans 18 Streaming Platforms in India Over ‘Obscene’ Content

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dissemination of “obscene,” “vulgar,” and “explicit” content, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action to block 18 OTT platforms in India. This initiative, undertaken in coordination with various intermediaries, marks a significant step towards upholding moral standards and protecting societal values.

A total of 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on the Google Play Store and 3 on the Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts have been disabled for public access in India, as announced in an official statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur reiterated the responsibility of these platforms to refrain from propagating obscenity and vulgarity under the guise of ‘creative expression’. Emphasizing the importance of upholding moral standards, Mr. Thakur disclosed that action had been taken against 18 OTT platforms publishing objectionable content.

The decision to block these platforms was made under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, in consultation with other ministries of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.

According to the statement, a significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be derogatory towards women, depicting nudity and sexual acts in inappropriate contexts such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, among others. This content was deemed to be in violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Highlighting the widespread dissemination of objectionable content, the statement revealed that one of the OTT apps had amassed over 1 crore downloads, with two others exceeding 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. Additionally, these platforms heavily utilize social media to attract audiences, with the cumulative followership of the concerned OTT platforms’ social media accounts exceeding 32 lakh users.

While the Ministry of I&B continues its efforts to sensitize OTT platforms through various means, including meetings, webinars, and workshops, the Government of India remains committed to fostering the growth of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector and the establishment of a light-touch regulatory framework under the IT Rules, 2021.

This proactive approach reaffirms the government’s commitment to preserving societal values and ensuring the responsible dissemination of content in the digital space.

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BlogEducation & TechFeaturedIndia

PM Modi Pledges India’s Commitment to Semiconductor Sector Development

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted previous administrations for their lack of vision and investment in modern technology, particularly in the semiconductor sector, during the inauguration of three semiconductor projects in Gujarat’s Dholera, collectively valued at approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore.

In a scathing critique, PM Modi highlighted the failure of past governments to seize opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, dating back to the 1960s. He emphasized that India’s dream of becoming a semiconductor hub remained unfulfilled due to a dearth of bold decision-making and a neglect of high-tech sectors. Modi condemned the complacency of previous administrations, asserting that their reluctance to invest in semiconductor technology stemmed from a misconception that India, as a developing nation, was ill-equipped to manage such advanced industries.

“The previous governments were preoccupied with scams and neglected crucial investments in modern technology,” Modi remarked. “Their hesitation to prioritize semiconductor manufacturing hindered India’s progress and perpetuated the belief that a developing nation couldn’t excel in high-tech fields.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, according to Modi, underscored the necessity for a resilient supply chain, prompting India to assert its capabilities in this domain. Modi affirmed India’s readiness to assume a significant role in global semiconductor production, emphasizing that decisions and policies made today would bolster the nation strategically for the future.

Contrasting his administration’s forward-thinking approach with the regressive mindset of previous governments, Modi emphasized the imperative of advancing in the semiconductor sector to compete with developed nations while concurrently addressing pressing national priorities such as poverty alleviation, sanitation, and infrastructure development.

“India’s journey in the semiconductor sector marks a significant stride towards self-reliance and global competitiveness,” Modi declared. “We are determined not to squander any opportunities in the fourth industrial revolution, positioning India as a dynamic player on the world stage.”

Highlighting the inauguration of projects worth over ₹12 lakh crore since 2024, Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to transformative initiatives aimed at propelling India’s progress across multiple fronts.

In conclusion, Modi affirmed India’s resolve to break free from the shackles of past inertia and embrace a future characterized by innovation, resilience, and self-reliance.

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BlogEnvironmentFeaturedIndia

New Study Reveals High Levels of Toxic Chemicals in Recycled Plastic Products in Delhi

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

In a concerning revelation for consumers and environmentalists alike, a new study conducted by the environmental NGO Toxics Link has found a significant presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic products available in Delhi’s markets. The report, titled “Is Plastic Recycling Safe?”, underscores the potential health hazards associated with using recycled plastic items, particularly those that come into direct contact with food or are used by children.

