Today in History (August 7th, 2015)
On this day, in 2015, August 7 was designated as National Handloom Day to commemorate the rich heritage of handloom weaving and honoring the contributions of weavers in safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage.
Summary of Today’s News
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) to rejuvenate 1,309 railway stations in India, aiming to create modern, world-class travel hubs. This ambitious initiative involves an investment of ₹25,000 crore, with 508 stations already undergoing work. Thirteen railway stations in one state will receive a ₹303 crore modern makeover. The rejuvenated stations will feature amenities like roof plazas, shopping zones, food courts, play areas, separate entry/exit gates, multi-level parking, lifts, escalators, an executive lounge, waiting areas, and facilities for the physically challenged.
Ethanol Blending
Ethanol blending combines agricultural-derived ethyl alcohol with gasoline, enhancing combustion. India’s policy aims for 20% ethanol and 5% biodiesel blending by 2025, with early success in achieving 10% ethanol blending, saving foreign exchange, and reducing emissions. The program benefits from reduced oil import dependence, cost savings, and environmental gains.
Canada Online News Act
Meta will block users in Canada from accessing news on its platforms due to the Canada Online News Act, which requires digital giants to compensate news publishers fairly. Google will also remove links to Canadian news. The Act mandates compensation agreements between platforms and authorized news publishers, overseen by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.
Starlink Project
The Starlink network, an ambitious project by SpaceX, involves beaming data signals from a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Launched in 2015, with 122 satellites currently deployed, Starlink plans to provide global satellite Internet coverage.
Subramania Bharathi
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a portrait of late Tamil poet journalist Subramania Bharathi at Raj Bhavan and renamed the Durbar Hall to ‘Bharathiar Mandapam.’ He was born on December 11, 1882, in Ettayapuram village, Tamil Nadu. He was Mahakavi Bharathiyar, a poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer. Renowned for his nationalist songs, he played a vital role in mobilizing support for India’s independence movement in Tamil Nadu. His notable literary works include “Kannan Pattu,” “Nilavum Vanminum Katrum,” “Panchali Sabatam,” and “Kuyil Pattu.”
