Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, 24×7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘kiran’, The First World Solar Technology Summit, Water Metro Project, Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project, First International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV)
Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) by DRDO
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha.
- The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometres (km), where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number.
- The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned.
- The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at a velocity of six times the speed of sound i.e., nearly 02 km/second for more than 20 seconds.
- The critical events like fuel injection and auto ignition of scramjet demonstrated technological maturity.
- The scramjet engine performed in a text book manner.
- The parameters of launch and cruise vehicle, including scramjet engine was monitored by multiple tracking radars, electro-optical systems and Telemetry Stations.
- The scramjet engine worked at high dynamic pressure and at very high temperature.
- A Ship was also deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the performance during the cruise phase of hypersonic vehicle.
- All the performance parameters have indicated a resounding success of the mission.
- With this successful demonstration, many critical technologies such as aerodynamic configuration for hypersonic manoeuvers, use of scramjet propulsion for ignition and sustained combustion at hypersonic flow, thermo-structural characterisation of high temperature materials, separation mechanism at hypersonic velocities etc. were proven.
- On this successful demonstration, the country enters into the hypersonic regime paving way for advanced hypersonic Vehicles and HSTDV mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening Nation’s defence capabilities.
First International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
The very first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies has been held on September 7th, 2020.
Aims:
- Raise public awareness at all levels—individual, community, corporate and government—that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment.
- Demonstrate the close link of air quality to other environmental/developmental challenges such as – most and foremost – climate change and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
- Promote and facilitate solutions that improve air quality by sharing actionable knowledge best practices, innovations, and success stories.
- Bring together diverse international actors working on this topic to form a strategic alliance to gain momentum for concerted national, regional and international approaches for effective air quality management.
The first celebration will set a precedent for an important and exciting new international day for clean air to be celebrated annually.
- The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution to hold an International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on December 19, 2019, during its 74th session and invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of the International Day, in collaboration with other relevant organisations.
- The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) worked with UNEP and the Republic of Korea to advocate for the day in the lead up to the decision.
- WHO is working with BreatheLife partners to coordinate activities for the day.
- Further, first ever International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that the government is committed to reduce the Air pollution level in 122 most polluted cities.
- Underscoring the problem of Air Pollution the Environment Minister said that in 2014, the government launched the Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring and today we are tracking the levels of Pollution on eight parameters.
- However, the country now having migrated to BS-VI standards, quality petrol and diesel is provided in the country, which is an important initiative to fight against pollution.
- Stressing that States must now work with city specific plans, as every city has different source of pollution.
- The use of electric vehicle must be encouraged.
- Brick kilns in various states should adopt zig zag technology to reduce pollution emerging out of them.
- Car-pooling and use of public transport must be promoted.
- In January 2019, the Environment Ministry had launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to tackle the problem of air pollution in a comprehensive manner with a target to achieve 20 to 30 percent reduction in PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as base year.
- The plan identified earlier 102 non-attainment cities, across 23 States and Union Territories.
- 20 more non-attainment cities have been included under NCAP based on latest data trend on air quality.
- The General Assembly of United Nations on 19 December 2019 adopted a resolution to observe the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on 07th September every year starting from 2020.
$82 million loan for implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project
- The Government of India, the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank today signed $82 million loan for the implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project which will strengthen transport and road safety institutions of Himachal Pradesh by improving the condition, safety, resilience, and engineering standards of state road network.
- The Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project will finance initiatives to build climate and disaster resilient roads, improve road safety along tourism corridors in Himachal, enhance logistics along fruit belts; and support the government’s initiative to create a corporate entity responsible for ensuring well-performing roads.
- A third of the maintenance contracts under the project will be awarded to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- The economic growth of any region is closely linked to its road infrastructure.
- However, the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh with its rich horticulture and tourism potential requires well-constructed, well connected, climate resilient and safe roads.
- This project will help the state develop reliable, resilient and safe roads which is crucial for the economic development of the state.
- This project will also support the Government of Himachal Pradesh to provide greater opportunity to smallholder farmers access domestic and international agricultural markets, attract private investments to enhance value chains and increase jobs and farmers incomes.
- Further, Himachal Pradesh, a mountain state richly endowed with natural resources, often faces landslides and flash floods that affect its road connectivity.
- Cloud bursts, more extreme river flows and flooding cause landslides and erosion of embankments and loss of roads or bridges.
- These events are projected to increase over the next few decades as a result of climate change.
- To protect against landslides and floods, the project will implement engineering solutions that are plant and natural-based as well as control vehicular emission to address climate risks.
- As there is no early warning system in the state, landslides cause fatal accidents.
- Hence, during the snow and rainy season, transportation of agricultural products and tourists, is either terminated or delivered at a high cost.
- Measures such as creating an emergency response crew, upgrading drainage structures and protecting slide prone areas will help build resilient road infrastructure.
- Reorganising Himachal Pradesh Road & Other Infrastructure Development Corporation (HPRIDC) and HP Motor Vehicle Administration as corporate entities, will also support greater transparency and accountability in promoting innovative development solutions.
- Recognising that road safety is a critical issue, the project will enhance the state’s ability to systematically identify, analyse, develop and prioritize critical road safety measures that will benefit all road users.
- The ‘Safe Systems’ approach will be adopted in selected districts and heavily trafficked corridors.
