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  • Current Affairs 17th June 2014

    Updated : 17-Jun-2014

    Current Affairs 17th June 2014 - Important Points

    Current Affairs 17th June 2014 - Details

    Delhi becomes first kerosene-free city in India

    On 16th June 2014, The Delhi Government announced that the national capital has become the first "Kerosene-free City" in the country, which is among important National Current Affairs.

    "With the successful implementation of 'Delhi: A Kerosene-Free City Scheme, 2012', no subsidised kerosene is being issued in the national capital and the country can save upto Rs.200 crores every year," said S S Yadav, Commissioner, Food Supply and Weights and Measures.

    The scheme was launched in 2012 in collaboration with three Oil Marketing Companies and Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for which Delhi Government had incurred an expenditure of Rs. 62 crores.

    Delhi was earlier getting about 53,000 Kilolitre of kerosene oil every year from the Centre, which was issued to eligible households at a subsidised rate.

    Under the scheme people holding Juggi Ration Card (JRC), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antodaya Ann Yojana (AAY) were provided free gas connection along with LPG filled cylinder, two burner gas stove, regulator and suraksha pipe. The LPG kit were only given to those persons who were using kerosene oil for cooking. Besides, the paper of LPG connection was given to the senior most female member of the family of these ration card holders.

    Now any person indulged in kerosene oil trade is liable for prosecution under Essential Commodities Act 1955 and Delhi Kerosene Oil Control Order 1962.

    World's largest water reservoir found deep in earth

    Earth's largest water reservoir might be located deep inside the Earth's mantle. This was revealed by a study published in the journal Science on 13 June 2014. The study was conducted by the Northwestern geophysicist Steve Jacobsen and University of New Mexico seismologist Brandon Schmandt.

    The study is the first to provide direct evidence that there may be water in the area of the mantle known as the transition zone – the layer between lower mantle and upper mantle.

    "We are finally seeing evidence for a whole-earth water cycle that may help explain the vast amount of liquid water on the surface of our habitable planet. Scientists have been looking for this missing deep water for decades," explained geophysicist Steve Jacobsen from Northwestern University.

    Union MSME Ministry launched Online Finance Facilitation Centre for SMEs

    On 16th June 2014, With an objective to facilitate access to finance and credit for SMEs, the Union Minister for MSMEs Shri Kalraj Mishra launched the "Online Finance Facilitation Centre", an initiative by CII. This centre will operate as a one-stop-shop, aggregating financing options for SMEs from various major financial institutions. SME Members across India can easily access this facility online for their credit requirement and it will facilitate the SMEs with documentation and preparation of bankable project proposals. On the other hand, the complete KYCs will help Banks / financial institutions to render quick delivery. 

    Speaking on an interactive session organised by CII, the minister emphasized the need to have an integrated approach which will create opportunities for the common people as well as young entrepreneurs. This will not only build confidence, but also self-sustainability resulting in self-development and nation building, he added. 

    DLF becomes first development firm in the country to receive ISO Quality Certification

    On 16th June 2014, DLF Home Developers Ltd became the first real estate developer in the country to receive ISO Quality Certification. The ISO Quality Certification was given by British Standard Institute (BSI). The company received the certification for its adherence to delivery schedules of both residential and commercial projects, customer satisfaction and quality of construction. 

    "DLF Home Developers Ltd, a part of DLF, has received ISO 9001:2008 certification after meeting the stringent guidelines set out by British Standard Institute (BSI), an accredited business standards company," DLF, the country's largest real estate firm, said in a statement.

    World Day to Combat Desertification observed on 17th June

    17th June 2014 was observed as World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) across the globe. Theme for 2014 WDCD  was Land Belongs to the Future - Let’s Climate Proof It.

    The World Day to Combat Desertification is being observed since 1995. Its purpose is to promote public awareness in relation to international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa.

    Governor of Uttar Pradesh Mr. BL Joshi resigned

     On 17th June 2014, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Mr. B L Joshi resigned. He was serving the state as its Governor for second term sent his resignation to Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India.

    BL Joshi is 78 years old and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was serving Uttar Pradesh as governor since 2009. Earlier, between 2004 and 2007, Joshi served Delhi as Lt Governor. Before being shifted to Uttar Pradesh, he served Meghalaya and Uttarakhand as its Governor.

     

    MP government launches India's first One Stop Crisis Centre named Gauravi launched in Bhopal

    On 16th June 2014, India's first One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) named Gauravi was launched in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This centre is for wowen who are victims of violence of any kind and it is first of its kind. It will provide help and assistance to rape survivors and victims of dowry harassment, domestic violence and other atrocities on women, all under one roof. 

    It was launched by the Bollywood actor Amir Khan. The OSCC will provide legal advice, medical aid and police assistance. Victims can call the helpline number or visit the facility centre for the assistance. It will also provide assistance in filing FIRs, providing security, rehabilitation of the victim and forensic support. Madhya Pradesh government along with two non-government organizations (NGOs) will provide the training to doctors, counsellors and other personnel at the centre. It is also planned to set up similar centres across the state along with the help of the Union Government.

    Important Current Affairs