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ECONOMIC SURVEY: India revises RE targets, witnesses fastest growth

So far, a cumulative 5.87 GW solar roof top projects have been set up in the country, the Survey said…reports Asian Lite News

India’s installed solar power capacity, as of December 31, 2021, was 49.35 GW as against the target of 100 GW in seven years starting from 2014-15 under the National Solar Mission (NSM), the Economic Survey 2021-22 said.

India revised its targets for renewable energy when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the annual climate conference, promised installation of 500 GW non fossil energy capacity by 2030, reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent over 2005 levels, 50 per cent electric installed capacity coming from non-fossil sources by 2030, 1 billion tonnes reduction in carbon emissions till 2030 and India to become net-zero by 2070.

Keeping in tune with the renewed targets, India has launched multi-pronged programmes to achieve solar and wind energy, as part of the renewable energy targets set for combating climate change.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme to provide energy and water security, de-dieselise the farm sector and generate additional income for farmers by producing solar power aims to add 30.8 GW of solar capacity with central financial support of over Rs 34,000 crore.

Installation of 10,000 MW of decentralised grid connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW, setting up of 20 lakh standalone solar powered agriculture pumps, and polarisation of 15 lakh existing grid-connected agriculture pumps is envisaged under the scheme that have been included by the RBI under Priority Sector Lending Guidelines for easing availability of finance.

“As of December 31, 2021 over 77,000 standalone solar pumps, 25.25 MW capacity solar power plants and over 1,026 pumps were salaried under individual pump polarisation variants. Implementation of the feeder level polarisation variant under the last component, which was introduced in December 2020, has also started in a number of states,” the Economic Survey said.

For large scale grid connected solar power projects, ‘Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects’ is under implementation with a target capacity of 40 GW capacity by March 2024. So far, 50 solar parks have been sanctioned with a combined capacity of 33.82 GW in 14 states. Solar power projects of an aggregate capacity of around 9.2 GW have already been commissioned in these parks.

Roof Top Solar Programme Phase-II for accelerated deployment of solar roof top systems, with a target of 40 GW installed capacity by December 2022, is also under implementation. The scheme provides financial assistance for up to 4 GW of solar roof top capacity to the residential sector and there is a provision to incentivise the distribution companies for incremental achievement over the previous year.

So far, a cumulative 5.87 GW solar roof top projects have been set up in the country, the Survey said.

A scheme for setting up 12 GW Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by government entities (including Central Public Sector Undertakings) is under implementation. Viability Gap funding support is provided under this scheme. Under this scheme, the government has so far sanctioned around 8.2 GW of projects.

Till December 2021, over 1.45 lakh solar street lights were installed, 9.14 lakh solar study lamps were distributed, and about 2.5 MW solar power packs were set up as reported by state nodal agencies.

Along with this, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has notified the wind solar hybrid policy, providing a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid projects for optimal and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure and land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation, and achieving better grid stability.

As of December 31, 2021, capacity of around 4.25 GW of wind-solar hybrids have been awarded, out of which 0.2 GW is already commissioned and additional capacity of 1.2 GW wind-solar hybrid projects are at various stages of bidding.

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Business India News

Economic Advisor optimistic on resurgence of agricultural sector


The economic survey 2021-22 says that the gross value added (GVA) growth in the agriculture sector did not have a negative trend even during the pandemic time…reports Asian Lite News

Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal is hopeful about the resurgence in the agriculture sector, saying during the Covid-induced lockdown phases, the agriculture sector was found to the least affected one.

He said this while responding to questions on the economic rebound in the post-pandemic era.

His optimism is seconded by the economic survey data, as during both the lockdown period, the agriculture sector was seen as the least affected sector among others.

The economic survey 2021-22 says that the gross value added (GVA) growth in the agriculture sector did not have a negative trend even during the pandemic time.

In 2019-20, it was 4.3 per cent, whereas in 2020-21, the GVA growth will stand at 3.6 per cent level, which is in 2021-22 at the level of 3.6 per cent.

“When other sectors were badly affected by the supply chain disruption, it was agriculture which was unaffected and stable, so we have reason to bank on agriculture, but yes, we have to work on the supply chain to support this sector, there is need to build more warehouse facilities so that we can ripe the fruit of stability in agriculture,” Sanyal said after the economic survey was released.

