10 December 2014
National
8,500 cr earmarked for
telecom network in Naxal-hit, NE states
BJP government has earmarked Rs 5,000 crore
for the north-eastern region and Rs. 3,500 crore for the Left Wing
extremism-affected states to improve the communication network. This was stated
by Ravi Shankar Prasad said recently.
Wto Rules In India's
Favour In Steel Dispute With US
Giving relief to the steel industry, the WTO
has ruled against the US which had imposed high duty on imports of certain
steel products from India. The Appellate Body of the World Trade Organisation
(WTO) has ruled that the duty imposed by the US on the Indian steel products is
"inconsistent".
International
High-speed train success
fires China’s nuclear export drive
After successfully competing for high-speed
rail links abroad, China now wants to develop world class nuclear technology —
a move that would not only lighten its carbon footprint, but also help it
emerge as a major exporter of atomic power. China has decided to set
up an undisclosed number of shore based nuclear power plants, lifting the bar
on new ventures, that was imposed in the aftermath of the March 2011 Fukushima
nuclear disaster in Japan. The London based World Nuclear News
website is reporting that days after the Fukushima accident, China’s State
Council decided to halt approvals and licencing for new reactors until a safety
plan was in place.
Australia pledges $165
million to UN climate fund
Australia has made a surprise pledge of 200
million Australian dollars ($165 million) to a key U.N. climate fund.
Expectations of an Australian contribution to the Green Climate Fund were low
after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told that Australia would continue to help
developing countries cope with climate change through its own aid program.
But in Lima, Bishop announced that Australia
would provide money to the fund as part of its “commitment to play our part in
the global response to climate change.” The fund has now received pledges of
more than $10 billion.
Prosecutors can appeal
Pistorius case verdict
A South African judge has ruled that
prosecutors can appeal the acquittal on murder charges of Oscar Pistorius, who
was convicted of culpable homicide in the death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Judge Thokozile Masipa announced the ruling in a Pretoria court. In October,
Judge Masipa convicted Pistorius of culpable homicide and sentenced him to a
five-year prison term. He could be released from prison to be held under house
arrest after 10 months.
Business and Economy
SBI launches first
homegrown economic indicator
The country now has another monthly economic
index, with the State Bank launching a tool that will primarily track
manufacturing activity to offer a forward-looking economic trends. The SBI
Composite Index rivals the existing data point from British lender HSBC.
RBI to come out with
guidelines on refinance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would shortly
come out with guidelines on refinance of existing projects as demanded by the
industry, its Deputy Governor S S Mundra said. “There is a demand from the
industry for refinance of existing projects. RBI will come out with the
guidelines soon,” Mr. Mundra said. He said new projects would get the scope for
refinance every five years till the economic life of the projects as already
declared.
Cadila launches first
cheaper copy of world’s top-selling drug
Cadila Healthcare launched the first
biosimilar version of anti-inflammatory medicine adalimumab, the world’s
top-selling drug, at a fifth of its U.S. price. The drug’s branded version is
sold under the name Humira by U.S. firm AbbVie Inc, and costs $1,000 for a vial
in the United States. Humira had sales of $3.26 billion in the quarter ended
September, accounting for 65 per cent of AbbVie’s total revenue.
Sports
Ton of emotions
Teary-eyed Warner gives special tribute to
Hughes with blazing century on Day 1 before India strike back Australia’s David
Warner paid a fitting tribute to his deceased teammate Phillip Hughes by
cracking a rollicking 145 before India clawed back with three quick blows to
share the honours on an emotionally charged match.
SC To Srinivasan: Stay
Away From BCCI
The Supreme Court is likely to order a new
Committee comprising retired judges or experts to decide quantum of punishment
for those involved in the IPL betting scam, including Chennai Super King
official Gurunath Meiyappan, who is also the son-in-law of ousted BCCI
President N Srinivasan.
Ranji Trophy: J&K
upsets Mumbai
Jammu and Kashmir notched up a stunning
four-wicket triumph over 40-time champions Mumbai in th Group A Ranji Trophy
cricket opener at the Wankhede Stadium
