The India assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project on the Mangdechhu River is a recent addition to Bhutan’s energy portfolio, managed by the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC). Hailing back to its conception in 2010, this project has helped push the completion of four mega hydroelectric power projects, including the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project on the Kholongchhu river, and the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1 & 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-2 Projects on the Punatsangchhu River. This venture between India and Bhutan represents a bilateral cooperation that benefits both nations.
Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project
India’s assistance in the creation of the 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project was recently transferred to the stewardship of Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC). The project, which was first conceived in 2010, represents the successful completion of four mega hydroelectric power projects between the two countries.
Cooperation in Hydropower
Besides the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project, the collaboration has also brought to fruition three other projects – the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project, 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1, and 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-2 Projects. These ventures have led to reciprocal benefits, providing clean electricity to India while generating export revenue for Bhutan.
Chillai Kalan – Kashmir’s Hardest Winter Period
In recent times, the Kashmir valley has been experiencing Chillai Kalan, a 40-day winter period of intense cold which sees temperatures plummet below freezing point (-5.7℃ to -2.5℃). The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of Dal Lake and interrupted water supply, creating challenging living conditions in the region.
Netanyahu Returns as Israel’s Prime Minister
In a recent development, Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected as Israel’s Prime Minister, taking over from Yair Lapid. This leadership change comes at a time where the country is enmeshed in the ongoing conflict with Palestine, centered around contentious issues related to Jerusalem and West Bank.
India-Israel Trade Relations
The beginning of 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel. Today, India is Israel’s 3rd largest trade partner in Asia and the 7th largest globally, receiving a substantial amount of military equipment from Israel.
Dhanu Jatra – World’s Largest Open-Air Theatre
The Dhanu Jatra, recognized as the world’s largest open-air theatre, recently commenced its annual celebration. Originating in Bargarh in Odisha in 1947-48 as a celebration of India’s Independence, the festival narrates Lord Krishna’s visit to Mathura (UP) to witness the ceremony of ‘Bow’ organized by Kansa as depicted in the Bhagavata Purana.
