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Enerparc commissions rooftop solar project

Enerparc commissions rooftop solar project
Enerparc India, a subsidiary of global solar solution provider Enerparc AG has commisioned 980 KW solar project at Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd. in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The rooftop solar project at BFW will generate approx. 15 lacs of units annually thus reducing its dependency on fossil fuels. Enerparc India had also Installed World’s 1st Solar Power Plant on Ship to Shore cranes in Mumbai.

Athena to beam internet on earth

Athena to beam internet on earth
Facebook is working on an internet satellite project called ‘Athena’ to beam internet connectivity down to Earth. The company aims to launch the satellite in early 2019. The new satellite project will provide broadband internet connections to “unserved and underserved areas”.

NASA launches online toolkit

NASA launches online toolkit
NASA has launched an online toolkit to make it easier for users to find, analyse and utilise the most relevant satellite data for their research, business projects or conservation efforts. The “Remote Sensing Toolkit” provides a simple system that quickly identifies relevant sources based on user input. The toolkit is designed to help users search for data as well as code to build new tools.

The 6th meeting of India-Nepal mechanism

The 6th meeting of India-Nepal mechanism
The 6th meeting of India-Nepal oversight Mechanism was held to review the progress of all the bilateral projects in New Delhi on 19 July 2018. The projects included cross-border rail projects, integrated check posts, Terai Roads Project, cross-border transmission lines, Arun-II hydropower project. The Current PM of Nepal is Khadga Prasad Oli.

Special Package for Irrigation Projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the implementation of Centrally Sponsored-Scheme for completion of 83 Minor Irrigation projects and 8 major/medium irrigation projects of Marathawada, Vidharbha and drought prone areas of the rest of Maharashtra. Completion of these projects will ensure assured source of water to the farmers in the command area of these projects.

India to remain fastest growing economy

The International Monetary Fund has projected a growth rate of 7.3% in 2018 & 7.5% in 2019 for India as against 6.7% in 2017. The latest growth rate projection for India is slightly less 0.1% in 2018 and 0.3% in 2019 than its April projections. According to IMF, India will remain the fastest growing major economy in 2019.

1st land-based comm. link between Pak and PRC

An optical fiber cable project that would be the first land-based communication link between China (PRC) and Pakistan has been launched. It will help develop the telecom sector in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and enhance the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The project includes an 820-km-long underground optical fiber cable from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab.

World’s cheapest clean drinking water

With the launch of the cost-effective innovative water project, Bihar will soon provide the cheapest drinking water in the world. The first of such project was launched in Bihar’s Darbhanga district, by Sulabh International. With the help of this project, people will be able to get clean water in 50paisa/litre. The project converts contaminated pond & river water into safe drinking water.

L&T to build ‘tallest’ govt. office building

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has bagged a construction project to build govt office building at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The office will be the tallest government office building in India. The buildings will house the headquarters of the various government departments of Andhra Pradesh. The project has to its credit of being the 1st Steel Diagrid project with Automatic Climbing Formwork System.

AAI partners with govt for Dholera Airport

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) to partner with the government of Gujarat to build the ` 2,000 crore Dholera airport project. The airport will be the biggest upcoming greenfield city in India under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project at Dholera will be built in four years. Equity participation between AAI & the govt of Gujarat will be 51% and 49%, respectively.

Gadkari inaugurates projects in Vizag

13 : Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways will inaugurate five port projects worth Rs 1062 Crores in Vishakhapatnam (Vizag). The major project to be inaugurated includes upgradation of existing iron ore handling facility at Outer Harbour of Vizag Port at a cost of ` 580 Crores. This will enhance the capacity of Vizag port under Sagarmala Project.

Seema Darshan project

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has approved the ` 39 Cr Seema Darshan project for developing more infrastructure facilities at Nadabet near Suigam in Banaskantha district. The project is being developed on Wagah Border pattern & entails a parade ground with an amphitheatre. The project will encourage local economic activity in the Rann region & tourists can have a good view of the coastline.

