Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 09 March 2024 | Download PDF

• • MethaneSAT, a satellite launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California, will track and measure methane emissions globally.
• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, responsible for 30% of global heating since the Industrial Revolution.

Why Track Methane Emissions?

• Methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
• It contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, which could be contributing to one million premature deaths every year.
• Fossil fuel operations, accounting for about 40% of all human-caused methane emissions, are the main culprits.

About MethaneSAT:

• • Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in partnership with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
  • Will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, monitoring the oil and gas sector.
• Will provide data on methane emissions, their sources, and trends over time, enabling stakeholders and regulators to take action to reduce emissions.

Features of MethaneSAT:

• • Equipped with a high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, enabling it to track methane concentrations as small as three parts per billion.
• Has a wide-camera view of about 200 km by 200 km, allowing it to identify larger emitters known as “super emitters.”

• The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received the first set of six train coaches for its under-construction yellow line.
• These coaches are part of the Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system, enabling driverless operations.

What is CBTC-enabled Driverless Metro Train?

• • Utilizes Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) technology.
  • Relies on radio communication for precise train control.
  • Enables trains to communicate with each other.
• Unattended Train Operations (UTO) automate tasks like door operations and train movement.

• Enhanced Supervision Capability from Operations Control Centre (OCC) ensures effective monitoring and management of train operations.

Manufacturing and Design:

• Manufactured by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, China, in collaboration with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd., India.
• Part of the Make In India Initiative.
• A contract worth Rs 1,578 crore for 216 coaches was secured in 2019.

AI Integration:

• AI technology enhances safety operations on the new line.
• AI algorithms monitor tracks for anomalies using sensor data.
• Cameras on trains capture visual data for real-time analysis of safety concerns.
• Aims to improve track maintenance and ensure safe operations.

Special Features:

• • Hot axle detection system monitors train bearings for overheating.
  • Real-time location displays door status and arrival/departure information.
  • Front and rear-view cameras aid in monitoring boarding and deboarding.
• Emergency Egress Device (EED) allows passengers to request assistance during emergencies.

Operation and Timeline:

• Initially, the train will have a train operator for at least six months before transitioning to fully driverless operations.
• Revenue operations will start with seven trains running at a 15-minute frequency.
• Operational delays have pushed the expected commencement to December 2024.
• Delays are primarily due to slow manufacturing and testing processes.

• India and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, Finland, Norway and Liechtenstein, is likely to sign a long-negotiated free trade agreement on March 10, aimed at increasing trade and investment flows, job creation and economic growth, according to multiple sources.

Key points:

• The proposed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is expected to lead to investments worth $100 billion from the four-country bloc into India over the next 15 years generating an estimated one million jobs, officials said.
• Notably, this FTA marks the first instance where India secures commitments on investment and employment from partner nations.
• Officials anticipate that the pact will help address India’s significant trade deficit with the EFTA bloc.

The Union government has modified the ₹75,000-crore PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the rooftop solar: free electricity scheme.

Key points:

• Initially intended to fully subsidize 1 kW-3 kW solar systems in one crore households, the scheme now contributes up to 60% of the installation costs.
• Interested households must now bear the remaining cost, with a minimum payment of ₹20,000, which can be mitigated through a low-interest, collateral-free loan.
• Eligibility criteria include suitable roof conditions and an existing grid connection. Consumers are still responsible for paying for the net power supplied and consumed via the grid.
• Net-metering allows unused solar power to flow back into the grid, offsetting the household’s electricity bill.
• Twelve public sector banks offer collateral-free loans at 1% above the prevailing RBI repo rate to eligible households.
• A 3 kW-hour system can generate up to 300 units per month, with a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 available.
• Currently, the cost of a rooftop solar system is around ₹50,000 per kW.
• Households can either pay the remaining balance or opt for a loan, with installation and maintenance costs factored in.
• Over 40 lakh registrations have already been received, with installations underway in Gujarat. The target is to reach one crore houses within three years.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has declared the establishment of two National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) for women in honor of International Women’s Day.

Key points:

• These NCOEs will focus on 23 disciplines prioritized for medal-winning potential in global competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics.
• Shri Thakur, addressing the lack of trainers, coaches, and infrastructure at the state level, emphasized the importance of national support for sports development.
• Collaboration between the Central government and state authorities is underway to identify key sports and allocate resources accordingly, ensuring a strategic approach to promoting sports like hockey, boxing, and athletics.
• Efforts are being made to strengthen existing NCOEs and enhance coaching quality in collaboration with national sports federations.
• The Sports Authority of India has established 23 NCOEs across India, equipped with advanced infrastructure, sports science facilities, personalized nutrition plans, and expert coaching staff to nurture promising athletes.

Odisha Regional Specific News

• Kamiya Jani, the founder of CurlyTalesIndia, was honored with the ‘Best Travel Creator’ award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural National Creators Award ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Key points:

• She was one of the 24 individuals recognized by the Prime Minister across 20 categories for their outstanding contributions.
• Kamiya has been actively involved in various fields such as food, travel, lifestyle, and tourism, especially focusing on religious destinations, showcasing the diverse culture and beauty of India through her videos.
• Her work includes a video on the Srimandir Parikrama project, highlighting the decision-making process by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T chairman VK Pandian’s efforts to ensure the project’s timely completion. She has also promoted various temples, religious sites, and heritage places across the country.
• Kamiya’s documentary, ‘Dharohar Bharat Ki,’ which delves into India’s rich history and culture, was shared by the Prime Minister on his social media account.

Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, inaugurated the National Flag Plaza at Mahatma Gandhi Park near Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar.

Key points:

• The plaza, spanning 5,600 square meters, honors the National Flag of India, featuring a towering mast reaching a height of 100 feet.
• The plaza showcases sandstone panels with UV-printed flags from 1907 to 1947, alongside portraits of freedom movement heroes, and inscriptions of “JAI HIND” in 22 Indian languages.
• The initiative was conceptualized by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and executed through collaboration between the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).
• BDA will manage the maintenance of the plaza, which also offers recreational amenities like a children’s play area and a water fountain.
• Located in Mahatma Gandhi Park, the plaza revitalizes the park’s frontage, providing space for gatherings while preserving its greenery.
• This initiative not only adds to Bhubaneswar’s cultural heritage but also strengthens the community’s bond with national symbols.

• Ketaki or kewra flowers, used exclusively once a year on Maha Shivaratri, have flooded the markets in Berhampur.
• The prices of Ketaki flowers have skyrocketed due to the rising demand.

Key points:

According to myth, the Ketaki flower was initially cursed by Lord Shiva and forbidden for any puja. However, after much pleading, the Lord permitted its worship, making Maha Shivratri the only day when these flowers can be offered.

• Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has sanctioned a total of 602 projects for the districts of Sambalpur and Deogarh.
• These projects were approved during the ‘One Day Governance’ initiative aimed at addressing public grievances promptly.

Key points:

• VK Pandian, the chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, mentioned significant decisions taken by the Chief Minister, including increasing social security pensions across all categories by Rs 500, benefiting around 58 lakh beneficiaries, doubling financial assistance under Mamata Yojana from Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000, benefiting women and infants for improved nutrition and health outcomes, and offering loans up to Rs 10 lakh with zero interest for Mission Shakti Self Help Groups.

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