18 December 2015 Current Affairs
Sainthood to Mother Theresa
Mother Theresa, the Nobel Laureate of Kolkata, to be made a saint of a Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis has recognized her second miracle and the mother will be given sainthood. Canonization will be held in the first week of September, 2016 as a part of the Pope’s Jubilee year of mercy. Mother Theresa was the founder of ‘The Missionaries of Charity’ dedicated her life to serve the poor, the orphaned and the sick on the streets of Kolkata around 45 years. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She also received Bharat Ratnam Order of the Smilem Padmashree, Ramon Magsaysay award etc. In 2003, Mother was beatified which is the first step towards sainthood.
Government lowers Economic Growth Projection
The Government of India has lowered it’s economic growth forecast for 2015-16 to 7-7.5 per cent from 8.1-8.5 per cent. The finance ministry said it will be able to stick to fiscal deficit target of 3.9 per cent for the current year. The government, in it’s Economic Survey in February, had projected a growth rate of 8.1-8.5 per cent for 2015-16, but has now lowered it to 7-7.5 per cent, mainly on account of deficit rainfall and slowdown in exports because of global factors.
Uttar Pradesh bans use of polythene bags
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the state to protect the environment and public health. The ban prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing and storage of all kinds of plastic carry bags in state. However, the ban will not be applicable on carry bags used for packaging purposes. State Government is also looking at alternative material that can be distributed to the people.
R K Mathur appointed as CIC
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). He will have tenure of about three years (2017) till he attain the age of 65. He succeeds Vijai Sharma as he has retired after completion of his tenure. R K Mathur is a retired IAS officer of Tripura cadre. He had served as Defence Secretary for two years. He also had served as Secretary Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Defence Production and Supplies.