World’s largest solar park launched in Karnataka

The world’s largest solar park set up at an investment of Rs 16,500 crore at Pavagada in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 1st March 2018. The 2,000 MW park, named as ‘Shakti Sthala’, spans across 13,000 acres spread over five villages and is a benchmark in the unique people’s participation in power model put on ground, according to officials. The park’s development is anchored by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. Ltd (KSPDCL), an entity formed in March 2015 as a joint venture between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI). The project has been executed within a record time of two years, with zero land acquisition. Moreover, the farmers who have leased out their land are reaping greater benefits with Rs 21,000 per acre being offered as rental, an amount which has the scope to grow by five per cent every two years.

Gymnast Aruna Reddy makes history

Aruna Budda Reddy created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to win an individual medal at the Gymnastics World Cup as she clinched a bronze in the women's vault event. The 22-year-old Reddy, who hails from Hyderabad, scored 13.649 average points to win the bronze at the Hisense Arena. Tjasa Kysslef of Slovania won the gold with a score of 13.800 while Emily Whitehead of Australia took the silver with 13.699.

IIT Delhi researchers develop scar-tissue model for screening drugs

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have for the first time developed a 3D scar-tissue model through tissue engineering. The two-member team led by Prof. Sourabh Ghosh from the Department of Textile Technology at IIT Delhi was successful in replicating the early inflammatory microenvironment that initiates a cascade of events that lead to scar development. The team replicated all the five features and two signalling pathways that form scar tissue.

Martin Guptill becomes highest T20I run-scorer

Martin Guptill scripted history after becoming the leading run-scorer in Twenty20 international cricket. Enroute to this milestone, the New Zealand opener also slammed his second T20I century in just 49 deliveries, fastest by a Kiwi batsman. Incidentally, both the records were held by former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum.

Roger Federer becomes oldest World No 1

Roger Federer will hold the World No 1 spot at the the top of the ATP Rankings for the fourth time. The 20-time Grand Slam winner once again clamed the top spot.

Padma Awards 2018

Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

Click Here for 2018 Winner List

Usha Ananthasubramanian becomes first woman chairman of IBA

Usha Ananthasubramanian, managing director at Allahabad Bank has become the first woman chairman of the Indian Banks' Association, the 71-year old industry body for banks. IBA announced that its managing committee elected Ananthasubramanian as the chairman till August. She will be superannuating on August 31.