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Green Charcoal Hackathon launched to reduce carbon footprint

Green Charcoal Hackathon launched to reduce carbon footprint

New Delhi (NVI): In a bid to reduce carbon footprint, Union Power Minister RK Singh today launched Green Charcoal Hackathon, which would focus on innovative ways to convert farm residue into green charcoal.

In this direction, NVVN (NTPC VidyutVyapar Nigam), a wholly-owned subsidiary company of NTPC Ltd, in partnership with EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited) organised the technology challenge named as Green Charcoal Hackathon.

The purpose of the event is to leverage the innovative Indian mind to bridge the technology gap, with the prime objective to clean the air by eliminating farm fire, producing renewable energy out of the agro residue, to promote local entrepreneurship, and to increase the income of the farmers, the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

“The Hackathon displays the spirit of innovation, which pervades NTPC. Any organisation has to have this spirit of innovation to grow and prosper or otherwise, it would fade away. I am sure that the NTPC management has told all young engineers that innovation and new ideas are encouraged,” Union Power Minister RK Singh said on the occasion.

“This (Hackathon) is also innovation in the pursuit of reducing our carbon footprint. From that point of view, all competitors in the Hackathon should keep in mind that the process of converting this (agro residue) to charcoal should not lead to emissions. Another key thing is the commercial model, which will depend on the cost of both the machine and charcoal production. I am sure we will come out with a machine which is economical. I am happy to see the orientation of NTPC towards reducing carbon foot print,” he added.

Also present on the occasion, Ashish Upadhyay, Additional Secretary of Power said, “The NTPC Group needs to focus on integrated and smart solutions to manage a carbon-neutral economy. I am confident that NTPC will be able to successfully implement and commercialise the technology which will benefit farmers, the environment as well as the society”.

The increasing air pollution due to the burning of stubble and agro residue by local farmers has become a major concern for the country. As a result, NVVN is looking for technologies to convert the agricultural waste to a form that can be used in the power plants in form of the Green Charcoal Hackathon. One such option is torrefaction which converts the agro residue to green charcoal.

The technology to produce torrefied fuel using agro residue biomass is not easily accessible to small entrepreneurs due to the higher cost of imported machines, lack of sufficient manufacturers. The technology to produce torrefied fuel using agro residue biomass once developed in India will be made accessible to small entrepreneurs.

-ARK

India condemns missile strike on oil facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah

New Delhi (NVI): India today condemned a missile attack targeting the Aramco oil facility in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, saying that New Delhi stands in solidarity with the Saudi government against such attacks.

While responding to a media query on the November 23 missile strike, that targetted Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: ” We strongly condemn the missile attack targeting the Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on 23 November 2020. We stand in solidarity with the friendly Government and people of Saudi Arabia against any such attacks.”

Saudi Arabia had said that it intercepted missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Even as no one was in the explosion or blaze, Saudi Aramco needed about 40 minutes to put out the fire caused by the missile strike on the fuel depot in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, as per reports in foreign media.

Experts have pointed out a sophisticated attack on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.

Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack. A similar attack took place on Aramco’s Abqaiq oil-processing plant and Khurais field in September 2019. Missiles and armed drones had temporarily knocked out about half of Saudi Arabia’s oil-production capacity and briefly caused crude prices to soar in that attack.

-ARK

Youth critical after shot at by militants in Srinagar

Bomb disposal squad

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): A 24-year-old youth was critically injured after unidentified militants fired at him in Buchpora area of Central Kashmir’s Srinagar district this evening, police officials said.

A senior police officer said that militants fired upon a man identified as Nadif Khan, a resident of Bilal colony in Soura, Buchpora, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately rushed to SKIMS, Soura for treatment.

Medical Superintendent at SKIMS Dr. Farooq Jan said Nadif Khan has fire arm injury and his condition is serious.

Meanwhile, the whole area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.

-ARK

Around 49% voter turnout in 2nd phase of DDC polls in J&K: SEC

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir recorded 48.2 % voter turnout in the second phase of District Development Council (DDC) election today, State Election Commissioner KK Sharma said.

In the first phase of DDC polls held in the Union Territory, held on Saturday, 51.76% voter turnout was recorded.

While addressing a press conference here, SEC Sharma said that a large number of people came out to cast their votes during the second phase. Long queues were seen right from the morning, despite severe cold conditions in Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu division.

Polling was peaceful in all 43 constituencies of DDC. A total of 3,77,401 voters including 2,01,792 males and 1,75,609 females out of 7,95,118 voters, voted to choose their representatives in their respective councils, the SEC said. He also informed that polling was held on 2,142 polling stations including 1,305 from Kashmir division and 837 from Jammu division.

The SEC further said that the Jammu division recorded an average voter turnout of 65.54% with Poonch district recording the highest percentage of 75.07% followed by Jammu district with 69.97%. The lowest turnout in Jammu division was in Kathua district which recorded 60.10%. The Kashmir Division recorded 33.34 % voter turnout. Bandipora district recorded highest polling at 69.66 %, followed by Kupwara district at 58.69% and Ganderbal with around 49.14% polling in the second phase of elections.

