Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 07 September 2015

:: National ::

Government to modernize Nehru Museum

The National Implementation Committee constituted by the government has recommended plans for modernization of the Nehru Museum in New Delhi as part of the 125th Birth Anniversary of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The recommendations were made with a view to spread the Nehru's ideas and awareness about freedom struggle and history of modern India.
"There will be a special focus on the governance of India under Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister of India which has been largely left out in the present exhibition," a statement from Nehru Museum said.
The modernization plan includes the Teen Murti Bhavan, home of Nehru as the prime minister.

Govt find new way to resolve call drops

The Department of Telecom may go slow for auction of spectrum next year if operators do not invest in infrastructure to make optimum use of available airwaves and improve quality of services, sources said.
According to official sources, the DoT is of the view that despite auctioning the largest amount of spectrum earlier this year, operators are not investing in infrastructure, as required, which is leading to call drop problem.
The DoT had planned to conduct the auction early next year but is now reconsidering on the timeframe.
The DoT has already written to sectoral regulator TRAI for seeking reserve price of various bands including 700, 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2300 MHz that can be used for 2G, 3G and 4G services.
The government expects a revenue Rs 42,865.62 crore from communication services in 2015-16, which include proceeds from spectrum auction and other charges levied by the DoT.
An audit by DoT recently found out lack of investment in infrastructure along with operators putting more equipment for 4G services than for 2G or GSM as the main reasons for call drops.

:: Business ::

Import of ammonium nitrate in loose form banned

In a major relief to domestic manufacturers and security agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs is learnt to have asked the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) not to allow bulk import of ammonium nitrate (AN) in loose form because it poses a threat to the national security.
As per the directive, the chemical has to be imported ‘in bagged form only,’ irrespective of the quantity in each bag, and the consignment has to be packed at the point of origin.
With this, the August notification of the Ministry of Shipping that allowed a south Indian port to facilitate bulk import in any form has become null and void.
The green signal for bulk import in any form was interpreted as import in a loose form. A possible indiscriminate import raised security concerns as ammonium nitrate is an extremely dangerous explosive substance.
What had prompted the Shipping Ministry to grant the relaxation is not known.
Domestic manufacturers such as Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd., Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. and Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd., which together have an installed capacity of 770,000 MT of ammonium nitrate, had raised objections as cheaper imports would have severely affected their business.
Besides, they had invested in bar-coding of ammonium nitrate bags, IT infrastructure and tracking devices to comply with the guidelines for ensuring that even a small quantity does not fall into the wrong hands.
The chemical is so dangerous that the Home Ministry, in its latest order, has made it mandatory for vehicles transporting it to have two armed guards with the GPS system.
India consumes 700,000 MT of ammonium nitrate, a raw material for making civil explosives for mining and infrastructure.
Since imports are 15-20 per cent cheaper, explosive manufacturers who supply to mining and infrastructure companies have been lobbying for bulk import, especially in loose form.

:: Sports ::

Haryana government grants Vijender permission to turn professional

Vijender Singh’s bout with the Haryana government over chasing his professional boxing dreams is over.
The Beijing Olympics bronze medallist can go ahead with his plans with the Haryana government finally approving his leave application to train in England to compete in the professional circuit.
Vijender, a Deputy Superintendent in Haryana Police, had in July sought a year’s extraordinary leave (from August 2015) to train and compete.
The government didn’t give its approval, which whipped up a controversy. However, it gave its approval a couple of days ago.
Around 15 athletes from Haryana Police figure in various professional leagues, including the pro-kabaddi league.
Vijender has started training in London and the first bout is expected to take place in a month.