21 Aug 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Exercise Konkan 2021
2. Azadi Amrit Mahotsav
3. Largest Floating Solar PV Project

1. Exercise Konkan 2021

Context:

Recently, on 16^th August 2021 INS Tabar and HMS Westminster undertook a naval exercise at the English Channel.

Details:

• The naval exercise between India and United Kingdom marked the presence of Falcon Electronic Warfare Aircraft along with integral helicopters on the two ships.
• It engaged in mock drills such as anti-submarine procedures, firing drill, combat preparedness, combat maneuvering and maritime picture compilation.
• The exercise was in addition to other similar engagements between India-UK at the harbor earlier.
• It was part of the four-day tour of Indian Navy to Portsmouth.
• The exercise is expected to have consolidate interoperability, and strengthen overall naval ties between India-UK.
• The impact of such naval exercises will provide a secure and credible environment in the region along with strengthening the field capabilities of both countries.

2. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Context:

Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing a national webinar on ‘Zero Hunger by 2030’ as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to sensitize grassroot leaders, on 23.08.2021.

Details:

• As part of the Jan Utsav with Jan Bhagidari, a series of events are planned under the banner of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav marking the 75^th anniversary of India’s independence.
• It shall be based on the 5 pillars as beacon of light: Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolves at 75.
• The national webinar on 23.08.2021 will aim to discuss the issues such as food security, sustainable agriculture, minimization of food loss, and public distribution.
• The target as per Sustainable Development Goal 2: Reduce Zero Hunger by 2030 is aimed to achieve with help from the latest available technology and ICT.
• Various national and international partners such as Department of Food & Public Distribution, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, UNDP, World Food Program respectively will be taking part in the national webinar.
• Special focus shall be on the institutions of local self-governance i.e., three tiers of Panchayat; with reference to analyzing ways to augment their capabilities to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.
• To enhance the public participation the webinar shall be livestreamed through the Ministry of Panchayati Raj website.

3. Largest Floating Solar PV Project

Context:

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd., has commissioned the largest Floating Solar PV Project (25MW) on the reservoir of its Simhadri thermal station in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Details:

• It has been functionalized as part of the Flexibilization Scheme, launched by the Government in 2018.
• The total floating installation is spread over 75 acres in area with energy from one lakh solar PV module.
• Once operational it is expected to minimize 46,000 tons of CO2 annually. It is also believed to conserve 1,364 million liters of water per annum.
• Along with the solar PV model, NTPC is also planning on setting up a hydrogen-based micro-grid system on a pilot basis, at Simhadri.
• As part of NTPC’s target to install 60 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2032; NTPC has powered a total of 71 Power Stations including 29 Renewable energy projects.
• NTPC is India’s first energy company to declare its energy compact goals as part of the UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE).
• The intent of NTPC is to provide affordable, uninterrupted clean energy from its Power stations.

Read previous PIB here.

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