Civil Aviation Ministry flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme -  'Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik', UDAN has been selected for Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2020 under the category Innovation (General) - Central. The government has initiated this award to acknowledge, recognize and reward extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts and Organizations of State and Government.

The Ministry said, UDAN scheme emphasises on Good Governance, Qualitative achievements, and last mile connectivity rather than only on achievement of quantitative targets. The award consists of a trophy, scroll and an incentive of ten lakh rupees. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will receive the award at Civil Service Day function on 21st of April.

Govt had enhanced authorised share capital of the three public sector general insurance companies to enable capital infusion of ₹5,000 crore
The government’s decision to infuse capital in the three state-owned general insurers is credit positive, Moody’s Investors Service said on Friday.

“The Finance Ministry’s decision to inject ₹5,000 crore ($ 655 million) additional capital in the state-owned National Insurance Co, Oriental Insurance Co and United India Insurance Co is credit positive because their capital had been significantly depleted after several loss-making underwriting years,” said Mohammed Ali Londe, Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Investors Service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh on the 75th establishment day of the State. He noted the happy coincidence of the establishment day that comes in the 75th Year of the country's Independence. In his address on the occasion of Himachal Day, Mr Modi reiterated the commitment to take the nectar of development to every inhabitant of the state during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Recalling the challenges of the hilly state at the time of its formation in 1948, the Prime Minister complimented the people for converting challenges into opportunities. He praised the state’s achievements in horticulture, power surplus, literacy rate, rural road connectivity, tap water and electricity to every household. He also underlined the efforts to build on these achievements in the last 7-8 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the people on the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, Lord Hanuman is a symbol of strength, courage and restraint. He prayed that everyone's life always be filled with strength, intelligence and knowledge by the grace of Pawanputra.

Government will launch e-Sanjeevani Tele-consultation facility at one lakh centers today on the occasion of 4th anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness. In a tweet, Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, now the common citizens will also be able to take advice from the big doctors of the country.

He said, government is strengthening primary healthcare network with Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre. More than one lakh 17 thousand Health and Wellness Centre have been operationalized in the country so far. 

Against the backdrop of growing ties between India and France, the 20th edition of India-France Joint Staff talks concluded in Paris on Wednesday. The two-day talks focused on new initiatives in bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening defence engagements, the government said on Thursday.

The India-France Joint Staff talks is a forum established to enhance defence cooperation between the nations through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate super-speciality hospital in Gujarat's Bhuj today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation K. K. Patel Super Specialty Hospital in Bhuj, Gujarat today at 11 AM through video conferencing. The hospital has been built by Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj, Bhuj. hospital.This 200 bedded hospital will significantly augment health infrastructure in Kutch. It provides super speciality services such as Interventional Cardiology (Cathlab), Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Nephrology, Urology, Nuclear Medicine, Neuro Surgery, Joint Replacement and other supportive services like laboratory, radiology etc," PMO said.Further, the PMO said that the hospital makes medical super speciality services easily accessible for the people of the region, at an affordable price.

Selected applicants include 7 foreign groups; second edition of PLI scheme likely for garment makers
The government has selected a total of 61 applicants under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, to promote production of man made fibre (MMF) fabrics & apparels and technical textiles, with a proposed investment of ₹19,077 crore.

The mineral production has recorded 13.2 percent cumulative growth during April to February in the last financial year. Coal Ministry said, the index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of February this year was 4.5 percent higher as compared to February last year.

The production level of important minerals in February this year were - Coal 795 lakh tonnes, Lignite 47 larkh tonnes, Petroleum (crude) 23 lakh tonnes, Chromite 373 thousand tonnes and Gold 125 kilogram.

Today is Good Friday. It is observed to commemorate the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. On this day Jesus Christ sacrificed his life out of love for everyone and while suffering for the sins of humanity. On the occasion of Good Friday, people wish one another strength and happiness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today remembered the courage and sacrifices of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, his ideals of service and brotherhood are the guiding light for several people.

AIR correspondent reports that Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. From the early days of Christianity, Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting.