BRAI Bill tabled in lS
amid CPM opposition
New Delhi: The controversial Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill was introduced in the lok Sabha on Monday by Minister for Science and Technology Jaipal Reddy despite vehement opposition from several MPs led by Basudeb Acharia, the floor leader of CPI(M). The opposing MPs pointed out that the UPA Government has not only ignored the voices of the public but also the credible and exhaustive report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture which had tabled its report ‘Cultivation of Genetically Modified Food Crops — Prospects and Effects’ in the Monsoon Session last year.
SC defers order
on NIA jurisdiction
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the pronouncement of its order on the question of National Investigating Agency’s (NIA) jurisdiction to probe the case against two Italian marines who allegedly killed Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast last year. The apex court, which had on April 16 posted the matter for order, said it will pass the order on Thursday.
FM channels auction: Govt eyeing Rs 1,531 cr
New Delhi: The Government is eyeing revenue of over Rs 1,531 crore from the auction of new radio channels as a part of the FM Phase III expansion. “Government is likely to receive total revenue of about Rs 1531.92 crore from the auction of new channels based on the reserve price,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
18 States back EC move to curb bribery in poll
New Delhi: A majority of States have agreed with the Election Commission’s suggestion to make giving and accepting gratification or inducement of any kind to lure votes in their favour a cognizable offence. As many as 18 States have agreed to the Commission suggestion in this regard given to the Government sometime ago. The Government had sought the response of States to the EC proposal but is yet to initiate any action.
Decks cleared for 9 aircraft procurement
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry has given the go-ahead to IAF to procure nine aircraft worth over Rs 1,100 crore to replace the ageing Canberra planes. These planes are used for survey, target towing, signal intelligence, communication jamming and electronic warfare. The IAF will now float a global tender to acquire the jets, officials said on Monday adding the nod was given on Saturday last in Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defence Minister AK Antony.