1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone of 300 MW Barsingsar Solar Power Plant with an investment of over Rs 1756 crore
Emphasizing on promoting renewable energy and moving towards achieving the vision of Net Zero, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a 300 MW solar power plant tomorrow through virtual medium . NLC India Limited, a leading Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Coal , is setting up a 300 MW solar power project at Barsingsar in Bikaner district of Rajasthan , as part of the CPSE Scheme of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy . The objective of this project is to ensure affordable power supply to government institutions. Notably, NLCIL is the first CPSE in the country to achieve the milestone of 1 GW solar capacity. The company has secured 300 MW solar project capacity in CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III launched by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.
2. DoT unveils a unique venture ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’
The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has unveiled the ‘ Sangam: Digital Twin ‘ initiative. It is a unique initiative inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) from industry leaders, startups, MSMEs, academicians, innovators and visionary thinkers . Digital twin technology provides a solution by creating virtual replicas of physical assets , allowing real-time monitoring, sustainable simulation and analysis for experimental iterations and feedback loops to optimize changes to achieve the best results. Sangam: Digital Twin is a POC, which will be distributed under two phases in one of the major cities of India. The first stage is the search for clarity of knowledge limits and creative exploration to bring out the potential. The second phase is for practical demonstration of specific use cases, which forms the future prototype.
3 Ministry of Electronics & IT to organize 1st Digital India FutureSkills Summit in Guwahati
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (AEITY) , through the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), is hosting the first Future Skills Summit in Guwahati on February 15, 2024 . During the conference, there will be discussions on the growing impact of global digitalization, including new opportunities for young Indians in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Semiconductor, Robotics, Cyber Security. These technologies are providing many opportunities for young Indians.
4 An MoU was signed between Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Gati Shakti University, Vadodara today in Delhi
An MoU was signed between Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Gati Shakti University, Vadodara in Delhi. This MoU is an important step towards promoting collaboration, enriching academic endeavors and establishing lasting partnerships between these institutions. Both the institutes will work together to conduct studies and research in the field of transportation and logistics in the times to come.
5 Government has released guidelines for initial planning of use of green hydrogen in transportation sector
The government has issued guidelines to start a pilot project for the use of green hydrogen in transportation fuel . Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines under National Green Hydrogen Mission . Green hydrogen is produced through an electrolysis process by running electricity through water from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Green hydrogen powered vehicles could become competitive in the next few years as renewable energy and electrolyzer costs drop. The National Green Hydrogen Mission will implement a pilot project to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen and its energy mix. These projects will be undertaken by agencies nominated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Under the scheme, technology will be developed to use green hydrogen as fuel for buses, trucks and four-wheelers. Besides, the infrastructure of hydrogen fueling pump stations will also be developed.
6 APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card
Recently, a national conference on APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card was organized in New Delhi . APAAR ID, Academic Bank of Credit and DigiLocker to ease operations in the program also mentioned the important inter-linkages between to bring ease of operations. APAAR, short for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a unique identification system designed for all students from an early age in India. It has been introduced as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Credit and Qualification Framework (NCrF). Registration for APAAR ID is voluntary and not mandatory. It aims to provide a unified and accessible educational experience to students across India by providing each student with a unique and permanent 12-digit ID, consolidating their academic achievements in one place.
7 Assam declares ‘Kazi Nemu’ as official state fruit
Assam , the state government has officially declared Kaji nemu (Citrus limon), a variety of lemon unique to the region, as the ‘ state fruit ‘. The announcement was made by state agriculture minister Atul Bora after a cabinet meeting on February 12, which underlined the cultural, traditional and nutritional importance of the fruit for the state and its people.
8 Bima Sugam – India’s Insurance e-Marketplace
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued draft regulations to set up Bima Sugam as a not-for-profit entity, which will serve as an online insurance marketplace for all stakeholders. By promoting transparency and collaboration, Bima Sugam aims to democratize insurance access using technology and achieve the vision of “ Insurance for All by 2047 ”.
9 Germany overtakes Japan to become third largest economy
The Japanese economy fell into recession and Japan became the third to fourth largest economy globally , overtaking economic powerhouse Germany . The US remains the world’s largest economy , with China in second place and strengthening . According to analysts, the figures highlight how the Japanese economy has gradually lost its competitiveness and productivity, while the population is shrinking as Japanese people age and have fewer children. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated in October last year that Germany was likely to overtake Japan as the world’s third-largest economy when measured in US dollars.
10 SC cancels electoral bond scheme
Recently the Supreme Court (SC) struck down the electoral bond scheme , which allowed political parties to receive donations anonymously , terming it as unconstitutional . The Supreme Court, while confirming that the scheme violates the right to information enshrined in Article 19(1)(A) , stressed that transparency regarding the funding received by political parties is important for making informed electoral decisions. . Electoral bonds are currency instruments that function as promissory notes or bearer bonds, and can be purchased by individuals or companies in India. These are issued specifically for donation of money to political parties. SBI is the only bank authorized to issue and encash electoral bonds. Donations made under this scheme get the benefit of 100% tax exemption. SC has directed State Bank of India to immediately stop issuing electoral bonds and submit all details to the Election Commission by March 6, 2024.
11 Havildar Varinder Singh gets Vishisht Seva Medal for developing multi-purpose octocopter
Havildar Varinder Singh, a member of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army , has been awarded the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal for his notable contribution to military technology . President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the honor on him in recognition of his outstanding efforts in developing a groundbreaking device. Designed by Singh, the multi-purpose octocopter is a testament to innovation in drone technology. Unlike traditional drones limited to surveillance purposes, Singh’s creation offers unparalleled versatility. Capable of performing a myriad of tasks, it serves as much more than just a reconnaissance tool.
12 Reliance Industries achieves market cap of ₹20 lakh crore
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) achieved a significant milestone on Indian stock exchanges by crossing the market capitalization of ₹20 lakh crore . This is the first example of any company achieving such a valuation in the Indian stock market. The increase in market value is attributed to various factors including strong performance across its business segments and favorable market conditions.
13 Trinidad and Tobago declares national emergency after offshore oil spill
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has officially declared a state of “national emergency” following a significant oil spill in the eastern Caribbean . A spill from a capsized ship off Tobago has caused massive environmental damage along the coast, raising concerns about the impact on the country’s economy, particularly its tourism sector.
14 Shamar Joseph, Amy Hunter named ICC players of the month
West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who bowled brilliantly in the two-match Test series against Australia , became the first West Indies male player to win the ICC monthly award . Ireland ‘s aggressive young batsman Amy Hunter was successful in winning the title in the women’s category after her strong performance against Zimbabwe.
15 Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Premier League
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Gandhinagar Premier League (GPL) in Ahmedabad , Gujarat . The event, which was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries, is an important step towards growing grassroots cricket across the country and promoting local talent. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the launch of Gandhinagar Premier League.
