Current Events Dec 2

1. Manmohan, Obama discuss Afghanistan
Significance: Washington is proposing an increase in both the civilian and military components in Afghanistan, and India is seen as a crucial partner in construction and rehabilitation in that country.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120256910100.htm

2. War-displaced camps thrown open
Significance: Resettlement of Internally Displaced People(IDP) is the first step towards welfare of Tamil minority and war affected people in Sri Lanka.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120260531600.htm

3. ‘Golden Pen of Freedom’ prize presented to Najam Sethi
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120261062200.htm

4. Tackling HIV a high priority for government, says Sonia Gandhi
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120260491300.htm

5. Convey positive messages, President tells media
Significance: Media functions as a social catalyst in the issues of equity and empowerment of all. The role of media is to learn from negatives but at the same time convey positive message to infuse confidence in the society.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120261082200.htm

6. Strengthen RTI movement at all levels, says Hamid Ansari
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120260241000.htm

7. Israel cautions EU on East Jerusalem
Significance: EU is projecting East Jerusalem as capital of future Palestine state.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120260541600.htm

8. China’s emission reduction target stirs debate
Significance: The debate is on the issue of authenticity of emission cut and the voluntary emission cuts by emerging economies including India.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120255431400.htm

9. China silent on border road issue
Significance: Recent tensions between India and China over the long-running border dispute have been largely focussed on the eastern and western sections, i.e. Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh of the disputed border.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120255191200.htm

10. Learning from Kaiga
Significance: The recent 'mischeif' in Kaiga indicates the vulnarability of Nuclear Power generation in India. As with more civil nuclear plants are planned the safety, security in these plants shall be given utmost importance.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120255061000.htm

11. The syndrome of judicial arrears
Significance: The essay deals with the issue of competence of judges and te judiciary system in India.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120255001000.htm

12. ONGC picks up stake in Iran gas field, LNG plant
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120256691500.htm

13. GDP numbers reflect strong manufacturing
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120256701500.htm

14. The Kaiga warning
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/The-Kaiga-warning/articleshow/5290146.cms