Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 19 Jun 2023

Dugdh Sankalan Sathi App

Recently, the Indian dairy industry witnessed a significant milestone with the unveiling of the "Dugdh Sanakalan Sathi Mobile App" by the Union Minister of Heavy Industries. This ground breaking mobile application, developed by Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL), is poised to revolutionize the milk collection process and address key challenges faced by the industry. With a focus on improving milk quality, fostering transparency among stakeholders, and streamlining operations at the grassroots village level, including Milk Cooperative Societies, this app marks a significant step towards digitization in the dairy sector. The app also provides real-time updates on milk prices from the cloud server, eliminating human errors and ensuring transparency in payment calculations. Additionally, it facilitates direct beneficiary transfers of milk payments and government subsidies to the bank accounts of milk producers, promoting financial inclusion and empowerment.

NTPC's Rooftop Solar Project Empowers IIT Jodhpur

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), has commissioned its first Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Project at IIT Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The one MW Grid-connected Solar Project has been implemented by NVVN under the RESCO model, with a Power Purchase Agreement duration of 25 years. Under the RESCO model for implementing rooftop solar installation, a renewable energy service company ("RESCO"), designs, builds, funds, and operates the entire solar power plant (roof or ground-mounted), the consumer pays the developer against assured monthly unit generation per kW and DISCOMs adjusts generated units in consumer’s electricity bill.

NVVN Limited was formed by NTPC in the year 2002 to tap the potential of power trading in the country. NVVN holds the highest Category 'I' power trading license as per the latest regulation of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

NTPC Ltd. is a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power. It is India’s largest energy conglomerate with roots planted way back in 1975 to accelerate power development in India. It became a Maharatna company in May 2010. It is located in New Delhi.

The Right to Change One’s Name

In recent rulings, the High Courts of Allahabad and Delhi emphasized the right to change one's name as an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Allahabad High Court stated that every citizen has the fundamental right to keep or change their name. The courts found that the denial of name-change requests by the authorities violated the fundamental rights of the petitioners under Articles 19(1)(a), 21, and 14 of the Constitution.

Similarly, the Delhi High Court, asserted that the right to identity is an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21. Both cases highlight the significance of personal identity and the recognition that individuals have the right to a name that reflects their self-worth and protects them from social stigmas.

While the right to change one's name is considered a fundamental right, it is not an absolute right and is subject to reasonable restrictions. The Allahabad High Court clarified that these restrictions must be fair, just, and reasonable.

Common Annual Confidential Report (ACR) in Armed Forces

To foster integration and jointness within the armed forces, a common Annual Confidential Report (ACR) will be implemented, starting with senior officers.

This reform aims to establish common parameters, procedures, and assessments, leading to improved outcomes and enhanced uniformity in HR practices. The implementation of a common ACR for two- and three-star officers has been approved.

Currently, selection for combined or tri-services appointments is based on parent service-specific parameters, but recent cross-services postings have been initiated as a step towards achieving greater integration.

With the ongoing transformation towards joint structures and organizations, the employment of officers in tri-service appointments is expected to increase. Consequently, there is a need to streamline the appraisal system to ensure effectiveness in undertaking tasks within these appointments. The move towards a common ACR aligns with the broader goal of establishing integrated theater commands and reflects the commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to drive organizational reforms.