Environment Ministry Amends Emission Norms for Thermal Power Plant

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change extends the compliance timeline of Thermal Power plants with reduced penalties for non-compliance. Previously, the Coal based power plants were advised to be in compliance with the emission norms by December 2022 or closure of the plant.

New Guidelines:
i.Thermal Power Plants are categorized under 3 groups: Category A – Within the 10 km radius of the National Capital region & cities with a million plus population Category B – 10 km radius of critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities Category C – All other plants
Note – Pollutants like Sulphates and Nitrates can travel long distances in air.
ii.All Category A power plants should install emission control equipment by December 31, 2022.
iii.Plants earmarked for retirement, shall comply with the emission norms by December 31, 2025.
iv.Cities with more than 10 lakh population to comply with new emission norms by the end of 2022.

IISc Bangalore and Calcutta University Ranked Best in India : ARWU Ranking 2020

According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2020 (ARWU 2020 also known as Shanghai Ranking) released by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore) was ranked as the best Higher Education Institute in India, while Calcutta University was ranked as the best University in India.

• At the Global Level, Harvard University (USA) was ranked as the Best University followed by Stanford University (USA) & the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom).

• IISc Bangalore was the best ranked Indian Institute at the global level with a ranking in the category 501-600.

SEBI Imposed Rs 25 Crore Fine On Ambanis For Violation Of Takeover Code Regulations In 2000

On 7th April 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) imposed a Rs.25 crores fine on the promoters of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) (Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Nita Ambani, Tina Ambani) for the violation of the takeover code regulations in 2000.

• The imposed penalty will be jointly paid by the 34 individuals named in the SEBI order which includes the mother and children of Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani within 45 days.

RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo Retires

On 2nd April, 2021 Reserve Bank of India’s Deputy Governor, B P Kanungo retired after serving as Deputy governor for 4 years. He was appointed as Deputy governor in April 2017.

• As a Deputy Governor, he was in charge of various portfolios including currency management, external investments, operations, payment, and settlement system.

• All his portfolios were reshuffled among the other 3 deputy governors – Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Patra and Rajeshwar Rao.

 

Nethra Kumanan Becomes 1st Indian woman Sailor to Qualify for Olympics

Nethra Kumanan (23 years old) became the 1st Indian woman sailor to qualify for the Olympics under the laser radial category. She will be the 10th Indian to qualify for a sailing event in the Olympics. She secured the place through her performance at the Mussanah Open Championship, a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

• 4 Indian Sailors including Nethra were qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

• Vishnu Saravanan (Laser Standard) and the pair of Ganapathy Chengappa and Varun Thakkar (49er Class) qualified during the Asian Qualifiers held in Oman.

• For the first time India will be competing in more than 1 sailing event at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

 “Akhtari: The Life and Music of Begum Akhtar”, a New Book Tributed to Singer Padma Shri Begum Akhtar

“Akhtari: The Life and Music of Begum Akhtar” a new book to remember about the life and singing experience of great Indian Singer Begum Akhtar or Akhtari Bai Faizabadi.It was edited by Yatindra Mishra and published by HarperCollins India.

About the Book:-This book is a tribute to Begum Akhtar, featuring essays on her life and music, remembrances by those who knew her well, and interviews with the legend herself.

• It was originally written in Hindi and is now available in English which set to be released on April 30, 2021.

• The translators Shuchita Mital, Madhu B Joshi, Shubhangi Mishra, and Maneesha Taneja had done translation works to read it in Hindi and English respectively.

World Table Tennis Day 2021 – April 6

World Table Tennis Day(WTTD) is annually observed across the globe on 6th April to promote table tennis globally to be played in every part of the world. The day also marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

CRPF Valour Day 2021 – April 9

The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) Valour Day is annually observed across India on 9th April to honour the valour of the Martyrs and the bravehearts of the 2 CRPF companies who fought against Pakistan at Sardar Post, Gujarat in 1965.

• The day is also known as the Shaurya Diwas.

• The 9th April 2021 marks the observance of the 56th CRPF Valour Day.

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