India’s first Solar Roof Cycling Track in Hyderabad
- The state municipal administration and Urban Development Minister K. T. Rama Rao inaugurated the 23-kilometer cycle track fitted with solar panels, known as the Healthway Cycling Track in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Around 16,000 solar panels have been installed to generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power, which can power 32,000 streetlights or illuminate 800 kilometers of city streets.
- The installed solar panels will be used to illuminate the track at night and protect cyclists from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions.
- This was also the world’s second solar roof-covered cycle track due to its exceptional design.
About Telangana
- Governor – Tamilisai Soundararajan
- Chief Minister – K. Chandrashekar Rao
- Capital – Hyderabad
107 MPs, MLAs have hate speech cases pending
- As many as 107 MPs and MLAs of the country have cases pending against them for hate speech and the number of such cases in the last 5 years is that 480 candidates have contested the elections with background by the Organization for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has informed.
About hate speech
- According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of cases registered for promoting hate speech and enmity in society has increased tremendously.
- While only 323 cases were registered in 2014, it has increased to 1,804 cases in 2020.
- Section 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) makes any speech, writing or sign “with premeditated and malicious intent” to insult the religion or religious beliefs of citizens punishable with fine and imprisonment for up to three years.
Ramji Lal Modi Case (1957):
- In this case a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court upheld the legality of Article 295(A).
- The Supreme Court reasoned that Article 19 (2) permits reasonable limitations on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of public order.
