DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS: 2019-10-31

NPCIL ADMITS MALWARE ATTACK

AT KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Why in news?
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) on 30 th October 2019, confirmed that a malware
had indeed infected its system at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), a day after KKNPP
officials had categorically asserted that the systems at the plant could not be accessed by anyone
outside the network as they were all isolated.

Highlights:
 Identification of malware in NPCIL system is correct, said by Associate Director and Appellate
Authority, NPCIL.
 The matter was conveyed by CERT-In [Indian Computer Emergency Response Team] when it
was noticed by them on September 4, 2019. The matter was immediately investigated by
DAE specialists.
 The investigation had revealed that the infected computer belonged to a user who was
connected in the Internet connected network used for administrative purposes.
 Investigation also confirms that the plant systems are not affected.
Nuclear plants in India
 Nuclear Power production in India is one of the growing sources of energy in India.
  Located in Maharashtra, Tarapur is the first and largest nuclear power plant in India.
 Following are the major Operating nuclear power plants in India −
List of Nuclear Power Plants in India
Sr.No. Name of the power station State Operator Total capacity
1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station Maharashtra NPCIL 1,400
Kakrapar Atomic Power
2. Station Gujarat NPCIL 440
Kudankulam Nuclear Power
3. Plant Tamil Nadu NPCIL 2,000
4. Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant Karnataka NPCIL 880
5. Madras Atomic Power Station Tamil Nadu NPCIL 440
Rajasthan Atomic Power
6. Station Rajasthan NPCIL 1,180
7. Narora Atomic Power Station Uttar Pradesh NPCIL 440
NPCIL:
 The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is an Indian public sector
undertaking based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
 It is wholly owned by the Government of India and is responsible for the generation of
nuclear power for electricity.
 NPCIL is administered by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Source: The Hindu

NATIONAL UNITY DAY

Why in news?
National Unity Day 2019 | Since 2014, every year on 31 October 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or the
National Unity Day is observed to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – an Indian politician who
played a pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and then during the integration of the country.
Highlights:
 It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who
really unified the country.
 National Unity Day (also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated every year on 31st of
October by the people all through India.
 In 2014, when a new government formed at the Centre, it was decided that October 31 be
celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas — an announcement that was made by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
 Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day was introduced by the Government of India in
2014 with the aim of celebrating this event every year on 31st October.
 The aim of introducing this event is to pay tribute to the great man, Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel, on his birth anniversary by remembering his extraordinary works for the country. He
really worked hard in keeping India united.
 Patel, the 'Iron Man of India', who had dreamt of full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with
India, played an instrumental role in convincing several princely states to align with the
Indian Union. Therefore, 31 October is celebrated to honour his efforts and contributions.
 The Ministry of Home Affairs had made the announcement in a press release saying,
"occasion will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our
nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of
our country."
 Last year in 2019, the government unveiled the ‘Statue of Unity’, sculpted in his honour, in
the state of Gujarat. The colossal statue of the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home
Minister of independent India stands at a height of 182 metres and is the tallest in the
world.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in the Indian Freedom Movement
  In the initial stages of the freedom movement, Patel was neither keen on active politics nor
the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. However, the meeting with Mohandas Karamchand
Gandhi in Godhra (1917) fundamentally changed Patel's life.
 On Gandhi’s call, Patel quit his job and joined the movement to fight for exemption of taxes
in Kheda at the time of plague and famine (1918).
 Patel joined Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and travelled around West India
to recruit 3,00,000 members. He also collected more than Rs 1.5 million for the party fund.
 There was a British law banning the hoisting of the Indian Flag. When Mahatma Gandhi was
imprisoned, it was Patel who led the Satyagraha movement in Nagpur in 1923 against the
British law.
 It was the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 which earned Vallabhbhai Patel the title of ‘Sardar’
and made him popular throughout the country. So great was the impact that Pandit Motilal
Nehru suggested Vallabhbhai’s name to Gandhiji for the presidency of the Congress.
 In 1930, British arrested Sardar Patel during the Salt Satyagraha and put him on trial
without witnesses.
 On the outbreak of World War II (1939), Patel the supported Nehru’s decision to withdraw
the Congress from central and provincial legislatures.
 Patel was at his persuasive best when he spoke at the Gwalia Tank ground (now called
August Kranti Maidan) in Mumbai to launch the nation-wide civil disobedience movement in
1942 at the behest of Mahatma Gandhi.
 During Quit India Movement (1942), the British arrested Patel. He was imprisoned with the
entire Congress Working Committee from 1942 to 1945 at the fort in Ahmednagar.
 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Congress President
 After the signing of the Gandhi–Irwin Pact, Patel was elected president of Congress for its
1931 session (Karachi).
 Congress committed itself to the defence of fundamental rights and civil liberties. Patel
advocated for the establishment of a secular nation. Minimum wages for workers and the
abolition of untouchability were among his other priorities.
 Patel used his position as Congress president to organise the return of confiscated land to
farmers in Gujarat.
Source: The Hindu

