Amid ongoing heat and high humidity, people prefer to stay indoors using air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators, which raises concerns about rising electricity bills. However, millions of people who have connected to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna scheme and installed solar panels on their home roofs are enjoying coolness without worrying about bills, as this government program provides 300 units of free electricity.
PM Surya Ghar Yojna is an initiative by the central government launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024. The program not only provides 300 units of free energy but also offers financial support to citizens for installing solar panels on their home roofs. The government assists by providing subsidies for the costs associated with installing panels of various capacities depending on consumption.
Currently, approximately 27 million homes have been covered by this program. The government's goal is to provide solar energy to 100 million households.
The government sets different subsidy amounts for solar panels of varying capacities. Under this government scheme, one can install a solar panel ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW or more. For the installation of a 3-kilowatt solar panel, the estimated cost can range from 1.5 to 2 million rupees. In this case, the government provides a subsidy of 78,000 rupees, which is transferred directly to the bank account or credited against the loan. This reduces citizens' expenses and allows them to benefit from the free electricity allowance.
Various states also offer additional subsidies under the Solar Mission. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, the government provides an extra assistance of 30,000 rupees for panels of 3 kW and above, increasing the total subsidy from 78 thousand to 108 thousand rupees. If consumption is between 0 and 150 units, one can install a 1-2 kW solar panel and receive a subsidy ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 rupees. To apply for a loan for solar panel installation, one can contact the toll-free number 15555.
Applying for the PM Surya Ghar Free Bijli Scheme is very simple: it only takes 5 minutes to apply through https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in. After this, solar panels can be installed by an accredited vendor registered with your DISCOM. After installation, an application must be submitted for a net meter with installation details. After the meter installation and verification by the DISCOM, a commissioning certificate will be issued. Upon receiving this certificate, the applicant provides bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal to receive the subsidy.
A comprehensive animal shelter has opened in Dubai's Al Warsan district. It is equipped with a new digital platform that allows residents to view information about rescued cats and dogs available for adoption even before visiting the facility.
This new shelter, located at the Bird and Animal Market in Al Warsan, is designed to care for stray and lost companions. It combines veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, grooming, and adoption services under one roof.
Users interested in acquiring a pet can use the online platform to review the animals and receive detailed information about their health status and behavior. This helps potential owners make informed decisions before starting the adoption process.
The facility also includes interactive rooms for meeting the animals, where future owners can spend time with them before taking them home. The shelter has a veterinary clinic with an operating room, as well as a special center that helps reunite lost pets with their owners after checking identification and ownership data.
The Dubai Municipality stated that this shelter is part of broader efforts to improve animal welfare and encourage responsible pet ownership, ensuring a humane management system for strays.
The municipality has entered into agreements with Vets Fur Pets Veterinary Clinic and Phoenix Veterinary Clinic. These partnerships aim to support the treatment and rehabilitation of injured or sick stray animals, as well as promoting advanced animal care methods.
As part of this initiative, the municipality will continue implementing internationally recognized 'Trap-Neuter-Return' (TNR) programs for stray cats. Simultaneously, programs for treating and caring for stray dogs and cats will be conducted. Under this approach, stray cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, and vaccinated if necessary before being returned to their former locations, provided it is safe for both the animals and the public.
Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, the acting CEO of the Dubai Municipality Environment, Health and Safety Agency, noted that the new shelter strengthens the emirate's veterinary services and supports the 'One Health' approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Earlier this year, the Dubai Municipality introduced the first AI-powered 'Ihsan' smart feeders in the region for stray and free-roaming companions. Twelve such devices have been installed across Dubai to support animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Aziz Abduhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, held a meeting with Mohammed Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power, to discuss joint environmental projects.
The parties reviewed current initiatives related to waste management and climate change adaptation, and also discussed potential areas for further cooperation.
One of the central issues was the construction of a modern complex for handling hazardous industrial waste in Uzbekistan, which will require an investment of 260 million US dollars. The participants discussed additional steps necessary to accelerate the implementation of this project.
Particular attention was paid to the partnership between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in creating a national early warning and monitoring system for sand and dust storms. This project involves implementing a modern observation system, integrating the national platform with international early warning systems, developing joint predictive models, and exchanging data between relevant institutions.
At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation and implementing joint projects that will include modern environmental technologies, enhancing environmental safety, and sustainable development in Uzbekistan.