“Yes, we know that our agriculture faced a severe seasonality, uncertain monsoon and other factors which forced us to think more realistic while making such predictions,” he added.

The government has released the economic survey which projected India’s GDP growth by 8-8.5 per cent in 2022-23, supported by the widespread vaccination, 93 per cent population with first dose, and about 70 per cent with second dose; easing the regulations through erasing the British era rules which became hurdles in growth, along with strong positive sentiments from the export sector and rising capital expenditure from both, the central and state governments.

ALSO READ-India fourth largest forex holder in world

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-Top News USA

US Pentagon chief, Amir of Qatar hold talks on Afghanistan

Austin reiterated his heartfelt gratitude to the Amir for Qatar’s indispensable and ongoing support to the United States in Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, and discussed shared regional security interests, including continued cooperation on Afghanistan.

“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, at the Pentagon to affirm the strength of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership and its key role in the U.S. strategic bilateral relationship,” Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said in a statement.

According to the statement, Austin reiterated his heartfelt gratitude to the Amir for Qatar’s indispensable and ongoing support to the United States in Afghanistan.

The leaders discussed shared regional security interests, including continued cooperation on Afghanistan, de-escalating tensions in the region, and the full scope of threats from Iran, the statement said.

“Austin emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts and integrated operations with partners like Qatar to address the threats confronting the region,” read the statement.

Secretary Austin thanked the Amir for Qatar’s longstanding and gracious hosting of U.S. forces at Al-Udeid Air Base and reiterated U.S. commitment to continued security cooperation with Qatar, the statement added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden, Emir of Qatar discuss Gulf security

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India News Sport Sports

Roger Federer hits 21-year low in latest ATP rankings

American Taylor Fritz has moved from No. 22 to No. 20 to get into the top 20 for the first time, despite a third-round defeat in the Australian Open by Spain’s Roberto Autista Agut…reports Asian Lite News

The 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has hit a 21-year low in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday while Serbia’s Novak Djokovic remains world No. 1 despite not playing in the Australian Open.

After missing the first Grand Slam of the year, the 40-year-old Federer slipped 13 places and now sits at 30th position with 1,665 points in the latest rankings.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal remains in fifth despite winning his 21st Grand Slam on Sunday. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini is the only men’s player to move inside the top 10, leapfrogging Russia’s Andrey Rublev into sixth after the former made the semifinals at the Australian Open for the first time in his career.

American Taylor Fritz has moved from No. 22 to No. 20 to get into the top 20 for the first time, despite a third-round defeat in the Australian Open by Spain’s Roberto Autista Agut.

In the women’s section, Australia’s Ashleigh Barty remains world No. 1 after winning the Australian Open for the first time in her career on Saturday.

Barty’s straight-set win over American Danielle Collins means she has extended her ranking points lead over No. 2 Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic, who reached the quarterfinals of the singles, has risen one spot into third.

Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who reached her first semifinal at Melbourne, has moved up from ninth into fourth while Collins has surged up 20 places from No. 30 to No. 10.

Former world No.1 Garbine Muguruza of Spain, who was knocked out in the second round in the Australian Open, has dropped four places to seventh.

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Business Economy India News

India fourth largest forex holder in world

India’s salient external sector sustainability indicators are strong and much improved as compared to what they were during the global financial crisis or taper episode of 2013…reports Asian Lite News

As of end-November 2021, India was the fourth-largest foreign exchange reserves holder in the world after China, Japan, and Switzerland, the Economic Survey 2021-22 has noted.

Despite all the disruptions caused by the global pandemic, India’s balance of payments remained in surplus throughout the last two years.

This allowed the Reserve Bank of India to keep accumulating foreign exchange reserves, which stands at $634 billion on December 31, 202). This is equivalent to 13.2 months of imports and higher than the country’s external debt.

A sizeable accretion in reserves led to an improvement in external vulnerability indicators such as foreign exchange reserves to total external debt, short-term debt to foreign exchange reserves.

India’s salient external sector sustainability indicators are strong and much improved as compared to what they were during the global financial crisis or taper episode of 2013.

For instance, the import cover and foreign exchange reserves are more than double now. The combination of high foreign exchange reserves, sustained foreign direct investment, and rising export earnings will provide a good buffer against any liquidity tapering/monetary policy normalisation in 2022-23.

