GOA

Goa’s water has seven types of coloured microplastics

Seven different coloured microplastics — black, blue, red, grey, brown, green and transparent — were identified in the water samples collected and tested by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Delhi-based advocacy group, Toxics Link, from across the Goa.

Black coloured microplastics were dominant in all the water samples followed by blue, red, grey, brown, green and transparent.

Microplastics (MP) are particles of plastic that are less than 5mm in size and have been recognised globally as one of the most critical emerging marine pollutants due to their persistence, ubiquity and toxic potential.

The research identified 129 microplastic particles in all the locations and a total of 26 different polymer types were found.

Among all the microplastics analysed, at 28.4% polyacetylene was found to be the maximum followed by EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) at 25.9%, styrene/isoprene ABA block copolymer at 9.9%, polyvinyl alcohol at 9.9%, polyamide at 8.6%, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) at 8.6% and polyvinyl pyrrolidone at 8.6%.

Blue-coloured microplastics were most commonly found, which, according to the study, might have originated from fishing nets or the use of other plastic packaging products.
Polypropylene (PP) fibres were found in typically blue or red colour. These are widely used in the packaging, fisheries and textile industries.

The main sources of the transparent and white microplastics are plastic carry bags and packaging materials and can also be sourced from fishing lines.

INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan test-fires Ghaznavi Missile

This training launch was aimed to ensure operational readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC).

It was also aimed at re-validating the technical parameters of the weapon system.

Missile Ghaznavi has the capability to deliver multiple types of warheads up to a range of 290 kilometres.

In February 2021, the ASFC had conducted a ‘training launch’ of Ghaznavi under its annual field training exercise.

NATIONAL

Government launches Fit India Freedom Run

According to union sports minister. programme has been launched at 75 ‘iconic’ locations.

The Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 will conclude on October 2, 2021.

During this period, people from each district and each village will participate in the freedom run movement.

In the freedom run 1.0, about 5 crore people had joined. While, this year, the number has increased to 7.5 crore people.

Government has planned to reach out to every household with the mantra of ‘Fitness ki dose ‘aadha ghanta roz’ in order to keep Indians fit.

Fit India Freedom Runs will be organised across 744 Districts, 75 villages in each of 744 Districts and 30,000 Educational Institutions in India.

India’s installed renewable energy capacity crosses 100 GW; Singh says ‘landmark day’

India’s total installed renewable energy generation capacity crossed 100 GW mark on Thursday and the country is fourth in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. The country has set an ambitious target to have 175 GW or 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2022.

While 100 GW has been installed, 50 GW is under installation and 27 GW is under tendering. If large hydro is included the installed renewable energy capacity increases to 146 GW, the release said.

APEDA exports five varieties of apples to Bahrain

Five varieties of apples including Dark Baron Gala, Royal Delicious, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox and Golden Delicious were exported to Bahrain.

These apples were sourced from farmers of Himachal Pradesh.

First consignment was exported by APEDA registered DM Enterprises.

Apples will be showcased at the apple promotion programme organized by leading retailer called Al Jajira group.

The apple promotion programme will start from 15th August, 2021 on the occasion of commencement of 75th year of India’s independence celebration.

Apple promotion programme is also being organized to familiarise consumers in Bahrain regarding the varieties of apples in India.

India’s first Water Plus City

Indore has become example for whole nation for its determination and dedication towards cleanliness.

Indore City received this certification from central government on August 11, 2021.

This certification is provided for maintaining cleanliness in rivers and drains.

To get the certification, following criteria has been set:

dirty water should not go into any river or drain.
Further, 30 percent of the city’s sewer water needs to be recycled and reused.
Public toilets must be connected to sewer lines and it must be cleaned.

Objective of the survey

This survey is conducted with the objective of encouraging large scale citizen participation and ensure sustainability of initiatives towards garbage free and open defecation free cities. Survey also seeks to instil the spirit of healthy competition amongst towns and cities in order to improve their service delivery to citizens.

Uneven vaccination in India’s most populous districts

Most populous districts in India, that account for one sixth of India’s population, have recorded a drop in number of active covid cases. Cases have almost reduced to half.

Number of deaths and weekly new cases have also dropped.

As a result, lockdown rules are being reversed.

However, differences in vaccination coverage raise concerns about a resurgence in covid cases.

Bangladesh is not the only Asian country that have ramped up its vaccination pace.

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan all are increasing their vaccination coverage pace as compared to India.

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