The Toxics Link team collected samples from 15 different types of recycled plastic products, ranging from non-branded food and drink containers to children’s toys, sourced from both formal markets and informal plastic recycling units across Delhi. Their findings showed that a vast majority of these items contained harmful substances, including phthalates, chlorinated paraffins, heavy metals, bisphenol A (BPA), and nonylphenol, known for their adverse effects on human health. Such effects can range from reproductive issues and pregnancy complications to respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even DNA damage.

Alarmingly, the study revealed that 86% of the toy samples and 67% of the food-contact plastic materials tested positive for one or more of these hazardous chemicals. Specific examples cited in the report include rubber ducks harboring high levels of single-chain chlorinated paraffins, cadmium, nonylphenol, and phthalates, and a mouth organ containing bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and an exceptionally high concentration of the DEHP phthalate.

Priti Banthia Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator at Toxics Link and lead researcher of the study, expressed concern over the findings, emphasizing the need to critically assess the safety of current plastic recycling practices. The investigation suggests that the contamination could occur during the recycling process or might be present in the original products being recycled. The addition of colors during recycling, for instance, has been identified as a potential source of heavy metal contamination.

The implications of these findings are significant, not only highlighting the potential health risks posed by recycled plastic products but also raising questions about the efficacy of recycling as a solution to plastic pollution. The study calls for strict regulatory oversight of plastic recycling in Delhi and across India, with Toxics Link’s associate director, Satish Sinha, advocating for a more cautious approach to plastic recycling, given the serious threat it poses to human health.

This study serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in managing plastic waste and the importance of ensuring safety and sustainability in recycling practices. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, the demand for stricter regulations and safer recycling methods is likely to grow, urging policymakers and industry stakeholders to take action.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaWorld

Google Faces Heat in India – Apologizes for Unreliable Output on PM Modi by AI

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Google has issued a formal apology to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over misleading and unreliable responses generated by its AI platform, Gemini. The controversy emerged when Gemini was criticized for providing unsubstantiated information about Prime Minister Modi, raising concerns about the accuracy and bias within AI-generated content.

The Minister of State for IT & Electronics, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, disclosed that the Indian government had sought an explanation from Google regarding the discrepancies observed in Gemini’s outputs. In response, Google acknowledged the issues with Gemini, admitting the platform’s unreliability and extending an apology to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian authorities. This incident unfolds amid India’s tightened scrutiny over AI platforms, with the government indicating plans to introduce permits for AI operations within the country. Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of AI platforms adhering to the respect and legality due to Indian consumers, hinting at the legal consequences under IT and criminal laws for spreading false information.

Further complicating matters for Google, Gemini was accused of displaying racial bias and historical inaccuracies. A particularly contentious issue arose when the AI chatbot reportedly declined to generate images of white individuals and inaccurately portrayed historical white figures as people of color. These allegations have led to widespread criticism and calls for Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s resignation.

In the wake of the backlash, Google took immediate action to disable Gemini’s human image generation feature. Sundar Pichai described the error as “completely unacceptable” and committed to addressing the issues raised. Despite Google’s efforts to mitigate the situation, calls for Pichai’s resignation have intensified. Analysts Ben Thompson and Mark Shmulik have voiced their opinion on the necessity for leadership changes at Google, suggesting that overcoming these challenges may require new management direction, potentially implicating CEO Sundar Pichai himself.

Thompson highlighted the need for a transformative change within Google, advocating for a leadership overhaul to rectify past mistakes. Similarly, Shmulik questioned the current management team’s capability to steer Google through these tumultuous waters. As Google pledges to refine and improve its AI technologies, the company faces a critical juncture. The controversy underscores the broader challenges facing AI development, including ensuring accuracy, fairness, and the ethical use of technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

To Secure All 42 Lok Sabha Seats for BJP, PM Modi aims.