NIRVIK SCHEME
Why in news?
The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) is optimistic that the Nirvik scheme
announced by the Union Government recently would give a fillip to export lending and insurance
cover for export credit.
Highlights of Nirvik Scheme:
 Insurance cover guaranteed will cover up to 90 percent of the principal and interest.
 The increased cover will ensure that foreign and rupee export credit interest rates are below
4 percent and 8 percent respectively for the exporters.
 The insurance cover will include both pre and post-shipment credit. 
 The gems, jewellery and diamond (GJD) sector borrowers with limit of over Rs 80 crore will
have a higher premium rate in comparison to the non-GJD sector borrowers of this category
due to the higher loss ratio.
 For accounts with limits below Rs 80 crore, the premium rates will be moderated to 0.60 per
annum and for those exceeding Rs80 crore, the rates will be 0.72 per annum for the same
enhanced cover.
  It mandates inspection of bank documents and records by ECGC officials for losses exceeding
Rs.10 crore as against the present Rs 1crore.
 The banks shall pay a premium to ECGC monthly on the principal and interest as the cover is
offered for both outstanding.
Source: The Hindu

AFTER SUPER CYCLONE KYARR, ANOTHER STORM BREWS

OVER ARABIAN SEA, IMD ISSUES ALERT
Why in news?
Even as very severe Cyclone Kyarr remains active in the Arabian Sea as it paces towards Oman, away
from the western coast of India, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alert for another
cyclone brewing in the Arabian Sea.
Highlights:
 The fresh low-pressure area was formed over Comorin Area, near the southern-most end of
the country and the adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean and became more well-marked early
on Wednesday (30th October).
 The system has concentrated into a depression over Maldives- Comorin and adjoining
Lakshadweep area about 200 km east-southeast of Minicoy (Lakshadweep), 380 km
southeast of Kavaratti (Lakshadweep) and 220 km west-southwest of Thiruvananthapuram
(Kerala).
 Cyclone Kyarr was the first Super Cyclone to have formed in the Arabian Sea in last 12 years
after Super Cyclone Gonu in 2007 and was considered to be among the strongest so far.
After forming in the east-central Arabian Sea, it began moving north-westwards towards
Oman.
 As per recent forecasts, it is very likely to weaken into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and
subsequently into a Cyclonic Storm by Thursday noon (31 st October).
Factors responsible for formation of Cyclone/ Typhoon:
There are six conditions favourable for this process to take place.
1. The temperature of the surface layer of ocean water must be 26.5 °C (80 °F) or warmer,
and this warm layer must be at least 50 metres (150 feet) deep.
2. A pre-existing atmospheric circulation must be located near the surface warm layer.
3. The atmosphere must cool quickly enough with height to support the formation of deep
convective clouds.
4. The middle atmosphere must be relatively humid at a height of about 5,000 metres
(16,000 feet) above the surface.
5. The developing system must be at least 500 km (300 miles) away from the Equator.
6. The wind speed must change slowly with height through the troposphere—no more than
10 metres (33 feet) per second between the surface and an altitude of about 10,000
metres (33,000 feet).
Formation of Cyclone
 The energy that strengthens the storm comes from the condensation process in the
towering cumulonimbus clouds, surrounding the centre of the storm.
 With an uninterrupted supply of moisture from the sea, the storm is again strengthened.
 On reaching the terrestrial region the moisture supply is cut off and the storm dissipates.
The place where a tropical cyclone cuts the coast is called the landfall of the cyclone.
 A landfall is frequently accompanied by sturdy winds, heavy rain and mounting sea waves
that could threaten people and cause damage to properties.
  Cyclones which cross 20 degrees North latitude are more destructive.
 They cover a larger area and can originate over the land and sea whereas the tropical
cyclones originate only over the seas and on reaching the land they dissipate.
Source: LiveMint

