06 October 2016 Current Affairs
India slams hold on declaring Masood Azhar global terrorist
India has reacted sharply to the extension of the “technical hold” on banning Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar by the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee. It clearly mentioned that being a global body, UN will be sending a “dangerous message” if it fails to act upon India’s demand for his designation as a global terrorist. India also criticised the complete non-transparent and anonymous manner of designating individuals by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. It also mentioned that, UN Sanctions Committee has already proscribed Pakistan-based JeM a terrorist organisation. However committee ignored the need to take action against the organisation’s main leader, motivator and financier who continues his terrorist actions unhindered.
Government integrates 250 mandis in 10 states with e-agriculture market in 1st phase
The government has integrated 250 mandis in 10 states with the electronic national agriculture market (e-NAM) in the first phase. In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the e-NAM on a pilot basis with 22 mandis in eight states. The target was to integrate 200 mandis by September this year and total 585 by March 2018.
Jitu Rai bags silver medal at ISSF World Cup Final in Italy
Indian shooter Jitu Rai on 6 October 2016 clinched a silver medal in the 50-meter pistol event of the ISSF World Cup Final at Bologna, Italy. Jitu, ranked 7 in the event, finished second in the qualifying round with a cumulative score of 568 to make it to the finals behind Ukraine’s Oleh Omelchuk and then narrowly lost out to China’s Wei Pang in the final to settle for silver.
ISRO successfully launches GSAT-18 from Kourou in French Guiana
India’s latest communication satellite, GSAT-18 was inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system on October 06, 2016 from Kourou, French Guiana by Ariane-5 VA-231. Weighing 3404 kg at lift-off, GSAT-18 carries 48 communication transponders to provide Services in Normal C-band, Upper Extended C-band and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum. GSAT-18 carries Ku-band beacon as well to help in an accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite. GSAT-18 is designed to provide continuity of services on operational satellites in C-band, Extended C-band and Ku-bands. GSAT-18 was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by Ariane-5 VA-231 launch vehicle. After its injection into GTO, ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan took control of GSAT-18 and performed the initial orbit raising maneuvers using the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) of the satellite, placing it in circular Geostationary Orbit. The designed in-orbit operational life of GSAT-18 is about 15 years.
All ASI protected historical monuments declared polythene-free zones
All ASI Protected Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites have been declared ‘Polythene Free Zones’. Union Ministry of Culture has issued an advisory to all State Governments/UTs to support ASI in keeping monuments polythene free up to 300 meters from protected boundaries. Rani ki Vav (Gujarat), a 900-year-old World Heritage Site was declared as the cleanest iconic place (among top 25 Adarsh Monuments) in the country by the Union Ministry of Culture. It was presented with the “Cleanest Iconic Place” Award at the Indian Sanitation Conference (INDOSAN) 2016. ASI had ranked these 25 Adarsh Monuments on the basis of Cleanliness parameters such as amenities like toilets, Polythene Free Zone, green lawns, disabilities access, signage for awareness, drinking water and provision for garbage bins etc.