Pib

Pib

1. ‘Implement Graded Response Action Plan Earnestly and Meticulously’, Says Environment Minister

The Environment Minister added that some of the immediate short-term measures initiated include:

• Ban on diesel gen-sets, brick kilns, stone crushers, hot mix plants as per GRAP is being effectively enforced;
• Ban on entry of trucks with non-essential supplies to Delhi is being strictly enforced.
• Enhanced parking fee and capacity augmentation of public transport. Metro has increased its frequency and number of coaches by 25%.
• Civil construction activities have been stopped for the moment.
• Watering over unpaved roads to contain road dust is being carried out on a large scale. Fire tenders, water tankers of corporations have been pressed into service for sprinkling water.
• Regulated emission from industries in NCR region advised the State governments to issue directions to the concerned authorities.
• Impose fines on defaulters through Municipal Corporations/State Pollution Control Boards and other organisations.
• Enforce ban on garbage burning.
2. Expert Advisory Group on Measles & Rubella commends India on MR vaccination progress

Measles kills an estimated 49,000 children in India each year, which is about 37% of the global deaths due to this disease. India has set an ambitious goal to eliminate measles from the country. Measles Rubella vaccine has been introduced in 13 states. It is planned to expand across the country, covering 41 crore children by the end of 2018.

Dr. Robert Kezaala from UNICEF stated that “UNICEF salutes the Government of India in tackling such a major threat to children’s lives and wellbeing - through a combination of campaigns and the operation Indradanush. UNICEF as a children’s agency commits to walk the extra mile with the Government of India.” Applauding India’s efforts, WHO HQ representative Dr. Katrina Kretsinger said that “India has shown tremendous leadership on advancing measles elimination and rubella control. It sets an important example globally, demonstrating best practices.”

Two doses of Measles vaccine fully protect children against measles infection. In the past while the 1st dose coverage was close to 90%, the 2nd dose lagged behind by 45%. Commending the Government efforts, Dr. Jacob John, the co-Chairman of the IEAG, says that both the MR campaigns and IMI are dramatically reducing this gap.

3. Hausala 2017

The commemoration of the festival “Hausala 2017” will provide an occasion to showcase the talents of children from CCIs (Child Care Institutions) from various child care institutions across the country and provide them with a space to express their dreams and aspiration. Children will be participating in various events like Bal Sansad, painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech.

Child Reporters from street children’s news magazine “Balaknama” will cover the entire event and publish it in their magazine, with due approval of the content from Ministry.

4. Exemption from IGST on import of specific sports goods by sports persons of outstanding eminence

In a major impetus to promoting sports in the country, the GST Council in its 23rd meeting held at Guwahati on 10th November, 2017, has exempted the import of specific sports goods by sports persons of outstanding eminence from the ambit of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST).

5. PM’s departure to Philippines

The ASEAN Business and Investment Summit will boost our close cooperation to further enhance our trade ties with ASEAN member-states, which constitutes a significant 10.85% of our overall trade.

PM Modi will be in Manila on a three-day visit starting 12th November. This will be his first bilateral visit to the Philippines where he will also participate in the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits.

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to set up its South Asia Regional Centre at Varanasi. This will be the first Research Centre by IRRI outside its headquarters in the Philippines.

6. Indira Gandhi National Tribal University : Madhyapradesh ( Amarkantak)