News in Shorts: 13 August 2025

Tato-II Hydro Electric Project

Context: Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the PM approved  the construction of the 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. 

About Tato-II Hydro Electric Project

• The Tato-II Hydro Electric Project is a run-of-river project on the Siyom River.
  • Part of a cluster with Tato-I, Heo, Naying, and Hirong projects.
  • Fits into the revival of 13 stalled hydro projects in the state.
    • A Run-of-River project is a type of hydroelectric generation where water from a river is diverted through a channel or penstock to a powerhouse, without creating a large reservoir. 
    • It relies on the natural flow and elevation drop of the river.
• Implementing Agency: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) under Neepco Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation (Central PSU partnership).
• Planned Capacity: 700 MW.
• Purpose: Boost power supply in Northeast India and aid in stabilizing the National Power Grid.
• Power Allocation: Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% free power from the project, along with an additional 1% earmarked for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
  • LADF is a dedicated fund created by project developers (usually large infrastructure or hydropower companies) to finance socio-economic development in areas affected by the project.

About Siyom River

• A tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Origin: Near the Mishmi Hills, close to the China-India border in the northeastern extremity of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Course: Flows southwards through West Siang district, then passes through important towns like Along (Aalo) and joins the Brahmaputra River (called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh) near Pasighat.
• Tributaries and Features: Receives water from numerous small streams originating from the Himalayan slopes such as Taying River, Tuting River & Mipi River
  • The river basin is characterized by steep valleys, gorges, and rich biodiversity.

India–Singapore Green & Digital Maritime Corridor (GDMC)

Context: Recently the India–Singapore Green & Digital Maritime Corridor (GDMC) was highlighted at the Mumbai Dialogue 2025, ahead of India Maritime Week 2025 (27–31 October).

About Green & Digital Maritime Corridor (GDMC)

• Refers: A specific shipping route where countries collaborate to decarbonize and digitalize maritime operations.
  • Decarbonization: Promotes low- or zero-carbon fuels (green hydrogen, ammonia) and development of bunkering infrastructure at ports to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Digitalization: Adoption of electronic documentation, real-time tracking, and data exchange, resulting in faster port turnaround, reduced operational costs, and improved safety.
• Aligned with: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) goals to reduce carbon emissions from shipping

About India–Singapore GDMC

• It has emerged as a key area of bilateral cooperation, with a recent high-level “Leaders’ Dialogue” in Mumbai laying the groundwork for its future development.
• Bilateral Maritime Cooperation: Strengthens trade, investment, and technology exchange between India and Singapore.
  • Includes defense cooperation, e.g., SIMBEX (Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise).
• Strategic and Policy Alignment: Acts as a precursor to India Maritime Week 2025, showcasing joint projects in green shipping and digitalisation.
  • Supports Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Harit Sagar Guidelines for sustainable maritime operations.
• Complementarity with Other Corridors: Complements India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Significance of GDMC:
  • Sustainable Trade & Green Shipping: Promotes low-carbon maritime trade between India and Singapore.
  • Efficiency & Safety: Enhances maritime efficiency, operational reliability, and safety through digital technologies.
  • Strategic Connectivity: Strengthens India’s maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific and supports blue economy initiatives.
  • Policy & Global Leadership: Reinforces India’s Act East Policy and global maritime leadership ambitions.
  • Technology & Skill Development: Provides a platform for technology transfer, innovation, and maritime skill development.

INS Himgiri

Context: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Himgiri at Visakhapatnam.

About Himgri

• Himigri is third ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A); first P17A of its class built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• It is designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).

Features of Himigri

• Multi-Mission Platform: Equipped for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Strike & Defence Systems: Features BrahMos cruise missiles (anti-ship and land-attack) and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles.
• Surveillance & Combat Systems: Integrated with AESA radar and advanced combat management systems.
• Propulsion System: Uses combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion for operational flexibility.
• Crew Capacity & Aviation: Accommodates 225 personnel and supports full helicopter operations.

INS Udaygiri

Context: The Indian Navy will commission INS Udaygiri at Visakhapatnam.

About INS Udaygiri

• INS Udaygiri is the second ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• It is the modern avatar of the erstwhile INS Udaygiri, decommissioned in 2007, and is the 100th ship designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.

Features of INS Udaygiri

• Enhanced Stealth Capability: The ship incorporates advanced stealth measures to reduce radar, thermal, and acoustic signatures, making it harder to detect in hostile environments.
• State-of-the-Art Systems: It is equipped with advanced weapons, modern sensors, and cutting-edge warfare technologies to counter emerging maritime threats.
• Multi-Mission Operational Role: INS Udaygiri can engage both conventional and non-conventional threats, enabling operations across the full spectrum of maritime warfare.

