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- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) recently announced the successful completion of the trial run for Unit 2 (200 MW) of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project located in Himachal Pradesh.
- About the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project:
- The Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project (Stage II) is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project currently under construction in Sainj, Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The project aims to utilize the hydroelectric potential of the lower reaches of the Parbati River, a major tributary of the Beas River.
- The river will be diverted via a concrete gravity dam located at Village Pulga in the Parbati Valley, with a 31.52 km long head race tunnel. The powerhouse will be situated at Village Suind in the Sainj Valley.
- Key Details:
- Total Capacity: 800 MW (comprising four units of 200 MW each)
- Expected Annual Generation: Approximately 3,074 million units (MU) of electricity upon full commissioning
- Ownership: The project is being developed and fully owned by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), with a 100% stake.
- The Parbati-II project was first initiated in 2003, with its commissioning initially targeted for 2010. However, the project has faced multiple delays due to a range of challenges, including tunneling issues, water and silt seepage, flash floods, cloudbursts, and unfavorable geological conditions.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in the biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, aimed at enhancing its skills alongside a dozen other nations, including the US, Israel, and France.
- About INIOCHOS:
- INIOCHOS is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force of Greece. The exercise serves as a platform for various air forces to enhance their operational skills, share tactical knowledge, and strengthen military cooperation.
- INIOCHOS-25:
- Location: The exercise will be held at Andravida Air Base, located in the historic Elis region of Greece.
- Participants: The exercise will feature air and surface assets from fifteen countries, including Greece, India, France, Israel, and the US, engaged in realistic combat scenarios designed to replicate modern air warfare challenges.
- IAF Involvement: The Indian Air Force will participate with its Su-30 MKI fighter jets, along with combat-supporting IL-78 and C-17 aircraft.
- Other Participants: In addition to the IAF and Hellenic Air Force, other countries involved include France (M-2000), Israel (G-550), Italy (Tornado), Montenegro (B-412), Poland (F-16), Qatar (F-15), Slovenia (PC-9), Spain (F-18), the UAE (M-2000/9), and the US (F-16, KC-46, KC-135).
- This exercise will provide valuable opportunities for all participants to plan and execute combined air operations, refine tactics in complex air combat scenarios, and exchange insights on best operational practices.
- The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently announced its decision to voluntarily withdraw its sickle cell disease treatment, Oxbryta, from global markets due to the emergence of clinical data linking the drug to “fatal events.”
- About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
- The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, established in 1919 and headquartered in Geneva. It unites 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, along with approximately 100 million volunteers worldwide.
- The primary mission of the IFRC is to improve the conditions of the most vulnerable populations, providing international emergency assistance to people affected by both natural and man-made disasters, including those displaced by conflict and health crises.
- In addition to its emergency response efforts, the IFRC works to enhance disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities, helping them become more resilient in the face of future crises. The Federation strengthens the capacities of its member societies to deliver effective emergency relief, disaster preparedness, and health and community care programs.
- The IFRC also represents its member societies on the international stage and addresses global humanitarian issues such as rapid urbanization, climate change, migration, and violence.
- Funding: The IFRC relies on voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, corporate donors, and the public.
- Relationship with ICRC: The IFRC collaborates closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which focuses on humanitarian law and aid in conflict zones.