India takes over leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (GS Paper 2, International Organisation)
Why in news?
- India will take over the leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) having its Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand in January 2023.
Details:
- Secretary General leads the activities of the Union and is also the Director of the Asian Pacific Postal College (APPC) which is the largest intergovernmental postal training institute in the region.
- Following the successful elections held during the 13th APPU Congress held in Bangkok during August- September 2022, Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh, erstwhile Member (Personnel), Postal Services Board will take over the charge of Secretary General of the Union for a tenure of 4 years.
About APPU:
- Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
- APPU is the only Restricted Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the region, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- The goal of APPU is to extend, facilitate and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services.
- As the regional center for various UPU projects, APPU also takes the lead in ensuring that all technical and operational projects of the UPU are fulfilled in the region so that the region is integrated into the global postal network in the best possible way.
NTPC starts India’s first green hydrogen blending operation in PNG network
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- NTPC Ltd commissions India's first green hydrogen blending project.
- The green hydrogen blending has been started in the piped natural gas (PNG) network of NTPC Kawas township, Surat.
- The project is a joint effort of NTPC and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL).
Background:
- NTPC and GGL have worked relentlessly towards achieving this milestone in record time after the foundation stone laying by the Prime Minister of India on 30th July 2022.
Details:
- This set-up is geared up to supply H2-NG (natural gas) to households of Kawas township at Adityanagar, Surat.
- Green hydrogen in Kawas is made by electrolysis of water using power from already installed 1 MW floating solar project.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), the regulatory body has given approval for 5% vol./vol. blending of green hydrogen with PNG to start with and the blending level would be scaled phase wise to reach 20%.
- Green hydrogen when blended with natural gas reduces CO2 emissions keeping net heating content same.
Way Forward:
- This feat is achieved only by few select countries like UK, Germany, and Australia etc. This would bring India at the centre stage of the global hydrogen economy.
- India would not only reduce its hydrocarbon import bill significantly but can also bring forex ashore by being a green hydrogen and green chemicals exporter to the world.
Cinema halls, multiplexes have the right to prohibit outside food, says SC
(GS Paper 2, Judiciary)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Supreme Court ruled the owners of cinema halls are entitled to set the terms and conditions for the sale of food and beverages and can determine whether outside food should be permitted within the theatre precincts.
- The Supreme Court set aside a direction of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court which had in July 2018 directed multiplex and cinema hall owners there not to prohibit movie goers from carrying their own food articles and water inside the theatres.
Details:
- A Bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice P.S. Narasimha observed that cinema hall is a private property of the owner, who is entitled to have terms and conditions so long as they are not contrary to public interest, safety and welfare.
- The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the direction given by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
Key Highlights:
- The Bench said whether or not to see a movie is entirely the choice of the viewer and, if he or she seeks to enter a cinema hall, they have to abide by the terms and conditions subject to which the entry is granted.
- The Bench observed the fundamental aspect which needs to be noted is that the trade and business of conducting a cinema theatre is subject to regulation by the state which has framed the Jammu and Kashmir Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1975.
- The Bench said it needed no emphasis that the rule making power of the state has to be exercised in a manner consistent with the fundamental right of the hall owners to carry on a legitimate trade and business within the meaning of Article 19 (1)(g) of the Constitution.
Exceptions:
- The Supreme Court, however, said that cinemas should allow parents to bring food for infants and children and provide free drinking water to all visitors.
- It observed that whether or not to purchase, food or beverages after being given admission to the cinema hall is entirely the choice of a movie goer.
