Madhya Pradesh State PCS

• 13 Apr 2024

Storm Damages World's Biggest Floating Solar Plant

Why in News?

The biggest floating solar plant in the world located at Omkareshwar Dam, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh has sustained severe damage due to a storm.

Key Points

• Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (NHDC) has initiated an assessment of the harm but remains positive that the plant will resume power generation shortly.
  • The Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation Limited (NHDC Limited) is a joint venture between the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC Limited).
• The floating structure, constructed on the backwaters of Omkareshwar Dam, was all set for deployment when it was battered by strong 50 kmph winds during a summer storm recently.
• The Omkareshwar Dam backwaters will house plants with capacities of 100 megawatts in Kelwa Khurd, 88 megawatts in Indawadi and 90 megawatts in Ekhand village.

The Omkareshwar Dam

• It is a gravity dam on the Narmada River just upstream of Mandhata in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
• It is named after the Omkareshwar temple located just downstream.
• The dam was constructed between 2003 and 2007 with the purpose of providing water for irrigation of 132,500 ha (327,000 acres).
• An associated hydroelectric power station located at the base of the dam has an installed capacity of 520 MW.

New Curriculum for Fourth Year UG Students

Why in News?

With the upcoming session, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) in Madhya Pradesh has formulated a new curriculum for undergraduate students who are starting their fourth year under the National Education Policy 2020.

Key Points

• Madhya Pradesh has become one of the primary states in India in carrying out the National Education Policy.
  • More than 450,000 students in undergraduate professional courses in the state can apply for admission in the fourth year if they have a CGPA of 7.5 or above.
• According to the new curriculum developed by the DHE, students can specialize in different subjects through research projects.
• The switch to four-year programs is anticipated to be advantageous for students who plan to study further on international soil, as it matches the entry criteria for specific graduate courses abroad.

National Education Policy 2020

• The National Education Policy 2020 seeks to tackle the evolving development needs of India.
  • It calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, including its regulations and management, to establish a modern system that aligns with 21st-century educational goals, including Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), while respecting India's cultural heritage and values.
• It replaces the thirty-four year old National Policy on Education, 1986, modified in 1992 (NPE 1986/92).