ADB approves USD 503 mln lining project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 503-million lining project of the Son canal in Shahabad-Bhojpur region of Bihar. This project will bring immense benefits to the agriculture sector of Shahabad Bhojpur region of Bihar. The estimated cost of this project is USD 503 million out of which USD 352 million is being provided by ADB.

‘CITIIS’ Challenge Announced by MoHUA

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) announced a new ‘Cities Investment To Innovate, Integrate and Sustain’ (CITIIS) challenge to identify top projects in 15 of the 100 selected smart cities. The projects will receive an additional funding of approximately ?80 crore each. The new funding will be financed by a €100 million loan from the French government.

China pledges 20 bn in loans for Arab states

China will provide Arab states with $20 billion in loans for economic development, as China seeks to build its influence in Middle East. The money will be earmarked for projects that will produce employment opportunities & positive social impact in Arab States. China is also prepared to provide another 1 billion yuan to countries in the region to build capacity for stability maintenance.

Delhi Police to control CCTV project

A panel set up by Delhi L-G Anil Baijal has said Delhi government’s flagship CCTV project will not be controlled by the AAP government but will be under the L-G via Delhi Police. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called the panel “illegal” and directed PWD Secretary Manoj Parida to propose the installation of one lakh cameras in the next cabinet meeting.

PM laid foundation for urban infra projects

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of 13 Urban Infrastructure projects for the State of Rajasthan. Some of the major projects are integrated infrastructure project for Udaipur, elevated road project for Ajmer and water and sewage projects. The Central Water Commission gave hydrological clearance to Rajasthan’s first interlinking of rivers project — Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

Bengaluru citizens against CM HD proposal

The citizens of Bengaluru came out in large numbers to protest against the construction of steel flyover. People are against the CM HD Kumaraswamy’s proposal to construct six interconnected elevated corridors in the coming 4 years. The project will be taken up through Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited and will cost around ` 15, 825 crores.

Important Current Affairs 8th July 2018

India reconsidering fighter jet programme
India has conveyed to Russia its unwillingness to go ahead with the joint development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft primarily due to high cost involved in the project. India and Russia had signed an inter-governmental agreement for the mega project in 2007. In December 2010, India had agreed to pay USD 295 million towards the preliminary design of the fighter jet.

Tata bagged Bharat Net’s project

Tata Projects has bagged an ` 3,057 crore project of optical fiber cable network of Bharat Net in Chhattisgarh. Important services such as 102, 108, and PDS would be effectively executed at the Gram Panchayat level and around 2.6 crore people would be benefited through the project. It will strengthen the state’s economy and enable local people to lead an easy life.

NCST presents special report on “ISPPATP”

Dr. Nand Kumar Sai, Chairperson, NCST presented a report on “Indira Sagar Polavaram Project Affected Tribal People”. The report and recommendations are under Article 338A(5)(e) of the Constitution. This is for the effective implementation of constitutional safeguards, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribe affected by Polavaram Irrigation Project, Andhra Pradesh.

TPREL commissions 100 Mw solar project

3 : TPREL, an arm of Mumbai-based private power producer Tata Power announced it has commissioned a 100 Megawatt solar power project at Anthapuramu Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh. With this, the overall operating renewable energy capacity of the company stands at 2,215 Mw in India. The project is under the second phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission through Viability Gap Funding.

NABARD assigns 735 Cr for projects in Bengal

2 : NABARD has sanctioned ` 735.53 crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for West Bengal. They include six solar power, one medium irrigation, five minor irrigation and 12 flood protection projects. The work on the irrigation projects is expected to benefit 11,554 hectares of land and provide supply of water in commercial areas.

World Bank: Maha most vulnerable to climate

Maharashtra is among the states where people’s standards of living are most vulnerable to climate change, says a World Bank study released, titled “South Asia’s Hotspots”. The study projects that India could shave off 2.8% of GDP by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unmitigated. Many districts will see 9% – 11% decline in standards of living with Chandrapur district topping at 12.4%.