- The state highway patrol will be trained and equipped with surveillance gear.
- An emergency response system will be established to help connect accident sites with dedicated hospitals for post-crash care and data collection.
- The $82 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 15 years including a grace period of 5 years.
Kochi Water Metro Project at Thykoodam-Petta stretch of Kochi Metro
- KMRL is all set to implement Kochi Water Metro Project at the cost of Rs 747 crore with the financial assistance of German Bank, KFW.
- Kochi is the first city in the country wherein water transport has been integrated as a feeder service to the metro.
- Kochi Metro has dedicated walls for the fishermen community who saved thousands during the 2018 Kerala floods.
- KMRL has engaged persons from the LGBT community in its operations, thus becoming the first organisation to appoint transgender persons in the country.
- Kochi Metro’s another unique feature is its themed metro stations.
- Base on the core theme of Western Ghats Kochi Metro has selected various themes such as Kerala’s heritage, culture, art etc.
- For the Petta Metro Station KMRL has chosen Fishing as the theme with a dedication to the fishermen community of the state.
- The Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system is a critical core component of any Metro system.
- KMRL has developed a unique PPP model where in the capital investment as well as the maintenance cost is taken care by a bank and in return the bank to have a co-branded card for Kochi Metro System.
- This was the first time such an innovate model was launched and is expected to change funding models for AFC systems in the metro industry globally.
The First World Solar Technology Summit
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation.
- ISA was jointly launched by India and France in the presence of Secretary General of the UN during CoP21.
- The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its Member Countries.
- The major objectives of the organisation include deployment of 1000 GW of solar capacity and mobilisation of US$ 1000 billion of investment in solar energy sector by 2030.
- As on June 26 2020, the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 86 countries, with 68 having also deposited instruments of ratification.
- ISA is headquartered at Gurugram in Haryana, India.
- The first World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) being organised by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on September 08, 2020.
- The Summit aims to bring together key stakeholders – leading academic scientists, technology developers, researchers and innovators to present and discuss the recent highlights of solar technologies, cost-wise, technology-wise, technology transfers, challenges and concerns in the field.
- The main objective of WSTS is to showcase to member countries the state of the art and next-generation solar technologies worldwide and to give an opportunity to decision-makers and stakeholders to meet, and discuss their own priorities and strategic agenda towards a larger integration.
- The valedictory session of the WSTS will be marked by the presence of high -level representatives of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline 'kiran' -(1800-599-0019)
- The 24×7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ (1800-500-0019) was launched by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment to provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness.
- The Kiran Helpline will offer mental health rehabilitation services with the objective of early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental wellbeing, promoting positive behaviours, psychological crisis management etc.
- It aims at serving people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, pandemic induced psychological issues & mental health emergencies.
- It will function as a lifeline to provide 1st stage advice, counseling and reference in 13 languages to individuals, families, NGOs, Parent Associations, Professional Associations, Rehabilitation Institutes, Hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country.
- This Helpline will be very useful for family members of persons with mental illness so.
- This Toll Free Helpline will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Technical Coordination of BSNL.
- 25 Institutions including 8 National Institutes are involved in this Helpline.
- It is backed by 660 Clinical / Rehabilitation Psychologists and 668 Psychiatrists.
- The 13 languages covered in the Helpline are: Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu and English.
- The Helpline operates in this way: Dial Toll- Free number 1800-599-0019 from any mobile or land line of any telecom network from any part of India. After welcome message, select language by pressing correct button; after the language selection, Select State/UT, you will get connected to the Helpline Centre of native or desired state, Mental health expert will help to resolve the issue or refer/connect to external help (Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/Psychiatrist).
- The objectives of the Helpline are Early Screening, First Aid, Psychological support, Distress management, Mental well-being; Preventing deviant behaviours, Psychological crisis management and Referral to mental health experts.
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index and India
- NITI Aayog as the nodal agency has been assigned the responsibility of leveraging the monitoring mechanism of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to drive reforms.
- Global MPI is part of Government of India’s decision to monitor the performance of the country in 29 select Global Indices.
- The objective of the “Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG)” exercise is to fulfil the need to measure and monitor India’s performance on various important social and economic parameters and enable the utilisation of these Indices as tools for self-improvement, bring about reforms in policies, while improving last-mile implementation of government schemes.
- Global MPI is an international measure of multidimensional poverty covering 107 developing countries and was first developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP’s Human Development Reports.
- The Global MPI is released at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development of the United Nations in July, every year.
- Global MPI is computed by scoring each surveyed household on 10 parameters based on -nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing and household assets.
- It utilises the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) which is conducted under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS).
- According to Global MPI 2020, India is 62nd among 107 countries with an MPI score of 0.123 and 27.91% headcount ratio, based on the NFHS 4 (2015/16) data.
- Neighbouring countries like
Sri Lanka (25th),
Bhutan (68th),
Nepal (65th),
Bangladesh (58th),
China (30th),
Myanmar (69th) and
Pakistan (73rd) are also ranked in this index
- The latest NFHS 5 (2019/20) is set to see remarkable national improvement brought about by focused schemes and interventions in these parameters since NFHS 4, especially in sanitation, cooking fuel, housing, drinking water and electricity. The survey has been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- As the Nodal agency for the MPI, NITI Aayog has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC).