ALSO READ-Economic Survey showcases country’s development via satellite imagery

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-Top News Qatar USA

Biden, Emir of Qatar discuss Gulf security

The President and the Emir welcomed the signing of a USD 20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden met Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday where they reaffirmed their mutual interest in promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.

Both sides ensured the stability of global energy supplies, supporting the people of Afghanistan, and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation said White House in a statement.

The President and the Emir welcomed the signing of a USD 20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group, which will support tens of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

In recognition of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, which has deepened over the past 50 years, the President informed the Emir of his intention to designate Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan, Afghanistan set up committee on Durand line

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India News Sport

Lucknow Super Giants unveils logo

The Lucknow franchise was purchased by the Sanjiv Goenka-owned RPSG group for an amount of Rs 7,090 Crore…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Premier league’s new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday unveiled the logo of the team, saying the brand identity draws inspiration from ancient Indian mythology.

“The mythical bird Garuda — who is a protector and enthroned with the power to move swiftly, has inspired us to create the winged emblem of the team. Garuda is omnipresent in every Indian culture and sub-culture,” LSG said in a statement.

“The tri-colour wings of the entity, symbolically represent Lucknow Super Giants’ pan-India appeal. The body of the bird has been formed by a blue coloured bat to signify the game of cricket, there is a red ball with an orange seam too. It is like an auspicious ‘Jay tilak’,” it added.

The Lucknow franchise was purchased by the Sanjiv Goenka-owned RPSG group for an amount of Rs 7,090 Crore.

On January 21, the Lucknow franchise signed KL Rahul for Rs 17 crore, Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for Rs 9.2 crore and uncapped leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 4 crore. Andy Flower has already been named the coach of the Lucknow franchise while former India batter Gautam Gambhir will serve as the mentor of the franchise.

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Business India News

Economic Survey showcases country’s development via satellite imagery

The images show that Kharif sowing cycle has shifted ahead by around two-to-three weeks causing the Kharif harvest to almost coincide with Rabi sowing in November…reports Asian Lite News

An important theme of this year’s Economic Survey is the use of new forms of data and information for tracking economic activity and development.

The Survey looks at the use of a new kind of data – geo-spatial data and cartographic techniques – to track, compare and represent longer term developments.

Geospatial maps not only lets users visualise the data, but also helps users to better understand trends, relationships and patterns. The use of maps is not entirely new and previous Economic Surveys have used them for years, but there is now a plethora of information from satellites, drones, mobile phones and other sources.

Using satellite images, India’s night-time luminosity is compared between 2012 and 2021. Night-time luminosity provides an interesting representation of the expansion of electricity supply, the geographical distribution of population and economic activity, urban expansion as well as growth of ribbon developments between urban hubs.

Similarly, using geospatial and cartographic techniques, the subsequent maps show the extent of physical as well as financial infrastructure development in India.

This includes expansion of national highways, airports, commercial bank branches, metros, etc. The maps depict change in net sown area of India over the last 15 years. The maps have been created by combining satellite data over the course of a 12-month period in each year.

The images compare the Kharif crop cycle in Moga district, Punjab, during 2005 and 2021. The images show that Kharif sowing cycle has shifted ahead by around two-to-three weeks causing the Kharif harvest to almost coincide with Rabi sowing in November.

The closing of the gap is a likely factor that encourages farmers to burn stubble and may be related to restrictions on early transplanting of Kharif paddy. These restrictions were introduced in 2009 in order to reduce pumping of ground-water, but may have had the unintended consequence of damaging air quality.

Satellite imagery is used to show annual water storage cycle at Stanley Reservoir, Tamil Nadu.

Using new geo-spatial methods, population density of select Indian cities is compared over time, showing the extent of urban expansion in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru between 2001 and 2021. Using satellite imagery, illustrations are given for wasteland redeployment in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Displaced families return home in Afghanistan

The incumbent Taliban government has launched a process to transfer the war-displaced people back to their home areas….reports Asian Lite News

Afghan families who were forced to leave their homes in Nangarhar province’s Shinwari area during the 20-year conflict are finally returning, the media reported.

Shinwari is a large area located alongside the Durand Line – the de-facto border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports TOLO News.

The area comprises six districts — Spin Ghar, Nazian, Achin, Haska-Mina, Dor Baba and Ghani Khel.