Giving the district wise detail, the SEC said that in Kashmir Division, the polling percentage recorded in Budgam was 43.51%, Srinagar 33.78%, Kulgam 29.90%, Baramulla 28.95%, Shopian 17.28%, Anantnag 16.09%, and Pulwama 8.67%.


Similarly, in Jammu division, the poll percentage of 61.64% was recorded in Kishtwar, 64.80% in Doda, 66.23% in Ramban, 62.51% in Udhampur, 66.38% in Samba and 69.27 in Reasi and 60.21% in Rajouri.

Further, he said that counting of votes for Sarpanch and Panch constituencies, which went to polls in the second phase, is being conducted immediately after the close of polls and results shall be declared then and there only.

-ARK

India-China face-off continues; LAC becomes like LoC

Chinese troops

New Delhi (NVI): With the ‘no-war, no-peace’ status prevailing on the Eastern Ladakh border, the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China in that sector has now become similar to that of the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, where troops are in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation all the time.

It is already eight months since mobilisation of troops began in the Eastern Ladakh sector, with China launching military aggression and prompting India to make the mirror deployment of forces to prevent any unilateral change in the LAC. And it seems the same situation is going to continue as there is no resolution in sight even as harsh winter has set in.

The situation on the LAC in the mountainous Eastern Ladakh sector is now similar to the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir where troops are deployed all the time on mountain peaks, in high alert. According to estimates, there are around 50,000 troops deployed on both sides of the LAC, along with assets like fighter planes and artillery guns.

Till May, the LAC had a different character, with the agreements between India and China mandating that the troops would not be in a face-to-face deployment and soldiers of the either side could patrol up to certain points and return to pre-determined positions.

However, that changed after Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched military aggression in a bid to alter the LAC.

There have been eight rounds of talks between India and China at the level of military commanders, besides meetings and discussions at the levels of Defence Minister, External Affairs Minister and National Security Adviser, to resolve the matter but it has not yielded any results so far.

Joint statements issued after the talks have mentioned about agreement to undertake disengagement. A joint statement issued after the eighth round of military commanders’ meeting held on November 6 said the two sides had “candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views” on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of India-China border areas.

Committing to hold the next round of meeting soon, both sides had agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels and taking forward the discussions to push for the settlement of other outstanding issues.

But there has been no progress on the ground and the stalemate continues. The matter is deadlocked over the issue of withdrawal of troops.

According to people in the know, the deadlock persists because China is refusing to withdraw its troops and restore the pre-May status. It wants India to pull back its troops from the friction points first. But India asserts that China should take the lead in pulling back since it had moved its troops forward first.

In view of the deadlock, it is going to be a long haul before the disengagement, if any, takes place.

Meanwhile, the Ladakh is already witnessing extreme cold, with temperature dropping to minus 25 degree Celsius during nights.

The Indian Army has set up facilities to keep its soldiers comfortable on the mountains along the LAC. The accommodation includes heating arrangements keeping in mind that the temperature in the region slips to minus 30-40 degree celsius, along with chilly winds. The arrangement also includes electricity, water, health and hygiene.

PFC wins Gold award for ‘Best performing PSU for covid activities’

Power Ministry

New Delhi (NVI): India’s financial backbone in Power Sector, Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), has won the Gold Award for ‘Best Performing PSU for Covid Activities’.

The award was bestowed for consistent performance by PFC across verticals.

In addition to this, PFC was also presented with the ‘Beacons of Hope- Certificate of Merit’, for its immense contribution on ‘Project for Relief Activities during Covid-19.’

The award is a testimony to the dedication of PFC’s workforce who ensured that the business remained as usual during the testing times and has been consistent in their performance during the coronavirus pandemic.

The awards were presented on November 28 through a virtual platform by SKOCH Group, India’s leading think tank dealing with socio-economic issues with a focus on inclusive growth since 1997.

-CHK

Anti-ship version of BrahMos supersonic missile test-fired by Indian Navy

New Delhi (NVI): Days after testing the land attack version of supersonic BrahMos missile, the Indian Navy today successfully test-fired the naval version of the missile from Andaman Nicobar islands territory.

The DRDO-developed missile was launched from Indian Navy’s INS Ranvijay and it hit the target near the Car Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal, as part of the ongoing series of tests of the supersonic cruise missile.

“Indian Navy hones its combat readiness. #BrahMos AShM launched by #INSRanvijay strikes target ship at max range with pinpoint accuracy in Bay of Bengal,” the Indian Navy tweeted.

The anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with a maximum strike range of 300 kilometers successfully hit its target at around 9.25 am, according to the reports.

Earlier this week, a land-attack version of the BrahMos missile was successfully test-fired from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory. In September and October too, the Indian Army, Navy and IAF versions of the Brahmos were tested.

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the world’s fastest operational system in its class.

In addition, the Defence Research and Development Organisation recently extended the range of the missile system from the existing 298 km to around 450 km.