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Krishnanagar, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a powerful address at the ‘Bijoy Sankalpa Sabha’ in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, has outlined an ambitious electoral target for the state’s BJP, calling for a resounding victory in all 42 Lok Sabha seats. Modi, addressing a large gathering, launched a scathing critique of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging widespread corruption and setting the stage for an intense electoral battle.

Accusing the TMC of embodying “Tu, Main aur Corruption” (You, Me, and Corruption), Prime Minister Modi rallied the crowd, expressing confidence in the prospect of an overwhelming victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in West Bengal. “Seeing you all gathered here in such huge numbers is giving me the confidence to say ‘NDA sarkar, 400 paar'” (NDA government, beyond 400 seats), he declared.

In his address, Modi denounced the TMC for what he described as a legacy of atrocities, dynasty politics, and betrayal. He highlighted the disappointment among the people of West Bengal with the functioning of the state government, laying the groundwork for a narrative centered on change and good governance.

Referring to the troubling incidents in Sandeshkhali, where women accused TMC leaders of sexual abuse, Prime Minister Modi criticized the state government’s response. He alleged that instead of supporting the distressed women, the government sided with the accused, further emphasizing the need for a change in leadership.

“The mothers and sisters kept pleading for justice, but the TMC government did not listen to them. They took votes in the name of ‘Maa Mati Manush,’ but now the mothers and sisters are weeping in West Bengal. The situation in the state is such that here, the criminals decide when to get arrested,” Modi remarked.

As the political landscape intensifies in West Bengal, Prime Minister Modi’s call for winning all 42 Lok Sabha seats reflects the BJP’s strategic approach to emerge as a dominant force in the state. The stage is set for a fierce electoral battle, with both the BJP and the TMC gearing up for a high-stakes contest in the upcoming elections.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Modi Government Welcomes 25 Private Sector Specialists to Revamp Governance

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move, the Modi government is set to welcome 25 private sector specialists into crucial government roles, marking a significant stride towards enhancing governance efficiency. This initiative, part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline administration and bolster policy-making, was announced today by officials in the national capital.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has green-lighted the induction of three joint secretaries and 22 directors/deputy secretaries across various central government departments. Traditionally, these influential positions have been occupied by career bureaucrats from all-India services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS), among other Group A services.

This latest wave of appointments is facilitated through the lateral entry mode, a strategy designed to infuse the government with fresh talent and perspectives by recruiting specialists from the private sector directly into key administrative roles. Initiated in 2018, the lateral entry scheme targets levels critical to policy formulation and implementation, aiming to leverage the unique insights and expertise that seasoned professionals from outside the traditional civil service can offer.

Since its inception, the lateral entry scheme has sought to enrich the government’s administrative capabilities by opening its doors to domain experts. The Personnel Ministry first sought applications for 10 joint secretary-level positions in June 2018, a pioneering step executed via the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Following this, in October 2021, the UPSC recommended 31 candidates for various roles, signaling a continued commitment to this innovative approach to governance.

To date, 38 private sector specialists have been incorporated into the government through this scheme, with 33 currently active in their respective roles, including eight joint secretaries, 16 directors, and nine deputy secretaries. This initiative not only represents a paradigm shift in the recruitment policy but also underscores the government’s dedication to adopting best practices from the private sector to enhance decision-making and policy effectiveness.

The lateral entry scheme emphasizes the government’s openness to diverse professional backgrounds, aiming to attract individuals with specialized knowledge and experience that align with the government’s strategic objectives. By doing so, it seeks to create a more dynamic, responsive, and efficient administrative framework capable of addressing the complex challenges of modern governance.

As these 25 new specialists prepare to assume their roles, the government’s message is clear: the infusion of external talent is not just an experiment but a long-term strategy to enrich India’s administrative services with fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a renewed focus on results-driven governance.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

India’s Economy Surges with 8.4% Expansion in Q3; GDP Growth Pegged at 7.6% for the Year

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

India’s economic growth soared to 8.4% in the December quarter, marking a significant acceleration from the 7.6% growth recorded in the previous quarter, as revealed by government data on Thursday. This robust performance exceeded economists’ expectations, who had anticipated a 6.6% growth during the final three months of the previous year, according to a Reuters poll.