The displaced families include the residents of Asadkhel of Spin Ghar district who were forced to leave their homes after the US dropped the “the mother of all bombs”, to target tunnels used by the Islamic State (IS) terrorists.

Nasir Khan, a resident of the village, said that he returned after a period of two years, adding that many homes in the village have become ruins.

“No one has the capability to reconstruct their residences. When the mother of all bombs was used here, dozens of residences were destroyed,” he told TOLO News.

The relentless conflict has inflicted heavy financial loss in addition to human casualties in the districts of Shinwari, according to the residents.

“We call on the Islamic Emirate and international community to consider our situation and help us. There is no clinic and school here,” said Khan Por, another resident.

The provincial department of refugees said it has been attempting to provide assistance to the residents of Shinwari districts.

“We are in contact with foreign organisations to provide help for schools, clinics and dams for agriculture,” said Dunia Gul Shinwari, deputy head of the Nangarhar refugee’s department.

The incumbent Taliban government has launched a process to transfer the war-displaced people back to their home areas.

But the families complained about the lack of support and aid, which makes life difficult back in their home areas.

ALSO READ: Pakistan, Afghanistan set up committee on Durand line

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India News Kerala

Sreejesh becomes first Indian man to win World Games Athlete Award

Sreejesh becomes the second hockey player to win the award, following in the footsteps of compatriot and India women’s captain Rani, who took the 2019 prize, the FIH said in a release on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

Seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a crucial role as India men’s team claimed a first Olympic medal in over four decades when it won bronze at last year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been named as The World Games Athlete of the Year for 2021.

In a global fan vote conducted on TheWorldGames.org, Sreejesh finished well clear at the top of the 24-strong nomination list, with his tally of 1,27,647 votes being almost twice as many as the second-placed athlete, Spa’n’s Sport Climbing ace Albert Ginés Lopez, who garnered 67,428 votes.

Sreejesh becomes the second hockey player to win the award, following in the footsteps of compatriot and India women’s captain Rani, who took the 2019 prize, the FIH said in a release on Monday.

Speaking about the Award, the shot-stopper — who was also voted as FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for 2021 — said: “I’m very honoured to win this award. First of all, a big thank you to FIH for nominating me for this award, and secondly thanks to all the Indian hockey lovers around the world, who voted for me.

“By getting nominated I did my part, but the rest was done by the fans and hockey lovers. So, this award goes to them, and I think they deserve this award more than me. It’s a big moment for Indian Hockey as well because everyone in the hockey community, all the hockey federations around the world voted for me, so it’s great to see that support from the hockey family,” Sreejesh, a veteran of 244 senior international matches, was quoted as saying by the FIH.

The three-time Olympian further added, “Also, I am a person who doesn’t believe in ndividual awards, especially when you are part of a team. It’s not only the team of 33 players, but you have a lot of people involved behind as well, there’s coaching staff, there’s support staff, there’s a great association like Hockey India who is supporting you a lot, there’s Sports Authority of India (SAI), who are providing you with all the world-class facilities to train, there’s Odisha Government whose unwavering support helps the sport grow and flourish and there’s India Olympic Association (IOA) as well, who’re taking care of you really well. So, it’s a collective effort of a nation to get this kind of recognition.”

FIH Chief Executive Officer Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of the global hockey community, I’d like to wholeheartedly congratulate PR Sreejesh for this magnificent achievement. This is a great recognition for him, for his team and for hockey as a whole. We also extend our sincerest thanks to all fans who voted for him. Athletes are the best ambassadors of our sport and India’s goalkeeper certainly is a leader in this field too. We look forward to seeing him in action again in just a few days for the third edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League!”



Congratulating Sreejesh, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Sreejesh for winning the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 Award. This is a very proud and special moment for India as he became the only second Indian athlete to win this honour. I would like to thank FIH, the hockey community around the world, and of course, all his fans for supporting him and voting him to win this award. It’s a big achievement for him as well as to Indian hockey.”

The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games are staged over a period of 11 days, with more than 30 sports in the programme.

Indoor Hockey was featured as an invitational sport at The World Games in 2005, which took place in Duisburg, Germany. Hockey will have a presence with sports demonstrations during The World Games 2022, which takes place in Birmingham, the USA between July 7-17, 2022.

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