-RJV/ARK

BSF soldier killed in Pak sniper fire in Poonch

BSF soldier killed in Pak sniper fire in Poonch

Neyaz Elahi

Poonch (NVI): A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, hailing from Manipur, was killed in Pakistani firing in Balakote Sector of Poonch district along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu region today.

Official sources said that a BSF Sub Inspector was killed after sustaining bullet injuries in Tarkundi area of Poonch. The BSF, in a statement, said that Sub Inspector Paotinsat Guite, while deployed at a forward location in Rajouri, laid down his life in the line of duty.

Sub Inspector Paotinsat Guite

“On 1st Dec 2020, Pakistan Army restored to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Rajouri Sector on the Line of Control again, in which BSF Sub Inspector Paotinsat Guite, while deployed at FDL of BSF in Rajouri, attained martyrdom while displaying a conspicuous act of bravery in not only retaliating to the enemy fire but also saved many of his colleague’s lives.

“Martyred SI P Guite had displayed the highest degree of dedication and devotion to duty and laid down his life in the line of duty,” it said.

IG BSF Jammu, NS Jamwal said that the martyred Sub Inspector was a gallant and sincere borderman.

“The nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty. Border Security Force has retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan Army posts. The martyrdom of the Border man will not go in vain. Border Security Force salutes the Braveheart on BSF Raising Day,” he said.

The mortal remains of Paotinsat Guite will be sent by air to Imphal and then to his native place in Manipur, where his last rites will be performed with full state honors, the BSF said.

Since November 13, at least 8 soldiers and 2 BSF personnel have been killed in Pakistan firing along LoC in J&K.

On Nov 13, four soldiers, a BSF soldier and 4 civilians were killed in Pakistan shelling in different locations of North Kashmir.

On Nov 21, a soldier was killed in cross border firing in Lam Sector of Nowshera in Rajouri.

On Nov 26, a JCO was killed in Pakistan firing in Poonch and on Nov 27, two soldiers were killed in Pakistan firing along LoC in Sunderbani in Rajouri.

-ARK

Union Ministers hold meeting with farmers’ unions in Delhi

New Delhi (NVI): As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march by farmers entered the sixth day, Central Government is holding talks with 36 farm unions at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

Three ministers started talks with farmers’ representatives as protests over the new farm laws intensified.

Agriculture minister Narendra Tomar, his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal and junior industry minister Som Prakash are meeting the 36-member team of farmers.

Tomar said the meeting with farmers, which was scheduled for December 3, has been preponed in view of the cold and covid.

The farmer unions had emphasised that their demand for the repeal of the new farm laws was non-negotiable.

Ahead of the meeting, BJP leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Agriculture minister Narendra Tomar and others held a meeting at party chief JP Nadda’s residence today.

On Sunday, the farmers had said they will block five entry points to Delhi: Sonipat, Rohtak, Jaipur, Ghaziabad-Hapur, and Mathura.

The protest – planned for over two months – is said to be supported by around 3 lakh farmers.

Thousands of farmers, who have braved water cannons, tear gas and police barricades, began their protest last week against the farm laws, aimed at doing away with middlemen and allow them to sell produce anywhere in the country.

-CHK

India signs $133 mn loan agreement with ADB to boost Meghalaya’s power supply

power sector
Representational/file image

New Delhi (NVI): The government signed a USD 132.8 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to improve the quality of power and strengthen the power distribution network in India’s north-eastern state of Meghalaya.

The agreement was signed by CS Mohapatra, additional secretary, department of economic affairs and Takeo Konishi, country director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

Mohapatra said that the project supports the state government’s ’24×7 Power for All’ initiative and will help the state reduce its high technical and commercial losses through network strengthening, metering and billing efficiency improvements.

Although Meghalaya has achieved 100 per cent electrification, remote rural areas in the state suffer from frequent power interruptions due to overloaded distribution networks and substations that use outdated technology, resulting in high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, the statement said.

In addition, the Central government and the Meghalaya government embarked on a joint 24×7 power in the state for all initiative to provide uninterrupted, quality, reliable, and affordable power supply to all electricity consumers.

The ministry also informed that, the Meghalaya Power Distribution Sector Improvement project will construct some 23 substation and 45 substations will be renovated and modernized, including the provision of control room equipment and protection systems.

It will install and upgrade 2,214 kilometers of distribution lines and associated facilities covering three out of the six circles in the state. However, the installation of smart meters will benefit about 180,000 households.

Takeo Konishi also said that, “Technological Improvements to the distribution network adapted to extreme weather, introduction of smart meters and online meter reading, billing, and collection systems will help improve operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the state’s distribution system.”

Furthermore, the loan is proposed to be supplemented by a USD 2 million grant from ADB’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction that will finance renewable energy mini-grids for improving power quality and supporting income generation activities, especially for women and other socially disadvantaged groups, the statement read.

The project will also develop a distribution sector road map and a financial road map for the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).

These road maps will further strengthen the capacity of MePDCL to operate and manage the distribution networks, it said.

Established in 1966 is owned by 68 members—49 from the region, ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty, the ministry noted.

-RJV

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