1. National Workshop on “Water Supply and Treatment” by CPHEEO at New Delhi
Tags: National News
CPHEEO organized a two day National Workshop on “Water Supply and Treatment” in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Objective of the Workshop:
Finalization of a revised and updated manual on water supply and treatment.
Address challenges and incorporate technological advances.
The existing Rules of 1999 and 2005 served as guidance documents.
Cooperation and Committee:
Expert Committee headed by Adviser (PHEE), CPHEEO.
Cooperation with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
GIZ appointed WAPCOS for manual drafting.
Manual Drafting:
The manual is divided into three parts: engineering, operation and maintenance, and management.
WAPCOS is responsible for drafting the revised manual.
Importance of Safe Water Supply:
Secretary Manoj Joshi stressed the need for safe water and meeting quality standards.
Aiming to reduce domestic combat costs.
Emphasis on direct water supply to households to eliminate excess storage and financial loss.
2. India gifts missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on 19 June announced the gift of an indigenous in-service missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to the Vietnam People's Navy.
An overview of the news
The announcement is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Vietnamese Navy.
The announcement was made during talks between Defense Minister Singh and Defense Minister of Vietnam General Phan Van Gang in Delhi.
During the meeting, bilateral defense cooperation initiatives between India and Vietnam were reviewed and both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the ongoing engagements.
The Ministers identified opportunities to further enhance cooperation, particularly in areas such as defense industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation.
Apart from the talks, the Defense Minister of Vietnam also visited the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) headquarters to explore ways to enhance defense industrial capabilities through research and joint production.
The strengthening of defense ties between India and Vietnam underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security and cooperation.
About INS Kirpan
INS Kirpan is a missile corvette belonging to the Khukri class with a displacement of about 1,350 tonnes.
It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 January 1991.
The length of the corvette is 91 meters and the beam is 11 metres.
It is capable of attaining speeds of over 25 knots.
Equipped with a variety of weapons including medium-range cannon, 30 mm close-range gun, chaff launcher and surface-to-surface missiles, INS Kirpan has the versatility to play multiple roles.
The roles performed by INS Kirpan include coastal and offshore patrolling, coastal security, surface warfare, anti-piracy operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
3. India gifts missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on 19 June announced the gift of an indigenous in-service missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to the Vietnam People's Navy.
An overview of the news
The announcement is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Vietnamese Navy.
The announcement was made during talks between Defense Minister Singh and Defense Minister of Vietnam General Phan Van Gang in Delhi.
During the meeting, bilateral defense cooperation initiatives between India and Vietnam were reviewed and both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the ongoing engagements.
The Ministers identified opportunities to further enhance cooperation, particularly in areas such as defense industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation.
Apart from the talks, the Defense Minister of Vietnam also visited the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) headquarters to explore ways to enhance defense industrial capabilities through research and joint production.
The strengthening of defense ties between India and Vietnam underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security and cooperation.
About INS Kirpan
INS Kirpan is a missile corvette belonging to the Khukri class with a displacement of about 1,350 tonnes.
It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 January 1991.
The length of the corvette is 91 meters and the beam is 11 metres.
It is capable of attaining speeds of over 25 knots.
Equipped with a variety of weapons including medium-range cannon, 30 mm close-range gun, chaff launcher and surface-to-surface missiles, INS Kirpan has the versatility to play multiple roles.
The roles performed by INS Kirpan include coastal and offshore patrolling, coastal security, surface warfare, anti-piracy operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
4. India, Sri Lanka to accelerate implementation of digital education project in Galle District
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Sri Lanka have expressed their commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of a digital education project in the Galle District, Sri Lanka.
An overview of the news
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, and the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, M N Ranasinghe, exchanged diplomatic notes to accelerate the establishment of modern computer labs and smart boards in 200 schools.
These facilities will be equipped with customized curriculum software.
The project is aimed at promoting digital literacy among students in underprivileged areas of the Galle District.
It is supported by a grant from the Government of India.
This digital education initiative is part of a broader set of grant projects in the education sector undertaken by the Indian government in Sri Lanka, highlighting their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the country.
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka encompasses a total amount of approximately USD 5 billion, with nearly USD 600 million provided as grants.
