On the occasion of Defence Estates Day today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a GIS based automated Water Supply Module which will be used for providing water connections in Cantonment areas across the country.  It will be the first such service by any civic body in the country. This module, based on the latest technology of Geographic Information System Mapping, will be executed in the Cantonment board areas under the administrative control of Defence Estates Organisation, Ministry of Defence. Speaking exclusively to All India Radio on the occasion of Defence Estates Day which is celebrated on 16 December every year, Director General Defence Estates Ajay Kumar Sharma said the GIS based application will significantly reduce the duration for providing water connection in the cantonment areas. He added that such technology has not been adopted till now by any civic body in the country and it has completely eliminated the need of manual intervention for sanctioning water connection.

Director General Defence Estates said the Defence Minister will also inaugurate a Centre of Excellence in the field of Survey Technology for capacity building in sync with the initiative of the Government. The focus of the centre will be on new techniques of survey like Drone surveying.

On the occasion of 50th Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today participated in the Homage and Reception Ceremony of Swarnim Vijay Mashaals at National War Memorial in New Delhi. As a part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in 1971 war and formation of Bangladesh, on 16 December last year, Prime Minister had lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. He had also lit four flames that were to traverse along different directions. During the Homage Ceremony today, these four flames were merged by the Prime Minister with the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. These four flames which were merged today,  have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including to Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch and Agartala. The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of 1971 war.

 On the occasion. Mr Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid  wreath at the National War Memorial. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released commemorative stamp on the occasion at the National War Memorial.

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.