Govt funds ECGC, NEIA to boost exports

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the capital infusion of Rs 2000 crore in Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and Rs 1040 cr to National Export Insurance Account Trust (NEIA). The capital infusion of ` 2000 crore in ECGC would to boost exports and benefit MSMEs in the country. The grant to NEIA would promote infrastructure for export projects.

1st Inter-state translocation proj. of tigers

In the country’s 1st inter-state translocation of tigers project, a female cub was shifted from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, MP to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha. India has a population of 3891 tigers, according to 2016 census. The ambitious project is conceived by the Ministry of Environment, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India to boost tiger population.

India, Seychelles to work on Assumption Island

India & Seychelles have agreed to work together on a project to develop a naval base at Assumption Island keeping each other’s concerns in mind. India is keen on developing the Assumption Island in the Indian Ocean to expand its footprint in a strategically-key region where China has been trying to enhance its presence. An agreement for the same was inked in 2015 between India & Seychelles.

India and Seychelles signed 6 agreements

India and Seychelles signed six MoUs in areas of naval cooperation, cybersecurity, culture, development projects. India extended a line of credit worth 100 million USD for Seychelles. India would also provide special grants in civilian infrastructure projects and enhance defence and maritime capabilities. PM also handed over a replica of Dornier Aircraft to President of Seychelles.

BRO opens bridge from Leh to Siachen

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on opened a vital 35-meter bridge in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir that will ease vehicular movement to the base camp of Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. The 35-meter long ‘Chamesahn’ bridge is under Project HIMANK. The BRO develops road networks in border areas & maintains over 32,885 km of roads & 12,200 m of bridges.

Delhi HC orders halt on cutting 17000 trees

25 : A controversial project that requires the cutting of 17,000 trees in Delhi. The NBCC also deposited Rs. 8 crores with the tree authority of the Delhi government for permission to cut trees. Petitioner KK Mishra, asks the court to stop the central government project to cut thousands of trees for the redevelopment of 7 colonies in south Delhi. HC halts the cutting of trees till July 4 2018.

India is the largest borrower from AIIB

With the total project portfolios of US$4.4 Billion, India has been the largest borrower of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) since the time the Bank started its operations. The report was released in 3rd AIIB Meet 2018 in Mumbai whose focus was on infrastructure, innovation collaboration. AIIB has committed to provide $200 million for road & energy infrastructure to India.

Ratnagiri Project: ARAMCO and ADNOC sign MoU

Saudi Aramco and ADNOC signed a MoU to jointly develop a refinery complex at Ratnagiri, Maharastra. The project will be implemented by Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL) and is estimated to be Rs. 3 lakh Crore. The mega refinery will be capable of processing 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day. It will produce 18 million tonnes per annum of refined petroleum products.

PM to inaugrate number of projects in MP

PM Modi to inaugurate economical urban transport scheme named ‘Sutra Seva’ in Indore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. Modi will dedicate the Mohanpura Irrigation Project worth Rs 3,866 crore in Rajgarh district to the people of the state. He wiil also distribute awards to winners of Swachh Survekshan 2018 – Indore, Bhopal and Chandigarh.

Surat Selected for best smart city award

Surat city has been awarded best city award under the Smart City Mission’s award for implementation of projects in urban environment, transport and mobility and sustainable integrated development. Bhopal and Ahmedabad have been selected as joint winners under innovative idea award category. The Ministry of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued the award.

National health resource repository launched

Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the National Health Resource Repository (NHRR). It is country’s first-ever national healthcare registry of authentic, standardised and updated geospatial data of all public and private healthcare establishments. The vision of NHRR project is to strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop a platform for the citizen.

Sikkim appoints AR Rahman as Brand Ambassador

Music composer AR Rahman has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Sikkim government, an official notification issued by Chief Secretary AK Srivastava stated. Rahman will promote and project Sikkim’s achievements nationally and globally. Earlier this year, he was made the state’s Brand Ambassador of tourism and business.

SAARC launches social enterprise programme

SAARC Development Fund launches a social enterprise development programme (SEDP) to fund 80 entities annually across eight-member states. SDF was established in April 2010 and its council comprises finance ministers of these eight SAARC countries.The SDF CEO is Sunil Motiwal SDF has already committed $73.74 million for social window projects out of which it has disbursed $47 million.

