Current Events Jan 28

1. Strengthen foundations of university system: experts
Significance: In the case of the deemed university system in India there seemed to have been a systemic failure. But the government seemed to have adopted a “flawed approach” in using the recommendations of a four-member committee when a statutory body, the University Grants Commission (UGC), had granted them the status. This according to the exprts will damage the credentials of UGC. The derecognition of deemed status of 44 universities will affect the future of students, patents and the staff.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012854431100.htm

2. We should train ourselves to spend more on books
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012856842000.htm

3. Compulsory voting not feasible, says Chawla
Significance: The Election Commission believed in promoting voter education and not in compulsion. The thrust was on voter education, awareness and bringing in the youth from the campuses. Also the Election Commission felt that compulsory voting was undemocratic. Democracy and compulsion do not go hand-in-hand.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860531000.htm

4. Not legally binding: UNFCC
Significance: Since the Copenhagen conference neither adopted nor endorsed the Accord, but merely took note of it, its provisions do not have any legal standing with the UNFCCC process even if some Parties decide to associate themselves with it.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860701300.htm

5. India decries grain diversion to bio-fuels
Significance: Diversion of food grains for bio-fuels will affect food security.The cost of food in India has been on a rise over the past year and in early January food inflation was hovering around 17 per cent. The energy security and food security shall be balanced.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860551000.htm

6. Rajapaksa re-elected, trounces Fonseka by huge margin
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012858220100.htm

7. Take disciplinary action against top General: Antony
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860611000.htm

8. Australia sets up high-level group to probe attacks
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012858110100.htm

9. A crash course on Indian economy
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860791400.htm

10. Sri Lankan denouement
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012860801400.htm

11. Insurgencies in Manipur: politics & ideology
http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012856520800.htm

12. Govt may allow Islamic banking, eyes $1 tn funds
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/Govt-may-allow-Islamic-banking-eyes-1-tn-funds/articleshow/5507556.cms

13. An idea whose time hasn't come?
Significance: The article talks about 'Inclusive Growth' and atates that to achieve it India needs political mobilisation, political leadership and commitment.While funds are not a constraint any longer. Global savings are scouting around for profitable avenues for deployment . Only a paucity of political imagination and organisational energy prevent utilisation of global funds, talent and technology for tackling India's vital challenges.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5507382.cms

14. Govt may allow Islamic banking, eyes $1 tn funds
Significance: Islamic banking has the same purpose as conventional banking except that it operates in accordance with the rules of Shariah. Sharia prohibits the payment or acceptance of interest fees for the lending and accepting of money respectively, (Riba, usury) for specific terms, as well as investing in businesses that provide goods or services considered contrary to its principles.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/Govt-may-allow-Islamic-banking-eyes-1-tn-funds/articleshow/5507556.cms