THE 50TH UNION WORLD CONFERENCE ON

LUNG HEALTH LAUNCHES IN India
Why in news?
The Union launched the 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health which will be held in
Hyderabad, India, 30 October – 2 November 2019.

Highlights:
 The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has called for developing a new and long-
lasting vaccine to combat TB, which was one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide in
2018.
 Inaugurating ‘The 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health’ in Hyderabad today, he
referred to the contention that the effect of BCG vaccine being administered for TB does not
last for many years and said there was an absolute need for a booster vaccine or a new
vaccine that is effective and long-lasting.
 The four-day Conference is being attended by the delegates from 130 countries.
INDIA TB REPORT 2019
Why in news?
The Union Health Ministry released the India TB Report 2019.
Key highlights of report:
 There was a 16% increase in the number of TB cases in 2018 as compared to the previous
year. 21.5 lakh TB cases were notified to the Revised National Tuberculosis Control
Programme (RNTCP) in 2018.
 India accounted for a quarter of the Global TB burden with an estimated 27 lakh new cases
in 2018.
 25% (5.4 lakh) cases were from the private sector; a 40% increase over last year.
 Among the notified, treatment was initiated for about 19.1 lakh cases (90%) across both
public and private sectors.
 The majority of the affected individuals (89%) were in the age group 15-69.
 Uttar Pradesh accounted for 20% of all notifications (187 cases/lakh population).
 Odisha witnessed a decline in the number of notified cases from over 67,000 in 2017 to
50,244 in 2018, or about 25%. Odisha was the only such state
 The Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands too witnessed a drop.
 The two UTs of Delhi and Chandigarh had the highest number of notified patients per lakh
population, at 417 and 468, respectively. Their rates of notification are higher because
people from many other parts of India get notified from these UTs.
 TB is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV, and HIV co-
infection rates among incident TB patients is estimated to be 3% — 86,000 HIV-associated
TB patients are emerging annually. 11,000 people with HIV die every year due to TB.
Source: PIB
 ‘TB HAREGA DESH JEETEGA’ CAMPAIGN
Why in news?
Union Minister for Health launched the new TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, along with the
National TB Prevalence Survey on 25th September 2019.
Highlights of TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign:
 India committed to eradicate TB before 2025.
 The new TB campaign aims to improve and expand the reach of TB care services across the
country, by 2022.
 The three strong pillars of the campaign include clinical approach, public health component
and active community participation.
 Other supporting elements of the campaign comprise private sector engagement, patient
support, and political and administrative commitment at all levels.
 Union Health Minister released the TB India Report (2019), the Work Place Policy
Framework for TB, Operational Guideline for Employer Led Model on TB, Training module
for transforming TB survivor to TB champion, and Elected Representative’s Handbook on TB.
 In addition to these, as an important step, the Union Health Minister also launched an all
oral regimen kit for multi-drug resistant TB patients who do not include injections which
are painful and can have side effects.
 Also announced a partnershipwith the World Bank which is providing a $400 million credit
for accelerating TB response in 9 states through private sector engagement and other critical
interventions.
National TB Prevalence Survey:
 The Union Health Minister also flagged off a van for the National TB Prevalence Survey.
 In all, 25 such vans will be part of the prevalence survey, which will go to 625 clusters of the
country and check for TB. This sample survey is to be completed by 2020.
 This shall present national and state level data, which will be used as a policy tool for
further interventions.
Additional information:
 In 2018, 21.5 lakh TB cases were reported to the government, compared to 18 lakhs in
2017, an increase of 17% in one year.
 The Government of India has also partnered with the Global Fund to launch JEET (Joint
Effort for Elimination of TB), a private sector engagement program operating in 45 cities
across the country.
 In April 2018, the government launched the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a direct benefit
transfer (DBT) scheme to provide nutritional support to TB patients. Under the scheme,
TB patients have been receiving Rs. 500 per month for the entire duration of treatment.
Source: PIB