Narayanasamy demands statehood for Puducherry

After Delhi Assembly passed the resolution for full statehood, Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy also demanded full statehood for his Union Territory. He claimed Puducherry faces the same issues as Delhi. “(Lt Governor) Kiran Bedi has been slowing down the process of governance by rejecting or delaying the government project, but despite that the elected government is functioning,” the CM said.

Goa and Hawaii to sign sister agreement

The government of Goa and US state of Hawaii will sign a sister agreement as the draft was cleared by State Cabinet. This would enhance the cooperation between Goa and Hawaii and would include areas such as trade, tourism, sports, technology, yoga, skill development, agriculture and Ayurveda. This would also boost the infrastructure project such as Mandovi river project & Zuari river bridge

US pips India as top greenfield FDI place

The USA has surpassed India as top greenfield FDI destination with a total FDI of USD 87.6 billion. The number of greenfield FDI projects sharply fell by 21% during this year in case of India as compared to previous year. China received a total FDI of USD 50.3 billion in the year 2017 while India received an FDI of 25.1 billion in 2017.

Nepal, China to sign deal for 3 oil depots

An agreement on building oil storage depots at three locations in Nepal with Chinese assistance is expected to be signed. As per the agreement, the building oil storage depots would have a combined capacity of 110,000 kilo litre. The construction of the project is expected to be completed by mid 2019. The site for this purpose has been specified.

Three Solar Power Projects dedicated to nation

Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated NLCIL’s three 100 MW Solar Power Projects for commercial operation and dedicated these projects to the Nation. The Solar Power projects are situated at Thoppalaakkarai and Sethupuram in Virudhunagar District and Sellaiya Sezhiyanallur in Tirunelveli District. The power produced from these units will be given to TANGEDCO at a cost of ` 4.41/- per unit.

Swajal launched in 115 Aspirational Districts

Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation announced that Swajal Yojana will be launched in 115 Aspirational Districts of India. It will involve an outlay of Rs 700 crores through flexi-funds. Swajal is a community-owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply launched in 2018. Swajal pilot project was launched at Village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan.

New Incredible India website launched

Minister of State for Tourism Shri K.J. Alphons launched the new Incredible India website. The website showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as, spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. The website follows the trends and technologies of international standards with an aim to project India as a “must-visit” destination.

Softbank to invest $100 bn in India

SoftBank Group Corp has decided to invest $60 billion-$100 billion in a solar power project in India. The company is expected to make the investment through a fund backed by Saudi Arabia’s government. SoftBank through its Vision Fund would invest in creating the world’s biggest solar power project in Saudi Arabia.

Cabinet approves Re positioning of NEC

Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the nomination of the Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC) NEC is a statutory body with Governors and Chief Ministers of all the eight North Eastern States as its Member. NEC implements various projects through the State and Central agencies.

10 new Swachh Places under Swachh Bharat

Ten new iconic sites have been taken up under Phase III of the flagship project Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Places are: RaghavendraSwamy Temple, Hazardwari Palace, Brahma Sarovar Temple, VidurKuti, Mana village, Pangong Lake, Nagvasuki Temple, ImaKeithal/market, Sabarimala Temple and Kanvashram. The project is under Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

India to make Lithium Ion batteries

India will soon start producing first indigenous Lithium Ion batteries. A MoU for transfer of technology for India’s first Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Battery project was signed between CSIR’s Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI) and RAASI Solar Power Pvt Ltd. At present India depends on countries like China, Japan and South Korea for import of Lithium Ion batteries.

India, China to jointly identify project

India and China agreed that they will jointly move forward in identifying a specific project in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan. Detailed discussions with China were held on bilateral and global issues on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. India and China have agreed that they will move forward in identifying a specific project initially.

