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National Current Affairs December 4th Week 2021

Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm Deal:

Sri Lanka and India are set to sign a long-awaited agreement to build the `Trincomalee oil tank farm` together.
 
Highlights:
 
  • The Trincomalee oil tank farm deal is a long-desired project that has been a source of contention for a long time.
  • This project has been in the works between India and Sri Lanka for 16 months.
  • Udaya Gammanpila, Sri Lanka`s Energy Minister, has directed the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to set up a subsidiary called Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd for this purpose.
  • President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has approved the formation of a special purpose vehicle.
 
Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm:
 
  • During WWII, the British constructed the "Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms" as a refuelling station. It was built next to the Trincomalee port, which has a lovely natural harbour.
  • The century-old oil tanks, on the other hand, will need to be refurbished before they can be re-used, which will cost millions of dollars.
  • The proposal to renovate the oil farm was included in a 35-year-old Indo-Lanka agreement.
  • The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm is located in `China Bay.` It is made up of 99 storage tanks, each with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres and spread across the Lower and Upper Tank Farms.
  • Lanka IOC currently has 15 tanks in operation. A new agreement is being negotiated for the remaining tanks.
  • The Upper Tank Farm will be built in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

 

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India: 27 Border Infrastructure Projects Launched

On December 28, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads.
 
Highlights:
  • Border Roads Organisation (BRO) built these across four Indian states and two union territories.
  • Despite the difficulties of working at high altitudes and in sub-zero temperatures, the Defence Minister praised BRO for completing these projects.
  • The Minister also announced the establishment of `BRO Cafes` in 75 locations as part of the `Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav` celebrations.
  • These roads and bridges were constructed to allow troops to move quickly across India`s borders with China and Pakistan.
  • These projects will also boost tourism and ensure the region`s socio economic development.
 Double-Lane Modular Bridge:
 
  • The most notable of the new bridges was India`s first indigenous Class 70 140-foot Double-Lane Modular Bridge.
  • It was built at an elevation of 11,000 feet on Flag Hill Dokala in Sikkim.
  • The completion of the Chisumle-Demchok road at Ladakh`s over 19,000-foot Umling La Pass is also significant.
  • According to Guinness World Records, the road is the world`s highest motorable road. This road will be used as a shortcut between Leh and Demchock.
  • With the completion of the Flag Hill-Doklam Road, Indian troops will have a faster route to the Doklam plateau.

 

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National Current Affairs December 2nd Week 2021

The Tamil Thaai Vazhthu has been designated as the state song by the Tamil Nadu Government.

 
On December 17, 2021, the Tamil Nadu government designated Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu as the state song, requiring everyone to stand when it is sung on special occasions.
 
♦People with disabilities and pregnant women, on the other hand, will be exempt.
 
♦The order comes after the Madras High Court recently ruled that the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu is merely a prayer hymn, not a national anthem, and that no one is required to stand.
 
♦A G.O. has been issued in this regard, according to an official statement, and the song must be sung at the start of all events hosted by educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector businesses, and public organisations.
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National Current Affairs November 4th Week 2021

 Parliaments Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021

 
Parliament passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on 29 November in the first winter session.
 
Highlights:
♦ The three farm laws of the centre have been revoked by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, following a year-long protest by farmers.
♦ Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021 was delayed by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha.
♦ The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 was stated to revoke the three farm laws, namely,
Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020
Farmers` Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020
Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
♦ The Bill also seeks to amend the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. It was introduced and passed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on November 19, to repeal the three laws in light if ongoing farmers` protests against these laws.
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