TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Kati Bihu
2. Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh

1. Kati Bihu

Syllabus: GS-1, Art & Culture

Prelims: Kati Bihu

Context:

Prime Minister extended best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Kati Bihu to the people of Assam.

What is Kati Bihu?

• Kati Bihu, also known as, Kongali Bihu, is an Assamese festival celebrated to mark the time of relocation of rice saplings.
• The Tulsi plant is worshipped on this day.
• The other two Bihu festivals in Assam are:
  • Bhogali or Magh Bihu (celebrated in January)
  • Rongali or Bohag Bihu (celebrated in April)
• Kati Bihu, like the other Bihu festivals in Assam, is linked to agriculture.

2. Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh

Syllabus: GS-3, Infrastructure

Prelims: Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh

Context:

Cabinet approves Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh.

Details:

• The project is targeted to be set up by FY 2029-30 with a total estimated cost of Rs.20,773.70 crore and Central Financial Assistance (CFA) @ 40 percent of the project cost.
• The implementing agency for this project is Powergrid.
• The transmission line for evacuating this power will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab up to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will be integrated with the National Grid. 
• An interconnection is also planned from this project in Leh to the existing Ladakh grid so as to ensure a reliable power supply to Ladakh. 
• It will also be connected to the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line to provide power to Jammu & Kashmir. 
• Benefits of the project:
  • Helps in developing long-term energy security of the country
  • Promotes ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon footprint
  • Will generate large direct & indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, especially in the Ladakh region
  • Will contribute to achieving the target of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030

Read the previous PIB articles here.