Min of Water Resources accepts major projects

The Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has accepted two major irrigation/multipurpose projects and four flood management schemes/master plans. The Kaleshwaram Project of Telangana and The Upper Pravara (Nilwande-II) Project of Maharashtra are two projects. The Advisory Committee met in Central Water Commission, New Delhi.

Govt forms 3 key panels for PM’s museum

6 : In a major push towards setting up a unique museum in Delhi on the ‘Prime Ministers of India’, the Culture Ministry has formed three high-powered panels that will work to implement the project. One committee will focus on project implementation. While the other two will concentrate on choice and development of content for museums.

NBFC for food processing sector

Food Processing Ministry will soon create its new financial institution which will exclusively fund food processing projects and create capacity building in the field of risk assessment and lending to food processing sector. The Agro-Processing Financial Institution will be a non-banking financial institution. The government is likely to hold a minority stake in this NBFC.

Ambulance service for infants

4 : The Gujarat government has decided to launch a dedicated ambulance service to shift critically ill infants to better equipped hospitals. Under the ‘Neonatal ambulance service project for inter-hospital transfer’, the government would deploy 10 specially-equipped ambulances across the state. This facility will be linked to the ‘108’ service.

NTPC adopts Charminar in Hyderabad

NTPC has adopted the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad under the ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ Projects of India. The ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission. It is a special clean-up initiative focused on select iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country.

India, World Bank signed $500 million loan

India has signed a USD 500 million loan pact with World Bank to provide additional financing for PMGSY rural road projects. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will build 7,000 km of climate resilient roads, out of which 3,500 km will be constructed using green technologies. World Bank has supported PMGSY since its inception in 2004 & so far it has invested over $1.8 billion in loans & credits.

India, Indonesia to set up task force

India and Indonesia have agreed to set up a special task force to enhance connectivity between the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands and provinces in Sumatra Island. This will promote trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. The Joint Task Force will undertake projects for port related infrastructure in and around Sabang which is an Indonesian island.

India signed loan agreement with World Bank

India has signed a loan agreement with the World Bank for USD 21.7 Million for strengthening the public financial management in Rajasthan project. The project aims to contribute to improved budget execution, enhanced accountability and greater efficiency in Revenue Administration in Rajasthan.It also involves strengthening of expenditure & revenue systems and project management among others

Coal India’s first thermal power plant

Coal India Ltd (CIL) will develop its first-ever thermal power plant in the country in Odisha. The project will be implemented through CIL’s subsidiary, Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). The power plant, which will have a capacity of 1,600 MW, will come up at Sundergarh district. NTPC Ltd will be a joint venture partner and will likely have a 49 per cent stake.

Patratu super thermal power project

Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the 1st phase of 2400MW Patratu super thermal power project in Jharkhand. The project is a 74: 26 joint venture between Government of Jharkhand and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, a subsidiary company of NTPC. It will allocate 85% of the power to Jharkhand that will benefit the state in the long run & will help in economic growth of the region.

Modi to inaugurate India’s 1st 14-lane highway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 1st phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway would be India’s first 14-lane highway. The expressway will do away with 31 traffic signals on the Delhi-Meerut road, the busiest highway in the region, and make it “signal free”.The project is being built in four segments and is expected to be fully completed by March 2019.

Guwahati-Barauni to get gas pipeline by 2021

Urja Ganga Natural Gas Pipeline has been extended till Guwahati by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the city will get gas pipeline by 2021. The 721-km pipeline project will connect Dhamra, Barauni, Paradip and Hadia and will extend to Guwahati. This is a 3000 crore project and would also be be extended to other Northeast locations, operational from 2023.

Mumbai to get UAV surveillance

To enhance women’s safety, Mumbai police are planning to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and install `panic buttons’ across the city. The measures are part of a Rs 252-crore Safe City Project, which will be implemented fully in three years. The use of UAVs for women’s safety will be the first in the country.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and France

Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to MoU signed between India and France infield of Renewable Energy. Both sides aim to identify research pilot project between National Institute of Solar Energy, India and Commissariat aI’EnergieAtomique et aux Energies Alternatives, France in the mutually identified areas. The MoU also aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information.

