RAJASTHAN
Rising prices of solar panel, steel & wire hit rooftop energy projects in Rajasthan
Higher prices of photovoltaic panels, steel, wires and invertors have hit the rooftop solar energy scheme for 45 MW with only projects worth 23 MW getting commissioned.
The scheme, which was supposed to end in March this year, has been extended and will close on August 31. Vendors selected by the government for this scheme said the sudden rise in photovoltaic panels, steel, copper wire prices since the beginning of the year have made the scheme unviable.
Under the scheme, the government had fixed the prices with one kilowatt requiring investment of Rs 43,000 including subsidies of 40% for projects below 3 KW and 20% for 4-10KW, which is the upper capacity limit.
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan test-fires Ghaznavi Missile
This training launch was aimed to ensure operational readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC).
It was also aimed at re-validating the technical parameters of the weapon system.
Missile Ghaznavi has the capability to deliver multiple types of warheads up to a range of 290 kilometres.
In February 2021, the ASFC had conducted a ‘training launch’ of Ghaznavi under its annual field training exercise.
NATIONAL
Government launches Fit India Freedom Run
According to union sports minister. programme has been launched at 75 ‘iconic’ locations.
The Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 will conclude on October 2, 2021.
During this period, people from each district and each village will participate in the freedom run movement.
In the freedom run 1.0, about 5 crore people had joined. While, this year, the number has increased to 7.5 crore people.
Government has planned to reach out to every household with the mantra of ‘Fitness ki dose ‘aadha ghanta roz’ in order to keep Indians fit.
Fit India Freedom Runs will be organised across 744 Districts, 75 villages in each of 744 Districts and 30,000 Educational Institutions in India.
India’s installed renewable energy capacity crosses 100 GW; Singh says ‘landmark day’
India’s total installed renewable energy generation capacity crossed 100 GW mark on Thursday and the country is fourth in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. The country has set an ambitious target to have 175 GW or 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2022.
While 100 GW has been installed, 50 GW is under installation and 27 GW is under tendering. If large hydro is included the installed renewable energy capacity increases to 146 GW, the release said.
APEDA exports five varieties of apples to Bahrain
Five varieties of apples including Dark Baron Gala, Royal Delicious, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox and Golden Delicious were exported to Bahrain.
These apples were sourced from farmers of Himachal Pradesh.
First consignment was exported by APEDA registered DM Enterprises.
Apples will be showcased at the apple promotion programme organized by leading retailer called Al Jajira group.
The apple promotion programme will start from 15th August, 2021 on the occasion of commencement of 75th year of India’s independence celebration.
Apple promotion programme is also being organized to familiarise consumers in Bahrain regarding the varieties of apples in India.
India’s first Water Plus City
Indore has become example for whole nation for its determination and dedication towards cleanliness.
Indore City received this certification from central government on August 11, 2021.
This certification is provided for maintaining cleanliness in rivers and drains.
To get the certification, following criteria has been set:
- dirty water should not go into any river or drain.
- Further, 30 percent of the city’s sewer water needs to be recycled and reused.
- Public toilets must be connected to sewer lines and it must be cleaned.
Objective of the survey
This survey is conducted with the objective of encouraging large scale citizen participation and ensure sustainability of initiatives towards garbage free and open defecation free cities. Survey also seeks to instil the spirit of healthy competition amongst towns and cities in order to improve their service delivery to citizens.
Uneven vaccination in India’s most populous districts
Most populous districts in India, that account for one sixth of India’s population, have recorded a drop in number of active covid cases. Cases have almost reduced to half.
Number of deaths and weekly new cases have also dropped.
As a result, lockdown rules are being reversed.
However, differences in vaccination coverage raise concerns about a resurgence in covid cases.
Bangladesh is not the only Asian country that have ramped up its vaccination pace.
Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan all are increasing their vaccination coverage pace as compared to India.
