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All India Radio News Summary: 14 OCTOBER 2017

All India Radio News Summary: 14 OCTOBER 2017

  1. The deportation of illegal immigrants has to be dealt with only by the Centre as it is essentially an executive function

The Union Home Ministry has said that the deportation of illegal immigrants including Rohingyas has to be dealt with only by the Centre as it is essentially an executive function.

  • Questions regarding illegal immigrants need to be examined keeping in mind diplomatic consideration, internal security situation, demographic changes in the country and duties of the Central government towards its own citizens.
  • It is, therefore, desirable that these issues ought to be handled by policy-making function of the executive.
  • The assertion comes after the Supreme Court decided to give a detailed and holistic hearing from November 21st on the government’s decision to deport Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar.
  • The court also observed that a balance has to be struck between national interest and human rights as the issue involved national security, economic interests and humanity.

 

  1. India has the potential to grow at a reasonably high rate in the next two decades

Union Finance Minister said India has the potential to grow at a reasonably high rate in the next two decades.

  • India’s high level growth will be fuelled by a series of structural reforms being carried out by the government, turnaround in the global economy, and the massive investment opportunity.
  • India is one of the most open, globally integrated economies and the government has taken a series of steps to improve the ease of doing business.
  • The Finance Minister said the sheer size of the country and economy will offer huge opportunity for investment in India in the next few years.

 

  1. Supreme Court has declined to amend an Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks

The Supreme Court has declined to amend an Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks saying that the issue fell within the legislative realm.

  • The apex court, however, sought response from the government on framing of guidelines for setting up a permanent mechanism for expedient termination of pregnancies beyond 20 weeks in the exceptional cases.
  • A bench comprising Chief Justice was hearing a plea seeking amendment of the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

 

  1. The world’s largest combustion research centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

The world’s largest combustion research centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in Tamil Nadu.

  • The establishment of the Centre will give a major boost to the Indian scientific community and will provide an impetus to research in ‘Alternative Energy and Environmental Protection’.

 

  1. India will provide fully-sponsored academic fellowship to scientists and researchers of neighbouring countries.

India will provide fully-sponsored academic fellowship to scientists and researchers of neighbouring countries. This was announced by Union Science and Technology Minister at India International Science Festival in Chennai.

  • The 2018-India Science and Research Fellowship scheme will provide a fully-paid fellowship to researchers, scientists and academicians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

 

  1. Fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017

The fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017 started with a grand opening ceremony at Aundh Military Station, Pune. The exercise will continue till 26th of this month. 

  • The exercise is based on Counter Terrorist Operations and an Infantry company from both the countries is participating in it.  
  • The opening ceremony commenced with immaculate parade, followed by skill displays carried out by troops from both the countries.
  • The spectacular display of Combat Power Demonstration, Pipe Band & Khukri Dance was performed by Indian Army and Udarata Narthanaya, a traditional dance by Sri Lanka Army.  
  • The exercise will send a strong signal to the world that both India and Sri Lanka understand the emerging threat of terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering this menace. 

 

  1. United States President refused to continue signing off on the 2015 landmark international nuclear deal

United States President condemned Iran as a fanatical regime and refused to continue signing off on the 2015 landmark international nuclear deal.

  • President accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism and proposed new sanctions.
  • By its own terms, the Iran deal was supposed to contribute to regional and international peace and security.
  • While the United States adheres to our commitment under the deal, The Iranian regime continues to feel conflict, terror and turmoil throughout the Middle East and beyond. Importantly, Iran is not living up to the spirit of the deal, President said.
  • The Congressional leaders are already drafting amendments that will curb the ballistic missile development and eliminate expiry dates on restrictions to Iran’s nuclear development.
  • The US has slapped sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for its alleged support to various terrorist organisations.

 

  1. PM announces 10 public and 10 private Universities in the country to be made world class universities with autonomous status; 

The Prime Minister announced 10 public Universities and 10 private Universities will be made world class universities in the country.

  • Addressing centenary celebrations of Patna University in Bihar, PM said selection of these universities will be on merit and there will no interference from anyone.
  • He encouraged students of various universities to come forward for innovations to solve day to day problems.
  • PM emphasised that the country could progress via innovations.
  • Only innovations could meet challenges in changing scenario in global environment.
  • The country stands in the fourth position in the area of innovation and hoped it will be in the top position in the years to come.
  • Prime Minister said in an era of globalisation, the country needs to understand the changing trends across the world. He said India is blessed with youthful aspirations. He urged youngsters to think about innovative solutions to the problems faced by people around them.

