Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the Intangible Heritage list by UNESCO. In an important announcement, the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session being held at Paris, France. The Committee commended Durga Puja for its initiatives to involve marginalized groups, and individuals as well as women in their participation in safeguarding the element.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is a matter of great pride and joy for every Indian. In a tweet, he said, Durga Puja highlights the best of Indian traditions and ethos and Kolkata’s Durga Puja is an experience everyone must have.

Culture Minister G Kishen Reddy said that this is a recognition of the confluence of India's rich heritage, culture, rituals and practices and a celebration of the feminine divinity and the spirit of womanhood.

President Ram Nath Kovind will attend the 50th Bijay Dibos celebrations this morning. The president who is only foreign dignitary in the golden jubilee celebrations of the independence of Bangladesh, will observe the marching contingents at National Parade Ground in Dhaka. On this occasion, a 122 member tri-services contingent from the Indian armed forces will also participate in the parade. Both countries celebrate 16th December as Victory Day to mark the victory of joint forces over Pakistan to liberate Bangladesh.
In Dhaka, briefing media-persons last evening foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla informed that in the delegation level meeting, the President discussed various issues of mutual interest with his counterpart in Bangabhaban. Replying to the media, Mr Shringla said, Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is very important for both countries which will use the high speed diesel from Numaligarh and pump it from Siliguri to Parbatipur. He said this project is expected to be inaugurated next year. The foreign secretary said, despite the coronavirus pandemic, bilateral trade has witnessed 14 percent increment in it last year and Bangladesh exports to India crossed the one billion dollar mark. Foreign secretary informed that to discuss broader issues the Director General of BSF will come to Dhaka at the invitation of his counterpart. Mr Shringla also showed satisfaction over defense cooperation between both countries.  

The Cabinet has approved a programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in the country.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, 76 thousand crore rupees will be spent on this project in the next six years. He said, this will strengthen India's journey towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

Speaking on the occasion, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, in the last seven years, the country has reached 75 billion US dollars in the electronic manufacturing sector.

The Cabinet has approved implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for 2021-26. The scheme will benefit about 22 lakh farmers, including 2.5 lakh Scheduled Caste and two lakh Scheduled Tribe farmers. Speaking to reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, an outlay of over ninety three thousand crore rupees will be spent. Terming the decision as historic, the Minister said, out of ninety three thousand crore rupees, thirty seven thousand four hundred fifty four crore rupees will be central assistance to States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the farmers during the valedictory session of the National Conclave on Natural Farming at 11 AM today in Anand, Gujarat via video conferencing. The Summit brings in focus on natural farming. Farmers will be provided with all requisite information detailing the benefits of adopting natural farming methods. The Prime Minister urged those associated with agriculture and the world of agro-based start-ups to join this conclave.

The government has been driven by the Prime Minister's vision for farmer welfare. It has been committed towards ensuring an increase in productivity, so that farmers are able to maximize their agri-potential. Government has initiated several measures to transform agriculture and increase farmers’ income. Efforts are underway to promote and support initiatives leading to sustainability of the system, cost reduction, market access and better value realization to farmers.
Zero Budget Natural Farming is a promising tool to minimize the dependence of farmers on purchased inputs, and reduces the cost of agriculture by relying on traditional field based technologies which lead to improved soil health. Desi cow, its dung and urine play an important role from which various inputs are made on the farm and provide necessary nutrients to soil. Other traditional practices such mulching the soil with biomass or keeping the soil covered with green cover round the year, even in the very low water availability situations, ensure sustained productivity even from the first year of adoption.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today remembered the iconic freedom fighter and Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death Anniversary. In a series of tweets, Mr Naidu said, Sardar Patel was a towering statesman and an illustrious leader who cared deeply for the welfare of the farmers and worked incessantly for the uplift of the downtrodden.

Vice President said, Sardar Patel played a monumental role in the peaceful integration of over 560 princely states. His legendary life continues to inspire every Indian to work towards strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation and eliminating social evils from society.

Nation is paying homage to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on his death anniversary today. Fondly known as Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel brought together more than 500 princely States with India. He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and also held the Home portfolio  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, India will always be grateful to Sardar Patel for his monumental service, his administrative skills and the untiring efforts to unite our nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address farmers during the valedictory session of the National Summit on Agro and Food Processing tomorrow at 11 AM at Anand in Gujarat through video conferencing. The three-day Summit which started yesterday is being organized by the Gujarat government with the focus on natural farming.

Farmers will be provided all the information related to benefits of adopting natural farming methods. The summit is being attended by over five thousand farmers with thousands of others connecting virtually from across the country.

The Government has initiated several measures to transform agriculture and increase farmers’ income. It is committed towards ensuring an increase in productivity, so that farmers can maximize their agri-potential. Efforts are underway to promote and support initiatives leading to sustainability of the system, cost reduction, market access and better value realization to farmers.

Zero Budget Natural Farming minimize the dependence of farmers on purchased inputs, and reduces the cost of agriculture by relying on traditional field-based technologies which lead to improved soil health.

President Ram Nath Kovind arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal airport in Dhaka today on his three-day state visit to take part in the victory day celebrations in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi President Md. Abdul Hamid received him at the airport. President Kovind was given a 21 gun salute at the airport followed by the guard of honour on his arrival in Dhaka.

He proceeded directly to the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar to place a wreath for the martyrs of the liberation war of 1971.

Later in the day, he will visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi to pay respect to the Bangladesh Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen will call on the President in the afternoon.

In the evening a reception will be organised by Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The Supreme Court today allowed an application filed by the Ministry of Defence for the double-lane widening of roads that are part of the 899-kilometer Char Dham project in Uttarakhand.  

A bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath pronounced orders in the application filed by the Ministry of Defence seeking modification of the order dated September 8, 2020, which was passed by a three-Judge Bench headed by Justice Rohinton Nariman, in order to permit the Union of India to make roads with 10 Meters tarred surface as opposed to the 5.5 meters as ordered by the Court.

The Court today modified the order dated September 8, 2020, and allowed the Defence Ministry to widen the road as sought. At the same time, the Court took note of the environmental concerns raised by the High Powered Committee and directed the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway to implement the recommendations made by the Committee.