HIMACHAL PRADESH
State Centre on climate change maps snow cover in the State
Ever since the inception of the State Centre on Climate Change under the aegis of the HP Council for Science Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, the Centre has been involved in undertaking various studies to understand the impact of climate change on its various facets. The Centre has successfully utilized the applications of space technology in carrying out studies related to Cyrosphere comprising the snow and glaciers in Himachal Himalayan collaboration with Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad,Govt of India.The Cryospheric studies are important as the one third part of the State is characterised by this great Himlayan reserve and the studies of which using any other conventional method is not possible due to inaccessibility of this area.
Himachal Pradesh receives winter precipitation in the form of snow at the higher altitudes. About one third of the total geographical area of the State remains under thick snow cover during the winter season. Most of the major rivers like Chenab, Beas, Parvati, Baspa, Spiti, Ravi, Satluj and its perennial tributaries originating from the Himalayas depend upon the seasonal snow cover for their discharge dependability. Besides this, the snow cover also helps in controlling the accumulation and ablation patterns of the glaciated regions in the State.
International
World Population Day- 11 July
- World Population Day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
- Commemorating World Population Day is important as it emphasizes the importance of population stabilisation and its vital role in the future of the masses and their health.”It is even more critical now to recognise the importance of providing reproductive health services due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic
National
CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2019
- NTPC Ltd, a central PSU under Ministeybof Power and India’s largest power generation company, has won the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Award 2019, under Outstanding Accomplishment in Corporate Excellence Category. Also, the company has received Commendation for Significant Achievement in category of CSR.
- NTPC always strives for sustainable development of its communities around the power stations. Its flagship CSR program GEM (Girl Empowerment Mission), a 4 weeks residential program has been institutionalized in the vicinity of its power stations for benefit of school going girls from underprivileged background to support in their overall development.
- CII-ITC Sustainability Awards recognize and reward excellence in sustainability practices. It is considered to be the most credible platform for sustainability recognition in the country.
India’s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record
- India’s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey.
- India has fulfilled its resolve to double the tiger numbers four years before the target. The country now has an estimated 2967 tigers as per the latest census. With this number, India is home to nearly 75% of the global tiger population and has already fulfilled its resolve of doubling tiger numbers, made at St. Petersburg in 2010, much before the target year of 2022.
ATL App Development Module for school students
- NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL App Development Module for school students nationwide
- Aims at transforming school students from App users to innovative App Developers
- The ATL App Development modules have been launched in collaboration with Indian homegrown startupPlezmo with an aim to hone the skills of school students and transforming them from App users to App makers in the times to come under AIM’s flagship Atal Tinkering Labs initiative.
India needs additional spending of 6.2% of GDP to meet development goals
- A joint study by government think tank NITI Aayog and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated that India needs to increase its sustainable development goals (SDG) spending by an additional 6.2% of its gross domestic product.
- The four crucial areas of action identified by the report are – improvement of the statistical system; monitoring at the local level; capacity building of all stakeholders; and SDG financing.