ASSAM

ONGC gets green nod for Rs 3,500 cr onshore exploration project in Assam

State-run ONGC received environment clearance (EC) for carrying out onshore exploration, development and production of oil and gas in 100 locations in the non-forest area of Assam, that would entail an investment of Rs 3,500 crore, according to official documents. The company to carry out drilling in 100 locations to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of 21 different onshore Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) blocks in a non-forest area covering 944.39 km in Assam and Assam Arakan Basin covering whole of the Upper Assam North in Sivasagar district. The company put the field under development and production.

The cost is estimated to be Rs 3,500 crore. According to ONGC, there is still a lot of scopes in exploring new sub-surface structures in Assam for hydrocarbons.

The total area of Sivasagar district PML is 957.73 square kilometre in which Lake, Rudrasagar, Geleki and its adjoining areas are important oil-producing fields in North Assam Shelf of Sivasagar district. More than 500 wells (including exploratory wells and development wells) drilled in this field with depths ranging from 2,400 metres to 4,200 metres. The current EC granted for exploratory drilling of 100 wells which is a part of ongoing exploration efforts in various PML areas falling within the three main blocks of North Assam Shelf in Sivasagar district.

India is dependent on imports for crude oil, and the government is encouraging the exploration and production of oil and gas. Around 70 per cent of the country’s crude oil and 60 per cent of its natural gas.

INTERNATIONAL

Portugal to launch a Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize

Portugal is to launch a Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize with an aim to promote Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. The announcement was made by the Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa. at the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at New Delhi on 19 December 2019. The meeting was presided by President Ram Nath Kovind.

The move comes as the country was inspired by the different thoughts and quotes of Mahatma Gandhi.

The first edition of the Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize has been dedicated to animal welfare. This is after the words of Mahatma Gandhi which said that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

The initiation of the award shows global reverence for Mahatma Gandhi as the world is realizing that his vision of peace, equality, and non-violence.

China successfully launches largest carrier rocket

China has successfully launched the largest carrier rocket of the country, Long March-5, from Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China’s Hainan Province.

The rocket, also known as CZ-5, blasted off with more than 1,000 tonnes of thrust.

The Chinese space authorities declared the mission a “complete success” just over half an hour after the lift-off when the Shijian-20 satellite it carried entered its designated orbit.

It is the country’s third attempt to launch the rocket.

The first attempt was made in 2016.

Ethiopia launches its first satellite

Ethiopia launched its first satellite, a landmark achievement for the country’s space program that caps a banner year for the African space industry.

The launch of the Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite (ETRSS) took place at a space station in China.

The live broadcast was watched by a group of Ethiopian and Chinese officials and scientists who had gathered at the Entoto Observatory and Research Centre outside the capital, Addis Ababa.

NATIONAL

National Mathematics Day: 22 December

The Indian government declared 22 December to be National Mathematics Day.

This was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 26 February 2012.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December, 1887, Erode.

He made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, including solutions to mathematical problems then considered unsolvable.

National Farmers Day: 23 December

December 23 is celebrated as ‘Kisan Diwas’ or ‘National Farmers’ Day’ every year.

The day honours Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India who was born this day.

It is believed that ‘Zamindari Abolition Bill-1952’ was passed due to Chaudhary Charan Singh’s hard work.

He served as the Prime Minister of India between 28 July 1979 and 14 January 1980.

Govt plans to take khadi turnover to Rs 2 trn in next 5 years

Union minister Nitin Gadkari takes plans to take khadi and village industries turnover to Rs 2 trillion in the next five years from Rs 75,000 crore at present. The industry to expand its share in global trade to about 10 percent, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Minister Gadkari urged players to grab the opportunity to expand in the wake of China that accounts for 17 percent of the global trade business battling increased cost and difficulties. The turnover of khadi and village industries is Rs 75,000 crore at present.

Steps are on to take it to Rs 2 trillion in five years.

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