BIHAR
Sales in automobile sector down by over 60% in Patna
The automobile sector in Bihar has been severely hit by the Covid-induced lockdown. It has been almost five weeks since the state government allowed the automobile showrooms to open on alternate days, but the footfall is still low. All major automobile dealers in the state capital report consistent losses and difficulties in making recovery.
Industry experts say people, especially of the middle and the lower-middle class, have become more judicious with their expenditure. It has been reflecting in the steep fall in sales of lower and mid-range vehicles.
INTERNATIONAL
Seventh Edition of IONS in France
The seventh edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), concluded in France on July 01, 2021. This time, the biennial meeting was hosted by the French Navy at La Réunion from June 28 to July 01, 2021.
Highlights:
From India, Admiral Karambir Singh, Naval Staff Chief, Indian Navy, participated in the inaugural session of the tournament virtually. France is the present chair of the Symposium, which assumed the Chairmanship on 29 June 2021 for a two-year tenure.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a collection of biennial meetings, held between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region, to develop maritime cooperation amongst Navies of the member states, via offering an open and inclusive discussion board for discussion of domestically relevant maritime troubles such as maritime safety cooperation, talk about regional maritime issues, and promote friendly relationships.
The first symposium was held in the year 2008 with India as host. The chairmanship and region of the Symposium rotate between the variety of member states.
NATIONAL
MoU Approved by the Cabinet
The Union Cabinet has approved the following Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between India and various countries.
India and Nepal:
♦ India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC).
India and Myanmar:
♦ A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Medical Research (DMR) of Myanmar’s Ministry of Health and Sports.
The Gambia and India:
♦ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, GOI, and the Public Service Commission, Office of the President, Republic of The Gambia.
Departure of INS Sarvekshak
After completing survey assistance, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sarvekshak departs Colombo.
Highlights:
♦ The Indian Navy’s Hydrographic Survey Ship Sarvekshak completed survey work around the site of the Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, which caught fire off the coast of Colombo.
The survey of the wreckage area would allow for the issuance of advisories to both mariners and fishermen, as well as the subsequent removal of debris by Sri Lankan authorities, ensuring the navigational safety of marine traffic using Colombo port
About INS Sarvekshak:
♦ The Indian Navy’s Hydrographic Survey Ship, INS Sarvekshak, is based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
♦ It is equipped with the most advanced measurement equipment, such as deep-sea multi-beam echo sounder system, side scan sonar, sound velocity profiler and fully automatic digital measurement and processing system. In addition, the ship is also equipped with a Chetak helicopter.
Nominations of Sardar Patel National Unity Award
Until 15th August 2021, the nominations for the 2021-Sardar Patel National Unity Award are being accepted.
About Sardar Patel National Unity Award:
♦ The Sardar Patel National Unity Award is India’s highest civilian award for contributions to the country’s unity and integrity.
♦ The award was established by the Centre in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister.
♦ This award aims to recognize significant and inspiring contributions to the promotion of the cause of national unity and integrity and the strengthening of the values of a strong and united nation.
First Green Hydrogen Mobility Project of India
NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UT of Ladakh and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to establish India’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility project. Leh will be the first city in India to implement a zero-emission green hydrogen mobility project. In the beginning, NTPC intends to operate 5 hydrogen buses. The first solar installations by NTPC in Leh, in the form of solar trees and a solar carport, were also unveiled.
Blue hydrogen is hydrogen that is produced from fossil fuels and has carbon capture and storage capabilities.
Green hydrogen is hydrogen that is produced entirely from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
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