ADB Approves $240.5 Mn Loan for Rooftop Solar Systems in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of USD 240.5 million to finance rooftop solar systems in India, aiding the government's efforts to expand energy access through renewable energy. The ADB announced that this financing will support tranches 2 and 3 of the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) Solar Rooftop Investment Program, initially approved by ADB in 2016. In 2023, the program was restructured to focus specifically on deploying residential solar rooftop systems.
The approved financing will be allocated to the State Bank of India (SBI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). These institutions will provide loans to developers and end-users throughout India for the installation of rooftop solar systems.
Jul 15, 2024
Indore Creates Record by Planting 51 Lakh Trees
The Madhya Pradesh government set a new Guinness World Record for planting the maximum number of trees in one day.
At an event in the state's Indore district, more than 11 lakh saplings were planted, following which state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav received a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records team.
Addressing the media after the event, Yadav stated that Indore, already the cleanest city in India and the economic capital of Madhya Pradesh, has now achieved the world record of planting more than 11 lakh saplings in a single day.
Philippines Chosen to Host Climate 'Loss and Damage' Fund Board
The Philippines was chosen to host the board of the "Loss and Damage" fund created by U.N. talks, marking another step towards providing financial help for countries to recover and rebuild from the impact of global warming.
Last month (June 2023), the World Bank's board approved a plan for the bank to act as interim host of the fund for four years.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced his country's election from a pool of seven contenders.
Jul 14, 2024
Scientists Discover New Species of Dogfish Shark off Kerala Coast
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered a new species of dogfish shark off Kerala coast.
Various varieties of dogfish, which is a small shark, are in demand for their fins, liver oil and meat and sporadically caught as bycatch by fishermen.
The newly discovered species differs from others by the number of teeth counts, trunk and head heights, fin structure and fin colour, the team that discovered it said.
Jul 12, 2024
UNESCO Expands World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) made a significant announcement, approving the designation of 11 new Biosphere Reserves across 11 countries. This expansion brings the total number of sites in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to an impressive 759, spanning 136 countries worldwide. This development marks a crucial step forward in global efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
The latest additions to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list showcase a diverse range of ecosystems and cultural landscapes across the globe. These new sites include: Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands), Darién Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve (Colombia), Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic), Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia), Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy), Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia), Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia), Apayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines), Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea), Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain) and Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain).
A Biosphere Reserve is an international designation granted by UNESCO for areas that represent significant natural and cultural landscapes.
Jul 11, 2024
BSF Organises "Grow with the Trees" Plantation Drive in Srinagar
The Border Security Force (BSF), in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), organised the "Grow with the Trees" plantation drive at the BSF Headquarters in Srinagar. The initiative aimed to create a greener environment and promote the importance of tree plantation, involving BSF officials, jawans, SBI officials, and school children.
The drive aimed to foster a sense of community and teamwork while addressing environmental sustainability. It saw participation from BSF officials, jawans, SBI officials, and school children, all contributing to make the BSF Headquarters and school premises greener.
+91-85588-96644