About Project 17A (P-17A) Frigates

• Project 17A is the advanced follow-on to the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) frigates, featuring enhanced stealth, upgraded sensors, modern weapons, and an integrated platform management system.
• Some key ships under this project include INS Nilgiri, INS Udayagiri, and INS Taragiri.

18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

Context: Recently, the Indian Prime Minister addressed the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. 

About 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

• Organisers: Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), under Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), with support from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Host Country: India (Mumbai)
• Participants: Over 300 high school students and 140 mentors from 64 countries
• Largest IOAA Edition: Reflects international collaboration and shared learning.

Key Highlights from the Address

• India’s Historical and Scientific Legacy: 
  • India’s Astronomical Tradition: Long-standing culture of sky observation, curiosity, and innovation.
  • Aryabhatta (5th Century): Invented zero and first stated that Earth rotates on its axis.
• India’s Contemporary Astronomy and Space Science Achievements: 
  • Indian Astronomical Observatories:
    • Ladakh Observatory: Situated at 4,500 metres, ideal for high-altitude observations.
    • Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), Pune: One of the world’s most sensitive radio telescopes, decoding pulsars, quasars, and galaxies.
    • Global Mega-science Contributions: Participation in Square Kilometre Array and LIGO-India.
  • Space Missions:
    • Chandrayaan-3: First successful landing near Moon’s South Pole.
    • Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory: Monitors solar flares, storms, and Sun’s activity.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian mission to International Space Station.
• Nurturing Scientific Curiosity and STEM Education:
  • Atal Tinkering Labs: 10+ million students learning STEM through hands-on experimentation.
  • One Nation One Subscription: Free access to reputed international journals for students and researchers.
  • Women in STEM: India is a leading country in women participation in science.
  • Research Investments: Billions of dollars invested in India’s scientific ecosystem.
• Encouragement for Young Explorers: Invitation to young scientists worldwide to study, research, and collaborate in India.
• Application of Space Science for Humanity:
  • Better weather forecasts for farmers.
  • Prediction of natural disasters.
  • Monitoring forest fires and melting glaciers.
  • Improving communication in remote areas.

UNDP Equator Initiative Award

Context: Recently, the Bibi Fatima Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in the Dharwad district of Karnataka has been awarded the prestigious UNDP Equator Initiative Award. 

About UNDP Equator Initiative Award

• Often called the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation”.
• Presented under the Equator Initiative of UNDP.
• Recognises community-led efforts to reduce poverty through biodiversity conservation.
• Frequency: Biennial
• Prize Money: $10,000
• 2025 Theme: Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action
• Eligibility Criteria: Initiative/action must exist for ≥3 years.
  • Nominee:
    • Local community-based group in rural area (supported by UNDP) OR
    • Indigenous Peoples’ community in rural areas anywhere.
  • Actions must be nature-based and deliver benefits related to ≥2 SDGs.
• Significance:
  • Highlights local solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • Promotes women and youth leadership.
  • Connects traditional knowledge with sustainable development.
  • Offers global recognition and a platform for sharing best practices.

About Equator Initiative

• Launched by UNDP in 2002 to support indigenous peoples and local communities conserving biodiversity while reducing poverty.
• Promotes women & youth leadership, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

National Anubhav Awards

Context: Recently, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) announced the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of National Anubhav Awards.

About the National Anubhav Awards

• Launched in: 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• Purpose: Document the administrative history of India through the personal memoirs of retired employees.
• Awards Scheme: Honors the contribution of retired employees by recognizing their memoirs published on the Anubhav Portal.

Key Features of the National Anubhav Awards

• Eligibility: Employees who are retiring within the next 8 months or have retired within the last 3 years.
  • Write-ups submitted by employees are evaluated for Anubhav Awards or Anubhav Jury Awards.
• Write-ups must be published on the Anubhav Portal between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
• Awards:
  • In 2015: Initially 5 National Anubhav Awards and 10 Anubhav Jury Awards.
  • In 2023: Expanded participation base by including employees from 12 Public Sector Banks and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
  • In 2024: Introduction of marking system to enhance objectivity in the assessment process.

Easter Island

Context: Recently, a study warns that sea level rise could submerge Easter Island’s iconic moai statues by 2080.

About Easter Island

• Location: Easter Island is located in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean, a territory of Chile.
  • It forms part of the Polynesian Triangle, which also includes Hawaii and New Zealand. 
  • This region is traditionally home to the Polynesian people.
• Also known as: Rapa Nui (its indigenous name) 
• UNESCO Designation: Rapa Nui National Park that protects most of the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Geography: Volcanic island with rocky, lava-covered terrain. 
• Climate: Tropical rainforest climate.

The Moai Statues

• The moai statues, carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1250–1500 CE, are central to the island’s cultural identity. 
• The statues, crafted from volcanic rock, were created to honor the islanders’ ancestors.
• Found mostly around the island’s perimeter, the moai statues stand on stone platforms known as ahu, which are ceremonial sites.

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