NDB plans to launch Americas regional office

New Development Bank (NDB), formerly referred to as BRICS Development Bank, is planning to launch its Americas Regional Office in Brazil. It will increase operational capabilities of NDB and facilitate identification & preparation of bankable projects in Brazil. NDB is mandated to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS & other emerging economies.

Artificial Intelligence in defence forces

India has decided to include Artificial Intelligence in its defence forces with an aim to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces. A task force has been set up under the chairmanship of N. Chandrasekaran to finalise the specifics & framework of the project. Major countries like Russia, US & China are taking steps to ensure that their defence systems are fully empowered by AI

NMCG asks DDA to expedite “Asita”

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) inspected the Yamuna River Front Development (RFD) project being implemented by Delhi Development Authority. Yamuna RFD project aims to restore, revive and rejuvenate the river’s floodplains and make them accessible to the people of Delhi. A special focus of the project is on reviving the river’s biodiversity. Asita generally means River Yamuna.

Kishanganga hydropower project inaugurated

PM Modi has dedicated 330 MW Kishanganga hydropower project in Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. Kishanganga hydropower project will provide 13% free power to J&K including 1% for local area development fund amounting to around Rs 133 crore per year. The project was delayed for several years as Pakistan dragged India to International Court of Arbitration, which ruled in India’s favour in 2013

Indian economy to grow 7.6% in 2018-19

According to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), India’s economy is projected to grow 7.6% in the fiscal year 2018-19, remaining one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This is a substantial recovery from the 6.7% growth India registered in the year 2017. The report also said that the recovery in private investment remains a crucial challenge in India.

PM to lay foundation for Zojila tunnel

PM Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Zojila tunnel on 19 May in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is being built to check the growing influence of Pakistan and China in the Ladakh region. The contract for the project has been awarded to IL & FS. Zojila Pass is known as the gateway to Ladakh region and connects Kargil and Leh with Srinagar.

Development of ‘Freight Village’ in Haryana

Cabinet approved the development of trunk infrastructure components for the integrated multi-modal logistics hub known as ‘Freight Village’. They will be built at Nangal Chaudhary in Haryana under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project. Freight villages are logistics centers, where the cargoes from different transport modes can be reloaded, compiled and prepared for transportation.

Delhi to become the most populous city

According to new United Nations estimates, Delhi is projected to become the most populous city in the world around 2028. Tokyo is the world’s largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, followed by New Delhi with 29 million, Shanghai with 26 million. The projected population size of New Delhi in 2028 is about 37.2 million, surpassing Tokyo’s 36.8 million.

Frozen Cattle Semen Station is being set up

Frozen Semen Station is being set up in Maranga, Purnea under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission with 100% contribution from the Central Government. Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to conserve and develop indigenous breeds to increase milk productivity &was initiated in December 2014. Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a focused project under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development

Environment Ministry launched GSDP

The Union Environment Ministry launched its full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) that aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the country through 30 courses by 2021. Environment minister Harsh Vardhan also unveiled a related mobile app (GSDP-ENVIS). The GSDP was launched last year as a pilot project in 10 districts of the country.

TNAU seed centre bags award

The seed centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has bagged an award for excellence in research on seed technology. The best performance centre award was presented at the annual group meeting of the all-India coordinated research project on national seed projects. All agricultural universities under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research participated in the meet.

India’s first Lithium-Ion charger

President Ram Nath Kovind unveiled India’s first, indigenous lithium-ion battery charger, developed by Ampere Vehicles in New Delhi. The lithium-Ion charger project is supported by Technology Development Board of the Ministry of Science and Technology as part of the Make-in-India initiative. The unveiling event took place on the occasion of National Technology Day.

Trump axes funding for NASA system

The Trump administration has eliminated funding for NASA’s research program that tracks greenhouse gases around the world.The Carbon Monitoring System (CMS), a $10m (£7m)-a-year project tracks the world’s flow of carbon dioxide from space.The US’s environmental policy has shifted under Trump administration, which wants to bolster the US’s fossil fuel industry.

