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By admin: Nov. 7, 2024

India’s climate policies expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 4 billion tonnes by 2030

Tags: Environment

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Why in news?

• Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reported that India’s climate policies expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 4 billion tonnes by 2030.

About Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW):

• CEEW is a leading Policy research institute and think tank based in Delhi, India. .

Key points:

• According to the  report, in the power sector alone, policies promoting renewable energy are expected to drive a24-per cent decline in coal-based electricity generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.
• India’s current climate policies are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around four billion tonnes between 2020 and 2030, and drive a 24-per cent reduction in coal-based power generation, according to a new report.
• This is significant considering the fast-developing South Asian country, now the fifth-largest economy in the world, had committed to reducing emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 at COP26 in Glasgow.
• The study by Delhi-based independent think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) said policies for India’s power, residential and transport sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2)
• According to the report, in the power sector alone, policies promoting renewable energy are  between 2015 and 2030,expected to drive a 24-per cent decline in coal-based electricity generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.
• This is equivalent to avoiding 80 GW of coal-based power plants that would have otherwise been installed to meet India’s burgeoning power demand.

Current main source of electricity :

• At present, India generatesaround 71 per cent of its electricity using coal.
• Further, with strategic support and competitive tenders, the share of combined solar and wind power in India’s energy mix is projected torise to 26 per cent by 2030 and 43 percent by 2050, up from only around 3 per cent in 2015.

Inauguration of first India-Bhutan Integrated Check Post in Assam

Tags: International Relations

Inauguration of first India-Bhutan Integrated Check Post in Assam

Why in news?

• The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated atDarranga in Assam with state-of-the-art facilities and strategic connectivity.
• Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the ICP in presence ofPrime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

Important point:

• Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India, it also features inspection spaces, plant quarantine systems and parking facilities to ensure efficient operations.
• The strategic location of Darranga is further boosted by its connectivity.
• On the Indian side, it is well-connected to National Highway 27 near Rangia, while on the Bhutanese side, robust customs infrastructure at Samdrup-Jongkhar ensures efficient trade.

Project-BHISHM: World's first indigenous portable hospital

Tags: Science and Technology

Project-BHISHM: World's first indigenous portable hospital

What is Project BHISHM ?

• It is medical readiness and response capabilities. It involves the deployment of mobile hospitals known as Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM. 
• These units are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are designed totreat up to 200 casualties.

 Key features of Project BHISHMA:

•  Portable hospitals :The program uses mobile hospitals called Arogya Maitri Disaster  Management Cube-BHISHM. These hospitals are made up of compact, portable "mini cubes" that can be joined together to form a full BHISHM Cube. 
• Rapid deployment:The cubes can be deployed quickly by air, sea, land, or drone. 
• Advanced technology :The cubes use Radio-frequency identification (RFID) for inventory management and digital support in 180 languages. They also use artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics for real-time monitoring and efficient management. 
• Medical equipment: The cubes are equipped with advanced medical equipment, including an operation theater, mini-ICUs, ventilators, blood-testing equipment, and an X-ray machine. 
• Capacity:A single BHISHM Cube can provide medical care for up to 200 cases, including surgical procedures. 

Global impact:

• India has shared its BHISHM innovation with other countries to strengthen its role in international humanitarian efforts. 
• For example, India donated four BHISHM Cubes to Ukraine to enhance emergency medical care during the conflict with Russia. 
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Microsoft has introduced a new multi-agent AI system called Magnetic-One based on a single AI model.

Tags: Science and Technology

Magnetic-One

 Why in the news?

• Microsoft has introduced a new multi-agent AI system called Magnetic-One based on a single AI model.

Key features:

• This AI system aims to simplify complex, multi-step tasks by leveraging multiple AI agents,each with unique capabilities, to perform tasks collaboratively. 
• This cutting-edge technology is designed to operate efficiently on web browsers or locally on a device, offering a versatile solution for users in need of advanced, automated task management.
•  The company has made the framework open-source and accessible to all developers and researchers even for commercial purposes under a custom Microsoft License. 
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Former U.S. President and Republican party nominee won a second term in office on November 6, 2024

Tags: Person in news

 Donald Trump

Why in news:?

• Former U.S. President and Republican party nominee won  a second term in office on November 6, 2024, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

Important Point:

• Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States.He was also 45th President of United state America.
• Trump is the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms since 1897

Possible implications on global trade and peace:

• Trump will potentially be one of the more powerful US presidents in recent memory with the ability to deliver on his ambitious but contested agenda. 
• This includes radical measures on trade, such as his declared intent to put a 60 per cent tariff on all imports from China and an across-the-board 10-20 per cent tariff on imports from other countries. 
• Trump has pledged to pursue peace in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, though specifics on his approach remain unclear.

Possible implication on India:

• Higher tariffs on Indian exports, restrictions on visas, rising inflation in the US impacting forex markets, rupee depreciation likely as Donald Trump makes a comeback.
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Cabinet clears PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme for collateral-free loans to students on 6th November,2024.

Tags: Government Schemes

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Why in news?

• Cabinet clearsPM-Vidyalaxmi schemefor collateral-free loans to students on 6th November,2024.
• An outlay of Rs 3,600 crore has been made for the scheme for 2024-25 to 2030-31 period and around 7 lakh fresh students are expected to benefit from the interest subvention offered under the scheme.

Aim:

• Facilitate to get  admission in Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) eligible for a collateral-free and guarantor-free education loan.

Key features:

• Students will be provided a 75% credit guarantee by the central government for loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh. 
• Students, with an annual family income of up to Rs 8 lakh,who are ineligible for benefits under any other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes, will beprovided 3% interest subvention for loan up to Rs 10 lakhduring the moratorium period.
• “The interest subvention support will be given to 1 lakh students every year.
• It will be a significant step towards empowering the Yuva Shakti and building a brighter future for our nation,”