First-ever regional flights based on a new subsidy model (UDAN) to five airlines awarded
- The Civil Aviation Ministry on 30 March 2017 awarded first-ever regional flights based on a new subsidy model (UDAN - Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) to five airlines Air India, Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha.
- UDAN, the regional aviation scheme which will be in operation for 10 years, envisages providing connectivity to un-served and underserved cities and towns by reviving existing airstrips and airports.
Supreme Court ordered a ban on sale and registration of BS-III fuel compliant vehicles
- In its order of 29 March 2017, the Supreme Court ordered a ban on sale and registration of BS-III fuel compliant vehicles with effect from 1 April 2017 and that was introduced in the country in April 2005 (in NCR in 13 large cities) and was implemented nationwide in April 2010.
- The Bench, led by Justice Madan B. Lokur, pronounced the operative part of the judgment despite pleas by vehicle manufacturers that they had a stockpile of over 8.2 lakh BS-III vehicles, which would become redundant and leave the automobile industry in doldrums.
- BS-IV standard was introduced in NCR and 13 large cities in April 2016 and comes into effect nationwide from 1 April 2017.
Motor Vehicles Bill amended
The government has approved changes to the motor vehicle bill.The amended motor vehicle bill proposes a hefty penalty on auto companies caught manufacturing faulty vehicles, statuary guidelines for cab aggregators and a 10% annual increase in penalty for traffic violations. The government has also proposed specific timelines for processing insurance claim.
Indian-made vaccine for rotavirus
Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccinemaker, producing and selling more than 1.3 billion doses every year has manufactured vaccine that has shown 66.7% efficacy against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants.The low-cost oral vaccine can help in the global war against the deadly virus that kills about 600 children a day.
Myanmar becomes 7th member of SASEC
Myanmar was having observer status of SASEC since 2013 and it became the 7th member of South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program of Asian Development Bank and it comes in advance of the first SASEC meeting of Finance Ministers that will be held in New Delhi on April 3, 2017.
Cabinet approves new Urea Policy
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved amendments to the New Urea Policy–2015 and will protect the production beyond re-assessed capacity by the urea units and are expected to boost indigenous production. After the amendment, the projects will be allowed to avail tax relief for 120 months from earlier 60 months.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana launched
“Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana”, a ‘Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category’ was launched in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh and is expected to help 520000 senior citizens. The govt will provide devices to help the senior citizens to overcome their age related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life.
International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) inaugurated
Union Agriculture minister Radhamohan Singh inaugurated the International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) at Argul in Khurda district in Bhubhaneshwar. This centre will conduct research on how to control foot and mouth disease of cattle. This centre will serve as a regional resource laboratory for countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Mental Healthcare Bill passed in Parliament
Parliament passed the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016, which provides healthcare and services to the people with mental illness and also decriminalizes suicide as the punishment for flouting of provisions will attract up to six months in prison or Rs 10,000 fine or both. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha in August 2016. The Mental Healthcare Bill secured approval in Lok Sabha too, recently. On the clauses decriminalizing suicide, the bill states that a person who attempts suicide should be presumed to have severe stress, and shall not be punished.
Union Government launches Online Film Certification System
Information & Broadcasting Minister launched the online film certification system, 'e-cinepramaan' with an aim to censor corruption and promote clean cinema. This new system of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will make the entire process of certification transparent and efficient. The payments made during the process by the producers will go to Bharat Kosh portal.