YES Bank to launch water-security programme

YES Bank is all set to roll out a capacity building project with farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan under its ‘Livelihood and Water Security’ CSR initiative. The overall focus of the programme would be on sustainable agricultural practices and digital literacy. The programme would be rolled out initially across 15 districts (eight districts in Haryana and seven in Rajasthan).

India to be the fastest growing economy

International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed that India will be the fastest-growing major economy in 2018, with a growth rate of 7.4% that would further rise to 7.8% in 2019.IMF’s Asia & Pacific Regional Economic Outlook said that India was recovering from the effects of demonetisation and GST. After India, Bangladesh is projected to be the fastest-growing economy in South Asia.

Govt to set up marine observation system

India will establish a Marine Observation System Along the Indian Coast (Mosaic). At least six observatories – three along the east coast and and an equal number along the west coast – will be established. The project, to be launched later this year is intended to carry out monitoring, especially the marine coastal pollution.

India topped list of fastest growing economies

According to a Harvard University report, India topped the list of the fastest growing economies in the world for the coming decade. According to the report, India is projected to grow at 7.9% annually, ahead of China & US. The researchers also found India to be the best on Complexity Opportunity Index, which measures how easy it is to redeploy existing knowhow to enter new complex products.

ADB projects India’s growth at 7.3% in 2018

Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao has noted that India’s growth in 2018 would pick up to 7.3%. The Bank has also projected that India will remain the fastest growing Asian nation with 7.6% growth in 2019-20. The size of India’s economy is about USD 2.5 trillion currently, making it the sixth largest in the world.

BRO to celebrate its 58th Raising Day

Border Roads Organisation will celebrate its 58th Raising Day on May 7 to mark the glorious services to the nation. BRO, a leader in the arena of infrastructural development in the border areas of the country, was established in 1960. Since its inception the organisation has gone from strength to strength, and numerous projects undertaken by them has been vital for the territorial integrity.

NITI Aayog ropes in IBM to use AI

NITI Aayog has partnered with IBM to develop a crop yield prediction model using artificial intelligence to provide real-time advisory to farmers. The partnership aims to make use of technology to improve crop productivity, soil yield and farmers income. 1st phase of the project will focus on developing a model for 10 backward districts branded as “aspirational districts” by NITI Aayog.

World’s rarest ape on the edge of extinction

Tapanuli Orangutan – the rarest ape species on the planet – could lose its battle for survival, unless decisive steps are taken to rescue it. Fewer than 800 members of the species survive, and they are under assault from mega-projects, deforestation, road building, and poaching. The ape survives only in areas with virtually no roads.

A new nuclear reactor for space

NASA has developed a new kind of reactor to be used for space exploration missions. NASA’s Kilopower project works to build the kind of technology that could be used for an affordable fission nuclear power system so astronauts can have longer trips to planets. Kilopower is a small, lightweight fission power system that can deliver 10 kilowatts of electrical power.

‘Vibrant North East 2018’ from May 3

The ‘Vibrant North East 2018’, an event in which people would be made aware of central government’s schemes and programmes, will be held in Guwahati from May 3. The main purpose of the event is to disseminate information about the schemes, grants and projects of the Central government. This will be the fourth edition of the ‘Vibrant North East’ expo in Guwahati.

2nd rapidly growing country for air traffic

India has been projected to be the second fastest growing country in the world for air passenger traffic. The Airports Council International (ACI), a global trade body representing airports, in its traffic forecasts, said, by 2022 passenger traffic in emerging economies like India will surpass advanced economies. ACI has put Vietnam at the top position with an 8.5 percent growth rate.

Gujarat to launch water conservation project

The Gujarat Government will start a month-long initiative from May 1 to increase its water conservation capacity.Tasks like deepening ponds, desilting water reservoirs and check dams & repairing Narmada canal networks will be undertaken during the 31-day statewide “Sujalam Sufalam Water Conservation Initiative”. The government aims to increase rain water conservation capacity in the state.

