Important Current Affairs 17th November 2018 English

National News

Union Government inks $105 million loan agreement with ADB for Hydropower Transmission

Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed $105 million loan to continue financing transmission system upgrades in Himachal Pradesh for increased supply of hydropower to state and national grid. It is third tranche part of $350 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program approved by ADB Board in September 2011.
Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program
The program is aimed at developing and expanding transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power generated from State’s hydropower sources to load centers within and outside State.

Government inks $300 million loan agreement with ADB to support IIFCL

Union Government has inked $300 million Loan Agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support lending by India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).
Important
ADB funding is expected to fund at least 13 sub-projects through IIFCL, involving roads and renewable power generation, under the last tranche. It expected to help catalyze the financial closing of $2.4 billion in investments. In addition, attached technical assistance will support IIFCL capacity development and will focus on IIFCL’s financial management and social and environmental safeguards.

India's first elephant hospital opens in Mathura
India's first specialised hospital for elephants was inaugurated by Agra Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district - Churmura village. It offers laser therapy, hydrotherapy, quarantine facilities and has a medical hoist to lift elephants.

India International Cherry Blossom Festival Held in Meghalaya
During the programme, the Chief Minister also handed over the Meghalaya Entrepreneurship Recognition Award (MEG-ERA) to Perastill R Sangma, an entrepreneur from Garo Hills. The award consists of a citation and a cash award of one lakh rupees.

Scheme

‘Gau Samridhi Plus Scheme’
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the ‘Gau Samridhi Plus scheme’ or ‘Cow Samridhi Plus Scheme’ to offer insurance coverage to dairy farmers in Kerala. It is a government subsidized scheme. It will provide insurance coverage to dairy farmers at low premium rates. Farmers from general category will receive 50% subsidy on premium. Farmers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) category will receive 70% subsidy on premium.