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One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative
India’s mega plan of "One Sun, One World, One Grid" (OSOWOG) — a trans-national electricity grid supplying solar power across the globe. The idea was first floated by Modi in 2018 during the first assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Policy experts describe it as part of India’s answer to China’s “One Belt One Road” project.
According to the draft plan of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the ambitious OSOWOG will connect 140 countries through a common grid that will be used to transfer solar power.
India makes testing of imported telecom equipment mandatory
India has notified the World Trade Organization its intention to make it mandatory for telecom products sold, imported or used in the country, including feedback device, transmission terminal equipment and broadband equipment, to be tested and certified by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
In three separate submissions made to the WTO Committee on Technical Barrier to Trade on the three identified items, India sought comments from WTO members on the mandatory certification regime within 30 days.
Centre launches Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0 for climate-sensitive cities
A framework that would help cities follow a climate-sensitive approach in urban planning and development was launched. The objective of the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0 is to provide a roadmap for cities for combating climate change while planning and implementing their actions, including investments. The framework has 28 indicators across energy and green buildings, urban planning, green cover and biodiversity, mobility and air quality, water management and waste management.
BIS Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ & Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched the Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and three portals – the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS on www.manakonline.in for consumers. The mobile app BIS-Care can be operated on any Android phone and can be downloaded free from Google play store. Consumers can check the authenticity of the ISI-marked and hallmarked products and lodge complaints using this app. The Minister said that the government has taken several steps to protect the interests of consumers.