Across Sri Lanka's 25 districts, more than 65 grant projects have already been implemented, demonstrating the substantial support from India in various sectors.
The digital education project in the Galle District is among more than 20 ongoing projects that are at different stages of implementation, further illustrating the sustained collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in driving socio-economic development in the region.
About sri lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation located off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Munnar and the Palk Strait.
Capital: Colombo (Executive and Judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura (Legislative).
Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
President – Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
5. India, Sri Lanka to accelerate implementation of digital education project in Galle District
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Sri Lanka have expressed their commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of a digital education project in the Galle District, Sri Lanka.
An overview of the news
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, and the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, M N Ranasinghe, exchanged diplomatic notes to accelerate the establishment of modern computer labs and smart boards in 200 schools.
These facilities will be equipped with customized curriculum software.
The project is aimed at promoting digital literacy among students in underprivileged areas of the Galle District.
It is supported by a grant from the Government of India.
This digital education initiative is part of a broader set of grant projects in the education sector undertaken by the Indian government in Sri Lanka, highlighting their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the country.
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka encompasses a total amount of approximately USD 5 billion, with nearly USD 600 million provided as grants.
Across Sri Lanka's 25 districts, more than 65 grant projects have already been implemented, demonstrating the substantial support from India in various sectors.
The digital education project in the Galle District is among more than 20 ongoing projects that are at different stages of implementation, further illustrating the sustained collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in driving socio-economic development in the region.
About sri lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation located off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Munnar and the Palk Strait.
Capital: Colombo (Executive and Judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura (Legislative).
Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
President – Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
6. United Nations adopt first-ever treaty to protect marine life in high seas
Tags: Environment International News
The United Nations on 19 June adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life in the high seas, setting a significant milestone in ocean conservation.
An overview of the news
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the historic agreement and stressed its importance in providing a fighting chance against the many threats to the ocean.
Delegates representing all 193 member states expressed their happiness in accepting the treaty.
Addressing the delegates, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the adoption of the treaty comes at a critical time when the oceans are facing many challenges.
He urged all countries to spare no effort to sign and ratify the treaty immediately.
The treaty aims to protect biodiversity in the high seas, which cover about half of the Earth's surface and lie beyond national boundaries.
Negotiations on this treaty had been going on for 20 years, facing many obstacles and delays in reaching an agreement.
Signing of Treaty
On 20 September, during the annual meeting of world leaders at the General Assembly, the treaty will be open for signature, signaling countries' commitment to its principles.
The treaty will come into force after 60 countries have ratified it, indicating their willingness to abide by its provisions and actively contribute to marine conservation efforts.
Need of Oceans Protection
The ocean plays a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of three billion people worldwide and serves as a vital ecosystem that sustains human life and economic well-being.
The ocean is a fundamental source of food and economic security for millions of people.
Its ecosystems, including fisheries and aquaculture, provide sustenance and income for communities globally.
It has absorbed approximately 93% of the heat generated by greenhouse gases, helping to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
It serves as a source of resources such as energy, minerals, and materials that are crucial for various industries and economic sectors.
7. Bureau of Indian Standards makes license mandatory for 24 footwear products
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license will be mandatory for 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023.
An overview of the news
Small-scale footwear manufacturers will have to comply by January 1, 2024, while micro-footwear industries will be subject to mandatory quality standards from July 1, 2024.
It aims to reduce sub-standard imports, especially from countries like China.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this Quality Control Order (QCO) will ensure production of high quality footwear domestically and curb substandard imports.
QCO for footwear and related products
The QCO for 24 footwear and related products was initially notified in October 2020.
The 24 footwear products covered by the quality standards include rubber gum boots, PVC sandals, rubber thongs, chappals, molded plastic footwear, footwear used for municipal cleaning work, sports footwear, derby shoes, riot-proof shoes and molded Includes solid rubber sole.
At present, 27 out of 54 footwear products are covered by QCO, and the remaining 27 more footwear products will be covered within the next six months.
BIS has revised five footwear specification standards, giving the industry an additional time of six months till January 1, 2024, to comply with the QCOs.
To support the implementation and testing of footwear products, testing facilities have been set up at two BIS laboratories, two Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) laboratories, Central Leather Research Institute and eleven private laboratories.
