Major News and Events of 26 June 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 21st edition of “Mann ki Baat”, appreciated recent launch of 20 satellites in one go by ISRO, stressed upon success of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, highlighted importance of Yoga, reminded people about 1975 emergency period, and asked tax evaders to come clean or face strict action. PM Modi appreciated the efforts of some college students in Chennai who built microsatellites SATYABAMASAT and SWAYAM.  He asked tax evaders to “declare true incomes and pay their taxes by September 30”. He highlighted woman empowerment as 3 woman flying officers are commissioned in the Air Force. Modi also urged creating mass movement by letting people know that Yoga can cure diseases including diabetes. While stressing on the importance of participation of people in a democracy, PM Modi reminded of the darkest days of Emergency Period, imposed on June 25-26, 1975.

8 CRPF jawans were killed and 22 persons injured when two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists ambushed a six-vehicle convoy of CRPF personnel in Pampore of Pulwama district in J&K.  The 2 militants, armed with AK-47s, were gunned down later. Reports say that an intelligence input from J&K state police was earlier given to CRPF but they ignored it and travelled without a security escort. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned the terrorist attack and said the attack was carried out to subvert the ongoing peace process as well as developmental initiatives launched by her government.

Priti Patel, one of the senior-most Indian-origin ministers of UK government, believes that the people’s verdict for UK to leave European Union will ultimately boost India-UK partnership. The minister for employment and Indian Diaspora Champion of David Cameron government is believed to play important role in British politics during post-Brexit scenario. She said that UK was not able to strike trade partnership with India earlier because of the EU rules but after leaving EU making trade deals with India and dozen other countries will be easier.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, during his third day of China visit, addressed board of governor’s session of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s annual general meeting and urged them to set up an office in New Delhi. He also asked the China-backed bank to finance infrastructural investments in India to the tune of US$ 2 to 3 Billion. The infrastructural projects to be involved here would include urban development, railways, energy, water supply, inland waterways, and urban transport.

World Drug Report 2016, released recently by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), shows that India is increasingly being used by the drug traffickers as a transit point because of the low value assigned to heroin. In fact, India is also a part of the transit countries list of another party narcotic drug, cociane. India’s name comes just after Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines in the list. The report also observes that in Asia cocaine smuggling has increased.

India successfully undertook carriage of 2,500 kg heavyweight BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft for 45 minutes flight on air at Nashik division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). T Suvarna Raju, Chairman and MD of HAL, called it perfect example of success for “Make in India” and also regarded the integration as “lethal weapon delivery platform”. In another development, Defence Ministry has approved purchase of $750 million-worth 145 Ultra Light Howitzers from USA as well as bulk production of 18 Dhanush artillery guns.