HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal qualifies for Rs 221-crore incentive under water scheme

The state of Himachal Pradesh has qualified for “performance incentive grant” of Rs 221 crore for 2020-21 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – “Har Ghar Jal”- from the Centre.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat rated Himachal as a high performer state at a review meeting to assess the performance of states in the implementation of JJM. Consequently, the Ministry approved the incentive fund to the state.

Provision has been made under the JJM for release of additional fund to states as “reward for performing states” as per allocation criteria out of the savings at fag end of the financial year.

The JJM is under implementation in partnership with states since 15 August, 2019. The mission aims at providing household tap water connection to every rural home in the country by 2024.

In the current financial year, Himachal Pradesh was allocated an amount of Rs 326.20 crore and the entire amount was drawn by the state on account of excellent physical progress.

INTERNATIONAL

Russia Launched First Arctic-monitoring Satellite

The Russian Space agency, Roscosmos, has successfully launched its first ever Arctic-monitoring satellite that will monitor the Arctic’s climate and environment.

The space agency blasted off the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket which is also carrying the Arktika-M satellite on board.

The rocket was blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on February 28, 2021. The Arktika-M spacecraft was launched to orbit later.

The development of this satellite system in the highly elliptical orbits is required to collect the information in order to solve the operational meteorology problems as well as the hydrology problems.

The satellite will also monitor the climate and environment of the Arctic region.

Arktika-M satellite will also transmit the overview images of Earth’s northern polar region and the adjoining areas every 15-30 minutes.

MoU Signed Between India and Fiji

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between India and Fiji in the fields of Agriculture and related sectors. Highlights: The memorandum of understanding requires the exchange of scientists, experts, technology transfer, infrastructure development for agricultural development, holding workshops and seminars, forming joint ventures, promoting agricultural product marketing and value-added investment, promoting direct agricultural trade, research programs, etc. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be valid for five years.

MoU signed between India and France

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on Renewable Energy Cooperation between India and France. Highlights:

The MoU was signed in January 2021. The purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to lay a foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of new energy and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.

It covers technologies related to solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy and biomass energy.

MoU requires exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of scientific and technical information and data, organization of workshops and seminars, transfer of equipment, expertise and technology; and development of joint research and technology projects.

NATIONAL

National Safety Day: 04 March

The National Safety Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on March 4 by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India.

In 2021, we are observing the 50th NSD.

The day aims to develop a sense of safety awareness among people by providing them with safety, health and environment related support services.

The day is also celebrated to mark the foundation of the National Safety Council, which was set up on 4th March, 1966 by the Ministry of Labour, Government of India.

2021 Theme: “Sadak Suraksha (Road Safety)”.

Indian Scientists design & develop low-cost optical spectrograph

Indian Scientists have designed and developed a low-cost optical spectrograph.

The spectrograph can locate sources of faint light from distant quasars and galaxies.

It is one of the the largest astronomical spectrographs in the country and has been successfully commissioned on the 3.6-Metre Devasthal Optical Telescope near Nainital Uttarakhand.

A spectrograph is an instrument used to obtain and record an astronomical spectrum.

Entire rail network in the country will be fully electrified by 2023

The entire rail network in the country will be fully electrified by 2023 while all rail networks will run on renewable energy by 2030.

This was stated by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal while addressing the Maritime India Summit-2021.

The government is working on multi-modal logistical solutions to bring down the cost of transportation and increase the supply chain efficiency.

The Minister said, integration of Road, Rail and Waterways can truly make India ‘One Nation, One Market, One Supply’.

Launch of CSIR Floriculture Mission

Union Minister launches CSIR Floriculture Mission. About CSIR Floriculture Mission:

Under this mission, the available knowledge base in the CSIR Institute will be used and utilized to help Indian farmers and industries reposition themselves to meet import requirements.

The mission has been approved for execution in 21 States and Union Territories.

Implementation in cooperation with the following organizations:

Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Directorate of Floriculture

Khadi and Village Industries Commission

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd

Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj

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