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1. HUA Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri seeks review of FSI/FAR norms in mega cities
The recommendation of NITI Ayog is for relaxation of Floor Space Index (FSI) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms in urban areas to give a push to urban development.
NITI Ayog Report said “In 1984, Shanghai had only 3.65 sq.mt of space per person. Through liberal use of FSI, despite increase in population since 1984, the city had increased the available space to 34 sq.mt per person. In contrast, in 2009, Mumbai on average had just 4.50 sq.mt of space per person”. Increasing the availability of land in urban areas is critical to meet the demand for affordable housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).

2. 30th Anniversary of Montreal protocol and 23rd World Ozone Day Celebrated
A handbook on HCFC Phase-out and Energy Efficiency in Buildings; the first edition of ‘newsTRAC; and a newsletter for service technicians in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) sector were launched .

MONTREAL PROTOCOL: A BRIEF BACKGROUND
The year 2017 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful global environmental treaties, the implementation of which has not only led to the phase-out of around 98% of ozone depleting chemicals, but also averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Nearly 2 million cases of skin cancer per year have been averted globally. The Montreal Protocol is the only environmental treaty which enjoys universal ratification of 197 UN member countries.
During the Kigali negotiations, India piloted the concept of two base lines and a differentiated phased down time schedule to factor in the needs of developing countries. This was the first time in the Montreal Protocol that the concept of two baseline has been adopted both for developed and developing countries. On India’s initiative, energy efficiency was included for the first time in the Montreal Protocol as an agreed finance solution while phasing down HFCs.

3. Opening Ceremony held for INDO-USA Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017
Exercise Yudh Abhyas - 2017, a joint military exercise between Indian and US armies commenced this morning at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, USA with a brief and impressive opening ceremony.

4. Defence Minister Felicitates Eight Cantonment Boards of Western Command with ODF Certificate
Eight Cantonment Boards out of 13 under Western Command have received Open Defecation Free (ODF) certificates, issued by the Quality Council of India.
The eight Cantonment Boards are Kasauli, Dagshai, Subathu, Jutogh, Dalhousie, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Ferozepur.

5. Dr Jitendra Singh invites young Start-Ups to avail Northeast Venture Fund
Speaking at the inaugural session of “ARUNODOI”, the two-day Northeast Students & Youth Summit 2017 beginning here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, in addition to the provisions of tax holiday and exit period available in the Government of India’s “Standup India, Startup India” programme, the Ministry of DoNER has also rolled out “Venture Fund” for anybody who wishes to Startup in the Northeast region.
North-East Venture Fund” has been set up by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), which already has the mandate to encourage entrepreneurship in the region, primarily by offering support to the first-generation entrepreneurs. In addition, the NEDFi also performs the role of hand-holding and capacity building.

6. PM to dedicate Sardar Sarovar Dam to the nation, address two public meetings in Gujarat
The project has helped transport the waters of the River Narmada, to the water-deficient areas of Gujarat through an elaborate canal and pipeline network. Irrigation from the project is expected to benefit about 10 lakh farmers, and drinking water to be supplied to various villages and towns, is likely to benefit upto 4 crore people. The project has been described as one of largest ever human endeavours for water transport. Upto a billion units of hydropower are also expected to be generated annually.
From the dam site, the Prime Minister will travel to Sadhu Bet, where the Statue of Unity, an iconic statue (of 182 meters) and associated memorial complex for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is currently under construction.

7. Strong foundation in ethical values should be the basis for exemplary corporate governance: Vice President
Inaugurates ICSI Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad
He said that India with its inherent spiritual strength, rich traditions and strong value systems - which form the core of many family-run businesses - can emerge as a role model for other countries in corporate governance. The practitioners of corporate governance should play a leading role in making India a global leader in their field, he added.

8. Women play an important role in development of families, communities and nations: Vice President
Lays Foundation Stone for Regional Vocational Training Institute in Hyderabad
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Women play an important role in development of families, communities and nations and quoted Gandhian scholar and educator, Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir quote 'if you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family'.