Union Minister for Jal Shakti Launches Portal for GOBARdhan
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan which will act as a one stop repository to assess investment and participation in Biogas/CBG sector at pan India level and more importantly streamline the process of setting up CBG/Biogas plants in India. Any government, cooperative or private entity operating or intending to setup a Biogas/CBG/Bio CNG plant in India can obtain a registration number by enrolling in this unified registration portal. The registration number will enable availing of multitude of benefits and support from the Ministries & Departments of Government of India. States have been advised to get their CBG/Biogas plant operators registered on the portal on priority to avail existing and upcoming support from the Union Government.
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) is a vital umbrella initiative of Government of India, based on the whole of Government approach and aims to convert waste to wealth towards promoting circular economy. Government of India intends to build a robust ecosystem for setting up Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG)/ Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plants to drive sustainable economic growth and promote a circular economy.
Jun 03, 2023
India, Nepal Ink Several Pacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to take bilateral ties with Nepal to "Himalayan heights" while announcing a fertiliser plant in Nepal, a second intra-country petroleum pipeline, conclusion of a revised trade and transit agreement, fresh joint hydropower projects and a new long-term power trading agreement that will enable India import from Nepal 10,000 MW of power in the next 10 years.
Along with visiting Nepal Prime Minister Pushp Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda', PM Modi also launched several projects through joint inauguration and presided over the exchange of several more MoUs and agreements. Prachanda called the fresh initiatives as path-breaking, which will provide fresh momentum to the ties. He also welcomed the Indian initiative to enable Nepal to export power to Bangladesh.
Ahmednagar Will Now be Called 'Ahilyanagar' in Honour of Maratha Queen
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Ahmednagar city would be renamed Ahilyanagar after the Maratha warrior queen Ahilyabai Holkar, a development that came on the 298th birth anniversary of the 18th century ruler of Malwa's Holkar dynasty.
This decision was taken by the state government.
This is the third city in Maharashtra to be renamed in a year, this February (2023), the state government formally approved a proposal to rename Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv.
Located in western Maharashtra, Ahmednagar was named after Ahmad Nizam Shah I, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty. The city has been a part of various kingdoms — including the Rashtrakutas, the Western Chalukyas, the Delhi Sultanate and the Deccan Sultanate.
The demand to change the name of Ahmednagar after Ahilyabai was started by BJP leader and MLC Gopichand Padalkar.
Jun 02, 2023
Ajay Yadav is MD of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited
Ajay Yadav assumed charge of Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI). SECI is a nodal agency of the central government for auctioning renewable energy projects. SECI, a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) established in 2011, serves as the primary implementing agency for renewable energy schemes and projects under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
With over 58 GW of Renewable Energy (RE) project capacities awarded to date, SECI has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of India's renewable energy sector. The corporation has been instrumental in promoting solar energy projects and facilitating investments, contributing significantly to the nation's sustainable energy goals.
India-EU Connectivity Conference in Meghalaya
The India-EU Connectivity Conference, organized jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EU Delegation to India, and the Asian Confluence, took place in Meghalaya from June 1 to June 2. The conference aims to explore opportunities for enhancing connectivity investments in India's north-eastern states and its neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The event was a significant outcome of the India-EU Connectivity partnership launched during the India-EU Leaders' Meeting in May 2021.
The conference was inaugurated by Conrad Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, along with Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. The event witness the participation of senior officials from the Indian government, the EU Commission, representatives from north-eastern states, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, as well as stakeholders from the private sector. The collective insights and views shared by the participants would contribute to shaping concrete projects for joint implementation in the areas of digital, energy, and transport connectivity.
The India-EU Connectivity Conference concentrated on three essential pillars of connectivity: digital, energy, and transport. These pillars were identified as key areas for collaboration and development in order to strengthen connectivity and foster regional integration. By focusing on digital infrastructure, energy networks, and transport systems, the conference aims to identify tangible projects that can enhance connectivity in the region.
