Daily Current Affairs Notes for 05 May 2023

NTPC Group Expands Installed Capacity to 72,304 MW with First Overseas Addition:

The NTPC Group, which is a government-owned power company, has achieved a major accomplishment in the power industry by increasing its installed capacity to 72,304 MW. This expansion includes the recent addition of the 660 MW Unit-1 of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bangladesh, which is NTPC's first international capacity expansion.

Collaboration with Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Pvt Ltd.:

The MSTPP project, which has a capacity of 1,320 MW (2×660), was executed in partnership with the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Pvt Ltd. (BIFPCL), a foreign joint venture of NTPC Ltd. The project's successful completion demonstrates NTPC's expertise in the power sector and its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Bolstering Economic and Social Ties between India and Bangladesh:

The MSTPP is a collaboration between NTPC and the Bangladesh Power Development Board, which aims to provide electricity to the people of Bangladesh while strengthening economic and social ties between India and Bangladesh. NTPC's dedication to delivering dependable and sustainable power, both domestically and internationally, has been further strengthened with this new addition.

Commitment to Reliable and Sustainable Power:

A representative from NTPC emphasized that the project's successful completion is proof of the company's unwavering commitment to dependable and sustainable power. NTPC's increase in installed capacity to 72,304 MW showcases its determination to meet the rising demand for electricity not only in India but also in other parts of the world.

NTPC Limited is a public sector undertaking in the Indian power sector. Here are some key points about NTPC:

1. NTPC was founded in 1975 and has its headquarters located in New Delhi, India.
2. As of 2023, NTPC is the biggest power company in India, with an installed capacity of 72,304 MW.
3. NTPC produces electricity using different sources, which include coal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind.
4. NTPC places significant emphasis on sustainable and clean energy sources and has set a goal to raise the proportion of renewable energy in its overall capacity.
5. NTPC has a presence in several countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, through collaborations and joint ventures.
6. Gurdeep Singh has been the Chairman & Managing Director of NTPC Limited since 2016.

Dialog Axiata and Bharti Airtel to Merge Sri Lankan Subsidiaries:

Dialog Axiata, which is Sri Lanka's biggest telecommunications company and a subsidiary of Malaysian Axiata, has recently disclosed a binding term sheet with India's Bharti Airtel for merging their Sri Lankan subsidiaries. As per the proposed agreement, Airtel will receive a stake in Dialog, equivalent to the fair value of Airtel Lanka. This merger will also enable Airtel to gain access to a substantial customer base in Sri Lanka.

Ongoing Discussions and Regulatory Approvals:

As per the disclosure made by Dialog to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the company is currently in discussions with the relevant regulatory authorities, and the proposed merger is subject to the signing of definitive agreements and meeting necessary closing conditions, such as receiving regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Access to a Large Customer Base:

The merger is anticipated to enable Airtel to broaden its customer base in Sri Lanka and improve its network coverage and customer service offerings in the country. Dialog, on the other hand, is expected to gain from Airtel's extensive experience in the telecommunications and digital services industry across the globe.

Impact on the Telecommunications Market:

The proposed merger is expected to have a substantial impact on the telecommunications market in Sri Lanka, as Dialog and Airtel join forces to provide enhanced services to their customers by leveraging their resources and capabilities. The merged entity is also likely to have a stronger competitive edge over other telecommunications providers in the country.

In 2019, during the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference, May 5th was officially declared as "World Portuguese Language Day" to celebrate the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. The Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), an intergovernmental organization comprising nations where Portuguese is spoken, had established this date in 2009, and has been in an official partnership with UNESCO since 2000.

The Portuguese language is widely spoken with more than 265 million speakers across the globe. It is one of the most prevalent languages worldwide and holds a significant place as a language of international communication with a wide geographical reach. Additionally, it is the most commonly spoken language in the southern hemisphere. Its influence is expected to expand further in the future.

The Portuguese language has its roots in Galician, which was spoken by the people in the northern regions of Portugal and northwest Spain. Galician was a blend of regional dialects and standard Latin. Over time, the language evolved, and by the 14th century, Portuguese had emerged as its descendant. Those who speak Portuguese are referred to as Lusophones, with the majority residing in Brazil.