Himachal Pradesh governor suggests airstrip, army mountain division along India-China border
Amid tension along India-China border, Himachal Pradesh governor Bandaru Dattatraya has suggested to Union defence minister Rajnath Singh to construct an airstrip urgently in Spiti and to raise the Independent Mountain Division in Kinnaur. He said that means of communication and road transport in remote border areas of state should be strengthened.
Dattatraya said that Himachal Pradesh is strategically located vis-a-vis Tibet and China borders and that two of its tribal districts – Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur share 260 km boundary with Tibet and China therefore, there is a need to be suitably prepared for any eventuality.
Atal Tunnel under Rohtang pass 3978 metres, connecting Manali in Kullu District with Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district is likely to be completed in the near future. The commissioning of the tunnel will allow year round traffic on the Manali-Leh axis, thereby significantly increasing road traffic.
INTERNATIONAL
International Widows Day is observed on 23 June
International Widows’ Day is observed on 23 June. A million of widows across the globe live in poverty, and without any substantial support. Widows, and people dependent on them, face extreme poverty, a lot of injustice, among other societal. The day aims to address the issue that widows and their children face in several countries.
The United Nations passed the resolution A/RES/65/189 and observe International Widows’ Day since 2011. The aim is to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need. Th day provides an opportunity to take action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows.
International Olympic Day is observed on 23 June
International Olympic Day is observed on 23 June. The day is celebrated by people across the world. On 23 June 2020, the Olympic Movement is to celebrate Olympic Day by creating the world’s largest 24 hours digital-first Olympic. The 2020 edition is the first to be celebrated virtually. The day is celebrated to ensure that people can all still #StayActive in the safest way possible despite restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NATIONAL
ISRO receives patent for protective garment for human spaceflight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG).
It is made of biocompatible fabrics and components to provide a comfortable temperature and removal of sweat for astronauts, for use in space for protection from hot and cold environments.
LCHGs are used in space, military applications, fire fighting and also for personal cooling and heating purposes for protection from hot and cold environments of industrial areas or in extreme temperature and humidity conditions that may exist in work environments.
These garments have a system for circulating temperature controlling fluid into and out of the garments, for instance, through tubes inside the garment.
NITI Aayog, ITF to launch Decarbonising Transport
NITI Aayog in collaboration with International Transport Forum (ITF) is to launch the “Decarbonising Transport in India” project on 24 June. The project intends to develop a pathway towards a low-carbon transport system for India. The project will be launched by ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.
The project will inform the transport and climate stakeholders in India about planned project activities.
The project will provide an opportunity to provide inputs regarding India’s transport challenges and how it can be related to CO2 reduction ambitions. The discussion will help to focus the project further on India’s specific needs and circumstances.
Decarbonising Transport in India project will design a tailor-made transport emissions assessment framework for India.
It will provide the government with a detailed understanding of current & future transport activity and the related CO2 emissions as a basis for their decision-making.
Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) promotes, regulates, and monitors the international sales and transfer of conventional arms as per the global standards. ATT regulates from small arms to battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.
AIM partners with CIL to boost its Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiatives
Coal India Limited (CIL) has agreed to partner with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog to support proactively the flagship mission’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives across the country. A strategic Statement of Intent (SoI) partnership between AIM and Coal India Limited was signed and exchanged in a virtual e-summit.
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) at a school level
Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) at institutional levels
Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC) for Tier-2, Tier3 cities, and rural India
Atal New India Challenges (ANIC) at an industry level
Applied Research and Innovation (ARISE) for stimulating innovations in the MSME industry