Delhi Government approves first Solar Policy
The Delhi government has approved the first Solar Policy which aims at making the Capital an environment-friendly solar city. It was approved by Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as it is part of one of Government’s 70-point agendas. The policy has been prepared by the Government of Delhi in consultation with the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) after extensive consultations with local and international experts.Key features of Policy
- Recommends the installation of 1 GW (1,000 Mega Watts) solar power capacity in Delhi by 2020, which is proposed to be doubled to 2 GW by 2025.
- Outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives, and tax breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the Capital.
- Supports all models of ownership and maintenance of solar plants, including third-party-owned, self-owned models. Mandatory deployment of solar panels on the government or public institutions.
- Allows generation based incentive for 3 years and amendment of the building bylaws for rooftop solar installations.
- Allows concept of virtual net metering in order to give access to the solar net metering facility to the consumers who do not have a suitable roof for installing a solar system.
- It also allows group net metering to encourage solar plants on rooftops of buildings that cannot consume all of the energy generated locally.
Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App RajVayu on Air Quality Index
Rajasthan Government has launched mobile application RajVayu for sharing information about air quality index of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. The app was launched by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on the eve of World Environment Day (5th June). With this, Rajasthan becomes first state in country to launch such app for sharing information about air quality index of cities.Key features of RajVayu
- Information provided on RajVayu app is based on the data collected by sophisticated air quality monitoring equipment and weather sensors.
- The app has been designed by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) jointly with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
- It would share details about the air quality, such as levels of pollutants likes SOx, NOx, CO, Ozone particles and Particulate Matter (PM) with the city residents and tourists.
- It would also share temperature, wind speed, humidity, weather forecast and advisories.
- This app is based on the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR-India) which is presently connected in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
Gangetic River dolphin declared city animal of Guwahati
Background
- The Kamrup metropolitan district administration had organized the three-month long online and off-line voting process among three protected animals to decide the ‘city animal’.
- The voting process was conducted by district administration along with other organisations such as Assam forest department, Assam state biodiversity bard and Help Earth (NGO).
- These three animals were Gangetic River Dolphin (local name: Sihu), Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila) and Black Softshell Turtle (Bor Kaso). These three animals are on the verge of extinction.
- In this voting process Gangetic River dolphin had received highest 24247 votes out of 60003 total votes. While, Greater Adjutant Stork got 18454 votes and Black Softshell Turtle got 17302 votes.
India, US sign MoU for hassle-free entry of Indians into US
India and United States (US) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate hassle-free entry of Indians into America at selected airports. The hassle-free entry will provide speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk travellers from the country. The MoU was signed as part of US’s International Expedited Traveller Initiative (also known as the Global Entry Programme).India is only the ninth country with which the US has entered into this initiative reflecting growing relationship between the two largest democracies of the world. The expedited entry for the Indian travellers under this programme at the US airports will enable further easing of travel environment.
It will also have positive impact on all kinds of people-to-people exchange between our two countries. The US is home to more than 3 million Indian-origin people who continue to maintain deep-rooted links with India.
JV of L&T wins contract to develop Qatar stadium
· A joint venture (JV) between infrastructure firm L&T and a Qatar-based company has been chosen to build the Al Rayyan stadium in Qatar, for a deal worth $135 million (₹900 crore).
· The 40,000-seater venue will host games up to the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar. The stadium is slated to be completed by 2019.
Tennis star Rohan Bopanna secures direct entry into Rio Olympics
· Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna today officially returned to top-10 in the ATP ranking doubles chart, securing a direct entry into the men's doubles event of the Rio Olympic Games.
·Veteran Leander Paes, who also made the quarterfinals, gained five places to be placed 46 now.
· Bopanna being a top-10 player not only gets a direct entry but also has the choice to pick his partner for the men's doubles event irrespective of his ranking.
·In the women's doubles chart, Sania Mirza continued to be joint world number one with Swiss partner Martina Hingis. Prarthana Thombare was second-highest ranked player at number 209.
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