National
State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22
⇒ Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R K Singh released the report of State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 on 10 April 2023.
- The SEEI was released during the RPM (Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting of States and State Utilities in New Delhi.
Developed by:
The index developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in association with Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), assesses, the annual progress of states and UTs in energy efficiency implementation, for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power.
SEEI 2021-22 has an updated framework of 50 indicators aligned with national priorities. Programme-specific indicators have been included this year to track outcomes and impacts of state-level energy efficiency initiatives.
Performance of States/ UTs:
- In SEEI 2021-22, 5 states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana – are in the Front Runner category (>60 points) while 4 states – Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab – are in the Achiever category (50-60 points).
- Further, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top-performing states in their respective state groups. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showed the most improvement since the last index.
About SEEI:
» The SEEI improves data collection, enables cross-state collaboration, and develops energy efficiency program ideas.
- It helps states identify areas for improvement, learn from best practices, and adopt an economy-wide approach to energy efficiency implementation.
- By prioritizing energy efficiency, it aims at driving decarbonisation efforts and achieve a more sustainable future.
The index is designed to help track progress on state goals for energy savings and reduction in emission intensity and outlines the following recommendations to help states drive change in EE which will contribute towards the fulfillment of SDGs and NDC:
- Enabling fiscal assistance for energy efficiency in the focus sectors
- Developing institutional capacity in states and UTs to address emerging needs and challenges in energy efficiency implementation
- Enhancing cross-functional collaborations across financial institutions, energy service companies, and energy professionals in large-scale energy efficiency implementation in states
- Mainstreaming energy data reporting and monitoring across sectors
About BEE:
- The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on 1st March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- The mission of the BEE is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
- BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations and recognise, identifies and utilise the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.
- The Energy Conservation Act provides for regulatory and promotional functions.
‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ in Kibithoo
⇒ The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah launched the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ at Kibithoo, a border village in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on 10 April 2023.
‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ (VVP):
» Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with central components of Rs 4800 crore including Rs 2500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
- VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.
- In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority on coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Vibrant Villages Programme will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to security of the border.
- District Administration with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat level will prepare Action Plans for identified village to ensure 100% saturation of central and state schemes.
- The focus areas of interventions identified for development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centers, multi-purpose centers and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centers.
Shri Amit Shah also inaugurated 9 micro hydel projects of Arunachal Government and 14 infrastructure projects Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) worth Rs 120 crore.
- Shri Amit Shah inaugurated nine Micro Hydel Projects of Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the “Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme” in Kibithoo. These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages.
- He also inaugurated Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
8th Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura
⇒ The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu has appointed Shri Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
- In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President of India appoints the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Aparesh Kumar Singh was sworn in as the 8th Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura on 17 April 2023.
- Aparesh Kumar Singh was administered the oath of office by Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya at the Raj Bhawan in Agartala’s New Capital Complex.
- He also served as Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court from December 20, 2022, till February 19 this year.
International
6th edition of Cope India- 2023
⇒ The 6th Exercise Cope India-2023, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) was held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra.
- The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
» The first phase of exercise was commenced on 10 April 2023.
Focus:
This phase of the exercise focused on air mobility and involved transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.
Participation:
- Both sides fielded the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well.
- The exercise also included the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who participated in the capacity of observers.
The next phase of the Exercise Cope India 23 commenced at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April 2023.
Participation:
- The exercise involved participation of frontline Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft like Rafale, Tejas, Su-30MKI, Jaguar, C-17 and C-130.
- The exercise was supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF.
- The USAF in turn had fielded the F-15 ‘Strike Eagle’ fighter, C-130, MC-130J, C-17 and the B1B, strategic bomber aircraft.
- Aircrew from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force also participated as observers.
» The 6th Cope India-2023 conducted over the two weeks at Air Force Stations Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Agra, culminated on 24 April 2023.
» Like the air mobility component of the Ex Cope India -23, this phase also helped enhance professional relations between the two air forces, while sharing the best practices between them.
Significance:
- This joint exercise provided valuable opportunity for the participants of all countries to exchange ideas and imbibe best practices through interactions, exchanges & combined missions.
- This exercise reaffirms the deep-rooted commitment to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the two Air Forces boosting the inter-nation cooperation between the two largest democracies.