CCEA
Cabinet approves
construction of 540 Megawatt Kwar Hydro Electric project through M/s. Chenab
valley Power Projects Private Limited
Project expected to generate 1975 million units of electricity
Kwar project to be commissioned in 54 months
Construction activities of project to result in jobs to 2500 persons and
overall social economic development of UT of Jammu & Kashmir
The Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra
Modi, today has approved the investment of Rs.4526.12 crore for 540 Megawatt
(MW) Kwar Hydro Electric Project located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar district
of Union Territory of Jammy and Kashmir.
Why is it in news?
The project will be
implemented by M/s. Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (M/s. CVPPL) a
joint venture company between NHPC and JKSPDC with equity contribution of
51% and 49% respectively on 27.04.2022. The project shall generate 1975.54
million units in a 90% dependable year.
Highlights
·
Government of India
is extending grant of Rs.69.80 crore towards cost of Enabling Infrastructure
and also supporting the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir by providing
grant of Rs.655.08 crore for Equity contribution of JKSPDC (49%) in M/s.
CVPPPL.
·
NHPC shall invest
its equity (51%) of Rs.681.82 crore from its internal resources.
·
The Kwar Hydro
Electric Project shall be commissioned with a span of 54 months.
·
The Power generated
from the Project will help in balancing of Grid and will improve the power
supply position.
·
Government of UT of
J&K to make the Project viable, extending exemption form levy of Water
Usage Charges for 10 years after commissioning of the project, reimbursement of
State’s share of GST (i.e. SGST) and waiver of free power @2% per year in a
decremental manner, i.e. the free power to the Union Territory of Jammu &
Kashmir would be 2% in the 1st year after commissioning of
Project and thereafter shall increase @2% per year and shall be 12% from 6th year
onwards.
·
The construction
activities of the Project will result in direct and indirect employment to
around 2500 persons and will contribute in overall socio-economic development
of the Union Territory of J&K. Further, UT of J&K will be
benefitted of Jammu & Kashmir with free power of around Rs.4,548.59 crore
and Rs.4,941.46 crore with Water Usage Charges from Kwar Hydro Electric
Project, during project life cycle of 40 years.
Sanjeevani
Prime Minister addresses at
the opening of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Fiji
“The Hospital is a symbol of the relationship between the two countries,
another chapter in the shared journey of India and Fiji”
“The Children’s Heart Hospital is one of its kind not only in Fiji but in the
entire South Pacific region”
“Sathya Sai Baba freed spiritualism from rituals and linked it with people’s
welfare”
“I consider it my great fortune that I got the constant blessings of Sathya Sai
Baba and am getting them even today”
“India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect and strong people to people
ties”
The Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi, addressed at the opening of Shri Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani
Hospital in Fiji today via a video message.
Why is it in news?
Speaking on the
occasion, the Prime Minster thanked the Prime Minister of Fiji and people of
Fiji for the hospital and said that the hospital is a symbol of the
relationship between the two countries, another chapter in the shared journey
of India and Fiji.
The Children’s Heart Hospital is one of its
kind not only in Fiji but in the entire South Pacific region. The Prime
Minister said “for region, where heart related diseases are major challenge,
this hospital will be a way of giving new life to thousands of children.” He
also expressed satisfaction that not only the children will get world-class
treatment but all surgeries will be done free of cost and for that he
appreciated Sai Prem Foundation, Fiji, Government of Fiji and Shri Sathya
Sai Sanjivini Children’s Heart Hospital of India.
Highlights
·
The Prime Minister
bowed to Brahmleen Sri Sathya Sai Baba whose sapling of human service has grown
into a huge banyan tree, serving entire humanity. The Prime Minister recalled
that “Sri Sathya Sai Baba freed spiritualism from rituals and linked it with
people’s welfare. His work in the areas of education, health, for poor and
deprived inspires us even today.”
·
Shri Modi also
remembered the services of the Sai devotees during the time of Gujarat
earthquake. The Prime Minister said “I consider it my great fortune that I got
the constant blessings of Sahtya Sai Baba and am getting it even today.”
·
The Prime Minister
said that the shared legacy of India Fiji relation is based the sense of
service of humanity. India could fulfil its obligations during the pandemic
based on these values as we could provide medicines to 150 countries and about
100 million vaccines to about 100 countries. Fiji has always been prioritized
in such efforts, he said.
·
The Prime Minister
continued to dwell on the depth of relationship between the two countries. He
said despite the vast ocean separating the two countries, our culture has kept
us connected and our relations are based on mutual respect and strong people to
people ties. He acknowledged the privilege of India getting opportunities to contribute
in the socio-economic development of Fiji.
·
Prime Minister Modi
greeted the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji on his birthday today and
expressed the hope that under his leadership, the relationship between the two
countries will continue to get stronger.
Vice President calls for responsible media coverage
Vice President calls for
responsible media coverage
VP expresses his concern over growing sensationalism in media
Freedom of press is indispensable to democracy: VP
Vice President inaugurates 100 Metre Tower for 10 KW FM Operation at the AIR FM
Station Nellore
The Vice President,
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today called upon the media to follow values of ethical
journalism and be responsible in their coverage of news.
Why is it in news?
Expressing his
concern over the tendency to exaggerate and sensationalise news, he said that
it is tantamount to misinforming the public. At times, such misinformation can
cause panic, he said and added “be closer to the truth and stay away from
sensation”.
Minister For Agriculture
& Cooperation, Marketing, Food Processing, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Shri
Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh MLA, Shri Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, CEO,
Prasar Bharati, Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati, DG, All India Radio, Shri N.
Venudhar Reddy, and other dignitaries were present during the event.
Highlights
·
Shri Naidu
inaugurated a 100 Metre Tower for 10 KW FM Operation at the All India Radio FM
Station in Nellore today.
·
Soon after arriving
at the AIR studio, Shri Naidu gave a special address through live broadcast and
dedicated the FM tower to the people of Nellore.
·
He expressed
happiness that the station he laid the foundation for when he was the Minister
of Information & Broadcasting is operational today.
·
Addressing a
gathering later, Shri Naidu stressed that freedom of press is indispensable in
a democracy.
·
He said the media
plays a vital role in educating the people on various issues and strengthening
democracy. In this context, he underlined the critical role of broadcast media
in the national development.
·
Noting the
widespread reach of the media in the digital age , Shri Naidu advised the media
to reflect the realities of society and always remain wedded to cardinal
principles of journalism.
·
There is also a
need for the media to introspect and self-regulate.
·
He also suggested
that people should encourage media organisations that follow honest and ethical
journalism.
·
Reflecting on the
falling standards in TV debates, he called for more meaningful and respectful
discussions on important national issues.
·
Reminding that
India has 60 percent rural population, he called upon all media organisations
to focus more on the issues of rural India.
·
Touching upon the
rise of social media, he expressed his concern over the phenomenon of fake news
and said that people should not forward unverified and unsubstantiated
information to others.
·
The Vice President
noted the popularity of radio and its importance in educating people on various
issues.
·
He recalled how
radio has been instrumental in giving recognition to many artists as well as
bringing extension services closer to farmers.
