Todays News(24-Aug-13)

What is “Internet.org” ?

• Internet.org is an initiative of Facebook and six other technology giants, namely Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung.
• The partners will collaborate towards developing lower-cost, higher-quality smartphones and deploying Internet access in undeserved communities.

Bradley Manning sentenced to 35-year imprisonment

The U.S. soldier Bradley Manning was convicted of the biggest disclosure of classified data in the nation’s history by leaking files to WikiLeaks and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

 

India urges U.S. to renew GSP scheme

India has expressed to the United States that it must issue an immediate renewal of the US Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme that expired on July 31, 2013.

What is the importance of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme?

The GSP programme helps developing countries expand their economies by increasing exports to the U.S. It also aids U.S. businesses by lowering the cost of imported goods that are used as inputs in value-added US production. U.S. businesses imported $19.9 billion worth of products under the GSP programme in 2012, including many inputs used in U.S. manufacturing.

Maharashtra govt. clears anti-superstition law

The Maharashtra government decided to promulgate an ordinance to enact a long-pending bill to uproot black magic, blind faith and superstitious beliefs. The step has come following the death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar
 Narendra Achyut Dabholkar was an Indian rationalist and author from Maharashtra. He was the founder-president of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) -”Committee for Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra”, and campaigned against superstitions, confronting dubious tantriks and claimed holy men who promised ‘miracle cures’ for ailments.

Ms Nishi Vasudeva becomes first woman recommended to head the Oil Company, HPCL

Ms Nishi Vasudeva has become the first woman to be selected as the head of the Navratna public sector unit, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL). Currently, she is the Director, Marketing, HPCL and will take over as the chairman and managing director of the company. She will replace Subir Roy Choudhury, who will be retiring in February 2014.

Portal launched to facilitate RTI application filing in all Govt Ministries

The government has launched a portal which will facilitate citizens to file
RTI applications online in all central government ministries and departments. The web address of the portal is www.rtionline.gov.in

About the online RTI portal:

• Currently the text of an application that can be uploaded in the prescribed column on the portal while filing application is restricted to 500 words. In case an application contains more than 500 words, it can be uploaded as an attachment.
• An information seeker can submit a fee of Rs.10 via Internet banking through State Bank of India (SBI) and its associate banks using the website. One can also use credit or debit cards.
• An applicant will get an alert on the mobile phone about movement of the application. Answers to queries related to the portal can be sought on the telephone number 011- 24622461 during normal office hours.

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