 

  1. In Manipur, ten persons including a child got injured in a bomb blast

In Manipur, ten persons including a child got injured in a bomb blast in Imphal. The blast took place at a local exhibition ground at Sagolband in Imphal West at about 7:15 in the evening.  

 

  1. Two Pakistani nationals will be provided visa for undergoing liver transplant surgeries in India

External Affairs Minister announced that two Pakistani nationals will be provided visa for undergoing liver transplant surgeries in India.

  • The minister said that she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to provide visa to Naseem Akhtar, a Pakistani woman, for her liver transplant surgery in India.
  • This intervention came after Akhtar’s son requested for her help.
  • Another visa was being provided to Pakistani national Shabbir Ahmed Shah who also required a liver transplant surgery. 

 

  1. The IMF suggested a three-pronged approach for structural reforms in India

The IMF has suggested a three-pronged approach for structural reforms in India.

  • The favourable outlook for Asia was an important opportunity for India to push forward with difficult reforms.
  • India should continue with the fiscal consolidation through revenue measures, as well as further decrease in subsidies.
  • It is to maintain the strong momentum for structural reforms in addressing the infrastructure gaps, improving the efficiency of labour and product markets as well as furthering agricultural reforms.
  • The improvements in infrastructure can be one important way to facilitate the entry of women into the labour force.

 

  1. A delegation of Indian Parliamentarians has met UN General Assembly President to discuss reform of the world body

A delegation of Indian Parliamentarians has met UN General Assembly President and discussed a number of issues, including reform of the world body.

  • They discussed issues related to migration, peace, sustainable development, and United Nations reform.
  • During the meeting in United Nations, emphasised the role of parliamentarians as important channels of communication to the people.

 

  1. Massive wildfires in the US state of California

The death toll in massive wildfires in the US state of California has risen to 35.

  • Fires in the northern part of the state burned about 90,000 hectares, mainly in the wine-producing counties of Sonoma and Napa. They said that about 5,700 homes and stores have been destroyed, and that around 90,000 people have been evacuated.
  • The US Environmental Protection Agency said, its air quality index for San Francisco has worsened since the fires began. The city is about 80 kilometres south of Napa County.

 

  1. A new BIS Act has been brought into effect from 12th October

A new Bureau of Indian standards BIS, Act which was notified on 22nd March, last year has been brought into effect from 12th October 2017.

  • Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said, the Act establishes the BIS as the National Standards Body of India.
  • The Act will be enabling provisions for the Government to bring under compulsory certification regime any goods or article of any scheduled industry, process, system or service which it considers necessary in the public interest or for the protection of human, animal or plant health or national security.
  • Enabling provisions have also been made for making hallmarking of the precious metal articles mandatory.

 

  1. Recycling industry can play an important role for generation of raw material for steel industry

The government said recycling industry can play an important role for generation of raw material for steel industry.

  • Addressing world recycling convention in New Delhi, Steel Minister said increased consumption of steel scrap is required for its proper utility in the steel sector and its industry.
  • India has a strong market of recycling as it conserves natural resources.
  • The economic potential in the recycling industry is more.
  • Efforts have to be made for ‘zero waste’ in the recycling industry.

 

  1. No power in the world can stop the government from resolving the Kashmir issue

Union Home Minister said no power in the world can stop the government from resolving the Kashmir issue and he hit out at Pakistan for its unholy activities against India.

  • The government has given a free hand to the Army to act against terrorists and give a befitting reply to any firing from across the border in Kashmir.

 

  1. The Centre will set up 50 bedded hospitals in all the districts of the country

The Centre will set up 50 bedded hospitals in all the districts of the country in the next ten years under National AYUSH Mission.

  • The 2nd National Ayurved Day will be celebrated on 17th of this month on the occasion of Dhanwantri Jayanti.
  • On the occasion of  Ayurved Day, Prime Minister will inaugurate the All India Institute of Ayurved at Sarita Vihar in New Delhi.

 

  1. Rajasthan Assembly will now get different motions from legislators online
  • Rajasthan Assembly has initiated a good practice to boost Digital India.
  • From the upcoming session of the Assembly, the motion of attention, adjournment motion and other motions under different sections will be taken online.
  • Rajasthan Assembly is first assembly which has started getting and replying of the questions online. It will savee time of legislators and government employees.