GREEN CHANNEL SCHEME

Why in news?

CCI receives combination notice under green channel scheme, relating to acquisition of equity stake
in Hero Future Energies Global Ltd and non-voting compulsorily convertible preference shareholding
in Hero Future Energies Private Ltd. by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company P.J.S.C. - Masdar, on
28th October, 2019.

The Acquirer, an entity incorporated in Abu Dhabi, is an international renewable energy and
sustainability company that provides solutions in energy, water, urban development and clean
technologies. HFE India, a company incorporated in India, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hero
Future Energies Asia Pte. Ltd, which is 100% held by HFE UK.

HFE India is primarily engaged in the implementation of power projects and generation of power
through renewable sources of energy, and also provides professional consultancy services in
relation thereto.

The Proposed Combination in terms of Regulation 5A of the Combination Regulations (i.e. notice
for approval of Combinations under Green Channel) is deemed to be approved upon filing and
acknowledgement thereof.
Summary of the Proposed Combination is available at:

Summary under Regulation 13 (1A) of the Competition Commission of India (Procedure in regard to
the transaction of business relating to combinations), Regulations, 2011 (as amended)

(a) Parties to the Combination

1. The parties to the Combination are:
a. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company P.J.S.C.- Masdar (Acquirer);
b. Hero Future Energies Global Ltd. (HFE UK); and
c. Hero Future Energies Private Ltd. (formerly known as Clean Solar
Power (Hiriyur) Pvt. Ltd.) (HFE India)
(HFE UK and HFE India are referred to as the Target Entities).

2. The Acquirer and the Target Entities are collectively referred to as the Parties.

(b) Nature and purpose of the Combination

3. The proposed transaction relates to proposed acquisition of a minority stake by way of

subscription of equity shares in HFE UK and non-voting compulsorily convertible preference shares in
HFE India, by the Acquirer (Proposed Transaction).

4. The Proposed Transaction is in the nature of an acquisition and falls under Section 5(a) of the
Competition Act, 2002 and Schedule III, read with subregulation (1) of Regulation 5A of the
Competition Commission of India (Procedure in regard to the transaction of business relating to
combinations) Regulations, 2011 (Green Channel filing) introduced by the Hon’ble Competition
Commission of India and effective from 15 August 2019.

5. The Proposed Transaction represents an attractive investment opportunity for the Acquirer in the
renewable energy sector in India. The Acquirer will benefit from the Target Entities’ established
business, which exhibits strong execution and attractive profitability in its early stages of growth. At
the same time, the Proposed Transaction will help the Target Entities to add value to their
business.
2

(c) Products, services and businesses of the Parties to the Combination

Acquirer

6. The Acquirer, incorporated under the laws of Abu Dhabi, is an international renewable energy and
sustainability company that advances solutions in energy, water, urban development and clean
 technologies. The Acquirer does not have any presence and is not engaged in any activities in India.

HFE India

7. HFE India, a company incorporated under Indian Companies Act, 1956 is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Hero Future Energies Asia Pte. Ltd, which is 100% held by HFE UK. HFE India is primarily
engaged in the implementation of power projects and generation of power through renewable
sources of energy, and also provides professional consultancy services in relation thereto.