The primary objective of the conference was to explore opportunities to boost connectivity investments in India's North Eastern States and its neighbouring countries. The North Eastern region of India, with its unique geographical location, presents immense potential for increased connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation.
The India-EU Connectivity Conference recognizes the importance of engaging with neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh to promote cross-border connectivity.
Jun 01, 2023
Amarendu Prakash Takes over as SAIL Chairman
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) said that Amarendu Prakash took charge as the company's new Chairman.
He succeeded Soma Mondal, who retired from the post in April 2023.
A B.Tech in Metallurgy from BIT Sindri, Prakash is an accomplished technocrat and possesses over 30 years of experience, comprising 24 years in plant operations at BSL, 4 years at the Chairman's office in SAIL, and 2 years as a Director on SAIL Board as an In-charge of BSL.
He began his career at SAIL in 1991, with a posting in rolling mills.
SAIL, under the Ministry of Steel, is the country's largest steel-making company, with an annual capacity of around 21 million tonnes.
Angshumali Rastogi is India's Representative to Council of International Civil Aviation Organization
Senior bureaucrat Angshumali Rastogi was appointed India's representative to the council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, according to a Personnel Ministry order.
Rastogi, a 1995 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), was appointed in place of Shefali Juneja for three years.
Hemang Jani, Secretary of the Capacity Building Commission, was named Senior Adviser to the Executive Director, World Bank, Washington DC, for three years.
Jani, who has earlier worked as a senior private sector specialist at the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC, was appointed in place of Ritesh Kumar Singh.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved 12 appointments for filling up various foreign posts.
May 31, 2023
Naveen Patnaik Launches 'Odisha for AI, and AI for Youth' Initiative
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the state. The initiatives, named 'Odisha for Artificial Intelligence' and 'Artificial Intelligence for Youth', are poised to make a significant impact on digital literacy, technological advancements, and economic growth.
The initial phase of the initiatives will focus on the cities of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack. These cities will serve as the testing grounds for the comprehensive integration of AI solutions in various sectors. By launching these initiatives, the Odisha government aims to revolutionize the state's technological landscape and create a model for other regions to follow.
One of the primary goals of the initiatives is to enhance digital literacy among the masses and familiarize them with cutting-edge technologies. By augmenting the digital skills of individuals, the initiatives aim to bridge the technological divide and empower citizens to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The State Electronics and IT Department, in collaboration with Intel India, has been instrumental in driving these efforts.
The 'Odisha for AI' course will be offered by Intel on its app/site. This free 4-hour course aims to educate residents of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri about the fundamentals of AI.
The 'AI for Youth' initiative specifically targets students below 18 years from 2000 5T schools of phase 1 and Odisha Adarsh Vidyalayas. This program aims to provide young minds with the opportunity to explore the world of AI and develop their skills in this transformative field.
Northeast Gets its First Vande Bharat Train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off northeast region's first Vande Bharat Express virtually. The train connects Guwahati in Assam with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal and the journey takes five-and-a-half hours. Earlier, the fastest train on the route took six-and-a half hours to cover the distance of nearly 400 km.
Mr. Modi also dedicated 182 route km of newly electrified sections to the nation. Now, 425 km of railway tracks in Assam and Meghalaya have been electrified.
Kerala Launches Project to Make Capital Largest Solar city in India
The Kerala government launched an ambitious project to turn every rooftop in Thiruvananthapuram into a solar energy-producing station.
Through this project, the state capital is expected to become one of the largest 'solar cities' in the country.
The solar city project aims to meet all power requirements of a city from renewable energy sources. The government in Thiruvananthapuram identified the potential for the production of 800 MW solar energy and three lakh buildings suitable for installation through the creation of a solar atlas.
Solar panel installations have already started in 600 government buildings, out of which 150 were commimisioned. The remaining buildings would be commisioned within two months.