Current Affairs 17th December 2017

Current Affairs 17th December 2017 - Important Points

• MoU between India and Colombia in the field of agriculture and fisheries approved by - Union Cabinet

• Bill criminalising instant Triple Talaq approved by - Union Cabinet

• Cabinet has approved continuation of centrally sponsored NAM scheme on - 15th December 2017

Current Affairs 17th December 2017 - Details

MoU between India and Colombia in the field of agriculture and fisheries approved by - Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15th December 2017 between India and Colombia for cooperation in the field of agriculture and fisheries.

Below are the some of the key areas of cooperation:

• Innovative agricultural practices and approaches.
• New agricultural mechanizations.
• Successful models of the agricultural marketing.
• To develop projects in association with agricultural companies for seed production.
• Innovative production models and value generation processes in horticulture.
• Exchange of information or exchange visits of SPS experts.
• Jatropha and Karaya.
• Cooperation in research of oil seeds and oil palm.
• Aqua-culture, Marine Industrial Fishing and Research & Training in the field of Fisheries.

A Joint-Working Group would be constituted under the agreement, in order to prepare and finalise the work plan for the next two years while specifying the tasks and activities to be taken care of during that period.

The MoU will going to be valid for a period of five years initially and then it would be automatically extended for subsequent periods of five years unless either party expresses its desire or intention to terminate the same.

Bill criminalising instant Triple Talaq approved by - Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 on 15th December 2017
that seeks to criminalise instant triple talaq among Muslims.

It is aimed to protect the dignity and security of women in the Muslim community according to the Union Government. The draft bill proposes that triple talaq should be made a cognisable and non-bailable offence that would be attracting a jail term of three years.

The bill is expected to be tabled during the on-going Parliament Winter Session, of which commenced on 15th December 2017.

Important Highlights

• The AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law Board) has called the cabinet clearance of the bill a direct attack on the religious freedom of the Muslim community.
• According to the President of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB), Shaista Amber, “the Supreme Court had banned triple talaq in the light of Quran. Hence, any new law should be prepared in the light of Quran. If it is not so, then no Muslim woman will be accepting the same.”
• The women activists, have sought the collective support of political parties to convert the Bill into a law.

Cabinet has approved continuation of centrally sponsored NAM scheme on - 15th December 2017

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) on 15th December 2017 from 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2020.

The government has set aside funds of Rs 2400 crore for the project in more than 3 year period. This Mission was launched in September 2014.

The Ministry of AYUSH has implemented the national Ayush Mission with the aim to provide cost-effective AYUSH Services.

Key Objective

The NAM aims to address the gaps in health services through supporting the efforts of State/UT Governments to provide AYUSH health
services/education in the country, especially in vulnerable and far-flung areas.