1.National Affairs
Indian flag hoisted for the first time in New York’s Times Square
Indian Tricolour flag was hoisted for the first time at the iconic Times Square in New York on the occasion of India’s 74th anniversary
The ceremony was organised by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)
FIA, established in 1970, is the largest umbrella diaspora organisation that organises India Day Parade to mark India’s Independence Day.
2.Economy
NTPC develops infrastructure for increased use of Fly Ash
Fly ash is a coal combustion product used in cement, concrete and clay brick replacement
The infrastructure is being developed at Rihand, Uttar Pradesh to help NTPC achieve its goal of 100% utilisation of fly ash from power plants.
This will help in transporting fly ash to cement plants at cheaper cost.
3.India and the World
India sends specialist team for Mauritius Oil Spill under Mission SAGAR
Mauritius is fighting to contain an oil spill on its pristine south-east coast
India has sent 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material as well as a 10-member Indian Coast Guard team to its aid as part of Mission SAGAR
SAGAR aims to deepen economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbours
Quick Fact: Mission SAGAR, Security Growth for All in the Region, was launched in 2015
4.National Affairs
Atal Tunnel to be inaugurated in Himachal Pradesh
Prime Minister will be inaugurating Atal Tunnel by the end of September 2020
The tunnel is being built under Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal range on the Leh-Manali highway.
The presence of 48 avalanche sites and extreme weather conditions made construction a challenge for BRO.
The 8.8 km long long tunnel has strategic importance as it will transport military supply in Siachen Glacier and Aksai Chin
Quick Fact: The tunnel was initially proposed in 1860 by the Moravian Mission
5.Economy
India ranks first in organic farming
As per Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,
- India ranks first in Organic Farming
- India ranks ninth in terms of areas under Organic Farming
Major initiatives for organic farming taken by GoI were Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North East Region and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Quick Fact: Sikkim is the first state in the world to become completely organic.
6.Environment
Project Lion, Project Dolphin launched on 74th Independence Day
Project Lion will involve conservation of Asiatic Lions by:
- habitat development leveraging modern technologies
- addressing human-wildlife conflict
- involving local communities
- focusing on health management of lions
Project Dolphin, focussed primarily on Gangetic Dolphins, will involve conservation of Dolphins by:
- habitat conservation using modern technology especially in anti-poaching activities
- Involving fishermen and other local population
Quick Fact: Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is the only sanctuary for the Gangetic Dolphins in India
