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All India Radio News Summary: 02 APRIL 2018

All India Radio News Summary: 02 APRIL 2018

  1. Uniform System of e-way Bill for inter-State movement of goods has come into force

Under the new system, every transporter will have to carry a system-generated bill to move goods from one place to another.

  • Under Goods and Services Tax, e-way bill will be mandatory for inter-state transportation of goods with a value of 50 thousand rupees and above.
  • For smaller value consignments, no e-way bill is required.
  • In case of movement of goods by railways, airways and waterways, the e-way bill can be generated even after commencement of movement of goods.
  • Public conveyance has also been included as a mode of transport and the responsibility of generating e-way bill in case of movement of goods by public transport would be that of the consignor or consignee.
  • Railways has been exempted from generation and carrying of e-way bill with the condition that without the production of e-way bill, railways will not deliver the goods to the recipient.

 

  1. India’s first liquefied natural gas cargo from the United States landed at the Dabhol.

The first-ever shipment of 1.2 lakh tonne LNG has received from US under the long-term contract of 20 years.

  • The arrival of the first shipment and the conclusion of the long-term contract with the US-based Cheniere Inc is a new beginning in the Indo-US energy partnership and trade.
  • LNG supplies will help achieve the vision of moving towards a gas-based economy.

 

  1. Core sector grew by 5.3%

Eight core sectors grew by 5.3 per cent in February, mainly helped by a robust performance of refinery products, fertiliser and cement segments.

  • These eight sectors, coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity had grown by just 0.6 per cent in February last year.
  • The core sectors expanded by 6.1 per cent in January.
  • Petroleum refinery production spurted 7.8 per cent in February against a negative growth rate of 2.8 per cent in the same month a year-ago.
  • Fertilizer production rose by 5.3 per cent and cement by 22.9 per cent, during the month under review.

 

  1. Bharat Stage-VI fuel will be available in the National Capital
  • The Government has a target to introduce BS VI fuel all over the country from April 2020.
  • The Government is stressing on Energy Justice and it is providing clean cooking fuel to women through the Ujjwala scheme, electrifying every household and providing LED bulbs.
  • The BS VI fuel will reduce sulphur content by 5 times and will curb air pollution. 

 

  1. The United States has said that India has the capability and potential to play a weightier role in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • US official said it is in the US’ interest as well as of the entire region that India play an increasingly weighty role in the region.
  • India as a nation has invested in a free and open order.  
  • India’s role is visible on all fronts, whether it is on security, economic or the diplomatic front.

 

  1. A landmark peace accord was signed between Mizoram Government and Manipur-based Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic)
  • The peace pact aims to end nearly three decades of insurgency in Hmar inhabited areas of Mizoram.
  • The peace pact also agreed to give due importance to religious and social practices and respect the customary laws and procedures of the Hmar community.  
  • With the signing of the historic peace agreement between Mizoram Government and the HPC (D), the state is moving towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the region.
  • The peace pact agreed for setting up of Sinlung Hills Council consisting of 14 members to accelerate speedy development and progress in north and north eastern parts of Mizoram.