HFE UK

8. HFE UK is a private company incorporated in England and Wales. HFE UK’s principal business
activity is that of setting up/acquisition of solar and wind power plants and projects.

(d) The Relevant Market(s) in which the Parties to the Combination operate

9. It is submitted that there are no direct horizontal and/or vertical overlaps and/or the Parties are
not engaged in complementary businesses in India. As such, it is submitted that the definition of the
relevant market should be left open.

Green Channel Filing

10. The Proposed Combination raises no risk of any adverse effect on competition as per Section 6(1)
of the Competition Act, and is also being submitted under the ‘green channel’ route as the Parties do
not have any:
(i) Horizontal Overlaps, (ii) Vertical Overlaps, or (iii) Complementary businesses.
Source : PIB

14 th NATIONAL HEALTH PROFILE 2019

Why in news:
India's life expectancy rises to 68.7 years: National Health Profile 2019
life expectancy in India has increased from 49.7 years in 1970-75 to 68.7 years in 2012-16, as
per the National Health Profile 2019 released on 30 oct 2019.
 For the same period, the life expectancy for females is 70.2 years and 67.4 years for males.
 On the non-communicable diseases, the survey notes that out of 6.51 crore patients who
attended NCD clinics, 4.75 per cent people are diagnosed with diabetes, 6.19 per cent are
diagnosed with hypertension, 0.30 per cent are diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases,
0.10 per cent are diagnosed with stroke and 0.26 per cent are diagnosed with common
cancers.
Source: PIB

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS
Why in news:
Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates National Symposium on the theme ‘United to Eliminate Lymphatic
Filariasis’
“Planning, commitment, vision, societal involvement and past experiences can help us achieve our
goal of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis from the country by 2021”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Summary:
On the occasion, Dr Minister said that this year has been a remarkable one for health
in India. Under the dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, we have witnessed a year
when bold commitments, backed by affirmative action have begun to yield desired results.
 NTD’s: Dr. Harsh Vardhan added “I would like to draw your attention to Neglected Tropical
Diseases (NTDs), which are a group of debilitating infectious diseases that impact over 1.5
billion people globally and hold back the poorest communities from reaching their full
potential.
 India is committed to eliminate two of these NTDs - Lymphatic Filariasis (Hathipaon) and
Visceral Leishmaniases (Kala-Azar) that put the future of our children at high risk.”
 “India’s achievements so far have been significant, and this is an opportune time for us to
consolidate the successes and finish the job of achieving LF elimination by 2021”, Union
Health Minister stated.
 Collaboration: This however, will only be possible if we foster greater collaboration and
commitment by all stakeholders including global public health experts, national & state
representatives, partners & donors”. Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary, Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare and other delegates also signed the Call to Action to eliminate Lymphatic
Filariasis by 2021.
 GPELF: Since the launch of the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) by
the World Health Organization in 2000, endemic countries across the world including India
have adopted a twin pillar strategy - prevention through Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
using combination of 2 anti-filarial drugs (DEC and Albendazole), and, providing Morbidity
Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) services to those affected by the disease.
 APELF: Renewing India’s commitment towards elimination, the Government launched the
Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) in 2018, and as part of
intensifying efforts towards elimination later rolled out IDA treatment in a phased manner.
 IDA: By the end of February 2019, India successfully rolled out IDA across 4 districts
including Arwal in Bihar (20 December 2018), Simdega in Jharkhand (10 January 2019),
Nagpur in Maharashtra (20 January 2019) and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh (20 February
2019).
 A total of 8.07 million people out of 10.7 million vulnerable people (75.4%) were benefitted
with the IDA medicines.
Source: PIB

2nd ASSEMBLY OF INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE

Why in news:
MNRE Hosts 2nd Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 31 October In New Delhi
While on 30 October 2019, coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA
programmes and initiatives will be held, the Assembly would meet on 31 October 2019.