The remarkable expansion in Asia’s third-largest economy is a positive indicator of recovery and resilience, reflecting the nation’s ability to navigate through challenging economic landscapes. The data highlights the ongoing momentum in various sectors, contributing to the overall economic growth trajectory.

In addition to the GDP growth, India’s infrastructure output exhibited a 3.6% year-on-year increase in January. While slightly lower than the revised 4.9% recorded in December, this sustained growth in infrastructure output further emphasizes the ongoing economic activities and investments in key sectors.

The robust economic performance is expected to have positive implications for employment, investment, and consumer confidence. As India continues to navigate the post-pandemic recovery, the data showcases the resilience of the economy and its ability to adapt to evolving challenges.

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BlogBusinessFeaturedIndia

Adani Defence’s Diverse Portfolio Expands With Mega Factories

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: The Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has commenced operations at two defense facilities in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, marking a significant investment of ₹3,000 crore ($362 million). The move aligns with India’s push for self-reliance and the promotion of local manufacturing in the defense sector.

Adani Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, unveiled the facilities spanning 500 acres, which will focus on the production of small, medium, and large-caliber ammunition for the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and police. Karan Adani, the founder’s son overseeing the defense business, highlighted the strategic importance of these factories.

The factories are projected to manufacture 150 million rounds of ammunition annually, addressing approximately 25% of India’s ammunition needs. Karan Adani emphasized the diverse requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and the role these facilities would play in meeting those demands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on boosting indigenous manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports has created substantial business opportunities for conglomerates like the Adani Group, Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro Ltd., and Mahindra Group. The defense facilities in Kanpur are a response to this call for self-reliance.

Karan Adani, who also serves as the Chief Executive Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd., highlighted the significance of reducing dependence on defense imports for India’s strategic autonomy and economic growth. The newly inaugurated manufacturing facility is anticipated to generate over 4,000 jobs.

The manufacturing goals for the facility include producing 200,000 rounds annually of large-caliber artillery and tank ammunition by 2025, along with five million rounds of medium-caliber ammunition a year later. Additionally, the facility aims to manufacture short-range and long-range missiles.

Adani Defence is already involved in the production of drones, anti-drone systems, and small arms such as light machine guns, assault rifles, and pistols, as per the company’s website.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

PM Modi Inaugurates Bharat Tex 2024, Puts Spotlight on Tradition, Technology, Talent, and Training in Textile Sector

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

New Delhi, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the inauguration of Bharat Tex 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, shedding light on the government’s dedication to enriching the textile sector in India. The PM emphasized the importance of tradition, technology, talent, and training to propel the sector into a new era.

In his heartfelt address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of Bharat Tex 2024 as an extraordinary platform showcasing India’s exceptional talents in the textile industry. He pointed out that beyond textiles, Khadi has emerged as a powerful force, bringing empowerment to women across the country.

“Bharat Tex’s thread is weaving together India’s illustrious history with the talents of today,” remarked PM Modi, characterizing the event as special due to its location at India’s two largest exhibition centers, Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi.

Over the course of four days, Bharat Tex 2024 has attracted over three thousand exhibitors, three thousand buyers from a hundred countries, and 40 thousand trade visitors. This textile event is considered one of the most significant global textile gatherings hosted in India, aligning seamlessly with PM Modi’s five F vision – farm to fibre, fibre to factory, factory to fashion, and fashion to foreign.

Union Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal commended the grand organization of India’s biggest textile show, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for the comprehensive growth of the textile industry.

The event is poised to play a crucial role in showcasing India’s prowess in the textile sector on the global stage, fostering collaborations, and steering the industry toward sustainable growth. The government’s holistic approach, incorporating tradition, technology, talent, and training, aims to fortify India’s position as a textile powerhouse.

Bharat Tex 2024 serves as a testament to India’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in the textile industry, setting the stage for a vibrant future in this critical sector.

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