23-11-21 Daily-Himachal Pradesh-HPPSC Current Affairs

After 15 years,Himachal Pradeshis going to change its policy to address fresh challenges in hydro, Biomass and solar power development. The state has prepared adraft energy policy 2021that aims to promote green, clean and sustainable generation of energy to enable quick harnessing of full potential of Himachal Pradesh. It also aims to harness and commission 10,000 MW of hydro energy by 2030 to have an operational capacity of 20,948 MW beside upgrading the existing run ofriver hydro plantsforpumped storage Plants/hybrid power plants.

According to officials, the hydro power policy 2006 of the state has served its objectives well and over the last 15 years, there has been a paradigm shift in energy scenario of the country. The country is moving towards RENEWABLE ENERGY that is total green energy as per the Paris Agreement signed in December 2015. The solar and wind power share is increasing at a faster rate than the hydro. Hydro power along with hybrid, battery and pumped storages and hydrogen energy is going to be the focus areas in coming years.

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with hydro potential of 24,587 MW distributed over five river basins, out of which 10,948 MW has been harnessed (as on October 31 this year) and out of 13,639 MW, maximum potential will be harnessed by 2030.

The principal objectives of draft policy aims to promote green and clean and sustainable generation of energy to enable quick harnessing of full potential of Himachal Pradesh. It aims to expedite development of hydro-electric projects by adopting a four pronged strategy by way of participation of state, joint, central and private sectors.
Under new policy, it has been proposed to promote storage or pondage, including pumped storage power plants/combined cycle power plants, battery storage and other emerging technologies such as Hydrogen storage, capable of quick ramp up and ramp down and store energy with higher efficiency for long duration.

Policy aims to develop adequate and efficient transmission Network in the state and to evolve a dynamic and robust electricity Infrastructure for better consumer Services. It also proposes to revitalize state utility for distribution of power and to establish and promote a power trading entity in the state.

The 20th of November is World Children’s Day around the world to promote international unity, awareness among children.

Highlights:

Every year on November 20th, the Universal/World Children’s Day is observed to promote international unity, awareness among children worldwide, and improvements in children’s welfare.

The UN General Assembly enacted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, which is a significant occasion.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in 2021.

Theme for Universal/World Children’s Day 2021: A Brighter Future for All Children

World Children’s Day, also known as Universal Children’s Day, was first observed on November 20th, 1954.

Virtual Science Lab was launched under CSIR Jigyasa Programme.

This programme will connect students with scientists across India.

This Lab will provide a virtual tour of CSIR laboratories as well as expose students to research .

Virtual Science Lab was inaugurated with the aim of providing quality research exposure and innovative pedagogy to the school students on the basis of an online interactive medium. It will immensely benefit students from government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.

JIGYASA is a major national level initiative of CSIR, launched to widen and deepen its Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR). Programme also explain the culture of curiousness and scientific nature on other. This is a student-scientist connect programme, launched in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathans (KVS). Its primary objective is to extend classroom Learning and focus on well-planned research laboratory-based learning.

INDIAN NAVY formally commissioned INS Visakhapatnam at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that Indias efforts towards DEFENCE modernisation is on full swing and it is a proud day to become Atma Nirbhar in defence sector.

According to Defence Ministry, INS Visakhapatnam is 163m in length and 17m in breadth. It has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes. The ship can be regarded as one of the significant potent warships to have been constructed in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration. The warship is capable of achieving speeds of 30 knots. It has been named after the historic coast called Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh.

INS Visakhapatnam has enhanced stealth features which results into a reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS). It is achieved through efficient shaping of hull, plated masts, use of radar transparent materials on exposed decks and full beam superstructure design.