Summary:
1. The Assembly is the supreme decision making body of the ISA, and gives directions on
various administrative, financial and programme related issues. Shri R.K. Singh, Minister for
 New and Renewable Energy and Power is President of the ISA Assembly and Ms Brune
Poirson, Minister of State for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition Govt. of France, is the
Co-President of the Assembly.
2. As on date 81 countries of the 121 prospective member countries have signed the
Framework Agreement of the ISA. Of these, 58 countries have ratified the same. The
Assembly will be attended by the Ministers and delegates from member States, Observer
States, ISA Partners, and other invitees. Over 400 delegates are expected to participate in
the Assembly.
3. The first Assembly of the ISA was attended by 78 countries, and they had affirmed their
determination to accelerate the deployment of solar energy worldwide for achieving
universal energy access at affordable rates.Recognizing that ISA has a major role in achieving
Sustainable Development Goals, and objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,
and that the ISA initiative would benefit the world at large, during the first Assembly of the
ISA an Indian resolution to extend the Membership of the organisation to all countries that
are Members of the United Nations was adopted.
4. Since the first Assembly on 3 October 2018, ISA has initiated many activities and
programmes. Demand for over 1000 MW solar power and 300000 solar water pumps has
been aggregated from ISA member countries.
 Some of the major activities for building domestic capacity of the ISA member
countries include ITEC Master Trainers Programme at NISE Gurugram; M. Tech
programme for mid-career professionals at IIT, Delhi; STAR-C programme, and
development of the INFOPEDIA.
 In order to understand the challenges and issues ‘on the ground’ and to strengthen
support for ISA programmes, the ISA sent country missions to eight countries over
the course of 2019 – to Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea,
Malawi, Mali, Niger, Togo, and Uganda.
 ISA has significantly extended outreach and have partnered with over 40
organizations. These broadly include UN, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs),
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), international and regional organizations
and foundations, and private sector players.
5. India has been providing all out support for realizing ISA’s vision and objectives. The
Government of India has allotted 5 acres of land to the ISA in National Institute of Solar
Energy (NISE) campus, Gurugram and has released a sum of Rs. 160 crore, i.e. US$ 26 million
for creating a corpus fund, building infrastructure and meeting day to day recurring
expenditure of the ISA up to the year 2012-22.
 As per commitment, India will release additional Rs. 15 crore, i.e. US$ 2.1 million in
the year 2020-21. In addition, various Public Sector Enterprises of Government of
India have contributed US$ 8 million for augmenting ISA corpus fund.
 Apart from these, India has set aside US$ 2 Billion for solar projects in Africa out of
Government of India's US$10 Billion concessional Line of Credit (LOC) for Africa.
 Exim Bank of India is implementing this line of credit in close coordination with ISA
countries in Africa.
 On the 24th September 2019, on the side-lines of the 74th UN General Assembly,
India announced allocation of US$ 12 million grant, and a concessional LOC of US$
150 Million for Pacific Islands Developing States for undertaking solar, renewable
energy and climate related projects.
6. The ISA, is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the
President of France on 30 November 2015 at Paris, France on the side-lines of the COP-21,
 with 121 solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer
and tropic of Capricorn as prospective members.
 The overarching objective of the ISA is to collectively address key common
challenges to the scaling up of solar energy in ISA member countries.
 It also aims to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the
cost of technology, mobilize investments needed for massive deployment of solar
energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs.
 ISA has been positioned to help create the conditions that would make funding,
developing and deploying solar applications on a large scale a reality.
 ISA is now perceived as key to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
and objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Source: PIB

DESPAIR FOR MANY AND SILVER LININGS FOR SOME IN

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Why in news:
Wildlife Peaked In August; Despair For Many And Silver Linings For Some In California Wildlife

California’s catastrophic wildfires have not discriminated between rich and poor. In recent
years tens of thousands of people lost their homes, from trailer parks to mansions. But the
aftermath of the fires has produced a spectrum of misery and recovery, ranging from the wealthy,
who with insurance money rebuilt houses sometimes worth more than the ones that burned, to
those who lost everything and years later still have nothing.

Source: The New York Times.