All India Radio News Summary: 03 DECEMBER 2017
- First phase of Chabahar port in Iran opens creating a new strategic transit route between Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.
The first phase of the Chabahar port in Iran was inaugurated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Minister of State for Shipping represented India at the inauguration of the Phase-1 of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar.
The port is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province.
Significance:
- It has opened a new strategic transit route between Iran, India and Afghanistan.
- The port on the Gulf of Oman, jointly developed by India, is easily accessed from India’s western coast.
- The first phase of the port has been named after Shahid Beheshti the prime architect of Iran’s post revolution constitution.
- The port is likely to ramp up trade between India, Afghanistan and Iran in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi for trade with the two countries.
- India has been closely working with Afghanistan to create alternative, reliable access routes, bypassing Pakistan.
- Chabahar port also has an international airport. The port is considered as a gateway to golden opportunities for trade with central Asian countries.
- 33rd Anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
In Madhya Pradesh, several programmes are being organized today on the occasion of 33rd Anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy:
A large number of people were killed following leakage of Methyl Isocyanate gas from Bhopal’s Union Carbide Plant on 2nd and 3rd December 1984.
Impact
- Even after three decades, the wounds of the victims of the biggest industrial tragedy have not been cured yet.
- According to figures, about fifteen thousand people died in that gas leakage from the pesticide plant of Union Carbide.
- NGOs, working for survivors said that the gas victims are still facing problems like proper medical facilities and better living conditions including safe drinking water and proper employment.
- Several Organisations have written letters to Prime Minister for removal of toxic waste under the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign.
- International Day of persons with Disabilities. – 3rd December
The annual observance of the day was proclaimed in 1992 by a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
President Ram said, rights of divyangs should be preserved and people should be sensitive towards their needs. Divyangs are full of confidence and people need to change their mindset towards them. The government is making efforts to provide facilities to divyangs in the country.
Aim
It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Theme
The theme of this year is transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all.
Deen Dayal Divyang Sahajya Yojna
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched Deen Dayal Divyang Sahajya Yojna in Assam today for the benefit of the divyangjan. Under the scheme, one time ex-gratia of 5,000 rupees will be given to each Divyang.
- US said, it is not satisfied with Pakistan’s co-operation in the war against terror
US has said, it is not satisfied with Pakistan’s co-operation in the war against terror as part of its South Asia strategy. Washington is waiting to see Islamabad taking steps to rein in the Taliban and the Haqqani network.
The official termed the release of Mumbai terror attacks accused Hafiz Saeed as a step backward in that direction
- Cyclone Ockhi- Relief operations to continue for two-more weeks in the worst-hit Minicoy and Kalpeni islands
Relief operations are continuing in full swing in the cyclone Ockhi battered Lakshadweep islands and Kerala coast. As the cyclone moved away from Lakshadweep islands towards Gujarat coast, there is some relief about rain and storm in the islands. Meanwhile it is reported that one person died as the boat with 11 persons drowned near Kalpeni Island.
Considering the vast extent of damage, authorities informed that it will take two more weeks of relief operations in the worst hit Minicoy and Kalpeni islands. As met department has forecast sea to remain rough, warning has been issued to not venture into the sea.
Around 400 missing fishermen were rescued off the Kerala coast by the combined forces and search is still on for finding the rest of the missing fishermen.
1154 fishermen from different states who were stranded in sea due to Cyclone Ockhi have taken shelter in various ports of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and the Lakshadweep Islands.
Fifteen ships and five helicopters from the Navy and Coast Guard and the Indian Air Force carried out intense search operations as well to look for the missing fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