In addition, mandatory compliance of quality standards for "protective clothing for fire fighting" and "19 products related to geotextiles" will come into effect from October this year.
At present, 470 products are covered under mandatory quality standards, and BIS has shared additional 600 products with ministries to bring them under QCO.
‘Manak Rath' Online Exchange Forum
Additionally, BIS has launched an online exchange forum called 'Manak Rath' on its website, which provides a platform for users to connect and share their views.
Student members of Standard Clubs can participate in various activities and competitions, with the opportunity to win exciting prizes.
About Bureau of Indian Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
Established- 23 December 1986
8. Bureau of Indian Standards makes license mandatory for 24 footwear products
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license will be mandatory for 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023.
An overview of the news
Small-scale footwear manufacturers will have to comply by January 1, 2024, while micro-footwear industries will be subject to mandatory quality standards from July 1, 2024.
It aims to reduce sub-standard imports, especially from countries like China.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this Quality Control Order (QCO) will ensure production of high quality footwear domestically and curb substandard imports.
QCO for footwear and related products
The QCO for 24 footwear and related products was initially notified in October 2020.
The 24 footwear products covered by the quality standards include rubber gum boots, PVC sandals, rubber thongs, chappals, molded plastic footwear, footwear used for municipal cleaning work, sports footwear, derby shoes, riot-proof shoes and molded Includes solid rubber sole.
At present, 27 out of 54 footwear products are covered by QCO, and the remaining 27 more footwear products will be covered within the next six months.
BIS has revised five footwear specification standards, giving the industry an additional time of six months till January 1, 2024, to comply with the QCOs.
To support the implementation and testing of footwear products, testing facilities have been set up at two BIS laboratories, two Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) laboratories, Central Leather Research Institute and eleven private laboratories.
In addition, mandatory compliance of quality standards for "protective clothing for fire fighting" and "19 products related to geotextiles" will come into effect from October this year.
At present, 470 products are covered under mandatory quality standards, and BIS has shared additional 600 products with ministries to bring them under QCO.
‘Manak Rath' Online Exchange Forum
Additionally, BIS has launched an online exchange forum called 'Manak Rath' on its website, which provides a platform for users to connect and share their views.
Student members of Standard Clubs can participate in various activities and competitions, with the opportunity to win exciting prizes.
About Bureau of Indian Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
Established- 23 December 1986
9. Joint Exercise 'Khaan Quest’ 2023'
Tags: Defence International News
With the participation of military contingents and observers from more than 20 countries, the multinational peacekeeping joint exercise "Ex Khan Quest 2023" began in Mongolia on 19 June.
An overview of the news
The ceremony was inaugurated by Mongolian President Ukhnagin Khurelsukh at the exercise site.
The exercise is jointly sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
The Indian Army is being represented by a contingent of the Garhwal Rifles.
Purpose of the exercise
The 14-day exercise aims to improve interoperability among the participating countries, facilitate exchange of experiences and provide training to uniformed personnel for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
Significance of exercise
The exercise will help prepare participants for future UN peacekeeping operations, enhance peacekeeping capabilities and improve military preparedness.
It includes various activities like Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercise (FTX), Combat Discussion, Lectures and Demonstrations.
This military exercise will strengthen defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the participating countries, especially the Mongolian Armed Forces, thereby enhancing bilateral relations between India and Mongolia.
About Mongolia
It is located in North Central Asia.
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Currency: Tugrik
President: Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh
10. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam commissions first solar rooftop project at IIT Jodhpur
Tags: National National News
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) commissioned its first rooftop solar PV project at IIT Jodhpur, Rajasthan on June 14, 2023.
An overview of the news
The 1 MW grid-connected solar project has been implemented by NVVN under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model.
The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) duration for the project is 25 years.
NVVN, an arm of state-run power producer NTPC, is responsible for the project implementation.
The rooftop solar project is installed on the roofs of 14 buildings within the IIT Jodhpur campus.
The project is expected to generate around 14.9 lakh units of electricity annually, meeting 15% of IIT Jodhpur's electricity requirement.
The rooftop project will contribute to a reduction of 1,060 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
NVVN was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC in 2002 to explore the potential of power trading in India.
