Current Events Dec 8

1. Nuclear pact signed with Russia
Significance: This is path breaking nuclear pact with Russia according to which Russia is committed to uninturrupted supply of nuclear fuel, techonology to India.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120857940100.htm

2. Not accepting legally binding cuts: Jairam
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120857240100.htm

3. India, Russia sign six agreements, emphasise importance of intelligence sharing
Significance: The pacts between India and Russia are related to nuclear energy, military, cultural exchnge, pharmaceuticals, IT etc.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120860901000.htm

4. Termination of proposed social audit of NREGS shocks activists
Significance: National Rural Employment Gauarantee Act 2005 provides the citizens of India for the first time the right to conduct an audit of the scheme implemented under this Act.Thus now citizens can demand the documents concerned with NREGS and conduct an open audit of the works performed. This if implemented will led to greater transperancy in the system.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120857750500.htm

5. Krishna promises all help to Tamils in Sri Lanka
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120856831000.htm

6. Centre for lasting solution in Sri Lanka
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120859670900.htm

7. India, Russia to step up joint fight against terrorism
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120861601000.htm

8. Kashmir’s bloody road to peace
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120856710800.htm

9. Put agriculture high on agenda
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/08/stories/2009120853130900.htm

10. Climate fizz
Significance: The article analyses India's voluntary committment of 25% reduction in emission by 2025. It talks about the impacts on environment and society aftermath.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/Climate-fizz/articleshow/5312415.cms

11. Article 356 lite?
Significance: Apart from providing for tougher punishment and rehabilitation, the key feature of the 2005 draft of the Communal Violence Bill was that it increased the powers of the Centre to respond to communal violence.The Centre can declare a particular area in a state as “communally disturbed”, without the consent of the state government.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/article-356-lite/551087/