AAI inked MoU with Civil Aviation Ministry

The Airports Authority of India has signed its Annual Performance Contract for the year 2018-19 with Ministry of Civil Aviation.The MoU specifies various parameters and targets to be performed by AAI during the year. The parameters and targets include all the major areas of AAI i.e. finance, capacity utilization, research and development, project implementation, HR and cargo etc.

NHAI inked pact with Macquarie

National Highways Authority of India has entered into a pact with Macquarie for road projects under highway monetization drive.Funds generated from monetization of highways will be used for infrastructure programmes like Bharatmala, a 7 lakh crore road building imitative. Agreement worth $1.5 billion signed with Macquarie for 1st set of highway projects is one of the highest FDI in Highways

Wuhan summit: India-China to collaborate

India and China have decided to launch together a launch joint economic project in war-torn Afghanistan.This would be the first ever Sino-Indian joint initiative in a third country. The two sides also decided give to momentum to economic partnership and joint global projects in health and disaster management

Fitch retains India rating at ‘BBB-‘

Global credit rating agency Fitch has affirmed India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’ with ‘stable’ outlook.‘BBB-’ rating indicates lowest investment grade. The rating was assigned to the country 11 years ago. Fitch had last upgraded the rating from ‘BB+’ to ‘BBB-’ with stable outlook on August 1, 2006. Fitch has projected India’s growth at 7.3 percent in current the fiscal.

CSIR and DoT enter into MoU

CSIR entered into a MoU with DoT for synchronising the telecom network with Indian Standard Time (IST).The purpose of synchronising the telecom network with the IST is to enable the security agencies in analysing and correlating the cyber events. The project will also improve the network efficiency by reducing packet loss due to reduced slips in better synchronised digital network.

Indian Navy inducts 3rd LCU at Port Blair

The Indian Navy has inducted the third ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV project at Port Blair.LCU MK-IV ship is an amphibious ship and is capable of transporting combat equipment such as Main Battle Tanks Arjun, T72, and other Armored Vehicles. The command oversees India’s Andaman and Nicobar Island territories, including the strategic Strait of Malacca in the Indian Ocean.

Dalmia Bharat Adopts Red Fort, Delhi

Dalmia Bharat Limited has signed a MoU with Ministry of Tourism for adoption of Red Fort monument under the “Adopt a Heritage” project.The adoption will enable to construct, landscape, illuminate and maintain activities related to provision and development of tourist amenities. The Adopt a Heritage Scheme was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism Day on 27th September 2017

HCL, MOIL sign MoU for copper project

Hindustan Copper Ltd has signed a MoU with Manganese Ore (India) Ltd for the Malanjkhand Copper Project. As per the memorandum, MOIL will procure its entire requirement of silica sand, from HCL’s unit located at Malanjkhand in Balaghat District. This sand will be suitable for road making, construction of building etc.

Central Project Monitoring Unit for e-Vidhan

Union Minister Vijay Goel inaugurated the new office of Central Project Monitoring Unit for the e-Vidhan project of the Govt at the Parliament House Annexe.It was done as a part of Swachhata Pakhwada being observed by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs from 16th to 30th April, 2018. e-Vidhan is a mission mode project to digitize & make functioning of State Legislatures in India paperless.

India to grow at 7.4% in 2018

IMF in the latest World Economic Outlook has projected India to grow at 7.4% in 2018 & 7.8% in 2019.India in 2018 & 2019 would re-emerge as one of the fastest growing major economies. IMF said the implementation of GST will help reduce internal barriers to trade, increase efficiency & improve tax compliance.

CII projects FY19 GDP growth at 7.3-7.7%

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow at 7.3-7.7% during the 2018-19 financial year.This is based on strengthening demand in the rural economy, including agriculture and non-farm activities, as well as better global growth climate. The CII projected 2.5-3.5% growth for the agriculture sector, 7.2-7.5% for the industrial sector.

WB to fund community-led landscapes mgmt

A loan agreement worth USD 48 million for the “Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP)” was signed between India and the World Bank.The objective of the project is to strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in Meghalaya. The project will help manage the depleting resources, by strengthening the communities and traditional institutions.

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