ASSAM
Assam to use drones to keep tabs on Covid-rule violators
For the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Assam, the state government will be using drones to keep tabs on those defying guidelines in areas where cases are surging.
Amid fears that the pandemic might last beyond 2021 and the threat of a third wave looming large, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday asked district authorities and the police to conduct monitoring through drones to identify places where people are coming out in large numbers, violating Covid restrictions.
In a review meeting, carried out virtually, with authorities of nine districts, Sarma directed them to extensively move around the districts to ensure strict enforcement of Covid protocols and allot sector-wise responsibility to magistrates to monitor violations.
NORTH-EASTERN STATES
Japanese organisation donates 100 oxygen concentrators to Manipur
Japan-based Nippon Foundation donated 100 oxygen concentrators to the ‘Chief Minister’s Covid-19 Relief Fund , through the Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF), to support the state government’s effort in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
MTF founder president TH Dhabali Singh handed over the oxygen concentrators to CM N Biren Singh at the latter’s office complex in presence of Manipur principal secretary-(health & family welfare) V Vumlunmang and health services director K Rajo, a statement from the CM’s office said.
Biren expressed his sincere gratitude and thanked the Nippon Foundation for their support. He further stated that the gadgets will be helpful in dealing with the deadly pandemic, prevailing in the state. In his facebook post Biren said.
INTERNATIONAL
Seventh Edition of IONS in France
The seventh edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), concluded in France on July 01, 2021. This time, the biennial meeting was hosted by the French Navy at La Réunion from June 28 to July 01, 2021.
Highlights:
From India, Admiral Karambir Singh, Naval Staff Chief, Indian Navy, participated in the inaugural session of the tournament virtually. France is the present chair of the Symposium, which assumed the Chairmanship on 29 June 2021 for a two-year tenure.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a collection of biennial meetings, held between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region, to develop maritime cooperation amongst Navies of the member states, via offering an open and inclusive discussion board for discussion of domestically relevant maritime troubles such as maritime safety cooperation, talk about regional maritime issues, and promote friendly relationships.
The first symposium was held in the year 2008 with India as host. The chairmanship and region of the Symposium rotate between the variety of member states.
NATIONAL
MoU Approved by the Cabinet
The Union Cabinet has approved the following Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between India and various countries.
India and Nepal:
♦ India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC).
India and Myanmar:
♦ A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Medical Research (DMR) of Myanmar’s Ministry of Health and Sports.
The Gambia and India:
♦ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, GOI, and the Public Service Commission, Office of the President, Republic of The Gambia.
Departure of INS Sarvekshak
After completing survey assistance, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sarvekshak departs Colombo.
Highlights:
♦ The Indian Navy’s Hydrographic Survey Ship Sarvekshak completed survey work around the site of the Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, which caught fire off the coast of Colombo.
The survey of the wreckage area would allow for the issuance of advisories to both mariners and fishermen, as well as the subsequent removal of debris by Sri Lankan authorities, ensuring the navigational safety of marine traffic using Colombo port
About INS Sarvekshak:
♦ The Indian Navy’s Hydrographic Survey Ship, INS Sarvekshak, is based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
♦ It is equipped with the most advanced measurement equipment, such as deep-sea multi-beam echo sounder system, side scan sonar, sound velocity profiler and fully automatic digital measurement and processing system. In addition, the ship is also equipped with a Chetak helicopter.
Nominations of Sardar Patel National Unity Award
Until 15th August 2021, the nominations for the 2021-Sardar Patel National Unity Award are being accepted.
About Sardar Patel National Unity Award:
♦ The Sardar Patel National Unity Award is India’s highest civilian award for contributions to the country’s unity and integrity.
♦ The award was established by the Centre in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister.
♦ This award aims to recognize significant and inspiring contributions to the promotion of the cause of national unity and integrity and the strengthening of the values of a strong and united nation.
First Green Hydrogen Mobility Project of India
NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UT of Ladakh and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to establish India’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility project. Leh will be the first city in India to implement a zero-emission green hydrogen mobility project. In the beginning, NTPC intends to operate 5 hydrogen buses. The first solar installations by NTPC in Leh, in the form of solar trees and a solar carport, were also unveiled.
Blue hydrogen is hydrogen that is produced from fossil fuels and has carbon capture and storage capabilities.
Green hydrogen is hydrogen that is produced entirely from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.