Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 05 May 2021

SSC CGL Current Affairs

Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 05 May 2021

::NATIONAL::

Indian Army's first Green Solar Energy Harnessing Plant in Sikkim

Seeking to harness renewable energy for the benefit of its troops working in remote conditions, the Indian Army has recently inaugurated the first green solar energy plant in Sikkim.
The facility, which uses vanadium-based battery technology, was built at an altitude of 16000 ft. in the northern part of the state and has a capacity of 56 KVA.
Lt. Col P. Khongsai, Public Relation Officer (Defence) Guwahati, said that the project was was commissioned in collaboration with IIT Mumbai. Prof PrakashGhosh, who teaches in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, led a team of eminent faculty from the Institute who worked alongside the troops of the Indian Army to complete the project while dealing with extreme climatic conditions.
The plant will not only be environment friendly but also ensure the well-being of the army personnel who work in forward areas under challenging climate.
The announcement of the Sikkim project follows another revelation relating to RE made by the Indian army in the same month. On April 22, 2021, a 1 MW solar power plant was inaugurated by Lieutenant General C BansiPonnappa, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, at Jalandhar Cantonment to celebrate the occasion of Earth Day. The plant was conceptualised and planned as part of the Army’s execution of the government policy to increase reliance on renewable energy and support the ‘Go Green’ initiative to promote sustainable development.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 5.16 crore, the solar power project was dedicated to the Military Hospital and covers 5 acres of land. Under the project, a total of 3,176 solar panels of Indian origin have been installed to generate 1 MW of solar energy.

::INTERNATIONAL::

Crimson Solar Project: US approves $550 million

The Interior Department announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given final approval to a new solar energy project on public lands in California. The Crimson Solar Project represents an investment of roughly $550 million and has the potential to deliver enough power to energize approximately 87,500 homes.
The Record of Decision authorizes Sonoran West to construct a 350-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic facility with a 350-MW energy storage system and the necessary ancillary support facilities to generate and deliver power through the Southern California Edison Colorado River Substation.
“The time for a clean energy future is now. We must make bold investments that will tackle climate change and create good-paying American jobs,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Projects like this can help to make America a global leader in the clean energy economy through the acceleration of responsible renewable energy development on public lands.”
“America’s public lands provide a tremendous opportunity to realize the potential of renewable energy. BLM is committed to engaging in an inclusive and equitable process in pursuit of a clean energy economy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Laura Daniel-Davis.
The solar project will be a photovoltaic facility owned by Sonoran West Solar Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Recurrent Energy, LLC. The facility will occupy up to approximately 2,000 acres of BLM-administered lands approximately 13 miles west of Blythe, in Riverside County, California.

::ECONOMY::

IGST exemption on import of relief material related to Covid

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Central Government has exempted IGST or integrated GST on import of such goods received free of cost for free distribution of Covid relief.
The exemption is ad hoc and applicable for all specified imports made till June 30, 2021.
The exemption will also cover goods already imported but lying uncleared on the date of its issuance of exemption which starts from Monday.
Government had earlier issued notification for exempting Basic Customs Duty and/or Health cess imports of a number of Covid-19 related relief materials, for a limited period. These included Remdesivir injection/ API and Beta Cyclodextrin (SBEBCD), inflammatory diagnostic (markers) kits, imports of which have been exempted from customs till October 31, 2021. Also, imports of Medical grade Oxygen, oxygen therapy related equipment such as oxygen concentrators, cryogenic transport tanks, etc., and Covid-19 vaccines have been exempted till July 31, 2021.
This exemption (from IGST) shall thus enable import of the Covid relief supply imported free of cost for free distribution without payment of IGST (up to June 30, 2021). As customs duty is already exempt, these imports will not attract any customs duty or IGST, a finance ministry statement said.
The Central government had received a number of representations from charitable organisations, corporate entities, and other Associations/entities outside India seeking exemption from IGST on the import of Covid-19 relief material (already exempted from customs duty), donated/received free of cost from outside India for free distribution.

::SCIENCE AND TECH::

DoT allows 5G technology and spectrum trials

The Union government has begun the process of conducting 5G trials in the country by allotting airwaves to telecom service providers.
It is learnt that the Department of Telecom (DoT) has allocated spectrum to telecom operators to start 5G trials at locations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, according to industry sources. The operators have been allocated spectrum in the 700 MHz, 3.3-3.6 GHz, and 24.25-28.5 GHz bands in various locations.
It is learnt that the telcos have been allocated 100 units in the 3.5 GHz band, 800 units in the 26 MHz millimetre wave, and 10 units in the premium 700 MHz band.
Chinese telecom gear makers have been kept out of the 5G trial list. After completing the trials, preparation for 5G spectrum auctions will begin.
According to sources, the telecom service providers can use their existing 4G spectrum for trials in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands. The six-month period for conducting trials starts on the date of allotting the spectrum, i.e. May 27, 2021.

::SPORTS::

Mark Selby won the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield (UK)

Mark Selby became a four-time world snooker champion in front of a capacity crowd at the Crucible in Sheffield after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-15 in a thrilling final on Monday.
Selby successfully preserved his three-frame lead over Murphy at the end of the penultimate session of their final to go 14-11 in front.